Greetings,

I earned a diploma in Bookbinding from North Bennet Street School (NBSS) in May, 2024. (I believe I am the oldest person to have graduated from that program!!) Upon graduation, since I live in Maine and my age, I was not a strong candidate for any internships which would have strengthened my knowledge and skills in conservation. Consequently, from time to time I have questions. My go-to person is Todd Pattison.  He is so wonderful to share his enthusiasm and knowledge, but I also know he is busy. I know at Standards there is the Mix and Mentor event, but I am unable to attend Stands. So...I was wondering if there was anyone else out there who would be interested in answering my plethora of questions. (Not all at once, I promise). I have my own bindery and do repair work for clients, the local historical society and a public library, so often my questions seek validation before I take action.

For example, what is the best board material to use when making a clamshell box? I was taught to use 40PT for the base trays. The walls and case was .98. So my question to a mentor would be: Can you use any board thickness for the base trays when making a clamshell box? Does the board for the base trays need to be thinner than what you would use for the walls and case? What are favorite board thickness that folks use?

I know. I asked more than one question.

Thank you so much.
Louise Capizzo

Louis--
I agree that finding live humans in the area is the best way to learn and share info. 
That said, as regards your clamshell questions. I have stopped making clamshells as I don't believe they are the best or safest way to protect books. I think 4-flaps are much better. I generally use corrugated board and double-sided tape. No Jade. For very large books I have used Jade, paste, book board and cloth for four flaps.  However, if you are making clamshells, I don't think the board thickness of the base material matters. I always used .98 for everything. I think the only adjustment I would make for a larger book would be adding double walls to the sides of the trays. 
I think we do many things the way we do because that is the way we were taught, but the more you associate with others in the field, the more variety you find. Best practices do exist, but I have encountered numerous ways to apply Jade to book boards, for example, or make paste. If you decide to change a practice based on experience or observation of others, the bookbinding police will not kick down your door! Share with others, read articles, go to classes, try some new approaches, find out what works for you. Always be safe, restrained, and conservative when it comes to treating books, but you can practice on models and play with new materials. 
The longer you work, the more your practice will evolve.
All the best,
Susie CobbledickBook ConservatorMissouri Botanical Garden Library    On Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 07:11:42 PM CST, Roberta Lavadour @PCA robertalavadour@gmail.com wrote:

Hi Louise - as someone who has worked outside of formal circles for much of my practice because of my geographical isolation and limited travel resources, I have to give a shout out to the power of trial and error and independent investigation. Having a mentor to answer questions is wonderful. Formal education and workshop studiy is too. In combination with those, making mistakes, having limited materials, and developing the drive to explore fixes and adventures on your own is going to expand your practice and invigorate the book arts community. Of course, doing that exploration on low-stakes projects is safer, but there's no thrill (in the end!) like getting yourself in over you head and having to learn your way out of it. 
all the best,Roberta____________________________
Roberta Lavadour
Mission Creek Press / Desultory Press
http://www.robertalavadour.cominstagram: robertalavadour(she/her)Pendleton, Oregon

On Tue, Jan 20, 2026 at 4:39 PM Susan Mills bookbindingclasses@gmail.com wrote:

Hi Louise,
Meeting colleagues, including mentors, might be easier in person. Although you are unable to attend GBW Standards, might you be able to attend meetings of the New England Chapter? Paper Book Intensive is a place you could ask many questions and meet new colleagues. If you are not able to travel period, maybe consider online live classes. The Canadian Book Artists and Bookbinders Guild has an upcoming clamshell box workshop with the the super knowledgeable Andrew Huot. Questions in class are always welcome. 
Best wishes,Susan Mills(another very old bookbinder)
On Tue, Jan 20, 2026, 7:04 PM Louise Capizzo louise.capizzo@gmail.com wrote:

Greetings,

I earned a diploma in Bookbinding from North Bennet Street School (NBSS) in May, 2024. (I believe I am the oldest person to have graduated from that program!!) Upon graduation, since I live in Maine and my age, I was not a strong candidate for any internships which would have strengthened my knowledge and skills in conservation. Consequently, from time to time I have questions. My go-to person is Todd Pattison.  He is so wonderful to share his enthusiasm and knowledge, but I also know he is busy. I know at Standards there is the Mix and Mentor event, but I am unable to attend Stands. So...I was wondering if there was anyone else out there who would be interested in answering my plethora of questions. (Not all at once, I promise). I have my own bindery and do repair work for clients, the local historical society and a public library, so often my questions seek validation before I take action.

For example, what is the best board material to use when making a clamshell box? I was taught to use 40PT for the base trays. The walls and case was .98. So my question to a mentor would be: Can you use any board thickness for the base trays when making a clamshell box? Does the board for the base trays need to be thinner than what you would use for the walls and case? What are favorite board thickness that folks use?

I know. I asked more than one question.

Thank you so much.
Louise Capizzo

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GBW: The email list for GBW member communications

To post a message, send an email to gbw@list.guildofbookworkers.org
To unsubscribe by email, write to gbw-leave@list.guildofbookworkers.org

When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than "Re: Contents of GBW digest..."

For info about the list or to change your settings, visit: https://list.guildofbookworkers.org/list/gbw.list.guildofbookworkers.org

List subscribers who wish to manage their list specific settings will also need to register. Registration is NOT required to post/receive list messages. To register, go to: https://list.guildofbookworkers.org/register

For problems, contact the Communications Chair: communications@guildofbookworkers.org