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View all threadsThe American Academy of Bookbinding has two great classes in May.
bookbindingacademy.org
May 2–13 FUNDAMENTALS OF FULL–LEATHER BINDING
May 16–20 BOXMAKING FOR FINE BINDERS
DON GLAISTER is the Director of the Fine Binding Program at the American Academy of Bookbinding. Don was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Guild of Bookworkers. These classes are for those students with some binding experience and for those who have years of experience. The Fundamentals of Full Leather Binding is limited to 10 students and there is also an assistant to maximize your learning experience. If you have ever wanted to take a class from Don, now is your chance.
FUNDAMENTALS OF FULL–LEATHER BINDING. May 2–13
This entry-level fine leather binding class is required for the Fine Binding and the Integrated Studies Diploma Programs. This class is also an intermediate class for continuing Fine Binding students. Over two weeks, students will learn and understand traditional bookbinding techniques interpreted for the twenty-first century.
The focus of the class will be on learning and reinforcing sound leather bookbinding techniques with particular emphasis on aesthetic choices available to the modern binder.
All students will complete at least one full leather book in the course. At all stages of the class, students will be exposed to design options (some minor, some major) that directly inform the look and feel of the finished binding. They may also be introduced to simple decorative techniques such as embossing and other surface treatments as time allows.
Students will learn binding techniques necessary to make a laced-on, leather-covered board structure. They will also be acquainted with techniques needed in future fine binding and specialty courses at the Academy. Students will become familiar with hand sewing using a sewing frame, rounding and backing, and weaving headbands, as well as leather paring and applying leather to their books. This is the 4th and final class of the four core courses that advance students’ skills toward becoming competent and knowledgeable bookbinders.
BOXMAKING FOR FINE BINDERS. May 16–20
As makers of fine bindings, we spend weeks, months, and sometimes even years working on a particular binding. After the leather is polished, the gold is burnished, and the last details have been taken care of, then what? The binding needs a unique, friendly, safe place to spend the next few hundred years. That’s where a protective box comes in.
In this class, students will learn to make simple and not so simple cloth-covered clamshell boxes for books or other similarly sized objects. While most books are square or rectangular, some are irregular in shape and require custom-fitted enclosures. Such projects will also be addressed in this class. Students will be instructed to build neat, well-fitting, durable boxes for their unique books. They will be taught to measure accurately, cut with precision, and think creatively about their projects, finishing in refined style the binding projects that have consumed so much time and energy.
Contact chip@ahhaa.org mailto:chip@ahhaa.org with any questions.
American Academy of Bookbinding
Chip Schilling – Managing Director
117 North Willow Street | POB 1590
Telluride, CO 81435
chip@ahhaa.org – (970) 728-8649
bookbindingacademy.org