Binding a Hardcover Book

A handmade hardcover book can record anything from journal entries to sketches, recipes to guest remembrances. Get started with bookbinding while creating a hardcover book just the size (and color) you need. This class focuses on a style of codex bookbinding (i.e. folded pages attached to a binding) with a sewn text block, resulting in a strong and firm set of pages inside a book cloth wrapped hardcover. Working alongside instructor Sam Gathje, students will complete all the steps of binding at least one book, and begin or even complete at least one more, as well as leaving with the skills and tools to continue binding books beyond the course. Throughout the class, plenty of discussion of tools, alternative techniques, and design elements as well as problem solving and questions about further adventures in bookbinding will be addressed.

An $85 materials fee is due in class to the instructor and includes materials and tools use for at least two books. Books need to be pressed overnight after binding and students have several options: they may provide their own book press (at least 8” x 14” and fits books up to 2” deep) or purchase one from the instructor, approximately $45, which allows them to take their books home on the last night of class. Alternatively, students may leave their books pressing overnight at ASI and pick up their finished books later in the week. This class is suitable for students ages 18+.