Nordic Handcraft Workshop: Binding a Hardcover Book with Maeve Gathje

Get started with bookbinding while creating a hardcover book just the size and colors you need.

This class meets Saturday, February 5 and Sunday, February 6, 9 am-4 pm both days.

A handmade hardcover book can record anything from journal entries to sketches, recipes to guest remembrances. 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 Maeve 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 leave with the skills and tools to continue binding books beyond the course. Throughout the class, Maeve will address various tools, alternative techniques, design elements, problem-solving strategies, and questions about future adventures in bookbinding.

Prerequisites:

• Advanced registration required.
• Skill level: Open to all skill levels.
• Ages: Suitable for ages 18+.

Tools and Materials:

• An $85 materials fee is due in class to the instructor and includes materials and tool 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 for $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 for no additional charge.