Instructor: Bari Zaki

This binding style is available as a private workshop. Nota bene: There is no companion recording. But there is a charming illustrated multi-page handout with step-by-step instructions, which we will mail you a day or so after your workshop session. No previous bookbinding experience is necessary; a bit of glueing experience is a plus.

If you think making a case-bound book seems daunting, feast your eyes (by clicking your cursor) on the rightmost bottom photo. These three beautiful books were all made by workshop students.

We begin by getting acquainted with paper grain and its importance for the finished book. After my review of the bookbinding tools we will use, you will be ready to fold your ten sheets of Hahnemuhle Bugra (with deckled edges) to make your ten signatures. In the process, you will learn to hand-tear your edges. Then we will stitch our signatures together to form a book-block. Next you will make your cover with Japanese bookcloth & decorative papers. And then you will case the book into the book-press where it will rest overnight. (After you register for this workshop I will e you the details of the exact press you will need.)

In the second session of your workshop, you will glue in your end-papers and press your closed book under a heavy weight (which can indeed be another book, or a cloth-covered brick) overnight. By the end of this session, you will have completed your book, and have the confidence to make more at home.

Class fee includes all materials we use to make a book: Japanese decorative paper, bookbinding cloth, ten sheets of Hahnemuhle Bugra, pre-cut binders board, decorative headbands, and unwaxed-linen thread.

Tools needed: Bonefolder, teflon bonefolder (highly recommended), shipping clerk’s knife, lightweight awl, needle, X-acto knife, scissors, ruler, triangle ruler, PVA glue & a glue-brush. You will receive a 20% discount on all tools ordered for the workshop (via refund after your workshop purchase). You can purchase these tools individually here.

Ancillary tools needed: pencil, scrap paper for glueing on, and a cutting mat, a heavy weight (or book) for pressing your book.

Nota bene: If you have the necessary tools but are in need of the glue & glue-brush, you’ll find them in a separate shop listing here.

To schedule a date & time, add this class to your cart, and then email barizakistudio@gmail.com with your preferred date(s) and time of day. Feel free to call or e me with any questions (773-294-7766 or barizakistudio@gmail.com).

I look forward to sharing my love of papers & bookbinding with you in this two-session (four-ish hour in total) workshop!