Summer Scenes

from the 2004 pilot class for Fine Binding~



Prompted by discussions about the future of fine binding, this summer course was offered to students with prior binding experience. The goal was to see if a fine binding could be executed in seven sessions, in preparation for a future week long intensive the following spring.

Seven students arrived at my studio on July 11, 2004, with their texts in sections ready to sew. Seven sessions later, with some breaks between, they completed their bindings on August 29.



Here are some images from the workshop featuring the students: Marylyn Bennett, Armida Gonzalez, Susan Gustavson, Andrea Knowlton, Nena Richardson, Steff (Stephanie) Sisley, and Laura Thoms.

Susan Gustavson finds turning the frame at the angle works best for her when sewing.

Armida Gonzalez sews on a frame she made herself.

Nena Richardson (left) and Steff Sisley (right) select endpapers and leather after sewing their texts.

Susan sews a headband.

Laura Thoms lines and sands her book spine for smoothness.

Nena makes a hollow directly on the spine of her book.

Steff shows the top view of her textblock before covering. Boards are sanded and laced on, the headband is sewn and a hollow applied to the spine.

Olivia Primanis was a guest during one session to demonstrate sharpening spokeshave blades.

Andrea Knowlton pares her leather with a Swiss paring knife.

While most of the classes were held over a series of Sundays, one big weekend, August 21 & 22 was scheduled for covering the books in leather; and for trimming out turn-ins and filling (or pulling) boards the next day. Books were left under light weight to dry a full week before the leather joints, final fills and decorative paper was pasted down on the boards.

Instructor Priscilla helps Armida cover her book in leather.

Students-assisting-other-students proved to be a valuable opportunity to reinforce what they had learned. After Armida covered her book, she assists Steff in covering hers.

On the last day of class, Marylyn Bennett has put down her leather joint and trims excess leather in preparation for pasting down a decorative paper to the inside board.

Proud students hold certificates with their books at the end of the last day. From left to right: Marylyn, Armida, Andrea, Laura, and Susan. Nena & Steff are not pictured here because they ran off early to attend a barbecue in Austin!

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