Bookbinding Studio

The Craft Guild of Dallas' Bookbinding Studio has exciting tools and equipment to use and new students will be introduced to how to use, as well as maintain, them. Students are encouraged to bring original poetry or other written works to be used in a project. 

BEGINNING/ALL LEVELS BOOKBINDING:
This structured class will introduce students to the necessary materials, supplies, resources and techniques involved in creating unique and beautiful books. Class projects include simple pamphlets, albums, and multi-section hardcover bindings. More experienced students will have an opportunity to explore advanced bookbinding, such as advanced case bindings using leather, and modern adaptations of non-adhesive bindings. Pursuit of individual interests is encouraged and developed through class and individual projects. 

INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED BOOKBINDING:
Ideal for the developing binder, this class focuses on helping students increase awareness, skill, and independence in designing and executing bindings. Use of leather and knives is explored in depth through the creation of limp-leather, tight-back, millimeter, and leather case bindings. Students are encouraged to pursue independent projects with the instructor's one-on-one supervision. Advanced techniques are taught through demonstration and lectures. Advanced techniques are taught through demonstration and lectures.

BOOKBINDING RESTORATION: The bookbinding restoration class focuses on the conservation and repair of antique books. Difficult projects like family bibles and cookbooks are welcomed. When advisable, we'll make protective boxes and chemises for fragile books and documents. This class is open to adults of all levels of experience and ability. Students can bring their own antiquarian books to repair or may choose from a small selection of donated volumes that they may keep after they are restored.

FINE LEATHER BINDING/DESIGN BINDING: The goal of this ongoing bookbinding class will be to produce fine leather bindings that are worthy of exhibition and/or competition. Students will learn how to: sew on flattened or raised cords, construct made endpapers, decorate or gild textblock edges, sew silk endbands, cover in full goatskin or calfskin, create decorative leather inlays and onlays, execute gold stamping and/or tooling, and make protective clamshell boxes for the finished bindings. Beginners will be encouraged to design leather covered plaquettes, which could later be bound in the Coptic style if desired. Intermediate and advanced students may start with a blank book or unbound printed sheets.

BOX MAKING: Introduction to the assembly of a square box, a clamshell box and possibly one more, to be added by instructor if time allows. You will learn how to measure and cut boards. Learn the techniques of covering the box/lining with paper, bookcloth, making a tap or knob pool top of the lid of box.

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