Bookbinding Core Certificate Program

The San Francisco Center for the Book celebrates the craft and art of bookbinding. Our Bookbinding Core Certificate Program introduces students to four different binding models, leading them through the history and evolution of bookmaking.  It provides students a comprehensive foundation to delve into the practice of binding and qualifies them work in our bindery. Click here to learn more about the Bookbinding Core Certificate Program and find out how you may receive a discount on classes.

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Bookbinding Core 1 :: Coptic Binding

To paraphrase Lewis Carroll, we begin at the beginning. This, the first of our Core Bookbinding series, introduces students to the craft with the Coptic stitch, one of the earliest structures in binding. In addition to coming away with a finished book made by hand, students will also be introduced to the tools and terms of bookbinding. Basic practices and equipment will be discussed as students familiarize themselves with both skills and safety measures needed for working in a bindery.

Competencies Gained:

• Knowledge:

  • Basic vocabulary of bookbinding tools and equipment

  • Basic bindery practices and procedures

  • Understanding paper grain

• Skills

  • Folding, pressing, piercing, sewing, cutting and gluing

• Equipment:

  • Board shear, nipping press, hand tools

All paper for SFCB's Core Certificate Program projects has been generously provided by Mohawk.

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Materials to Bring: None

Prerequisite: None; optional: Introduction to Bookbinding

Workshop + Materials Fee: $200.00*

*Early Bird Special: Students who sign up for the full workshop series (May through August, 2020) by April 30, 2020 will recieve a reduced rate of $795 (vs. $950 full price). 

*Students registering for the full Core series (May through August, 2020) after April 30 will receive a $100 discount. 

Date & Time: Sunday, June 7, 2020 :: 9:30am-5:30pm

Location: This workshop will take place at 375 Rhode Island St, San Francisco, CA 94103

Note: Please read the SFCB Registration Policies before signing up for a class

REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE 3 DAYS PRIOR TO THE START DATE OF THIS WORKSHOP.

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About the Instructor | Nina Eve Zeininger

Nina Eve Zeininger has been obsessed with books since before she could read when she received Harold and the Purple Crayon as a child. While earning a BFA in Photography from the San Francisco Art Institute, Nina Eve took as many book and printmaking classes as possible and after graduating completed the Bookbinding Certificate program at the San Francisco Center for the Book. Nina Eve now spends their time teaching book arts workshops throughout California, making and selling her printed and bookish wares, and playing fetch with their cats. You can view Nina Eve'a work at ninaevezeininger.com and follow along in real time on Instagram (@ninaevezeininger).

Past Student Reviews:

“Nina took us through the process of Coptic Binding with patience and precise explanation. Also, she showed us how to use and organize our workspace and to use tools safely and effectively.”

[What did you find most valuable about the workshop?] “Hands-on training & making a book in one session.”

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Customize Your Certificate Program :: Choose the Date of Your Next Class

Bookbinding Core 2 :: Flat-Back Case Binding