Bookmakers begin

Photo by David Vigil

Here's a rough idea of the schedule for the 12-session course.

Take a Page from Book's Evolution: Write and Bind Your Story

6 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, March 1-May 24, 2023 (except March 29)

Week 1 

3/1/2023

introductions and course expectations

review syllabus

survey models

history of bookbinding slideshow featuring slideshow of China study by teacher

composition books

creativity

skills warmup: Jacob's Ladder project

Week 2 

3/8/2023

tools & materials discussion, such as determination of paper grain

paper/bookboard qualities and tips

use of straightedge, rulers, and knives

accordion (sutra) book

complete one-sheet "wallet"-style book designed by Hedi Kyle; option to attach a text

Week 3 

3/15/2023

begin cutting and folding text for accordion (sutra) book

prepare text blocks for butterfly (hudie) and thread-bound (xian) books

paste butterfly binding

Week 4 

3/22/2023

complete covers for sutra

introduce concept of "paper nails"

install paper nails in thread-bound book

Week 5 

4/5/2023

assembled sutra text

Week 6 

4/12/2023

discuss covers, collage possibilities, pastepaper, other treatments

discuss display possibilities

cover embellishments, such as art, illustration, stamps, and inclusions

cover butterfly book

Week 7 

4/19/2023

cover thread-bound book

Week 8 

4/26/2023

sew thread-bound book

Week 9 

5/3/2023

begin text assembly for single-section binding

intro to bookcloth

Week 10 

5/10/2023

complete single-section binding

discuss and prepare text for codex binding

Week 11 

5/17/2023

assemble codex text and discuss cover possibilities

discuss presentation and display

solicit feedback on course and improvements that could be made for next time(s)

Week 12 

5/24/2023

review and critique of all bindings made by each student

complete sewing of codex

tool collection and cleanup