Last night marked the first class of this session for my fabulous Wednesday evening crew. I was reminded to put some images of their work up for the world to see. I am so proud of my students and their work, and I have to say, I have done a fair amount of bragging. I’ve got a great group, and they work very hard. Though honestly, I’m not sure I leave a lot of room for error. It is like a can of sardines in here sometimes, and it is never ever silent, but it is joyful. New class goal: less talk, less play, more books!

Check these out:

Judith Ziegler

Judith just placed the title pieces on last night.

Her favorite part of the pair.

And yes, they really are stunning!

Ron O'Connor

Ron's first piece in leather; a Quarter binding in chagrin goat with corners.

Ron's first full leather binding (an 18th century in caramel tan calfskin)

Bridget Woollard

Though Bridget was a member of my Tuesday class, she frequently sat in on Wednesdays. She is a pleasure and I was happy to have her whenever I got the chance. Unfortunately, she has moved abroad, but I am hopeful that she will return to Cambridge someday soon.

Bridget loves sewing headbands, and she's good at it!

More to come soon! But in the meantime, if you are interested in trying your hand at binding, please do not hesitate to contact me.

I offer two different classes, Traditional Bookbinding, and Binding a Blank. Each class meets for 2.5 hours a week, and costs $40 per session. All classes are held in my studio in Cambridge, which is located between Harvard Square and Porter Square. I offer evening classes (6h30-9pm) and morning classes (10am-12h30pm), for 2-4 students at a time.

TRADITIONAL BOOKBINDING:
This class is conducted “a la carte” style, meaning that students choose individual projects and the emphasis is on one-on-one instruction. Students learn the process involved in traditional bookbinding and practice it on their own books. Students make 2 books over the course of several months, usually beginning with one book bound in cloth and one 1/4 leather binding, though some students bring a book to repair. I guide each student through the process; instruction is delivered primarily one-on-one because I teach to all levels of experience and because students are often at different stages in the process. Some students can complete 2 books in three months while others need more time (it all depends upon the condition and size of a book). If a student chooses to continue, he or she can move to more leather work and fine binding. Openings available for morning. Contact me here to register.

BINDING A BLANK:
In this class, students will learn the foundations of bookbinding while creating two blank books. Step by step, students will be guided through the process of making one case-in binding (Bradel) and one laced-in binding (a tight-back binding common in traditional French bookbinding). The emphasis of this class will be on group instruction and students will work through the process simultaneously. Openings available for morning and evening. Contact me here to register.

This weekend has been great. I’ve seen a lot of people pass through and come to talk.

Today is the last day of my Open Studio. Come by between noon-6pm to check out new work. After that, I am closing myself in to focus on commissions before closing shop for one month mid June-mid July. So come by today while it is clean and presentable in here.

Out with the new, in with the old. It is time for some restoration. The holiday orders have all been delivered and that leaves some room to dust off books that have been waiting for repairs. If you happen to have anything in need of simple repairs such as tears, pages that need to be re-sewn, broken hinges, worn or crumbled corners, deteriorating spines, or exhausted covers, hurry and bring them by.

Also, a new class will be opening up in the next few weeks. Contact me here if you are interested in a comprehensive class in fine bookbinding, or if you have a specific book or restoration project in mind.

Classes usually run for 2.5 hours once a week and cost $40/week. The class is ongoing, and students come once a week to learn the process involved in traditional bookbinding. Some students want to focus on restoration and enroll to learn methods of repair. Most students enroll to learn the process of fine binding. These students make 2 books over the course of 2-4 months (beginners make one full cloth and one 1/4 leather binding). This class is open to all levels of experience! For more information, drop me a line. Don’t miss your chance to enroll.