Case Binding

In this introductory bookbinding class, students will learn why books look the way they do, a brief history of bookbinding styles, the basics of materials (paper, board, cloth, adhesives), basic techniques (measuring, folding, cutting, sewing, applying adhesive), and how to make a sewn, hardcover book. By the end of this workshop, students will know the parts of a book, how books function, and leave with two flat-back books with one covered in full cloth and the other quarter bound with cloth and decorative paper.

This workshop requires a kit that will be mailed to registered students via USPS 2-Day Priority.

Level: This class is appropriate for adult students at all levels.
Dates & Times: 3 Wednesdays, September 1st, 8th, & 15th; 6pm-7:30pm (CDT)
Registration ends: Wednesday, August 25th at 5pm
Max. no of students: 10
Instructor: Kevin Auer
Cost: $100 tuition & materials + $10 shipping fee
Members receive a 10% discount off the cost of the workshop, among other benefits.
Click here to join as a Member, then choose the Member rate below.

Supply List

In addition to a tablet or computer with a reliable Internet connection and a well-lit space in which to work, students will need to provide the following:
1). Sharp pencil with eraser
2). Metal ruler or straight edge, 12” minimum length
3).​ Self-healing cutting mat or several layers of cardboard to protect table surface
4).​ PVA glue or other suitable white craft glue and glue brush
5).​ Awl or large needle stuck in cork
6).​ Bone folder or back of spoon for creasing
7).​ Scalpel or x-acto knife
8).​ Waste paper for gluing out. Newspaper or junk mail will work.

ADDITIONAL IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• Early registration is encouraged.
• This workshop is designed for adults. Older teenagers, age 16-17, may also register. For information on resources for younger children, please click here.
• At this time, we are only mailing kits to the continental US. A detailed list of materials in the kit can be emailed to a registered student living outside the continental US, prior to the workshop.
• Registered students will receive a link to the Zoom meeting in the confirmation email. Students will also receive detailed instructions on how best to participate via Zoom, helpful if one is unfamiliar with the platform.
• Zoom meetings for this workshop will be recorded. Students will have private access to the recordings for 90 days.

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Kevin Auer trained as an apprentice in bookbinding with Scott Mullenberg in Portland, Maine. He then worked as a conservation technician for a number of years at Cornell University. After graduating from the conservation program at the University of Texas at Austin, Kevin worked as a book conservator at the Walters Art Museum. Kevin learned letterpress from David Wolfe in Portland, Maine. He co-owned Wolfe Editions, a small shop that specialized in artists’ books and limited edition work. Kevin also ran his own shop for a number of years doing letterpress printing and book binding. He has taught letterpress at Dartmouth College, The Maryland Institute College of Art, and The University of Texas at Austin. Kevin is currently the Director of the Communication Design Program at The University of Houston, Victoria.