Instructor: Bari Zaki

This binding style is available as a private workshop. Nota bene: There is no companion recording. But there is a charming illustrated multi-page handout with step-by-step instructions, which we will mail you a day or so after your workshop session. No previous bookbinding experience is necessary.

This delightful style, with its sturdy covers, opens perfectly flat. Attaching the covers is easier on this version than on the hard-cover version, so you can enjoy the Coptic stitch without the slight stress. We reinforce our covers after stitching with an additional piece of watercolour paper. The soft-cover version is relatively simple to make, because it doesn’t involve messing with glue.

We begin by getting acquainted with paper grain and its importance for the finished book. After my review of the bookbinding tools we will use, you will be ready to fold three full-size sheets of Stonehenge drawing paper (with deckled edges) into twelve signatures to make a nice thickness. Next you will make a “paper sandwich” for your cover, using: a sheet of luscious Japanese paper, an adhesive backing sheet, and another sheet of Stonehenge drawing paper. Then, you will measure, fold, and score your cover … and stitch your cover and signatures together. Happiness ensues!

Class fee includes all materials we use to make this book: a sheet of luscious Japanese decorative paper, Stonehenge drawing paper for your paper sandwich and your signatures, an adhesive backing sheet, assorted colours of Irish waxed-linen threads, and four needles.

Tools needed: Bonefolder, shipping clerk’s knife, X-acto knife, lightweight awl, ruler. You can purchase these items individually here, and I am pleased to offer a 20% discount on any tools ordered for the workshop (via refund after your workshop purchase).

Ancillary tools needed: pencil, scissors, triangle ruler, and a cutting mat.

To schedule a date & time, add this class to your cart, and then email barizakistudio@gmail.com with your preferred date(s) and time of day. Feel free to call or e me with any questions (773-294-7766 or barizakistudio@gmail.com).

I look forward to sharing my love of papers & bookbinding with you in this three-ish hour workshop.