Booksmith Conservation is pleased to announce day-long workshops for 2025. Each workshop is capped at 4 participants based on studio size. This also allows for plenty of individual attention and instruction. If a workshop is listed on a date you are unable to attend, please get in touch, as another session may be able to be offered. I look forward to welcoming you to my studio and introducing the ancient craft of bookbinding to you!

Stack of lined notebooks with colorful covers.

Classic Flatback Binding

January 25, 2025
10am – 5pm at Booksmith Conservation Studio

The flatback binding is a basic binding technique that will teach you how to prepare and sew a textblock, line the spine, make a case and case-in a modern book. This will be a fast-paced workshop and depending on the speed of students, a second book may be made. Basic bookbinding terminology, tools, materials and a short history of binding techniques will be covered, as time permits. The cost of the workshop includes materials,use of shared tools and handouts. Students are encouraged to bring a small notebook in which to take their own notes.

COST: $200           ENROLLMENT: 4 MAX

Blue and gold patterned journal open.

Sewn Boards Binding

February 15, 2025
10am – 5pm at Booksmith Conservation Studio

The sewn boards binding was developed by conservator Gary Frost as a modern method of board attachment based on historical examples. One of the most common repairs needed to a book is to re-attach a loose or detached board. This binding technique ensures the boards will not separate from the textblock. This binding method also allows the book to open completely flat, making it a useful design for sketchbooks. Students will make one binding. Basic bookbinding terminology, tools, materials and a short history of binding techniques will be covered, as time permits. The cost of the workshop includes materials, use of shared tools and handouts. Students are encouraged to bring a small notebook in which to take their own notes.

COST: $200            ENROLLMENT: 4 MAX

Green and gold patterned box with books.

Hinged Box with Pamphlet Binding

February 22, 2025
10am – 5pm at Booksmith Conservation Studio

Boxes are made to protect books but also as a beautiful way to organize trinkets, photos or letters. This workshop will teach how to make a box with an attached, hinged, lid that will stay closed with no additional closure added. Since boxmaking requires a certain amount of drying time before advancing, students will make 1 or 2 pamphlet bindings while waiting for adhesive to set. Basic bookbinding terminology, tools, materials and a short history of binding techniques will be covered, as time permits. The cost of the workshop includes materials, use of shared tools and handouts. Students are encouraged to bring a small notebook in which to take their own notes.

COST: $225              ENROLLMENT: 4 MAX

Stack of lined notebooks with colorful covers.

Classic Flatback Binding

March 29, 2025
10am – 5pm at Booksmith Conservation Studio

The flatback binding is a basic binding technique that will teach you how to prepare and sew a textblock, line the spine, make a case and case-in a modern book. This will be a fast-paced workshop and depending on the speed of students, a second book may be made. Basic bookbinding terminology, tools, materials and a short history of binding techniques will be covered, as time permits. The cost of the workshop includes materials,use of shared tools and handouts. Students are encouraged to bring a small notebook in which to take their own notes.

COST: $200           ENROLLMENT: 4 MAX