San Francisco Center for the Book

For students who have completed either the basic Clamshell or Lift-Top Box class.

Over the course of two days, students will measure, cut, and construct their own custom clamshell (solander) box for a book or other item of their choice such as prints or photographs.

We will review measuring & scaling, board cutting, tray construction, cover making, casing in, and options for labels and inlays. We will discuss additional lining options for the interior of the small tray and how to plan for the necessary allowances when constructing the inner tray.

Students will begin by rough cutting their materials for the box and then the coverings and trimming them down to the size required as they construct the box components. We will review key elements of the construction process and explore some stages in more depth, but students will be working independently for a substantial chunk of the class.

Students are welcome to bring a second project with the understanding that it may not be possible to get both boxes fully assembled by the end of the weekend, but at least one box will be taken to completion.

All materials needed for the construction of the boxes, board, bookcloth, and decorative paper, will be available at the center. If you have a specific design or color palette that you wish to use on your boxes, you will need to source your own materials.

Prerequisite:
Box-making experience, clamshell or lift-top.

Tools/materials to bring:
- your usual bookbinding tool kit
- teflon bone folder
- aluminum drafting triangle (this is the drafting 30-60-90 triangle with circles punched in it
- any bookcloth or paper that you might want to use on your project.

Any materials will need to be approved by the instructor; some papers or cloths may not be appropriate.

About the Instructor:
Brian Lieske (he/him) wandered into SFCB many years ago and continues to haunt the place. He completed both the bookbinding and letterpress cores as well as several of the summer historic structure classes, and now teaches SFCBs Box Making Core classes. He enjoys making fully hand-sewn books and still fights to not over-tighten his kettle stitches.

He’s lived in San Francisco for more than 20 years having arrived shortly after completing an MFA at the University of Texas at Austin.