San Francisco Center for the Book

The Drum Leaf binding is a simple and elegant adhesive binding ideal for presenting artwork in a book format. It opens flat and allows the artwork to be presented as a two-page spread flowing across the gutter without the interruption of sewing thread. Each signature is made from a single sheet of thickish paper folded in half and drummed to the adjacent signatures. Primarily used to bind existing artwork into a book format, the substantial pages and lay flat structure also make an excellent multi-media sketch book.  

In this class we will make a blank book with a drum leaf binding, a leather spine and decorative paper covers. This is an opportunity to get a very simplified sneak peek into working with leather. Students will be introduced to different material and decorative techniques, as we discuss different ways to finish and decorate this structure.

Prerequisite:
None

Tools/Materials to Bring:
None, all tools and materials are provided. Students are welcome to bring their own bookbinding tools.

About the Instructor:
Beth was first introduced to making books in the photography program at San Jose State. She loves binding books for their perfect marriage of functionality and creativity.  After learning the basics of a well-made book at SFCB she went on to study fine binding at the American Academy of Bookbinding in Telluride CO. She works primarily with leather to create bindings for public and private collections. Her work can be seen at bredmond.weebly.com.