The Rocky Mountain Chapter has coordinated a series of workshops happening in conjunction with the Open|Set exhibition coming to Denver!
Click on each workshop title to jump to the class description, view pictures, and register.
Introduction to a Case Binding - April 27th. 9:30 am - 4:30 pm. Taught by Darin Grassman.
Continuous Plane Sewing for Bookbinders - June 7th. 9 am - 4 pm. Taught by Lang Ingalls.
Flyleaf Techniques - June 29th. 9 am - 4 pm. Taught by Brenda Gallagher.
Endband Exploration - July 20th. 9 am - 4 pm. Taught by Holly D'Oench.
Introduction to a Case Binding with Darin Grassman
Sunday April 27, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm in the Denver area
Limited to 8 participants
The workshop
In this workshop, we will make a sewn multi-section case-bound book. You will learn to fold signatures, sew them, add endpapers, make the case, and case-in. We will review basic bookbinding tools and materials, as well as where to source them. You'll go home with a finished book covered in book cloth. No prior bookbinding experience required, beginners welcome.
Cost
Members: $165 ($140 + $25 materials fee)
Non-members: $205 ($180 + $25 materials fee)
The instructor
Darin is an artist and bookbinder working across several disciplines. She works out of a studio in Boulder making custom books and boxes, as well as small editions of fine stationery from repurposed materials. In addition to painting, printmaking, design and custom bookbinding, she manages production of photography and art books for independent companies and individuals. Darin holds a BFA in painting and MA in textile design. She has worked as a commercial bookbinder in Berkeley, Los Angeles, and London.
The studio
Please contact GBWRM workshop chair Alicia Bailey (aliciabailey@mac.com) with questions or concerns. The workshop will be held Sunday, April 27, 9:30am-4:30pm (one hour break for lunch) at InterOcean Studio in Denver.
There is plenty of street parking in the area. It is best if participants bring lunch as nearby restaurants (especially on Sundays) are busy and wait times can be long. There is a frig/microwave on site.
Continuous Plane Sewing for Bookbinders with Lang Ingalls
Saturday June 7th, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Anderson Academic Commons at DU
Limited to 11 participants
The workshop
An intermediate technique, Continuous Plane Sewing is borrowed from the conservation field and produces a nice flat spine. It is an alternative to sewing multiple signatures “all-along” over tapes or flattened cord, or using the link stitch. It is a quick and efficient way to produce a spine that requires very little spine treatment. Swell occurs as usual.
In this workshop, we will start with a walk through the Open • Set 2025 exhibition and discuss various sewing techniques in binding. We will review terminology, discuss swell, discuss rounding and backing, and review punching. After lunch, we will move on to sewing bookblocks in the Continuous Plane style.
This workshop is suited for those with experience in multi-section sewing.
All materials will be provided. Students are asked to bring pencil & notebook, bone folder, readers or optivisor, lunch, water.
Cost
Members: $150 ($140 + $10 materials fee)
Non-members: $190 ($180 + $10 materials fee)
The instructor
Lang Ingalls began binding studies at the Centro del bel libro (Ascona, Switzerland) with Edwin Heim. Recommended to the American Academy of Bookbinding, she began studies there under both Tini Muira and Monique Lallier, graduating with a diploma in Fine Binding in 2007. In the years since, she has studied with many others to expand understanding of structure and conservation practices. She currently works by commission in Boulder, Colorado, and is an instructor at the American Academy of Bookbinding. Her work shows in the states and abroad regularly, and is found in public and private collections in the US.
The studio
Anderson Academic Commons, Room 340 (The Loft), 2150 E. Evans, Denver, CO 80210
Flyleaf Techniques with Brenda Gallagher
Sunday June 29th, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Anderson Academic Commons at DU
The workshop
This one day workshop will begin with viewing several examples of fine bindings with different kinds of flyleaves and a history of the humble flyleaf and its use in bookbinding. Students will sew small sample book blocks to practice several attachment techniques which can be used for multiple signature bindings such as flat back case or fine bindings.
Instruction will cover tipped-on attachment, sewn attachment, hooked endsheet attachment, free fly leaves and flexi-end attachments, in both paper and suede. Students will leave the class with 5 sample books with different flyleaf attachments. None of the samples will be finished books.
Some bookbinding (especially with multiple signature sewing) helpful, but not required.
All materials for the workshop will be provided.
Cost
Members: $165 ($140 + $25 materials fee)
Non-members: $205 ($180 + $25 materials fee)
The instructor
Brenda Gallagher is a graphic designer, book artist, and fine bookbinder living in Niwot, Colorado. She has designed books and magazines professionally for over 25 years and serves on the Boulder Book Arts League board. Brenda enjoys using her experience with professional design to self-publish works with her own illustrations, which she then binds using ancient skills of fine bookbinding. She is an enthusiastic teacher of bookbinding and letterpress printing for students of all ages. Brenda graduated from the American Academy of Bookbinding in 2023 and received her diploma from the Fine Binding Program.
http://www.brendagallagher.com/
The studio
Anderson Academic Commons, Room 340 (The Loft), 2150 E. Evans, Denver, CO 80210
Endband Exploration with Holly D'Oench
Sunday July 20th, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
Anderson Academic Commons at DU
Limited to 8 participants
The workshop
Spend a day exploring the exciting world of endbands! We’ll begin with a brief history of endbands before diving into the creation of "made endbands" using paper and leather then exploring various embellishment techniques. In the second half of the workshop, we’ll focus on two sewn endband styles: bead on the spine and renaissance chevron. We’ll discuss how endbands can enhance the overall design of your book and what to think about when choosing a style.
This workshop is for intermediate binders who have experience with creating sewn endbands or hand sewing. Attendees are strongly encouraged to bring optical magnification gear like reading glasses or an optivisor. All materials will be provided.
Cost
Members: $150 ($140 + $10 materials fee)
Non-members: $190 ($180 + $10 materials fee)
The instructor
Holly is a bookbinder who has an extensive background in fine arts with a specialization in illustration. She transitioned to bookbinding after discovering her passion for the craft and established Black Oak Bindery, where she merges bookbinding with illustration through her hand-drawn cover designs. She is studying at the American Academy of Bookbinding where she is pursuing a Fine Binding diploma.
https://www.blackoakbindery.com/
The studio
Anderson Academic Commons, Room 340 (The Loft), 2150 E. Evans, Denver, CO 80210
