Filter by Category
Book Arts
Introduction to Italic Lettering
with Maryanne Grebenstein

Date: Sunday, April 13th
Hours: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Instructor: Maryanne Grebenstein
In this class students will be introduced to traditional calligraphy tools including dip pens and ink. Instruction, demos and take-home handouts on how the broad-edged pen works will be main points of this workshop. Focus will be on the differences between calligraphy and handwriting, such as what is unique about using this chisel-shaped tool, as opposed to a mono-line tool (such as a ballpoint pen or pencil), and why pen-lifting between strokes is important. There will be plenty of hands-on time, along with one-on-one instruction.
Tools & Supplies: Please bring the following items to class.
- Set of dip pen nibs (Mitchell, Brause, or Tape brands recommended)
- Pen Holder (cork handle recommended)
- Bottle of Higgins Eternal ink
- Drafting tape
- Mechanical pencil (.5 or .3)
- Traditional wood pencil
- Drafting vellum
- Clairfontaine Triomphe (or similar) unlined, smooth surfaced paperBook - "Calligraphy: A Course in Hand Lettering" by Maryanne Grebenstein
Prerequisite: None.
Book Structures for Prints & Photographs
with Bill Hanscom

Dates: Saturday, April 26th & Sunday, April 27th (2 meetings)
Hours: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Instructor: Bill Hanscom
This two-day class will present students with three different bindings that are ideal for artists working with printmaking, photography, and collage: The Drum Leaf; Hedi Kyle’s Storage Book; and the Japanese Accordion Album (Nori-ire gajo). Unlike a traditionally sewn codex, these structures use individual folios and only adhesive in their construction, avoiding the complexities of imposition and allowing for a full view of the image with minimal preparation before binding.
Tools & Supplies: *There is an additional $30 materials fee due to the instructor on the first day of class. The instructor accepts cash, checks, or Venmo. All other tools and supplies will be provided for this class.
Prerequisite: Bookbinding 101 or equivalent experience. If you have any questions about your experience, please contact ce@nbss.edu.
Bookbinding 101
with Jennifer Pellecchia BB '19

Dates: Saturday, May 3rd & Sunday, May 4th (2 meetings)
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Instructor: Jennifer Pellecchia BB '19
In this two-day workshop, students will get a quick introduction to various bookbinding techniques by exploring three different book structures. The class will begin with a simple pamphlet and continue with constructing two multi-signature books known as flatback case binding and link stitch binding. Finally, students will construct a box to house all of their creations. Bookbinding 101 is a great way to familiarize yourself with bookbinding and is perfect for those who are curious about the craft.
Tools & Supplies: Please bring a notebook and a pencil. All other tools and supplies are provided for this class.
Prerequisite: None
Gold Tooling with Egg Glaire
with Ariana Rutledge BB '22

Dates: Saturday, May 3rd & Sunday, May 4th (2 meetings)
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Instructor: Ariana Rutledge BB '22
Students will learn the basics of direct gold tooling with egg glaire from a historical trade-style approach. They will learn how to set their type and how to mark up the surface of their leather, along with many other tips and tricks. The skills learned in this class, although directly related to a quicker trade bindery method, can be helpful to any type of gold finishing work. Success as a finisher comes only with significant practice and patience; the goal of this class is to provide students with the opportunity to get a feel for the process so that they are equipped to continue to practice on their own.
Tools & Supplies: A notebook, pencil, apron, and a leather book you'd like to tool (not required - practice plaquettes will be provided). All other tools and supplies will be provided.
Attire: Students should bring an apron, smock, or wear clothing that they don't mind getting dirty.
Prerequisite: None
Behind Glass: Inset Picture Case Binding
with Fionnuala Hart-Gerrity BB '11

Dates: Saturday, May 10th & Sunday, May 11th (2 meetings)
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Instructor: Fionnuala Hart-Gerrity BB '11
Inspired by Cosway style bindings of the early 20th century, make a cloth-covered case bound book with images inset into the cover under glass. We’ll look at images of historical examples, make a test plaquette to learn the process, and then complete a book with a small image or artwork of your choice.
Tools & Supplies: *A glass covering will be provided to students for their model, and if students would like any additional glass coverings, the instructor will have extras available to purchase for $10 each. The instructor accepts cash, checks, Venmo, PayPal, and credit cards via Square. All other tools and supplies are provided for this class.
Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Bookbinding I, Fundamentals of Bookbinding II, or equivalent experience with basic case binding. If you have questions about your experience, please contact ce@nbss.edu.
Fundamentals of Bookbinding II
with Jennifer Pellecchia BB '19

Dates: Sundays, June 1-29 (5 meetings)
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Instructor: Jennifer Pellecchia BB '19
This course will focus on hardcover structures. Students will continue with rounded back case bindings and end the course with a book with words. Throughout the course, students will fine-tune their skills through repetition and develop a focus on details such as endpapers structures and headband variations. Topics of discussion will include an overview of bindery equipment such as stamping on the Kwikprint and trimming with the plough.
Tools & Supplies: Please bring a notebook and a pencil. All other tools and supplies are provided for this class.
Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Bookbinding I or equivalent experience. If you have questions about your experience, please contact ce@nbss.edu.
Bookbinding 101
with Amy Lapidow BB '95

Dates: Saturday, June 14th & Sunday, June 15th (2 meetings)
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Instructor: Amy Lapidow BB'95
In this two-day workshop, students will get a quick introduction to various bookbinding techniques by exploring three different book structures. The class will begin with a simple pamphlet and continue with constructing two multi-signature books known as flatback case binding and link stitch binding. Finally, students will construct a box to house all of their creations. Bookbinding 101 is a great way to familiarize yourself with bookbinding and is perfect for those who are curious about the craft. All levels of experience are welcome to register.
Tools & Supplies: Please bring a notebook and a pencil. All other tools and supplies are provided for this class.
Prerequisite: None