Dates: Wednesday, July 16th & Thursday, July 17th (2 meetings)

Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Instructor: Fox Maasch

Teaching Assistant: Laura Kraegel BB '25

In association with Chena River Marblers, this step-by-step acrylic paper marbling class will be taught in the St.John/Chena River Marblers method and is ideal for beginners but also includes innovations to challenge experienced marblers. Students will be introduced to a wide range of marbling patterns and techniques, both traditional and contemporary. Depart happy, with many marbled papers in a spectacular array of patterns and colors.

Tools & Supplies: All tools and supplies are provided for this class. We do recommend bringing an apron and an old towel.

Attire: Please wear shoes that are comfortable for standing in (and that you don't mind getting wet!). Clothes may get paint on them, so please dress accordingly.

Prerequisite: None

Dates: Saturday, July 19th & Sunday, July 20th (2 meetings)

Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Instructor: James Reid Cunningham BB '90

This class explores contemporary methods of repairing damaged historical papers. Students are provided with samples of damaged sheets of paper to repair, dating from the 17th to the 21st centuries, but they are encouraged to bring their own documents to conserve during the class.

Tools & Supplies: Please bring the items on this supply list to the first day of class. Need an item? Our NBSS Store/Gallery carries dozens of tools and supplies in addition to NBSS branded items and handmade goods. You may make purchases online, in person (Monday-Thursday 7:30 am - 2:00 pm), or via email at store@nbss.edu. Tool orders must be made via email or over the phone. 

Prerequisite: None

Dates: Saturday, July 19th & Sunday, July 20th (2 meetings)

Hours: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Instructor: Martha Kearsley BB '95

Teaching Assistant: India Patel BB '24

This two-day workshop is a comprehensive introduction to design, carving, and printing with linoleum blocks and methods for printing on both paper and textiles. Students will learn to transfer designs and carve linoleum surfaces and will explore a variety of methods to produce their prints, including the use of a traditional platen press and several set-ups and methods to print without a press.

Tools & Supplies: All tools and supplies are provided for this class. 

Prerequisite: None

Dates: Monday, July 21 - Friday, July 25 (5 meetings)

Hours: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Instructor: Colin Urbina BB '11

Students will learn the foundations of bookbinding by combining hands-on exercises and discussion. The class starts by exploring non-adhesive structures: soft cover pamphlet, Coptic, historical longstitch, and link stitch. The class ends with a look at case bindings, with the creation of two hardcover flatback bindings. Students also learn different structural elements, sewing variations, and covering and cutting techniques using various materials, tools, and equipment. Throughout the course, discussions will cover terminology, paper grain and folding, selecting proper materials and tools, and adhesives and their properties.

Tools & Supplies: Please bring a notebook and a pencil. All other tools and supplies are provided for this class.

Prerequisite: None

Dates: Saturday, July 26th & Sunday, July 27th (2 meetings)

Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Instructor: Ariana Rutledge BB '22

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

Date: Saturday, July 26th

Hours: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Instructor: Ariana Rutledge BB '22

In this workshop, students will learn a few different approaches to constructing accordion-style tunnel books. A tunnel book is a handmade book where the pages work together to create a dimensional scene that gives the illusion of depth and perspective. Students will be presented with a few different images/themes to choose from in creating their tunnel book models and will leave the class with a new bookbinding method and lots of inspiration for their own artist books. 

Tools & Supplies: All tools and supplies are provided for this class.  

Prerequisite: None

Date: Saturday, August 2nd

Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Instructor: Jennifer Pellecchia BB '19

Easy to learn and endlessly adaptable, pamphlet sewing is a versatile method for creating any number of traditional and creative book structures. Students will sew three-, four-, and five-hole pamphlets and their variations, beginning with a series of single-section booklets with basic covers, then moving onto more elaborate multi-section bindings.

Tools & Supplies: Please bring a notebook and a pencil. All other tools and supplies are provided for this class. 

Prerequisite: Students should be comfortable with folding and sewing. If you have questions about your experience, please contact ce@nbss.edu. 

Dates: Monday, August 4 - Thursday, August 7 (4 meetings)

Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Instructor: Erin Fletcher BB '12

The Millimeter binding came about during World War I when leather became a scarce resource for binders. Still wanting to provide an elegant leather binding for their clients, binders would use a minimal amount of leather to cover the spine along with a handmade paste paper. In this workshop students will be creating a Rubow-style Millimeter binding. This variation allows for an uninterrupted paste paper to stretch across the binding with a line of leather running across the head and tail edge of the binding. In order to craft this binding, students will have the opportunity to sew their text block and practice rounding and backing as well as an introduction on paring and working with leather. Finally, students can get creative with edge decoration and make their own paste papers.

Tools & Supplies: All tools and supplies are provided for this class.

Prerequisite: Bookbinding 101 or equivalent experience. If you have any questions about your experience, please contact ce@nbss.edu.