In this class you will make a hardcover book structure that dates back to the early 1800s! Publishers developed this book style to enable an affordable binding when advances in industrial papermaking made printing books more affordable. This structure, also known as a case binding, continues to be used today for your favourite hardcover books.

In this workshop you will be shown how to prepare a text block - folding, cutting, hole punching and sewing. Our expert instructor will take you through the steps of preparing the cover including creating a strong spine with card stock and book cloth. You will be supplied with beautiful, decorative handmade papers as end pages, and to cover boards.

Hard cover books are extremely strong and durable book forms that are great for journals, sketchbooks and sharing.

All participants will leave with one 8.5 x 5.5” handmade hardcover book sample as well as notes to further practice and make more books at home!

Tuesdays, June 10th and 17th, 2025

2 day class, 3.5 hours each, 6 - 9.30pm

Instructor: James Spyker

Price includes all materials.

Level: Beginner, no experience required.

Artist-Instructor Bio

James Spyker is a bookbinder and boxmaker who has been avidly learning traditional bookbinding since 1997. James has taught for Toronto District School Board and the Canadian Bookbinders and Book Artists Guild. He is the proprietor of 2x4 to the forehead, a publisher of books and special things.

jamesspyker.com