Paperback Structure + Link: A Classic Binding with a Modern Approach

Course Code: 26SBB010I

This one-day in-person workshop takes place at CBA on Friday, May 1st, from 11AM to 7PM ET.

• Friday, May 1st, from 11AM to 7PM ET

Please Note: Registration for this workshop closes on April 17th at 11:59 pm.

About the Workshop:

In this one-day, in-person workshop, participants will create a softcover binding that connects and separates two distinct book structures—a sewn signature book and an accordion-structured book—allowing them to function as a unified whole or as two independent books. The result is a thoughtful dialogue between the two formats, with heavyweight paper covers suitable for handmade editions, library copies, or artists' books, incorporating innovative and creative aesthetic elements.

For the cover, we will use a structure called LINK in-1, which connects the design of the front cover with the inside design of the cover, creating a related yet distinct repetition of the original motif. It allows for multiple variations through folds and cuts. Students will leave with a unique book structure and the knowledge to re-create it again and again! View a video example of this book structure here!

Required Materials:

• 10 signatures made with 120 gsm paper
• 1 piece of 120–140 gsm paper, 13 cm high × approximately 70 cm long
• 3 pieces of paper in a color of your choice, ideally around 240 gsm. 14 cm high × 40 cm wide 
• 5 additional pieces of paper of any weight and color to create cover mock-ups and explore the LINK in-1 structure.                  

Tools

• Scalpel handle No. 3 and blades No. 11 (a box of 100 blades is recommended)

• 30 cm square (preferably metal)

• Bone folder with a fine tip

• Awl

• Small rulers

• One or more acrylic markers for decorating the covers

• One to three POSCAS markers fine point. (to decorate the covers)

• French curves roulers (optional)

• Screw punch (Optional)

• Metal folder (optional)

A more detailed materials list will be automatically emailed to you upon registration. All other materials will be provided by the Center for Book Arts at no additional cost.

About the Instructor

Sol Rébora is a designer bookbinder working in Buenos Aires, Argentina, sice 1997. She is a well-recognized practitioner, receiving awards both in Argentina and abroad. Her work encompasses innovative and experimental work in designer binding and contemporary conservation methods.

She currently works and teaches courses out of her studio in addition to giving lectures and workshops in present and online at centers or schools including the San Francisco Center for the Book, Iowa University Center for the Book , American Academy of Bookbinding , Penland School of Craft. She participates of different group exhibitions such us Éphémère , Tomorrow’s Past and Les Pages Bien Gardées. Sol’s work may be found in many privet collections and inside of institution’s collections in USA at Athenæum Library Boston and Miami University Special Collection, San Diego Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, Mexico and UK such as and British Library.

All images courtesy of the instructor unless otherwise noted.