Design Methods and Processes in Contemporary Bookbinding

Course Code: 25SPD001I

This in-person workshop will take place on Sunday, April 6th, 2024 from 11:00AM–5:00PM ET

  • Sunday, April 6th, 11:00am–5:00pm ET

Registration for this workshop closes on March 27 at 11:59pm ET.


About the Workshop:

One of the biggest challenges in design bookbinding is finding a creative image that is closely related to the content of the book we need to bind and then translating that image into the techniques of the craft. In this class, we will explore various processes and methods that facilitate the development of an appropriate image for bookbinding, pushing the boundaries of our own creative limits. Ideas do not emerge out of nowhere; it is necessary to activate the creative engine to generate designs for the binding of each book, which may require a different approach. Mastering various techniques and tools offers greater flexibility, opening new creative channels of communication with the material to be bound.


Required Materials:

  • Each participant should bring 2 books to work with, not for binding, but to use as a starting point for the creative work. The book size should be approximately A5.
  • Bring markers, pencils, paints, or brushes that you would like to work with.

All other materials will be provided by Center for Book Arts at no additional cost.


About the Instructor

Sol Rébora is a designer bookbinder working in Buenos Aires, Argentina, since 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. 

Class size is limited to 12 participants to ensure an optimal participant to Instructor ratio. Register now before spots fill up! Registration for this workshop closes on March 27th at 11:59pm. Tuition for this course is $210 + a $25 materials fee. If you cannot comfortably pay tuition but are interested in taking this class, please consider filling out our financial assistance application here. We will notify you if you are selected to receive a scholarship before the start date of the class. To view more information about our current scholarship opportunities, please visit this link.

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