Let's learn about headbands (and how to make our own)! In modern, commercial bookbinding, headbands appear at the top and bottom of a book’s page block to provide a subtle touch of decoration (and often to hide some messy spine-work). They’re a hint of colorful flash just there for show.
But historically headbands weren’t just cosmetic: they were an essential part of a book’s structure and were handsewn in some elaborate and beautiful ways to enhance the book’s character. Join The Bindery’s Lead Bookbinder, Daniel Ehn for this intermediate-level class on how to craft sewn silk headbands of your own.
*Note: this class is one in a three-part series that builds toward a final 19th Century-style full leatherbound book. It can be taken on its own but interested students are encouraged to also sign up for Leather 101 and the final class as well in order to put these foundational skills to work in a master project.
In this class students will:
- Learn about the historical context of headbands and see examples of different styles in use.
- Be taught two of the most common and useful headband styles and how to go about sewing them.
- Be provided with two premade sewn book text blocks to work with and practice the styles.
- Choose from a variety of silk thread colors to customize their headbands
Students will leave the class with a broader understanding of headbands as well as the two small book page blocks they sewed their bands onto (ready to case-in at home studio or at our shop as a member of The Bindery)! Those interested in creating a fully completed book should look into our leatherbound course in January.
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Masks are not required at the time of this posting, but are very welcome. This may change by the time of the class, and The Bindery reserves the right to require masks or other safety precautions at any time. Participants will be alerted to any changes prior to the workshop.
*Due to the small nature of classes and the upfront materials costs, The Bindery has a no refunds or exchanges policy. If you cannot make it for some reason, please send a friend in your stead and let us know!