Medieval Leather Journal In-Store Class April 2

Medieval Leather Journal In-Store Class
Sunday, April 2, noon-4pm
Instructor: Jeff Becker
Limit: 6 students

Class Details:

We love the rough, irregular look of this leather journal from local book artist Jeff Becker. It features the German long stitch, an historical binding in which the book’s signatures are sewn directly through the leather cover to form a decorative pattern on the spine. The long stitch dates to the 1300s and was particularly popular in the medieval period. It was eclipsed for a while by other bindings but has experienced a resurgence because it’s a strong binding that travels well. It also lets the pages of the opened book lay flat, making writing and sketching easy. 

Jeff shows you how to create the journal, literally from start to finish. Tear down large sheets of paper to create pages, assemble the pages into signatures, punch holes in the leather cover, and sew in the signatures. In keeping with the book’s character, add end papers and attach a bookmark of ribbon. Finally, personalize your new journal with a wrap closure that’s embellished with a button and large beads. 

This is a durable journal that’s meant for use. It can stand up to lots of daily wear and tear!

COVID SAFETY
Masks are optional and encouraged for all students and instructors. Students will be provided their own set of tools, which are sanitized between every class session. Due to the size of our class space we are unable to practice social distancing in the classroom. The requirements for store staff and customers will follow Boulder County mask and safety mandates. Please contact twohandsclasses@gmail.com ahead of time if you have specific questions regarding class covid safety.

Class Materials

Please bring the following materials:

• Button with shank for the closure
• Optional: favorite ribbon for book marks. Bring two of them, each 16” long and no greater than ¾” wide.
• Optional: Favorite plain and/or decorative paper to use for end papers: two sheets, each cut before class to 9-1/2” x 7”. Grain is not important. (A variety of pre-cut papers will be provided for the class - source your own if you would like something more custom.)
• Optional: beads for embellishment
• Optional: apron

There are a variety of papers and ribbons for you to purchase at the store if you prefer. Also, Jeff will bring additional covers to buy if you’d like to make more journals at home. The covers are $25 each, cash or check directly to him.

Class Materials Include:

• Instructions & resource list
• Leather covers
• Page paper
• Waxed linen thread
• Bookbinding tools to use in class

Class Refund/Cancellation Policy

Cancellations made up to 14 days prior to the first class meeting will be refunded or, at the participant's option, used to pay for another class. Two Hands Paperie will retain a $10 processing fee for EACH class cancelled by a participant. After 14 days, there is no refund or credit. In addition, the fee for a class cancelled within this 14-day timeframe by a participant cannot be transferred to pay for another class. These policies are to ensure that teachers are compensated for their investment in materials and in time spent preparing for the class. We reserve the right to cancel a class if fewer than 3 students enroll 48 hours prior to the scheduled class time. If for any reason Two Hands Paperie cancels a class, students will be called at the phone number on file and refunded the FULL class fee.

Instructor Bio

Jeff Becker experimented with different media for years before discovering the book. He was immediately drawn to the possibilities of the form: how binding serves as an introduction to the content; the effect of structure on movement; the delightful anticipation one experiences when turning a page; the subsequent surprise or resolution; and how all the senses are involved when one handles a book. Jeff has been making journals ever since, and currently teaches workshops for Two Hands Paperie, The Book Arts League, and pARTiculars gallery in Lafayette. His education includes classes at the American Academy of Bookbinding, workshops with local and nationally known binders, and trial and error. See his work on Facebook.