Medieval Miniature Full-Leather Bookbinding—Aug 28 @ 6 pm to 9 pm & Aug 29 @ 10 am to 6 pm

Step back into medieval Europe and experience the craftsmanship of early bookbinders in this immersive Medieval Miniature Full-Leather Bookbinding workshop. This little book is a replica of one of the oldest books we have worked on, François de Sales Horæ Diurnæ or Book of Hours circa 1400.

This 2×3 full-leather structure reflects the techniques of monastic artisans who bound books for education, faith communities, and record-keeping. Durable, elegant, and built to last generations, this structure represents the ingenuity and skill of early bookbinding craft.

Under the guidance of an experienced bookbinder, you will:

• Fold and prepare high-quality paper for binding
• Sew a text block using the distinctive single-cord structure
• Hand-sew headbands
• Attach boards
• Pare and shape a durable full-leather cover

We won’t be doing the blind tooling shown in the images during this class, BUT we do have a blind tooling class on our schedule, and this book would be perfect as your model.

Throughout the day, we will also discuss the historical role of books in history—how they functioned not only as practical tools for their time, but as treasured heirlooms passed from generation to generation.

Skill Level

This is an advanced binding structure.

While not required, we strongly recommend prior experience with at least one of these:

• Leather Long Stitch
• French Link Stitch
• Colonial Half-Leather Single Cord Binding

and

• Hand-sewing headbands

Students comfortable with sewing on cords and working with leather will gain the most from this workshop.

What You’ll Leave With

• A completed 2×3 full-leather bound book
• Deeper understanding of early American binding traditions
• Expanded technical skill in historical leather structures

All materials are provided.