SMCE4002 W27 Hardcover Books 

• Duration: 4 weeks
• Day of the Week: Wednesdays
• Dates: Wednesday, January  20, 2027 to February 10, 2027
• Time: 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Location: Kelly Library Print Studio on campus at the University of St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto
• Cost: $367.25 (includes HST) 

Course Overview

 In this intermediate course, learners will be working with more advanced book structures. We will explore three variations of hard-covered books with single and multiple sections. The first style dresses up single-signature pamphlet books. The second, Sewn Board Binding, is a variation allowing for flat opening of the book. The last, Case Bound Book, has the traditional look of a shelf-ready hardcover tome. All three structures are sewn and glued, covered in cloth and paper, and can be used as journals, sketchbooks, or artist books.  

Method of Instruction

This course combines guided demonstrations with hands-on practice to teach two hardcover book structures. Learners will explore the flat-opening Sewn Board Binding and the traditional Case Bound Book. Each project involves sewing, gluing, and covering with cloth or paper, with step-by-step instruction ensuring mastery of each technique. Small-group guidance and individual feedback will support learners in refining skills and troubleshooting challenges, resulting in three completed books suitable for use as journals, sketchbooks, or artist’s books.

Learning Outcomes:  

In this course, you will: 

• Develop skills in creating advanced book structures  
• Learn techniques of sewing, gluing, and covering books with cloth and paper  
• Explore the practical applications of these book forms for personal projects, such as journals, sketchbooks, or artist books, and their potential for customization  

Andrew Huot

Andrew Huot is a book artist and bookbinder in Toronto, ON, Canada, where he operates Big River Bindery. He taught bookbinding, conservation, and preservation at the School of Information Sciences at the University of Illinois for 12 years. In addition to conservation and bookbinding, he teaches bookbinding and book arts in his Scarborough studio, for the Canadian Bookbinders and Book Artists Guild, and at arts centers around Toronto. He holds a Masters in Book Arts from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and his artists’ books use photographs, linoleum cuts, and text to share the humorous side of everyday life. His artists’ books are in collections including the Art Institute of Chicago, Yale University, Emory University, and Ontario College of Art & Design. See more of his work at bigriverbindery.com and andrewhuot.com  

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