The Flatback Case Reimagined
March 12 @ 10:00 am – June 4 @ 1:30 pm
Instructor: Daniel Kelm ( artist bio )
Venue: Online (Zoom)
Days: Thursdays, every other week
Date: March 12, 26, April 9, 23, May 7, 21, & June 4, 2026
Time: 10 AM to 1:30PM, Pacific Time, including breaks
Skill Level: All levels
Class Description:
Imagine a flatback binding that opens beautifully, each and every spread opening flat!
In this course, you will make two books: one with a traditional sewn-all-along text block comprised of text-weight paper folded and gathered into sections; and a board book (what Tim Ely calls a Drumleaf) configuration that opens completely flat even with thick printmaking paper. Consider the appeal of a print stretching from one fore edge to the other, interrupted only by the fold. This is achievable with the board-book-style text block. No thread interrupts the visual of the image.
The boards will be paper-covered, and your spine will be covered in cloth.
The materials kit will include enough pieces to make models at various stages of production. These will serve as excellent reminders when you come back again and again to use this binding structure.
We will have ample opportunity for discussing a broad range of topics, such as: the dynamics of how books open and close; the use of wet gluing with polyvinyl acetate (PVA) and paste, and how to modify the adhesive to give it desirable working characteristics; and the management of the drying operations that result with the use of wet glue.
Further notes from Daniel:
“I was inspired to create this binding style when I first saw Gary Frost’s Sewn Boards Binding. The Sewn Boards Binding is suitable for a small book with a text block of a limited number of signatures. The cover boards are flush with the text block, and the spine is offset. Gary’s development of an offset spine configuration is a great innovation, and set my imagination working.
The offset attachment of the spine is the reason the book is so flexible and opens beautifully. The spine piece of the case is not attached at the spine edge of the cover boards, as in other books, but, rather, the spine piece attaches some distance in from the spine edge. This seemingly small change results in much more flexibility and movement.
I asked myself: What if I keep the offset spine, but take a more finished approach to the covers? A “square” would be attractive. A “square” means the cover boards are some small dimension larger than the text block.
The term “case binding” refers to a structure in which the text block and case (the two covers with the spine in between) are constructed independently, and then brought together in a final assembly.
My Flatback Case binding has a case with offset spine that is a three-piece construction—the spine and two cover boards. This means it is built up of smaller, simpler pieces, and lends itself to an efficient production process. This binding is suitable for one-of-a-kinds but especially valuable when editioning.
The traditional rounded and backed binding is much more common than flatback styles, but the flatback has the advantage of being simpler overall. For example, less equipment and less experience are required. In addition, the flatback has a more contemporary, less traditional look.”
Class Kits: Class materials kits will be sent by the instructor. Shipping and kit costs are included in the class price.*
Tools & Supplies: All tools and some supplies to be provided by registrant. Guidance will be offered in SDBA’s timely Welcome Letter or the teacher’s PDFs.
Class Recordings: Class Recordings will be available to all registrants for one month following each class.
Class Fees:
Early Enrollment Program (EEP): $540
Member: $700
Non-member: $775
Early Enrollment Program (EEP) is a member only, non-refundable discount. Join SDBA at checkout for reduced class fees.
*International Shipping Note: We adore our worldwide community of book artists! Please, we ask for your awareness that increased costs for International Shipping must be covered by the registrant and paid directly to SDBA. Each individual will be notified of the extra amounts due.
EEP Deadline: February 3, 2026
Registration Deadline: February 25, 2026