Karen Hanmer, 2016. 

Contemporary Paper Bindings is a skill-building guide to bookbinding techniques, tools, and materials. Chapters on tools and supplies, ergonomics, signature preparation, endsheets, sewing, spine-lining, and working with case-weight papers precede complete instructions for crafting ten different paper binding structures. Each process is illustrated with numerous b&w photographs and diagrams. The manual ends with with a glossary and an extensive bibliography (many of the resources available online). The ten paper bindings presented here can be constructed in a sparsely equipped studio with minimal specialized tools or equipment. Most can be made with little or no adhesive. 

These structures can serve as an introduction to basic bookbinding techniques. More experienced practitioners will learn how features from multiple bindings can be combined to create a new, custom structure to meet the requirements of any project. The book is also a valuable resource for anyone teaching bookbinding. 

Structures include: Paper Case with Tuck-In Endsheets, Paper Case with Locking Spine, Laced Paper Case with Unsupported Sewing, Laced Paper Case with Supported Sewing, Paper Case with Adhesive Attachment, Exposed Sewing with Decorative Guards, Long Stitch through Slotted Paper Cover, Multi-Section Pamphlet, Double Pamphlet with Tipped Wrapper, German Stiffened Paper Binding. 

130 pages. Softcover book measures 8.5x11 inches.  

Karen Hanmer’s work utilizes both traditional and contemporary book structures, and is often playful in content or format. She exhibits widely, and her work is represented in more than 200 collections internationally. She has served on the editorial board of The Bonefolder, as Exhibitions Chair for the Guild of Book Workers, and has presented twice at the Guild’s annual Standards of Excellence Seminar. Her practice is unusually varied, including design bindings, artists’ books, and bookbinding instructional materials. Her thoughtful approach to structure gives students the tools to reach across history and technique to create a sound and satisfying binding.