In this two day workshop, we’ll explore a variety of modern and historical edge decoration techniques that can add an extra element to your artist’s books or fine bindings. We’ll start the class with a visit to the University of Iowa Libraries’ Special Collections to look at some examples of edge decoration that will inform and inspire us. Students will learn how to prepare an edge for decoration, and will have the opportunity to experiment with a mélange of edge decoration techniques including sprinkled edges, solid colored edges using gauche, acrylics, graphite, and patterned edges using stencils, stamps, and gauffering. Edge gilding will also be discussed.

Bexx Caswell is a bookbinder and book conservator working in private practice. She specializes in custom binding, miniature books, and book conservation. Before moving to Iowa City last December, Bexx spent nearly a decade living in the Boston area where she worked in a variety of libraries and conservation labs, including those at Harvard and MIT. She holds a Certificate in Bookbinding from the North Bennet Street School and a Master’s of Library Science from Simmons College. In addition to her passion for bookbinding, Bexx also has an affinity for typography, bibliomysteries, and vegan baking.