Rocky Mountain Clamshell Box Workshop

Over two days we will construct a simple clamshell box, also known as a ‘drop-back’, ‘drop-spine’, or ‘Solander’ box.

The clamshell box is a sturdy and simple structure, often used for conservation, storing books, prints, or valuable objects. At the end of the class, you’ll go home with a beautiful hand-made box and the skills to make more at home using minimal equipment.

This workshop is suitable for all levels; no prior bookbinding experience is necessary. It is a good opportunity to practice accurate measuring, folding, glueing, and cutting skills which are ultimately crucial for mastering box-making technique.

All materials and tools will be provided.

Darin Grassman is a bookbinder and artist whose interdisciplinary practice is tethered to the methods of bookbinding. Alongside her studio practice, Darin produces custom books and boxes for artists and runs LA Bookmaker, a line of small-edition stationery made from repurposed materials. Darin holds a BFA from California College of the Arts in San Francisco in painting and MA in textile design from The Royal College of Art in London. She has worked as a commercial bookbinder in Berkeley, Los Angeles, and London and is a member of the Guild of Bookworkers Rocky Mountain Chapter.

 

February 27 & 28, 2027 9:30am-3:30pm MST

Freyer Newman Center at the Denver Botanic Gardens

1085 York St., Denver, CO 80206

 

Deadline for Registration: 2/21/2026

Max Number of Participants 10

 

$245 + $55 materials fee for members

$290 + $55 materials fee for non-members

Cancellation policy:

Cancellations requested 15 or more days before the beginning of a workshop will receive a full refund of tuition and materials fee, minus a $25 processing charge.

Cancellations requested 7-14 days prior to the workshop will receive a 50% refund of tuition, minus a $25 processing charge.

No refunds are possible for cancellations 6 or fewer days in advance of the first day of class, or for no-shows.