UPMSP Intermediate Book Craft study plan

Identify and classify at least 15 paper and board types by weight (gsm), grain direction, and typical bookbinding use, using physical samples or a self-made reference chart.

Explain the terms grain, warp, deckle, caliper, and pH, and demonstrate how to test grain direction on three different paper stocks.

Describe the five fundamental binding methods (case, perfect, coptic, stab, accordion) and list one strength and one weakness for each.

Set up a personal binding vocabulary log with 30 key terms and definitions in your own words.

Demonstrate the full case binding sequence: folding signatures, sewing on tapes, gluing the spine, making the case, and casing in.

Prepare and sew a minimum of four signatures using both running stitch and French link stitch, and compare the resulting spine flexibility.

Measure and cut boards and covering material with less than 1 mm variance on all edges.

Explain the purpose of the grain direction in relation to the spine and the consequences of ignoring it.

Produce a perfect-bound (glued) notebook and a coptic-bound notebook, documenting the step-by-step process for each.

Select and justify the appropriate adhesive (PVA, methyl cellulose, paste, or glue stick) for three different binding tasks.

Identify and safely use at least eight hand tools (bone folder, awl, needle, knife, ruler, cutting mat, press, brush) and state the maintenance requirement for each.

Compare the cost and durability of three binding methods using a simple scoring rubric.

Diagnose five common binding faults (loose signatures, cracked hinge, spine detachment, torn page, warped board) on practice books and propose a repair for each.

Perform a hinge tightening and a spine reback on a damaged practice book using reversible materials.

Explain the principle of reversibility in conservation and name three materials that are reversible and three that are not.

Document before-and-after conditions of a repaired book with a written condition report.

Clean and stabilize a soiled or foxed page using dry-cleaning methods (soft brush, eraser, or smoke sponge) without damaging the paper.

Design and execute a cover decoration using at least two techniques (e.g., foil tooling, blind tooling, paste paper, or block printing).

Apply the principles of cover layout: hierarchy, margin, contrast, and legibility, and critique three existing book covers against these principles.

Produce a color and material sample board for a planned cover design.

Create one handmade artistic book form (e.g., accordion, tunnel book, or exposed-spine journal) that departs from a standard codex.

Experiment with at least three decorative paper techniques (marbling, paste paper, suminagashi) and select the best result for a project.

Integrate text and image into an artistic book layout that maintains structural integrity when opened.

Present the finished artistic book to a peer or mentor and collect structured feedback.

Conduct a hazard audit of your workspace and correct at least five issues (sharp tool storage, adhesive ventilation, cutting mat placement, fire safety, ergonomics).

Demonstrate sharpening and honing of a knife and a bone folder, and establish a monthly tool-maintenance schedule.

Write a standard operating procedure (SOP) for safe use of sharp tools and adhesives.

Organize materials and tools into a labeled storage system that reduces search time and damage.

Calculate the full cost (materials, labor, overhead, packaging) of one book product and set a retail price with a target margin.

Build a simple pricing spreadsheet with formulas for material cost per unit and break-even quantity.

Draft a one-page product catalog entry and a short customer-facing description for one book product.

Create a 30-day vocational action plan for selling or teaching book craft, including one marketing channel and one pricing strategy.