Standard Youth Workshops at MCBA

Standard Youth Workshops

Book Art is a vibrant visual and literary art form that is truly interdisciplinary in nature. At Minnesota Center for Book Arts (MCBA), flexible lesson plans and knowledgeable staff allow you to integrate book arts with your existing curriculum. Our teaching style offers a mix of direct instruction and individual creative expression. Standard youth workshops are held both in the MCBA studios and in schools, libraries and community centers.

MCBA's standard youth workshops allow students to demonstrate classroom knowledge in a new environment and through new experiences. Whether creating a classroom anthology or expressing their knowledge of a core subject through book art, students feel a sense of accomplishment in their completed work. Choose from workshops in Printing, Papermaking & Decoration, Bookbinding, and Journals & Classroom Publishing.

WORKSHOP NOTES
Single activity workshops are listed below. Consider pairing workshops to create a unique learning experience for your students!

Papermaking and printing workshops are held at our studios.

Bookbinding workshops are held at our studios and at offsite locations. MCBA instructors can bring all bookbinding materials and tools to your classroom, library or community center.

Each workshop is planned so that students successfully complete the structure. Plan additional time at MCBA or in your classroom to complete page design and decoration. Ask about extended workshops if you would like to work on your books at MCBA.

Workshops are offered year-round Tuesday through Friday and other days upon request.

MCBA studios can accommodate a group of up to 30 students or multiple groups of up to 100 students.

One chaperone is required for every 10 students. Chaperones play a vital role in assisting students and are not charged admission.

Dress for mess! Casual clothes and rubber-soled shoes are recommended.

MCBA studios are accessible to all. Please let us know about special needs when registering.

Workshop prices vary based on the cost of materials used and the length of the workshop.

CUSTOM WORKSHOPS
Don't see exactly what you are looking for? We can customize a project to suit your needs.

Design a richer learning experience for your students by combining workshops. Suggestions include using prints, marbled papers or handmade paper as the covers for hardcover books.

Enhance your workshops by adding an Open Book building tour. This walking tour of our building exposes students to the larger literary community.

Rental space is available at a small fee to accommodate bag lunches.

Workshop Descriptions

PRINTING
Class Font: Print a Poster
This workshop is a great introduction to the history of written communication and letterpress printing through a collaborative printing project. After discussing themes and typographic styles, each student will design one letter to mount on the printing press. The result is a unique limited edition class font poster. Each student will have the opportunity to crank the press handle and print his or her individual copy of the class poster.

Grades K-12
1 hour
$4.75 per person
$95 group minimum
Pressure Printing
Experience the power of multiples in printmaking. Through a process of paper cutting and collaged paper, each student will create their own multi-tone print design. Students will print multiple copies of their individual design on a Vandercook printing press. Pair pressure prints with a book project!

Grades 3-12
1.5 hours
$5.50 per person
$110 group minimum
PAPERMAKING & DECORATION
Introduction to Papermaking
>From papyrus to today's commercial wood pulp, students learn the process of turning plants into paper. Using authentic Western papermaking tools, each student holds a mould and deckle to pull wet paper pulp to make a sheet of cotton paper.

Grades K-12
1 hour
$4.75 per person
$95 group minimum
Exploring Papermaking
Embossing, handprints, shaped papers, double sided papers, and decorative inclusions allow students to explore a new papermaking technique! Ask about creating your own customized initial embossing. Choose the papermaking experience that best fits your class curriculum. This workshop gives students more time to experiment with the techniques of your choice. Ask about combining your handmade papers with a bookbinding project.

Grades 2-12
1.5 hours
$5.75 per person
$115 group minimum
Paper Marbling
For centuries paper marbling was a highly guarded secret. At MCBA your students can discover the rich tradition of paper marbling as they marble sheets of paper that can be used in future classroom projects. Both classical Western design marbling and traditional Japanese suminagashi workshops are available. Consider enhancing a bookbinding workshop with hand-marbled paper.

Grades 3-12
1 hour
$125 per group

Up to 16 students per group. MCBA's paper marbling workshop can accommodate up to two groups for a total of 32 students at one time.
BOOKBINDING
Accordion Books
Found in both ancient and contemporary bookbinding traditions, the versatile accordion book is created by folding a long sheet of paper to create individual pages. This structure allows the viewer to read a page at a time or to view the entire book at a glance. A structure for all ages, the accordion is limited only by the imagination. Three age-appropriate formats are available. New: accordion with a pop-out insert available for grades 3 and up. Enhance this workshop with additional techniques such as pop-ups, sewn pages or hidden pages.

Grades K-12
1-2 hours
$4-8.50 per person
$80-170 group minimum

Softcover or Hardcover
Tunnel Books
Whether you choose the single section tunnel complete with cover and writing space or our new two-section tunnel on sticks, these variations of the accordion book encourage students to think creatively to combine text and images. Whether illustrating a view of stars through a telescope or an animal habitat, the tunnel book draws the reader in to learn more. Colorful cover weight papers are available upon request.

Grades K-12
1-2 hours
$4.50-6.25 per person
$90-125 group minimum
Meander Books
Students young and old can make these books come alive. A single sheet of paper is folded and cut (with the help of a template) to become a school bus, a dog, a mythical dragon or a monster that bites. For older students, the meander book opens to a succession of interior windows on a flat base perfect for student writing. Colorful cover weight papers are available upon request.

Grades K-12
1-2 hours
$4.00-8.50 per person
$80-170 group minimum
Pop-Up Books
Explore the third dimension in bookmaking through paper engineering. Turn one to two sheets of paper into a pop-out scene using cutting and folding techniques. Whether used to portray animal habitats, a self-portrait or a landscape, this book is a perennial favorite. New: dragon pop-up and self-portrait pop-up. Theme templates and heavier paper are available for younger grades.

Grades K-12
1-2 hours
$4.00-8.50 per person
$80-170 group minimum

Softcover or Hardcover
Petal Fold Books
This sculptural book has petal-shaped pages inspired by origami. Choose between the circular star format or the linear bridge format. A photocopier template for composing text is available prior to your workshop to create easy collaborative books. Ask about color wheel books! New: heart-shaped petal folds available. We can photocopy student writing for a fee. Choose between brightly colored pages or subtle earth tones.

Grades 3-12
1-1.5 hours
$5.00-6.50 per person
$100-130 group minimum

Softcover or Hardcover
Flag Books
Surprise your students and challenge them to incorporate text and images in a non-traditional book structure. This variation on an accordion fold has small alternating pages that wave like flags in the wind and open to reveal a hidden illustration or message. A fun book for poems, riddles and question/answer formats. The extended format provides new opportunities for high school students. New large single flag pages are available for younger students. Ask about extended ABC books.

Grades 2-12
1-2 hours
$4.50-8.50 per person
$90-170 group minimum

Softcover or Hardcover
Accordion Pocket Folder
An accordion book taken one fold further, the four-pocket folder is a great way to support student writing with text cards, hold project materials or to use as an interactive classroom tool. Available in two sizes. A+ Idea: sew in pages to make a journal!

Grades K-12
1-2 hours
$4.25-8.50 per person
$85-170 group minimum

Softcover or Hardcover
Folders to Books: The Japanese Paper Folder
This Japanese folder is a single piece of paper folded several times to create multiple pockets. By itself it is perfect to hold papers or cards. Add sewn pages to create a softcover book. Utilize the many pockets for a great research journal. The small format is the perfect size to hold CDs!

Grades 3-12
1-1.5 hours
$5-6.50 per student
$100-120 group minimum
Dos-a-Dos
Two books in one! Two different formats to choose from. Open from one direction to find a Western pamphlet book with sewn pages. Open from the other side to reveal either an Eastern style accordion fold perfect for landscape scenes or a 3-D tunnel book. The dos-a-dos is suitable for longer texts with supporting imagery. The accordion lends itself to landscape scenes, and single sheets for charts, graphs or pictures.

Grades 3-12
2-2.5 hours
$7.25-10 per person
$145-200 group minimum

Softcover or Hardcover
JOURNALS & CLASSROOM PUBLISHING
Hardcover Sketchbook/Journal
This classic hardcover book is a great introduction to Western bookbinding techniques. Students often experience a sense of accomplishment when they bind the traditional personal book. This blank book is perfect for future writing or drawing activities. Completed student writing may also be bound. Pockets and/or a CD holder may be added upon request. Ask about page layout for student writing.

Grades K-12
1.5-2.5 hours
$8-10 per person
$160-200 group minimum
Stab Binding
Students will learn a valuable Eastern bookbinding technique with this simple yet elegant design. The decorative binding is well suited for single sheets. Students make a blank book and learn a binding skill they can easily apply to future school projects. Ideal for publishing student writing. New: Advanced decorative stitching available for high school students. Available in two sizes. Publishing and template available for student writing.

Grades 3-12
1 hour
$4.75-6.25 per person
$95-125 group minimum
Matchbook
Combining a matchbook design with a simple pamphlet stitch, you have one more fun book that is great for jotting down notes or binding student writing. Available in two sizes. Publishing template available for student writing.

Grades 2-12
1 hour
$5.25-6 per person
$105-120 group minimum
Post Bound Album/Portfolio
Not just for photo albums, the versatile hinged screw-post binding is useful for gathering single sheets to use as a portfolio, journal, or to publish student writing. The removable screw post allows for addition, subtraction and reordering of pages in the classroom. Two sizes are available. Holes can be spaced to allow standard 3-hole punched paper in the large format.

Grades 3-12
1-2.5 hours
$6-14 per person
$120-280 group minimum

Softcover or Hardcover
For further information, please contact Jill Weese, Youth Workshops Program Coordinator, at 612.215.2529.


	Standard Youth Workshops Book Art is a vibrant visual and literary art form that is truly interdisciplinary in nature. At Minnesota Center for Book Arts (MCBA), flexible lesson plans and knowledgeable staff allow you to integrate book arts with your existing curriculum. Our teaching style offers a mix of direct instruction and individual creative expression. Standard youth workshops are held both in the MCBA studios and in schools, libraries and community centers. MCBA's standard youth workshops allow students to demonstrate classroom knowledge in a new environment and through new experiences. Whether creating a classroom anthology or expressing their knowledge of a core subject through book art, students feel a sense of accomplishment in their completed work. Choose from workshops in Printing, Papermaking & Decoration, Bookbinding, and Journals & Classroom Publishing. WORKSHOP NOTES Single activity workshops are listed below. Consider pairing workshops to create a unique learning experience for your students! Papermaking and printing workshops are held at our studios. Bookbinding workshops are held at our studios and at offsite locations. MCBA instructors can bring all bookbinding materials and tools to your classroom, library or community center. Each workshop is planned so that students successfully complete the structure. Plan additional time at MCBA or in your classroom to complete page design and decoration. Ask about extended workshops if you would like to work on your books at MCBA. Workshops are offered year-round Tuesday through Friday and other days upon request. MCBA studios can accommodate a group of up to 30 students or multiple groups of up to 100 students. One chaperone is required for every 10 students. Chaperones play a vital role in assisting students and are not charged admission. Dress for mess! Casual clothes and rubber-soled shoes are recommended. MCBA studios are accessible to all. Please let us know about special needs when registering. Workshop prices vary based on the cost of materials used and the length of the workshop. CUSTOM WORKSHOPS Don't see exactly what you are looking for? We can customize a project to suit your needs. Design a richer learning experience for your students by combining workshops. Suggestions include using prints, marbled papers or handmade paper as the covers for hardcover books. Enhance your workshops by adding an Open Book building tour. This walking tour of our building exposes students to the larger literary community. Rental space is available at a small fee to accommodate bag lunches. Workshop Descriptions PRINTING Class Font: Print a Poster This workshop is a great introduction to the history of written communication and letterpress printing through a collaborative printing project. After discussing themes and typographic styles, each student will design one letter to mount on the printing press. The result is a unique limited edition class font poster. Each student will have the opportunity to crank the press handle and print his or her individual copy of the class poster. Grades K-12 1 hour $4.75 per person $95 group minimum Pressure Printing Experience the power of multiples in printmaking. Through a process of paper cutting and collaged paper, each student will create their own multi-tone print design. Students will print multiple copies of their individual design on a Vandercook printing press. Pair pressure prints with a book project! Grades 3-12 1.5 hours $5.50 per person $110 group minimum PAPERMAKING & DECORATION Introduction to Papermaking >From papyrus to today's commercial wood pulp, students learn the process of turning plants into paper. Using authentic Western papermaking tools, each student holds a mould and deckle to pull wet paper pulp to make a sheet of cotton paper. Grades K-12 1 hour $4.75 per person $95 group minimum Exploring Papermaking Embossing, handprints, shaped papers, double sided papers, and decorative inclusions allow students to explore a new papermaking technique! Ask about creating your own customized initial embossing. Choose the papermaking experience that best fits your class curriculum. This workshop gives students more time to experiment with the techniques of your choice. Ask about combining your handmade papers with a bookbinding project. Grades 2-12 1.5 hours $5.75 per person $115 group minimum Paper Marbling For centuries paper marbling was a highly guarded secret. At MCBA your students can discover the rich tradition of paper marbling as they marble sheets of paper that can be used in future classroom projects. Both classical Western design marbling and traditional Japanese suminagashi workshops are available. Consider enhancing a bookbinding workshop with hand-marbled paper. Grades 3-12 1 hour $125 per group Up to 16 students per group. MCBA's paper marbling workshop can accommodate up to two groups for a total of 32 students at one time. BOOKBINDING Accordion Books Found in both ancient and contemporary bookbinding traditions, the versatile accordion book is created by folding a long sheet of paper to create individual pages. This structure allows the viewer to read a page at a time or to view the entire book at a glance. A structure for all ages, the accordion is limited only by the imagination. Three age-appropriate formats are available. New: accordion with a pop-out insert available for grades 3 and up. Enhance this workshop with additional techniques such as pop-ups, sewn pages or hidden pages. Grades K-12 1-2 hours $4-8.50 per person $80-170 group minimum Softcover or Hardcover Tunnel Books Whether you choose the single section tunnel complete with cover and writing space or our new two-section tunnel on sticks, these variations of the accordion book encourage students to think creatively to combine text and images. Whether illustrating a view of stars through a telescope or an animal habitat, the tunnel book draws the reader in to learn more. Colorful cover weight papers are available upon request. Grades K-12 1-2 hours $4.50-6.25 per person $90-125 group minimum Meander Books Students young and old can make these books come alive. A single sheet of paper is folded and cut (with the help of a template) to become a school bus, a dog, a mythical dragon or a monster that bites. For older students, the meander book opens to a succession of interior windows on a flat base perfect for student writing. Colorful cover weight papers are available upon request. Grades K-12 1-2 hours $4.00-8.50 per person $80-170 group minimum Pop-Up Books Explore the third dimension in bookmaking through paper engineering. Turn one to two sheets of paper into a pop-out scene using cutting and folding techniques. Whether used to portray animal habitats, a self-portrait or a landscape, this book is a perennial favorite. New: dragon pop-up and self-portrait pop-up. Theme templates and heavier paper are available for younger grades. Grades K-12 1-2 hours $4.00-8.50 per person $80-170 group minimum Softcover or Hardcover Petal Fold Books This sculptural book has petal-shaped pages inspired by origami. Choose between the circular star format or the linear bridge format. A photocopier template for composing text is available prior to your workshop to create easy collaborative books. Ask about color wheel books! New: heart-shaped petal folds available. We can photocopy student writing for a fee. Choose between brightly colored pages or subtle earth tones. Grades 3-12 1-1.5 hours $5.00-6.50 per person $100-130 group minimum Softcover or Hardcover Flag Books Surprise your students and challenge them to incorporate text and images in a non-traditional book structure. This variation on an accordion fold has small alternating pages that wave like flags in the wind and open to reveal a hidden illustration or message. A fun book for poems, riddles and question/answer formats. The extended format provides new opportunities for high school students. New large single flag pages are available for younger students. Ask about extended ABC books. Grades 2-12 1-2 hours $4.50-8.50 per person $90-170 group minimum Softcover or Hardcover Accordion Pocket Folder An accordion book taken one fold further, the four-pocket folder is a great way to support student writing with text cards, hold project materials or to use as an interactive classroom tool. Available in two sizes. A+ Idea: sew in pages to make a journal! Grades K-12 1-2 hours $4.25-8.50 per person $85-170 group minimum Softcover or Hardcover Folders to Books: The Japanese Paper Folder This Japanese folder is a single piece of paper folded several times to create multiple pockets. By itself it is perfect to hold papers or cards. Add sewn pages to create a softcover book. Utilize the many pockets for a great research journal. The small format is the perfect size to hold CDs! Grades 3-12 1-1.5 hours $5-6.50 per student $100-120 group minimum Dos-a-Dos Two books in one! Two different formats to choose from. Open from one direction to find a Western pamphlet book with sewn pages. Open from the other side to reveal either an Eastern style accordion fold perfect for landscape scenes or a 3-D tunnel book. The dos-a-dos is suitable for longer texts with supporting imagery. The accordion lends itself to landscape scenes, and single sheets for charts, graphs or pictures. Grades 3-12 2-2.5 hours $7.25-10 per person $145-200 group minimum Softcover or Hardcover JOURNALS & CLASSROOM PUBLISHING Hardcover Sketchbook/Journal This classic hardcover book is a great introduction to Western bookbinding techniques. Students often experience a sense of accomplishment when they bind the traditional personal book. This blank book is perfect for future writing or drawing activities. Completed student writing may also be bound. Pockets and/or a CD holder may be added upon request. Ask about page layout for student writing. Grades K-12 1.5-2.5 hours $8-10 per person $160-200 group minimum Stab Binding Students will learn a valuable Eastern bookbinding technique with this simple yet elegant design. The decorative binding is well suited for single sheets. Students make a blank book and learn a binding skill they can easily apply to future school projects. Ideal for publishing student writing. New: Advanced decorative stitching available for high school students. Available in two sizes. Publishing and template available for student writing. Grades 3-12 1 hour $4.75-6.25 per person $95-125 group minimum Matchbook Combining a matchbook design with a simple pamphlet stitch, you have one more fun book that is great for jotting down notes or binding student writing. Available in two sizes. Publishing template available for student writing. Grades 2-12 1 hour $5.25-6 per person $105-120 group minimum Post Bound Album/Portfolio Not just for photo albums, the versatile hinged screw-post binding is useful for gathering single sheets to use as a portfolio, journal, or to publish student writing. The removable screw post allows for addition, subtraction and reordering of pages in the classroom. Two sizes are available. Holes can be spaced to allow standard 3-hole punched paper in the large format. Grades 3-12 1-2.5 hours $6-14 per person $120-280 group minimum Softcover or Hardcover *For further information, please contact Jill Weese, Youth Workshops Program Coordinator, at 612.215.2529*.