Category: Binding & Boxmaking

with Stephanie Wolff
Wednesday, April 24; 5–8pm CT

Volvelles, sometimes known as wheel charts, are tools to help explain complex concepts and relationships. These structures have been used in historic books, promotional materials, devices to aid computation, as well as artistic applications. Two or more circles turn to show information through cut out windows. This virtual workshop covers a basic version of a volvelle and discussion of variations and ideas about incorporating content. Our focus will be on making models and learning how these devices function to create more complex and finished versions after the workshop. Examples of volvelles made by the teaching artist and others will be shown to help participants imagine possibilities for their own creations. Volvelles make engaging, interactive artist’s books. They can also make for playful and meaningful gifts to celebrate a friend or family member’s milestone—a birthday, graduation, or other special occasion. Continue reading “Moving Circles: Volvelles”

with Rachel Payne
Saturdays: April 27 & May 4; 1–4pm CT

Stab bindings feature single sheets bound with decorative, exposed sewing at the spine. Often referred to as Japanese, the stab binding was developed in many East Asian countries including Japan, China, Korea, and Vietnam—in Southeast Asia. The earliest known stab bindings date back to at least the 15th century—the Ming dynasty in China and the Sengoku period in Japan—and are still made today. We will briefly discuss the history of these bindings as well as the materials involved: mulberry paper, thread, needle, and awl. Learn several traditional patterns and one or two nontraditional patterns including “ledger,” “four eyes,” “noble,” “tortoise,” and more if time allows. Through step-by-step demonstration and visual handouts, we’ll walk through each sewing pattern as a group with the instructor providing individual support as needed.  Continue reading “East Asian Stab Bindings”

with María Carolina Ceballos
Tuesdays: May 7 & 14; 4:30–6:30pm CT

In this virtual workshop, learn how to create a simple, non-adhesive binding with a mechanical spine that collapses when the book is opened on a flat surface. This elegant binding lays flat when fully open, which makes it ideal for personalized sketchbooks, journals, and artists’ books. First, learn an uncomplicated French stitch to sew the sections and covers of the book together. Then, construct the spine and attach it to the sewn book. Basic binding experience is required, including measuring, cutting, and folding paper, as well as a familiarity with tools such as a utility knife, bone folder, sewing needle, and awl. Continue reading “Mechanical Spine Binding”

with Erin Maurelli
Wednesdays: May 8, 15, 22, 29; 7–9pm CT

This virtual workshop is perfect for anyone new to book arts who would like to learn something a little different. Building boxes with high-density board, often called “book board,” is a time-honored tradition within book arts. Hand-built boxes serve many functions, from holding tools to preserving fragile books. Participants will learn the basics of box building while creating two unique boxes with lids. Continue reading “Box Building for Beginners”

with India Johnson
Thursdays: May 9, 16, 23; 6–9pm CT

Explore the book as sculpture in this in-person workshop. Consider the book’s objectness in terms of volume, weight, and space/location. Get inspired by images of sculptural books and book installations by a variety of artists in each session. Then, learn how to make a sculptural book or a book structure that lends itself well to installation. For example, it may be constructed of many folded units that can be arranged sequentially on a wall. Experiment with ideas based on what you learned in addition to guided prompts that push you to think about books in three dimensions.

At the end of the workshop, participants will be guided through the process of installation, presentation (this includes photographing work and drafting “wall text” to label your work for potential exhibitions), and lighting a sculptural bookwork in MCBA’s bindery and reference library before taking home finished work. Friendly group feedback may be shared, if time allows. Continue reading “Sculptural Book Lab”

Tuesday, May 14; 6:30-7:30pm CT

If you aren’t already trained to use our cutting equipment, here is your opportunity! Through hands-on training you will learn the capabilities of each piece of MCBA’s bindery cutting equipment, and how to use them correctly and safely. Completion of this training will allow you to rent this equipment and use it independently. This orientation was previously titled Cutting Equipment Training. Studio Labs are not eligible for Certificate credit.

Continue reading “Cutting Equipment Orientation: May 14”

with Stephanie Wolff
Wednesday, May 15; 5–8pm CT

A circle? A donut? A torus! Whatever you think of when you see this accordion, the shape has lots of fun possibilities for content. When open, it’s donut-shaped; when folded up, it’s a wedge—like a piece of pie without the tip. In this virtual workshop, learn how to draw out the form, cut and fold, and make a simple wrapper for your own toroidal accordion! Our focus will be on making a model that participants can use as a reference for making more accordions after the workshop. A drawing compass is required, but no advanced math is involved. Continue reading “Toroidal (Circle) Accordion”

with Rachel Payne
Saturday, May 18; 9am–4pm CT

In this in-person workshop, learn foundational techniques and methods to care for aged and damaged paper. Begin with an overview of basic and historical paper-treatment methods, then find inspiration in books and papers participants bring to the workshop to learn specific techniques for treating paper that is dirty, bent, curled, folded, dog-eared, taped, or torn. These methods and techniques will give you the skills you need to care for your personal collection and to begin your journey into book repair. Instruction and demonstrations will take place throughout the day with time for one-to-one guidance on individual repair projects. Bring in aged and damaged paper and books that you would like to evaluate and treat.  Continue reading “Book Repair: When Paper Fails”

with India Johnson
Wednesdays: May 29, June 5, 12; 9am–12pm CT

In this in-person workshop, learn foundational skills in bookbinding while making three book structures: pamphlet binding (single- and double-section), slotted tape binding, and a hardcover, flat-back book with three-piece case. An introduction to basic tools and materials will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to make these bindings again in different sizes and with other options for materials. Learn how to find the grain direction in a variety of papers along with how to score and fold paper. Get familiar with book cloth and how to handle common bookbinding adhesives. Learn methods of measuring paper and basic cutting equipment operation. Come away with a strong foundation for growing your confidence in bookbinding and the skills needed to make your own notebooks and journals at MCBA’s Bookbinding Labs. Continue reading “Introduction to Hand Bookbinding: Morning Section”

with India Johnson
Thursdays: May 30, June 6, 13; 6–9pm CT

In this in-person workshop, learn foundational skills in bookbinding while making three book structures: pamphlet binding (single- and double-section), slotted tape binding, and a hardcover, flat-back book with three-piece case. An introduction to basic tools and materials will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to make these bindings again in different sizes and with other options for materials. Learn how to find the grain direction in a variety of papers along with how to score and fold paper. Get familiar with book cloth and how to handle common bookbinding adhesives. Learn methods of measuring paper and basic cutting equipment operation. Come away with a strong foundation for growing your confidence in bookbinding and the skills needed to make your own notebooks and journals at MCBA’s Bookbinding Labs. Continue reading “Introduction to Hand Bookbinding: Evening Section”

with Erin Maurelli
Wednesdays: June 5, 12, 26; 7–9pm CT

Clamshell boxes are used to store and protect precious objects—anything from books to a collection of artworks to sheet music. In this virtual workshop, create a small clamshell box to fit a deck of cards. Expand your experience in the basics of box building by developing skills to make hinges and learning about the function of these useful structures. Basic box building experience is required, including experience covering and pasting down boards and checking that boards and compartments are square. Continue reading “Box Building: Clamshell Boxes”