Papermaking & Paper Marbling

MCBA’s in-person and virtual workshops in book arts are designed for adults looking to spark their creativity and professionals aiming to hone their practice. Our in-studio workshops offer hands-on experiences with specialized equipment and small class sizes, and often include a physical takeaway like a book, poster, or handmade paper. Virtual workshops feature processes that require easy-to-source materials and the opportunity to connect with artists from near and far. Our teaching artists—who bring a wide range of experience and education—thoughtfully balance lecture, demonstration, work time, and group sharing.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.


European Papermaking

with Bridget O’Malley
Saturday, March 23; 10am–4pm and Sunday, March 24; 1–4pm CT

Learn the tools, terminology, and procedures of European-style papermaking in this in-person studio workshop. Participants will be guided through fiber preparation, the process of using moulds and deckles to form sheets, and techniques for pressing and drying. Our focus will be on consistent sheet formation and safe, effective beater use, empowering participants with a solid grounding in materials and techniques for future independent papermaking in MCBA’s Papermaking Labs Continue reading “European Papermaking”

A History of the Book for Book Artists

with Rebecca Hranj
Saturday, March 30; 10am–4pm CT

What is a book? As book artists we continuously explore this question through our own work and our thoughts about the work of others. In this in-person workshop, we will consider how we can make our own work richer by asking, “What has a book been?” Through the lens of book history we will examine a variety of books: print books in our hands, images of books photographed by libraries and museums, and books that are exclusively digital. With this new knowledge we will work together to develop individual projects that engage historical bindings and methods. Questions we wrestle with may include: Is this how my ancestors would have done it? What role does colonization play in this book? Who has been oppressed, erased, or stigmatized through these materials? Can I cue my audience about the content by referring to the design of an important book—say, a 1940s pulp novel or a hand-lettered medieval manuscript? Come with open curiosity and leave with new context for your artistic practice. Continue reading “A History of the Book for Book Artists”

Marbling Focus: Combs & Patterns

with Parry Cadwallader
Saturday, March 30; 10am–4pm CT

This in-person workshop focuses on one of the main tools of marbling: the comb. We will discuss a variety of multi-step patterns and explore the many ways various combs can be used to create exciting and unexpected variations. Starting from basic patterns, participants will build on their fundamental marbling knowledge and end the class having learned and practiced a number of advanced patterns, allowing them to invent new patterns during future sessions at the marbling tank. Continue reading “Marbling Focus: Combs & Patterns”

Paper Beater Training: April 6

Saturday, April 6; 11am-12pm CT
Papermaking Experience Required

If you aren’t already trained to use our paper beaters, here is your opportunity! Through hands-on training you will learn the capabilities of each piece of MCBA’s paper beaters, and how to use them correctly and safely. Completion of this training will allow you to rent this equipment and use it independently. Studio Labs are not eligible for Certificate credit.
Continue reading “Paper Beater Training: April 6”

Introduction to Marbling: April

with Heather RJ Fletcher
Saturday, April 13; 10am–4pm CT

Experience the magic of marbling firsthand with this single-day, in-person workshop! Learn the basic process of paper marbling with acrylics, including recipes for the various components of the process. Make four basic patterns (stones, moire/waved, git-gel, and nonpareil), explore seasonal color palettes, and take home your own marbled papers ready to be used in bookbinding and other arts. Participants will leave the workshop with the confidence to work independently at MCBA’s Marbling Labs. Continue reading “Introduction to Marbling: April”

DIY Papermaking at Home

with Sophia Hotzler
Wednesday, April 17; 6–8:30pm CT

Want to make paper at home but not sure where to start? In this virtual workshop, learn the process of making paper pulp with repurposed paper (newspapers, computer printouts, and artwork—old drawings or prints that you are ready to part with). Make your own basic mould and deckle with supplies that can be found in your home or at a local store. Learn how to set up a basic at-home papermaking space and gain fundamental knowledge and skills necessary to confidently explore and experiment with pulp and paper. This workshop will be part lecture and part guided demonstration. Participants are encouraged to follow along with the demonstrations to make their own pulp, mould, and deckle, but it is not required. There may be time to pull a few sheets of paper during the workshop before learning how to properly empty the vat and store leftover pulp for future use. Continue reading “DIY Papermaking at Home”

Japanese Papermaking

with Bridget O’Malley
Saturday, April 20; 10am–5pm CT

Explore the tools and techniques of Japanese papermaking in this in-person workshop. Learn fiber preparation techniques including cooking, cleaning and hand beating, sheet formation, pressing, and drying. Finished papers can be strong yet nearly translucent, and sheet size can range from 5 x 7 inches to 5 x 7 feet! Come away from the workshop with the skills needed to make Japanese paper independently during MCBA’s Papermaking Labs. Continue reading “Japanese Papermaking”

Marbling Focus: Stone & Moire

with Heather RJ Fletcher
Saturday, April 27; 10am–4pm CT

This in-person workshop focuses on honing skills needed to marble stone and moire patterns. First, refine the stone pattern technique using a combination of plastic whisks and eye droppers. Then, explore how to make specialty stone patterns using non-contaminating tank solvents. Instruction will also cover techniques to hone your skills making beautiful moire patterns. Come away with several timeless papers for bookbinding, collage, box making, letterpress, or other projects.  Continue reading “Marbling Focus: Stone & Moire”

Book Arts Camp! Ages 12–15

with Rachel Payne
Tuesday–Friday, July 9–12; 10am–4pm CT

Explore new art mediums in MCBA’s book arts studios! Learn four bindings and several paper decoration techniques in this four-day, in-person book arts immersion designed for ages 12–15! Start by learning the flexagon, an origami-like structure that is part book, part toy! Learn traditional side-stitch bindings, commonly referred to as Japanese, but actually developed in many East Asian countries including Japan, China, Korea, and Vietnam—in Southeastern Asia. Make a tunnel book, which is a tiny diorama-like book that can be embellished with collage, drawings, and more. Last, create a perfect binding which you may find similar to a store-bought notebook, made up of sheets of paper glued together at the spine.  Continue reading “Book Arts Camp! Ages 12–15”