Month: July 2024

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Box Building for Beginners

with Erin Maurelli
Tuesdays: October 1, 8, 15, 22; 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”

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Paste Paper

with María Carolina Ceballos
Wednesday, October 2; 5–8pm CT

Paste papers are a playful and accessible DIY method to incorporate color, pattern, and other design elements into any project. Dampened paper is coated with pigmented pastes, then designs are worked manually into the surface. 

In this virtual workshop, explore a variety of pastes, paints, papers, and tools to gain a solid foundation of technique. The tools and techniques will be discussed and demonstrated before participants begin to create freely, making their own unique papers. Continue reading “Paste Paper”

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Paper Beater Training: October 5

Saturday, October 5; 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: October 5”

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Cutting Equipment Orientation: October 8

Tuesday, October 8; 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: October 8”

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Intermediate Hand Bookbinding: Morning Section

with India Johnson
Wednesdays: October 9, 16, 23, 30; 9am–12pm CT

In this in-person workshop, build on foundational bookbinding skills to make a hardcover book (also known as a case binding) with a rounded spine. This style of binding features decorative paper with a cloth spine and corners, known as a half binding. We will practice sewing and rounding two books, with the goal of finishing at least one book by the end of class.  Continue reading “Intermediate Hand Bookbinding: Morning Section”

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Intermediate Hand Bookbinding: Evening Section

with India Johnson
Thursdays: October 10, 17, 24, 31; 6–9pm CT

In this in-person workshop, build on foundational bookbinding skills to make a hardcover book (also known as a case binding) with a rounded spine. This style of binding features decorative paper with a cloth spine and corners, known as a half binding. We will practice sewing and rounding two books, with the goal of finishing at least one book by the end of class.  Continue reading “Intermediate Hand Bookbinding: Evening Section”

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Letterpress 2: Setting Type (October)

with Bethany Rahn
Thursdays: October 10 & 17; 6–9pm CT

This in-person letterpress workshop focuses on setting metal type and building familiarity with printing on the Vandercook press. Learn how to navigate MCBA’s type collection, how type is stored and organized, and how to arrange it in a composing stick for setting a text. Training will be provided on line justification, kerning (space between letters and words), and methods for holding type together (or “locking up” a form) for printing. Procedures for maintaining a community type collection and print studio will also be covered, in addition to a review of basic press operation, care, and safety. This workshop is an excellent refresher and opportunity to get reacquainted with MCBA’s presses and print studio. Continue reading “Letterpress 2: Setting Type (October)”

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Box Building for Beginners

with Erin Maurelli
Saturday, October 12; 10am–4pm CT and Sunday, October 13; 1–4pm CT

This in-person 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”

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European Papermaking: October

with Bridget O’Malley
Saturday, October 12; 10am–4pm and Sunday, October 13; 1–4pm CTT

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: October”

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Pattern Design: Digital and Analog Techniques

with Camilo Aguirre
Saturdays: October 12, 19, 26; 10:30–11:30am CT

Explore organic and figurative patterns and how to make them using digital tools and analog techniques using a variety of tiles, motifs, and elements. In this virtual workshop, learn ways to understand and appreciate design patterns and how to implement different strategies to create your own patterns. Last, we’ll look at how to use graphic media to reflect on culture by creating image systems with the elements you choose to use and the way you build your pattern. Continue reading “Pattern Design: Digital and Analog Techniques”

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Hide and Seek: Transforming Paper Toys

with Keri Miki-Lani Schroeder
Wednesday, October 16; 5–8pm CT

Transform images before your very eyes! In this virtual workshop, make assorted paper toys that use transparencies and sliding panels to hide and reveal content. Make a paper flashlight to find hidden objects and a coloring book that colors itself! These fun mechanisms can be incorporated into book structures, interactive greeting cards, or party favors. Participants can design their own content or use pre-designed models. Continue reading “Hide and Seek: Transforming Paper Toys”

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Suminagashi Paper Marbling Ages 9–12

with Rachel Payne
Thursday, October 17; 9am–12pm CT

Immerse yourself in suminagashi (“floating ink”) paper marbling! This in-person workshop includes the history of paper marbling across cultures—from its origins in 12th-century Japan and China to its development in Turkey to the present day—and detailed demonstrations of basic techniques and patterns. Come away with unique marbled paper that you can use to make cards, books, collage, and more! Continue reading “Suminagashi Paper Marbling Ages 9–12”

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Suminagashi Paper Marbling Ages 6–8

with Rachel Payne
Thursday, October 17; 1–4pm CT

Immerse yourself in suminagashi (“floating ink”) paper marbling! This in-person workshop includes the history of paper marbling across cultures—from its origins in 12th-century Japan and China to its development in Turkey to the present day—and detailed demonstrations of basic techniques and patterns. Come away with unique marbled paper that you can use to make cards, books, collage, and more! Continue reading “Suminagashi Paper Marbling Ages 6–8”

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Introduction to Marbling: October

with Olga Ricalde
Saturday, October 19; 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: October”

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Letterpress 1: Printing Basics (October)

with Bethany Rahn
Saturday, October 19; 10am–4pm CT

This in-person letterpress workshop offers an introduction to MCBA’s print studio—including key equipment, tools, and terminology—in addition to an opportunity to experience the satisfaction of printing a message through the hands-on process of letterpress printing. Get to know MCBA’s wood type collection and learn beginning typesetting with wood type. Learn the basics of working with a flatbed cylinder press, including operation, safety, and care while building skills using the equipment with support from a teaching artist. In pairs, choose a text (three to five words) and print your own small edition of posters on a Vandercook press.  Continue reading “Letterpress 1: Printing Basics (October)”