Category: Adult Workshops

Posted on

Experimental Modern Marbling

with Heather RJ Fletcher
Saturday–Sunday, August 17 & 18; 10am–4pm CT

Combine traditional marbling and painterly suminagashi techniques in this in-person marbling intensive. Use non-traditional tools to create landscapes, simple botanical pictures, and graphic abstract designs. Use the same techniques on the second day to over-marble some of the marbled papers from the previous day. This intensive workshop is perfect for those who want to step out of traditional pattern-making and explore ways to create unique decorative paper. Come away with several marbled papers and notes to continue experimenting in Marbling Labs or elsewhere after the workshop. Introduction to Marbling or equivalent experience is helpful, but not required. Continue reading “Experimental Modern Marbling”

Posted on

Letterpress 2: Setting Type (August)

with Laura Brown
Saturday, August 17; 10am–4pm 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 (August)”

Posted on

Bilingual Bookmaking Bonanza: Ages 8–12/Locura de libritos bilingüe (edades 8–12)

with Cori Adams
con Cori Adams
Saturday, August 17; 1–4pm CT
el sábado 17 de agosto; 1–4pm CT

Join Cori Adams, Spanish immersion teacher and book artist, in a bilingual bookmaking bonanza! In this in-person workshop, unleash your imagination while creating unique books to cherish and share. Start by designing your own mini journal, where you can express your thoughts, feelings, and creativity through words, images, and mixed-media techniques. Then, create an origami star book, personalize a journal using recycled materials like calendars and magazines, or make a mini-book necklace. Through these engaging activities, students will develop their artistic skills by immersing themselves in a world of imagination, exploration, and endless possibilities! From cover to cover, this bookmaking workshop will have kids hanging on to every word (and page)!

¡Únase con Cori Adams, maestra de inmersión del español y artista, en una locura de libros! En esta sesión l@s niñ@s abrirán su imaginación mientras crean libros únicos y queridos. Empezarán por diseñar su propio mini diario, donde pueden expresar sus pensamientos, sentimientos y creatividad por palabras, imágenes y técnicas mixtas. De ahí, quizá escogen construir un libro de origami de estrellas, personalizar un diario con materiales reciclados tal como calendarios o revistas, o crear un librito para llevar como collar. A través de estas actividades fascinantes, l@s niñ@s podrán desarrollar sus habilidades artísticas al sumergirse en un mundo lleno de imaginación, exploración e infinitas posibilidades. ¡De principio a fin, este taller hará que l@s niñ@s se enganchen a cada palabra…y a cada página! Continue reading “Bilingual Bookmaking Bonanza: Ages 8–12/Locura de libritos bilingüe (edades 8–12)”

Posted on

Cutting Equipment Orientation: August 20

Tuesday, August 20; 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: August 20”

Posted on

Folding All the Accordions

with Mary Leikvold
Saturday, August 24; 10am–4pm CT

Accordion or concertina folds form the basis for many structures in bookbinding. In this in-person workshop, learn how to make an array of accordion-based book structures including the floating accordion, the pocketed- and the double-pocketed accordion book, the meander (or maze) book, and others. Examples of each structure will be available to examine. Discuss and explore ideas for generating content and for changing up and personalizing the structures. Participants will come away with a collection of intriguing structures and a new set of skills to further explore the art of folding paper and making books. Some experience with folding paper and/or making books is helpful but not required. Continue reading “Folding All the Accordions”

Posted on

Laser-Cut Letterpress: Stencils for Pressure Printing

with Louise Fisher
Saturday, August 24; 10am–4pm CT

Discover the powerful possibilities of combining laser cutting and pressure printing on the Vandercook press! During this in-person workshop, learn how to design and fabricate laser-cut paper stencils for pressure printing. In the first half of the workshop, the instructor will give a tutorial in Adobe Illustrator for designing geometric patterns and file set-up for the laser cutting machine. Participants will then get hands-on experience making a pressure-printing plate from pre-made, laser-cut paper stencils and printing them on the Vandercook press. While MCBA does not have a laser cutter on site, instruction will be provided on where and how to access one in the Twin Cities area for future projects. Continue reading “Laser-Cut Letterpress: Stencils for Pressure Printing”

Posted on

Paper Marbling for Preschoolers!

with Ellen Ferrari
Saturday, August 31; 10am–12pm CT

Be amazed by Shaheen Bilgrami’s Magical Day at the Mall and then amaze yourself by painting ON WATER! In this in-person workshop, preschoolers learn the art of marbling using specially prepared carrageenan water, alum-treated paper, and acrylic paint. Preschoolers build fine motor skills while they create colorful patterns with tools like forks, toothpicks, skewers, and straws. Then, discover art projects you can do with your marbled paper! Continue reading “Paper Marbling for Preschoolers!”

Posted on

Paper Beater Training: September 7

Saturday, September 7; 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: September 7”

Posted on

Cutting Equipment Orientation: September 10

Tuesday, September 10; 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: September 10”

Posted on

Introduction to Hand Bookbinding: Morning Section

with India Johnson
Wednesdays: September 11, 18, 25; 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”

Posted on

Introduction to Book Design for Visual Artists

with Sarah Stengle
Thursdays: September 12, 19, 26; 6–9pm CT

This introduction to book design is tailored to the needs of visual artists, with a focus on both traditional and experimental approaches to typography, layout, and book structure. During the first week, we’ll focus on typography, followed by designing page spreads and sequencing text and/or imagery in the second session. The third week, we’ll focus on supporting participants’ individual design goals. Each session will begin with a presentation followed by time working with materials related to the session’s topic with individual guidance from the teaching artist. During the last session, participants will learn how to attach a flexible paper (Kozo or Gampi) album-hinge onto watercolor paintings, drawings, or prints so that inflexible artwork can be bound together into a book format that opens fully even if the pages of artwork are inflexible. Continue reading “Introduction to Book Design for Visual Artists”

Posted on

Introduction to Hand Bookbinding: Evening Section

with India Johnson
Thursdays: September 12, 19, 26; 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”

Posted on

Introduction to Marbling: September

with Heather RJ Fletcher
Saturday, September 14; 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: September”

Posted on

Columns and Kaleidocycles

with Sarah Stengle
Saturdays: September 14 & 21; 1–4pm CT

Many dimensional paper objects can be made from a very simple triangular grid. In this in-person workshop, make two movable paper toys—a kaleidocycle and a hexaflexigon—paper columns, and three-dimensional folded paper structures that are particularly suited for artist’s books or sculpture. Instruction will include tips and tricks for precise folding and gluing. Continue reading “Columns and Kaleidocycles”

Posted on

Foraged Fibers

with Alexis Schramel
Saturday, September 21; 10am–1pm CT

Embark on a captivating journey into the world of foraged papermaking! Join us for a hands-on, in-person workshop where you’ll transform the state’s natural autumn treasures into stunning handmade paper. With the guidance of an experienced papermaker, explore the art of harvesting vibrant fall seasonal plants unique to Minnesota’s landscape, then prepare and craft these organic materials into paper to take home. The focus of this workshop is on working with native and invasive plants as inclusion in papermaking. Cotton and abaca paper fibers will be prepared in advance for participants to form sheets and add their plant findings! Continue reading “Foraged Fibers”