Binding & Boxmaking

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.

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Intermediate Hand Bookbinding

with India Johnson
Thursdays: March 21, 28, April 4, 11; 6–9pm CT

In this in-person workshop, build on foundational bookbinding skills to make two hardcover books (also known as case bindings) with a rounded spine. The two books will be bound the same way except for variations with the cover: One book features a cloth spine and decorative paper sides (known as a quarter binding), while the other pairs decorative paper with a cloth spine and corners (known as a half binding). Continue reading “Intermediate Hand Bookbinding”

Criss-Cross Binding (AKA Secret Belgian Binding)

with Rachel Payne
Saturdays: March 23 & 30; 1–4pm CT

Come learn this not-so-secret binding designed by Belgian bookbinder Anne Goy who named the structure “Criss-Cross Binding.” Fun fact: This structure was re-created by an English binder who didn’t know the source and decided to call it “Secret Belgian Binding,” which is what this structure is commonly referred to as today.

In this in-person workshop, learn how to make a criss-cross binding and explore how this structure uses sewing similar to that of a Jacob’s ladder to create a binding that opens flat and allows the cover to flip to the back. The criss-cross binding is great for thin books, sketchbooks, and artist’s books. Come away with one completed binding, a second partially or fully complete binding, and the know-how to make more independently after the workshop. Continue reading “Criss-Cross Binding (AKA Secret Belgian Binding)”

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”

Mixed Media Flag Book

with Rosemary Rae
Tuesday, April 2; 6–9pm CT

Create a small, double-sided flag book! These mini flag books are a fun way to make creative structures using royalty-free images, photographs, ephemera, rubber-stamped images, or any other art you’d like to showcase. This virtual workshop is perfect for anyone excited to explore a new twist on the flag book. Originally created by Hedi Kyle, the flag book features panels that cross each other when the book opens and closes. Continue reading “Mixed Media Flag Book”

Piano Hinge & Reverse Piano Hinge Bindings

with Janet Reynolds
Thursday, April 4; 1–4pm CT

In this in-person workshop, learn to make a fun, accessible binding developed by Hedi Kyle that can be made with as many signatures (folded gatherings of pages) as you like. Named “Piano Hinge,” this binding resembles the hinge on a piano lid. No sewing is involved. Wooden skewers hinge the signatures together to make this unusual book. The “Reverse Piano Hinge” binding can also have as many signatures as desired, which makes it a wonderful structure for collaborative projects. Ideas for content and variations on the structures will be discussed. Examples will be available for participants to both look at and handle. Come away with two finished books and the skills and experience to make them again independently. Continue reading “Piano Hinge & Reverse Piano Hinge Bindings”

Spring Pop-Up Cards

with Rosemary Rae
Tuesday, April 16; 6–9pm CT

Pop-up cards are fun to make and even more fun to share! In this virtual workshop, explore an accessible method for making pop-up structures you can embellish with images—your own or those provided electronically by the teaching artist—to create lush, imaginary gardens and other fanciful spring scenes. This process can also be a helpful way to play with adding dimension to two-dimensional artwork. Continue reading “Spring Pop-Up Cards”

Moving Circles: Volvelles

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”

East Asian Stab Bindings

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”

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”

Pop-Up Books: Ages 7–11

with Kate Battle
Tuesday-Friday, July 16–19; 1–4pm CT

What can we make with a simple sheet of paper? How about a pop-up! Sure, they can be complex, but we start off with easy-peasy pops. In this four-day, in-person workshop, we look at some amazing pop-up books for inspiration, then we experiment and create a whole bunch of practice pop-ups. After learning the basics, choose your favorite pop-ups, add your text and a cover, and you’ve got your very own pop-up book!

Students learn the secrets of paper engineering and basic geometry involved in this art form. They learn how to use tools like bone folders and scoring tools. Their imaginations are engaged as they visualize how one pop-up structure can be illustrated in countless ways. Design may come into play if students choose to incorporate text on the pages of their pop-up book. Continue reading “Pop-Up Books: Ages 7–11”

Criss-Cross Binding: Ages 15–18

with Rachel Payne
Tuesday & Wednesday, July 30 & 31; 10am–4pm CT

Explore hand bookbinding in MCBA’s bindery! Come learn this not-so-secret binding designed by Belgian bookbinder Anne Goy. Fun fact: This structure was re-created by an English binder who didn’t know the source and decided to call it “Secret Belgian Binding,” which is what this structure is commonly referred to today.

Learn how to make a criss-cross binding and explore how this structure uses sewing similar to that of a Jacob’s ladder to create a binding that opens flat and allows the cover to flip to the back. The criss-cross binding is great for thin books, sketchbooks, and artist’s books. Come away with two completed bindings (more if you are speedy) and the know-how to make more independently after the workshop. Continue reading “Criss-Cross Binding: Ages 15–18”