Category: Papermaking & Paper Marbling

Posted on

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.

Workshops Page testimonials2
Letterpress Cards with Hebrew Type_Photos from Robyn 10
Workshops Page testimonials4
856B44BF-5CB7-42C4-AFF2-245F6AAA3F3E
Workshops Page testimonials3
IMG_1959
Workshops Page testimonials6
IMG-8807
Workshops Page testimonials
IMG_2025
Workshops Page testimonials5
IMG_1670
previous arrowprevious arrow
next arrownext arrow
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

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

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”

Posted on

Art Share for MCBA Members

with Anika Schneider
Tuesday, September 24; 6:30–8:30pm CT

Art Share provides MCBA members an opportunity to connect and inspire each other’s creative practice. Join other MCBA members in MCBA’s studios and take turns sharing about your artwork and responding to others’ artwork in a safe and supportive space. MCBA’s Director of Exhibitions & Artist Programs will facilitate and watch the time for each speaker, but it is up to each artist to direct the conversation during their designated time, when they can choose to share or ask questions and receive feedback from the group. Continue reading “Art Share for MCBA Members”

Posted on

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”

Posted on

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”

Posted on

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”

Posted on

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”

Posted on

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”

Posted on

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”

Posted on

Suminagashi

with Heather RJ Fletcher
Saturday, October 26; 10am–4pm CT

Suminagashi is a 12th-century Japanese art form and precursor to modern marbling. In this in-person workshop, participants learn the basics of this centuries-old monoprint technique, including the tools and materials it requires and the ideology shaping suminagashi. Develop a suite of patterns on paper and fabric using the natural forces of wind and vibration, and learn how to use a “frisk” (a type of resist used to prevent ink from going into certain areas). Paper is provided; however, participants may bring natural cotton or silk fabrics to experiment. Continue reading “Suminagashi”