Workshops & Events
Coptic Binding
Explore Coptic bindings, the most common form of link-stitch binding and possibly the oldest continuously used book sewing pattern.
Handmade Book: Materials & Techniques: Morning
Learn to sew a two-color silk headband, make custom book cloth from any fabric, and color a book edge with gouache.
Headbands: History, Use & Techniques
In this virtual workshop, learn how to make headbands for a variety of styles of bindings such as case binding, Coptic, slotted tapes, etc.
Textile Bookmaking
Join us for a sensory-rich virtual workshop and create a unique hand-sewn textile book.
Tactile Books: Fiber Arts and Bookbinding
In this in-person workshop, explore the area where fibers and book arts overlap to create truly tactile books, engaging with a variety of materials to make one-of-a-kind works that satisfy both the visual and sensual experience of the reader.
A Study in Sliceforms
Build pop-up volumes using a sculptural, flexible technique in this rare in-person workshop with Chicago-based artist Shawn Sheehy.
The Pop-Up Vegetable Garden
Build a garden of delicious-looking, dimensional paper vegetables.
Handmade Book: Materials & Techniques: Evening
Learn to sew a two-color silk headband, make custom book cloth from any fabric, and color a book edge with gouache.
Box Building Magic
In this in-person workshop, learn how to build this unique and playful structure with an artist who has fine-tuned the box design.
Flag Books
Learn to make a Flag Book, an innovative and adaptable book structure that uses an accordion spine and attachable "flag" pages.
Introduction to Hand Bookbinding: Weekend
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.
Box Building for Beginners: Virtual
Building boxes with high-density board, often called “book board,” is a time-honored tradition within book arts.
Mechanical Spine Binding
In this virtual workshop, learn how to create a simple, non-adhesive binding with a mechanical spine that collapses when the book is opened on a flat surface.
Summer Moon Flag Book
Create an original flag book—inspired by smiling moons and summer blooms—that showcases your painting and collage skills, in this virtual workshop
East Asian Side-Sewn Bindings 1: Traditional Patterns
In this in-person workshop, we’ll focus on proper text preparation and traditional sewing patterns for side-sewn bindings.
Adding 2D Content to Artist’s Books
Add supplementary two-dimensional material—including photographs, letters, or found ephemera—to artist’s books and other book arts projects in this in-person workshop.
Year of the Horse Pop-Up Card
Join instructor Shawn Sheehy (a Fire Horse!) in celebrating your astrological luck with an energetic and cheerful pop-up!
Exploding Books: Turkish & Petal Fold Structures
Construct a dynamic, adhesive binding with Turkish map-folds and petal-fold variations, in this virtual workshop.
Box Building: Clamshell Boxes (Virtual)
Clamshell boxes are used to store and protect precious objects—anything from books to a collection of artworks to sheet music.
Introduction to Hand Bookbinding: Morning
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.
Accordion Collage Book with Surprise Tunnel
Using ephemera, images, and scrap paper, build a unique structure that houses a folded accordion, which reveals a dimensional tunnel attached to the inside of the back cover.
Introduction to Hand Bookbinding: Evening
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.
Embroidery on Paper
In this virtual workshop, learn embroidery techniques for paper and how to create a wide range of effects.
Box Building for Beginners (In-Person)
This in-person workshop is perfect for anyone new to book arts who would like to learn something a little different.
Digital & Analog Zines
Learn to fold six different styles of zines—from the classic 8-page structure to larger, more innovative booklets—then experiment with creating your own structures.
Polygonal Book Forms
Explore a book structure made from equilateral polygons that are hinged together to function in multiple ways, in this in-person workshop.
Paper Spectacle: A Pop-Up Panorama Book
Design and construct a layered pop-up panorama book inspired by Lothar Meggendorfer’s International Circus, in this in-person workshop with visiting artists Julie Chen and Erin McAdams.
Blizzard Books
In this in-person workshop, learn to make the Blizzard Book, an innovative book structure designed by book artist Heidi Kyle.
Upcycled Collage Book with Glassine Envelopes
In this virtual workshop, use recycled materials to transform glassine envelopes and a cardboard box (or other light-weight board) into a truly original book, showcasing your collage and book making techniques.
Book Repair: When Paper Fails
In this in-person workshop, learn foundational techniques and methods to care for aged and damaged paper.
Hot Foil Stamping on Kwikprint Machines
Foil adds rich gold, shiny silver, and wild holographic accents to prints and bindings. Learn how to use the hot foil stamping machines in MCBA’s bindery, aptly named Kwikprint machines.