Category: Adult Workshops

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DIY Papermaking: Additives & Inclusions

with Sophia Hotzler
Tuesday, July 30; 6–9pm CT

Learn how to experiment and play with pulp, paper, and color in this virtual, do-it-yourself workshop. Participants will be given space to experiment with incorporating additives and inclusions into their paper. Instruction will cover tinting pulp, playing with additives in the vat, experimental ways to pull and couch a sheet of paper, and adding found materials (such as thread) to freshly couched paper.  Continue reading “DIY Papermaking: Additives & Inclusions”

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Artist’s Books from Start to Finish

with Rosae Reeder
Wednesdays: July 31, August 7, 14, 21; 4:30–6:30pm CT

Want to make an artist’s book but don’t know how to start? Have you made artist’s books but want guidance on how to structure the process? This virtual workshop will take you through the process of making an artist’s book from start to finish. We’ll begin by demystifying and defining the book form. Then, we’ll dive into tips for ideation and idea mapping, connecting intention to execution. Instruction will cover ways to connect structure to content and how to approach the interactivity/passivity of the viewer. We’ll make models of simple structures and discuss more difficult ones. Discussion will include an overview of various mark-making and image-making methods and materials. At the end of the workshop, we’ll discuss how to plan and prepare for the final construction of your artist book. Depending on how much you’re able to work on your project outside of the workshop, you will come away with either a finished artist’s book or a working mock-up (or in-progress artist’s book) that you can use as a reference for completing your polished version after the workshop.  Continue reading “Artist’s Books from Start to Finish”

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

with Cori Adams
con Cori Adams
Thursday, August 1; 1–4pm CT
el jueves 1 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)”

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Paper Beater Training: August 3

Saturday, August 3; 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: August 3”

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Birds of a Feather Mechanical Postcards: Swan, Robin, Duck!

with Shawn Sheehy
Tuesday, August 6; 5–6:30pm CT

Quick! What’s a figure of speech that involves birds? (Take another look at the workshop title if you need a little help.) This whimsical trio of mechanical postcards features three different bird idioms and volvelle-based mechanisms that will help you solve the idiomatic riddles. Build each using a simple set of hand tools and a kit of pre-cut pieces. This virtual workshop is especially friendly for beginners. Perfect for bird and word nerds! Continue reading “Birds of a Feather Mechanical Postcards: Swan, Robin, Duck!”

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Headbands: History, Use & Techniques

with María Carolina Ceballos
Tuesdays: August 6, 13, 20; 7–9pm CT

In this virtual workshop, learn how to make headbands for a variety of styles of bindings such as case binding, Coptic, slotted tapes, etc. Learn the basic logic and principles of headbands so you can, in the future, sew more complex types or use them in different applications without having to re-learn for each structure. This workshop is designed for those with previous bookbinding experience so they can apply the techniques learned in their own practice. Knowledge of how to make a case binding and a Coptic binding is preferred since those are the structures on which most headband styles can be applied. Continue reading “Headbands: History, Use & Techniques”

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Poetry in Watercolor

with grace (ge) gilbert
Wednesday, August 7; 6–8pm CT

Watercolor and poetry go hand in hand. Both are messy, whimsical, and a little outside the lines. In this virtual workshop, writers and artists alike will learn introductory watercolor techniques, poetry prompts, and the how (and why!) of creating mixed-media poetry. Using examples from writers and artists who work with watercolor, create your own watercolor poems and come away with a deeper understanding of the relationship among language, color, and mediums. This workshop will include readings, an introduction to mixed-media poetics, demos for how to illustrate a poem, and guided time for writing and painting. Continue reading “Poetry in Watercolor”

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Polymer Plates for Letterpress

with Kerri Sandve
Thursday, August 8; 6–9pm CT

Polymer plates allow printers to translate drawings, etchings, and photographs into letterpress prints. In this in-person letterpress workshop, learn how to mount, register, and print polymer plates on the Vandercook press. Instruction will focus on inking polymer plates, ideal paper options, and how to clean and store polymer plates.  Continue reading “Polymer Plates for Letterpress”

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Introduction to Marbling: August

with Michelle Blodgett
Saturday, August 10; 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: August”

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Letterpress 1: Printing Basics (August)

with Bethany Rahn
Saturday, August 10; 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 (August)”

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Narrative World Building with Interactive Structures

with Yuka Petz and Julia Sarcone-Roach
Saturday, August 10; 12–4pm CT

How can simple book structures allow us to think with our brains and hands to expand our creative brainstorming process? In this combination skill-building and idea-generating workshop, we will make three tools to grow and develop character-based backstories. Projects will include the Character Caterpillar, World Building Pocketbook, and the Exquisite Twist Book. All structures are designed to be easily added to and made again independently. Continue reading “Narrative World Building with Interactive Structures”

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Design-a-Character Volvelles for Kids & Their Grown-Ups!

with Yuka Petz and Clotilde Curry
Saturday, August 17; 9:30am–12pm CT

Let’s use simple paper tools to design fun characters in this workshop for kids and their grown-ups! Volvelles are types of spinnable wheel charts. First, we will make volvelles for faces and bodies. Then we’ll mix and match the faces, heads, and bodies to create unexpected and playful characters in a simple “stick bound” album. Characters will get names and descriptions like where they live, their special abilities, and more.

This in-person workshop will be led by a mother-and-daughter team, designed after activities that they regularly enjoy together. We will prioritize kids and their grown-ups working together on creative projects. Continue reading “Design-a-Character Volvelles for Kids & Their Grown-Ups!”

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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”

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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)”

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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)”