Category: Adult Workshops

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Letterpress 2: Setting Type (October)

with Bethany Rahn
Thursdays: October 10 & 17; 6–9pm 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 (October)”

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Box Building for Beginners

with Erin Maurelli
Saturday, October 12; 10am–4pm CT and Sunday, October 13; 1–4pm CT

This in-person workshop is perfect for anyone new to book arts who would like to learn something a little different. Building boxes with high-density board, often called “book board,” is a time-honored tradition within book arts. Hand-built boxes serve many functions, from holding tools to preserving fragile books. Participants will learn the basics of box building while creating two unique boxes with lids. Continue reading “Box Building for Beginners”

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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”

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Pattern Design: Digital and Analog Techniques

with Camilo Aguirre
Saturdays: October 12, 19, 26; 10:30–11:30am CT

Explore organic and figurative patterns and how to make them using digital tools and analog techniques using a variety of tiles, motifs, and elements. In this virtual workshop, learn ways to understand and appreciate design patterns and how to implement different strategies to create your own patterns. Last, we’ll look at how to use graphic media to reflect on culture by creating image systems with the elements you choose to use and the way you build your pattern. Continue reading “Pattern Design: Digital and Analog Techniques”

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Hide and Seek: Transforming Paper Toys

with Keri Miki-Lani Schroeder
Wednesday, October 16; 5–8pm CT

Transform images before your very eyes! In this virtual workshop, make assorted paper toys that use transparencies and sliding panels to hide and reveal content. Make a paper flashlight to find hidden objects and a coloring book that colors itself! These fun mechanisms can be incorporated into book structures, interactive greeting cards, or party favors. Participants can design their own content or use pre-designed models. Continue reading “Hide and Seek: Transforming Paper Toys”

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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”

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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”

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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”

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Letterpress 1: Printing Basics (October)

with Bethany Rahn
Saturday, October 19; 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 (October)”

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Photos On and Off the Page

with Stephanie Wolff
Wednesday: October 23; 5–8pm CT

How do you include loose photographs, prints, or two-dimensional rectangular ephemera in a book? This virtual workshop covers a handful of methods, but concentrates on two designs for pages that can hold photos without adhesive as an integral physical part of the page. The ‘X-frame’ features rounded corners and can accommodate slightly thicker items, while the ‘Mylar frame’ includes a protective Mylar backing barrier. In both cases the photos are removable and can hold a protective Mylar overlay. Methods for mounting photos to a regular album page will also be demonstrated as time allows. Conservation and binding considerations, as well as other ways to incorporate photographs in books will also be discussed.  Continue reading “Photos On and Off the Page”

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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”

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Advanced Side-Stitch Bindings

with Rachel Payne
Thursday, October 24; 6–9pm and Saturday, October 26; 10am–4pm CT

Learn how to make two types of advanced side-stitched bindings (also known as stab bindings)—wrapped spine and repeated patterns—in addition to methods for making neater holes, different styles of covers, and methods for designing your own bindings. Through step-by-step demonstration and visual handouts, we’ll make each sewing pattern as a group with the instructor providing individual support as needed.  Continue reading “Advanced Side-Stitch Bindings”