Saturday–Sunday, August 15 & 16; 10am–4pm CT
This in-person, hands-on workshop introduces participants to Ethiopian binding, one of the oldest continuously practiced bookbinding traditions.
Characterized by its distinctive chain-stitch sewing and wooden board structure, often covered with leather, this binding offers both durability and a strong connection to historical craft practices.
Participants will learn the fundamentals of Ethiopian binding, including sewing the text block using traditional link-stitch techniques, attaching boards, and understanding key material and structural considerations. The workshop will also introduce basic leather tooling techniques. Historical context will be provided throughout, situating the binding within its cultural and artistic lineage.
Through a combination of demonstration, guided practice, and discussion, participants will create their own Ethiopian-bound book. By the end of the workshop, participants will have completed one finished book (along with leather-covered and tooled board samples) and will gain the skills to adapt this structure within their own creative practice.
MCBA's Visiting Artist Program is generously supported by Cathy Ryan & Doris Engibous.
Level: Intermediate. Introduction to Hand Bookbinding or equivalent experience required. Participants should be able to make sewn book structures independently outside a workshop setting.
Certificate: 12 hours, Category B or C
Pricing
$360 | $180 Scholarship | $540 Pay-It-Forward
$75 materials fee
Scholarships are available for individuals facing adversity as it relates to identity, income/wealth, and lack of access to arts resources. The Pay-It-Forward rate (tuition, plus 50%) supports MCBA’s efforts to make scholarships available. We leave it to you to choose the rate that is meaningful to you based on your income, wealth, and privilege status. MCBA members receive a 10% discount on tuition.
