Thursdays: March 12, 26, April 9; 6–9pm CT
Join this unique in-person workshop designed for bookmakers with introductory-level experience and a desire to create an independent project with guidance.
Want to bind a historic structure but you’re not sure where to start? Publishing your first zine or chapbook and in need of help? Or, are you interested in taking your binding skills to the next level by trying to make your own headbands, or working with a new material—like parchment—for the first time?
Individuals working on projects in hand binding, artist’s books, and zines are encouraged to participate. Refine a familiar book structure, conduct tests using new materials for a project, select a binding for your artist’s book, bind a fanfic or a classic novel, or create a custom journal. The goal is to come away from the workshop with the skills and techniques needed to take your binding project to the next level in a supportive community of fellow makers. Bring your new ideas, half-finished projects, and questions.
"Craft in contemporary life" is the theme for this supported projects workshop. Enjoy short readings between sessions about why we make things by hand (and why it matters). To kick off each session, we'll share our thoughts about the reading material and look at examples of 'folk' bookbinding like scrapbooks, needle books, and sample books. There's no pressure for your project to fit the theme; it's simply provided for inspiration.
This workshop isn't a substitute for Introduction to Hand Bookbinding or Intermediate Hand Bookbinding. It is a good place to enhance foundational skills and try variations and customizations on familiar structures. Please keep in mind that this workshop does not cover leather binding, tooling, or gilding.
The materials fee covers consumables in MCBA's studios such as PVA, tools, and access to binding equipment. This fee is low because participants are expected to source their own paper and other materials needed to create their individual projects. Thread may also be used for small projects, but participants are expected to source their own thread for large editions.
Participants are encouraged to participate in Bookbinding Labs in between workshop sessions and after the workshop ends to access MCBA's studios to continue making books independently.
Level: Beginner. Basic bookbinding experience is helpful.
Certificate: 9 hours, Category B or C
Pricing
$221 | $111 Scholarship | $332 Pay-It-Forward
Materials fee: $15
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.
