Workshops & Events
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.
Book Repair: When Paper Fails
In this in-person workshop, learn foundational techniques and methods to care for aged and damaged paper.
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.
Blizzard Books
In this in-person workshop, learn to make the Blizzard Book, an innovative book structure designed by book artist Heidi Kyle.
Box Building: Drawers & Dividers
Create a box that has a lid with a hinge, a divided tray, and a drawer in MCBA’s studios.
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.
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.