Books, Textiles and Bookmaking Fusion
Discover the fusion of artist books, textiles, and boxmaking in this unique 2 day workshop with Rhiannon Alpers!
Explore the process of creating an untraditional winged accordion book structure which showcases students samples of paper, fabric and textiles in a flexible and dynamic binding.
Participants will create a sculptural winged accordion book complete with flexible panels, pockets and secret openings. Using templates and pre-cut panel pieces, students will combine provided pieces with their own fabrics, textile samples and handmade papers to fill the folded and winged panels of the accordion. Students can fuse the panels together with stitching, adhesives or fusible webbing for their desired effect.
Students will bring their individual themes, color and pattern ideas to life, resulting in a stunning array of accordions unique to each person.
To house our accordions, students will be creating a lidded box with prepared components. Each participant will build, cover and line their boxes from scratch with provided papers and bookcloths with the options to create small details to match their books’ themes and colors.
Please note that because of the large group and limited time students will be working with prepared sizes and some materials for the course. A detailed list of samples, suggested tools and additional materials will be provided prior to the class.
This course welcomes participants of all levels, from weavers and textile artists to book artists and makers. Basic sewing and gluing skills are required, including knowledge of folding, sewing, gluing, measuring, and cutting.
Workshop Agenda
Day 1
Morning: Introductions, samples and bookmaking demo on initial techniques, material prepping and book component assembly
Afternoon: Sculptural Winged Accordion book building and sewing (temporary and final elements)
Day 2
Morning: Boxmaking material prepping, Lidded box building
Afternoon: Box covering of tray and cover/final assembly, final show and tell and next creative steps or further resources
Winged Accordion Book Components
- 10” panels using a combination of fabrics, decorative papers, weavings and eco-printed materials
- Optional Lightweight fusing material for structural templates and backing fabrics
- Templates for winged accordion panels
- Templates for paper booklets between winged accordions
- Cover templates (cloth and paper)
- Cover bookboard and spine
- Binding Handouts
Box-making Components
- Precut bookboard parts
- Binding Handouts
- Covering material templates - bookcloth and decorative paper
- Studio Needs or Coordinated with Guild Members:
- Cutting mats 12x18 or larger for students (Rhiannon has 6 cutting mats to lend)
- Working space of 18x24 for each student
- Additional table for materials and communal working area
- Access to a sink for rinsing and water
- Access to electricity
Instructor-provided tools
- Tacketing iron and heat mat
- Glue rollers (tray and roller/foam)
- Extra tools
- PVA, fabric adhesive, pre-made paste, removable adhesives
- Templates for all pieces needed
- Sanding blocks and sandpaper
- Multiple covered bricks or weights for each participant
- Wax paper
- Waste paper/gluing paper
- Glue pots or Tupperware containers for each person
- Sewing tools and placeholding tools
- Fabric, bookcloth and decorative paper for student use
Instructor-provided materials
- Pre-cut bookboard for box trays and lid
- Pre-cut bookboard for wrapper
- Liner paper for boxes
- Instruction handouts for book and boxmaking process
- Bookcloth for boxmaking trays and wrapper
- Decorative paper and bookcloth for bookmaking
NOTE: Please inquire if students are unsure about your skill level for the course.
Student tools
Students are requested to bring or can be provided upon request (tool rental)
- mechanical pencil,
notebook, metric ruler, snap blade knife or scalpel thin/student, awl, small and regular size scissors, bone folder, small 3” metal triangle, cutting mat 12x18 small flat synthetic glue brush (1/4” to 3/8”)
- Personal iron and sewing tools
-
- tacketing iron or small iron, and heat mat
- pins and sewing needles,
- embroidery or boro thread if desired
Optional student materials
- dividers Teflon bone folder micro spatula sanding snails and sandpaper
Workshop fee: $110. $18 materials fee.
Date: Saturday, Nov. 2 - Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024
Time: 9:30am - 4:30pm
For more information contact:
Karen Lord Paris, programs@handweaversofboulder.org
Current HGB Members receive priority on Workshop registration. Non-Members will be placed on a waiting list and contacted by the Programs Chair.
Cancellation/Refund Policy: Workshop fees are payable to HGB and due with the registration form. Refunds are made only if another or (wait list) person can fill your space. If the workshop is canceled by HGB, you will receive a full refund.
Payment method is online only with a credit card. If you would like to pay by check or cash, you must contact programs@handweaversofboulder.org to register for the workshop.