This hand-bookmaking workshop at the High Museum in Atlanta offers participants the opportunity to discover creative structures and binding techniques for creating their own books. Participants will explore how books can be transformed into expressive works of art through the use of paper, textiles, and surface design. Inspiration will be drawn from color, composition, and design across the museum’s collection, encouraging the creation of a unique series of handcrafted books reflecting individual interests and creative voices.
- **Week 1:** Participants will become familiar with the language of the book, including discussions on folds, signatures, spines, and grain. They will create simple single-sheet structures to understand how paper can be transformed into a book before stitching. A visit to the museum’s collection will provide inspiration regarding color, composition, and design.
- **Week 2:** Attendees will learn the pamphlet stitch, regarded as one of the simplest and most accommodating binding techniques, and make several small books to develop comfort with needle and thread.
- **Week 3:** Focus will shift to Japanese stab binding, where participants will learn the rhythm of the stitch and how it affects the capacity of a book. Consideration of covers as standalone design elements will also be integrated, examining materials, weight, and texture that can hold and protect the book.
- **Week 4:** Attendees will construct an accordion-fold book (or concertina) to serve as a watercolor sketchbook, utilizing paper suited for wet media to ensure the finished product is both functional and expressive. The relationship between images and pages in the accordion structure will be explored.
- **Week 5:** The design and construction of a cover for a travel journal will be undertaken, focusing on creating a structure that accommodates multiple inserts and can expand over time. Considerations will include the elasticity or cord closure mechanism and how the cover should flex and wear with use.
- **Week 6:** Participants will produce several inserts for their travel journals, selecting various types of paper. Binding techniques such as the pamphlet stitch or saddle stitch will be used, culminating in the assembly of all components into the journal cover. A sharing session will take place, allowing participants to reflect on the artistic choices that contributed to the creation of unique, personal objects.
This introductory-level studio class is designed to accommodate all levels of skill and talent. It serves as a supportive environment for those who may not have prior experience in art-making, facilitating the acquisition of new skills to enhance artistic practice.
Please note that in the event of a session being canceled, November 19 is designated as a makeup date.
