Online Workshop: Introduction to the Book Arts

TBA| 6 weeks
6 pre-recorded video tutorials and PDF instructions posted each Wednesday at 8:00 am ET. Access to a private chat area for questions and comments, additional videos posted when needed. Two zoom office hours will be available during the class for students to meet, discuss, and ask questions.

Instructor: Andrew Huot

Introduction to the Book Arts

Join us for Introduction to the Book Arts. We will learn about the tools and materials you’ll need and make some cool books. Each week we’ll concentrate on a different style and construction. Once the workshop is completed, you’ll have a stable base to make books the way you want them. In the end you’ll have nine books and a handmade box to keep them in.

In this course you will learn:

How to use the bookbinding tools.
Knowledge of bookmaking materials and their qualities.
How to make nine (9) different books and a box structure.
The skills to make more books for journals, sketchbooks, or artwork.

Level of Experience / Skills Required

All levels; no prior book-making experience required.

You will need the following supplies:

MATERIALS:

Text weight paper – 65# to 80#
Cover weight paper – 65# to 80#
Book Cloth
Tyvek

Kits of curated materials are available as part of the class. Materials will be from a variety of sources and cut to size. There will be enough to allow you to make two copies of each book or to have some extra pieces if there’s a problem the first time around.

TOOLS & MATERIALS YOU’LL WANT TO HAVE ON HAND:

Bone Folder
Craft Knife / Olfa / Xacto
Scissors
Metal Ruler
Self-healing cutting mat
Bookbinder’s Awl
Bookbinding Needle
Glue Brush
Pencil
Linen Thread – 18/3 thickness
PVA Adhesive

In the US, assembled tool kits for this class can be found at Colophon Book Arts, link here. You can purchase the basic kit at the link and add on any additional tools for this workshop. You can also purchase tools from any bookbinding supplier on the resource page or at your local art supply store.

In Canada, you can find these tools at George Hill & Co, link here.



How this online workshop works

FORMAT

Video tutorials and accompanying pdfs will be posted on Wednesday mornings. You can access these materials any time once they are released, and work at your own pace. You’ll have time to complete the lesson at your convenience before moving on to the next lesson on the following Wednesday. During the week, I’ll be checking messages in the chat area to answer any questions you may have along the way.

SCHEDULE 

Tutorials post at 8 am ET
Week 1, Overview of tools and materials, One-Page Books 
Week 2, Sewn Pamphlets with two cover options
Week 3, Two new pamphlet variations to add more pages
Week 4, Accordion Books with two cover options
Week 5, Blizzard Book
Week 6, Soft Sided Slipcase