A three-week series of book arts classes that will cover various techniques and materials. Each class will focus on a different topic, while we learn the basics of book binding vocabulary and a bit of book binding history. One registration for all three classes on Dec. 5, Dec., 12, and Dec. 19, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm each class.

In Decorative Paste Papers (Dec. 5) students will learn how to use different types of pigments and mark making tools, combined with wheat paste to decorate papers. Like adult finger painting, paste papering has great scope for many other creative processes. In the Japanese Books session (Dec. 12), we will create a 4-hole stab binding using hammers & awls to create the decorative stitching on this book. If time allows, we will explore more complex sewing patterns as well. In the third session (Dec. 19), students will learn the Long Stitch Book. Creating a multi gathering book, we will explore the importance of sewing station jigs in creating the text block and cover to sewing this book with a very long thread

Instructor Joelle Webber has spent 40 years collecting book arts techniques in college and workshop settings. At Mermaid Bindery she binds books and boxes for others as well as writing, paper decorating, collage, calligraphy, pop-up and paper sculpting to illustrate her own artist books. Learn more about Joelle and Mermaid Bindery here.

Registration here.

Location: Adult Ed Center, 35 Republic Avenue, Topsham, ME 04086, 207-729-7323