AGAINST THE GRAIN
Bookbindery
Our Classes:
Registration and full payment is required to attend classes. Refunds are based on the policies of the venue where the class is being held.
Upcoming Classes:
COPTIC STITCH BINDING
Friday August 27th 2-5 $50
Learn to make a non-adhesive book that has multiple signatures sewn directly through the cover, creating a pattern of colored thread across the outside of the spine. This book would make a great travel journal as it is soft bound and therefore very light. It also has the ability to lay flat when opened, which makes it easy to write in. No experience necessary. All materials and tools will be provided.
https://www.swcraftconnection.net/events/bookbinding-long-stitch-with-a-chain
FLIPPING, FOLDING AND STITCHING – BOOK ARTS EXTRAVAGANZA
Fridays September 10th to October 29th (8 weeks) 1:30-4:30
Non-Members $260.00 Members $240.00
If you have every been even a little curious about books arts. . . this class is for you! We will explore this unique medium using various techniques which you can expand upon to make more complicated constructions based on these simple original forms. Each week we will look into a specific structure, creating models for reference, including: simple section pamphlet stitched books, whirlwind books, accordion books, flag books, scroll books, palm leaf books, tunnel books, etc. While making these samples we will discuss the use of various materials, different types of glues, and the basic rules of book building. In the second half of the course we will build a portfolio using book board, decorative paper and book cloth that can contain photos and drawings of your work. Finally, Mita will guide you as you focus on a project of your own using the structures learned. When you finish this class you will have an extensive working knowledge of the materials, tools and the many types of artist book structures to incorporate into your own future projects. A materials fee of $30 should be paid directly to the instructor at the first class meeting. Please sign up early; class size is limited.
https://newmexicoartleague.wildapricot.org/event-4428724
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PARTITIONED BOX
Saturday September 25th 10-5 $95
I fell in love with this structure the first time I saw it. It’s lovely, and kind of on the shallow side, with 3 inner partitions and a removable lid with sides. Partitioned boxes are great for organizing collections and can be utilized as shadow boxes. This box would be large enough to for most of your bookbinding tools, yet compact enough to carry with you. In fact, it's what I use for my tools! No experience necessary. Most materials and tools provided.
https://www.swcraftconnection.net/events/boxmaking-partitioned-box
JAPANESE SHIHO CHITSU BOX
Saturday October 23rd 10-5 $95
I fell in love with this structure the first time I saw it. It’s lovely, and kind of on the shallow side, with 3 inner partitions and a removable lid with sides. Partitioned boxes are great for organizing collections and can be utilized as shadow boxes. This box would be large enough to for most of your bookbinding tools, yet compact enough to carry with you. In fact, it's what I use for my tools! No experience necessary. Most materials and tools provided.
https://www.swcraftconnection.net/events/boxmaking-partitioned-box
Completed Classes:
SECRET BELGIUM BINDING
Saturday June 19th 10-3 $65
This book, originally called the criss-cross binding, is sewn in two steps. First we lace the boards and spine together using a weaving technique that leaves an attractive design of thread across the spine and onto the covers. The second sewing is when we attach the text to the case. It sounds complex but it is deceivingly simple. This binding lies flat when opened and lends itself to alternative design choices with the decorative papers, thread color and length. No experience necessary. Most materials and tools provided.
https://www.swcraftconnection.net/events/bookbinding-secret-belgium-bindings
LONG STITCH WITH A CHAIN
Saturday July 24th 10-1 $40
Learn to make a non-adhesive book that has multiple signatures sewn directly through the cover, creating a pattern of colored thread across the outside of the spine. This book would make a great travel journal as it is soft bound and therefore very light. It also has the ability to lay flat when opened, which makes it easy to write in. No experience necessary. All materials and tools will be provided.
https://www.swcraftconnection.net/events/bookbinding-long-stitch-with-a-chain
FRENCH STITCH BINDING
Saturday July 10th 10-1 $45
Join us for this easy binding. This is such a pretty stitch as it intertwines on itself and is sewn across tapes. It’s an open spine, multiple-sectioned book with hard covers wrapped in decorative papers and it will lay flat when opened. No Experience necessary. Most materials and tools provided.
https://www.swcraftconnection.net/events/bookbinding-french-stitch-binding
THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF BOOK ARTS
If you have every been even a little curious about books arts. . . this class is for you! We will explore this unique medium using various techniques which you can expand upon to make more complicated constructions based on these simple original forms. Each week we will look into a specific structure, creating models for reference, including: simple section pamphlet stitched books, whirlwind books, accordion books, flag books, scroll books, palm leaf books, tunnel books, etc. While making these samples we will discuss the use of various materials, different types of glues, and the basic rules of book building. In the second half of the course we will build a portfolio using book board, decorative paper and book cloth that can contain photos and drawings of your work. Finally, Mita will guide you as you focus on a project of your own using the structures learned. When you finish this class you will have an extensive working knowledge of the materials, tools and the many types of artist book structures to incorporate into your own future projects. Please sign up early; class size is limited.
PENCIL BOX
Make a cute little box to hold your drawing supplies or other little keepsakes. This box is small enough to pack in your bag for on-the-go or can sit on your desk. It’s made with bookboard, bookcloth and decorative papers and is held closed with and elastic strap. The written instructions provided can help you make any sized box for future projects. This is a great class to learn the basics of boxmaking. No previous experience required. Most materials and tools provided.
https://www.swcraftconnection.net/events/boxmaking-pencil-box
ETHIOPIAN BINDING
Come and make a connection to the ancient world! Make a book with wooden covers that dates back to 3rd century Africa. This binding has multiple sections with an exposed spine sewing that is done with 2 needles, and uses no glue.. Sounds difficult but it's actually much easier than a Coptic stitch binding! Join the class and we'll pretend we are monks working away in an ancient monastery. Scratchy robes and funky sandals optional! No previous experience required. All materials and tools will be provided.
https://www.swcraftconnection.net/events/ethiopian-binding-2
TOGGLE TOP JEWELRY BOX
In this class we will make a jewelry box with 4 sections. One large enough for bracelets, another for pendants or pins, and two for rings or earrings. The bottoms will be lined with felt to help protect our jewels and the lid will be separate with a toggle, bead or button to grasp to open. This is a great class to learn the basics of boxmaking. No previous experience required. Most materials and tools provided.
https://www.swcraftconnection.net/events/toggle-top-jewelry-box-2
MAKING BOOKCLOTH/SEWING ONTO TAPES
Unhappy with the boring and plain bookcloth available? Want to add more pattern and color in your books? Then come learn how to change almost any type of cloth into bookcloth. If you have cloth you would like to transform, bring it to class along with a hair dryer if you have one. I will provide other cloth selections, plexiglass work areas, glue and backing paper. Plexiglass work surfaces will also be available for purchase. Then we will make a sewn on tapes book using our new bookcloth to cover the boards and make the tapes. This multiple sectioned hard cover book is made distinct by sewing over straps or tapes that are exposed on the spine, then attached to the covers. This is yet another book that lies flat when opened. No experience necessary. Most materials and tools provided.