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Register Now! Class begins April 15th
Register Now! $225
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Sign up for the class here ↓↓ |
Order the Supply Kit – $75 ↓↓ |
Flexible Book Structures
April 15 – May 20, 2020
Do you crave the inspiration you get from the act of making? Love books and paper? Have a desire to connect with others who share these same goals? Join me in creating a series of flexible book structures that fold and unfold, collapse and expand, and feature innovative attachments and connections.
Let’s wonder collectively about what a book is!
We will create six book objects, the equivalent of a weeklong workshop with me, during this 6-week class. A new lesson will be in the classroom each Wednesday, and you can work from the comfort of your own home or studio at any time throughout the week. Hop into the online classroom anytime to ask questions and share your projects and ideas in a supportive and creative on-line community.
Six Unique Book Structures
The six weekly lessons will be exploratory (think model making) and concrete (you’ll be building book structures). I will show you a variety of techniques and models for inspiration. Explore a variety of structures that connect with hinges and fasteners (screw posts, unique folds, stitching and bamboo skewers) that make your books flex and transform into an expanding file folder, a scroll, a book light, and more. Content is optional – these are lovely objects in and of themselves – but you are welcome to dive into your own themes in your books.
Course Outline:
- Week 1 (April 15) Momigami + Stained Tyvek: Add color and texture to a set of unique papers. Crumple momigami and explore a few tessellating patterns in folded Tyvek.
- Week 2 (April 22) Expandable File Folder: Create an expandable file folder from a map paper that gets glued into a wraparound cover and locks closed with a magnet.
- Week 3 (April 29) Book Light: Attach the expandable file folder structure to two uniquely wrapped book covers and create a removable spine that holds a tea light. This book is illuminated!
- Week 4 (May 6) Pocket Book: Roll fold and accordion fold one long strip of cloth-like paper to create this pocket book structure. Hand- or machine-sew the seams to create multiple pockets that can hold cards, your cell phone, ideas and more. Finish it off with a velcro closure.
- Week 5 (May 13) Envelope Photo Album: Utilize the pocket structure of envelopes to hold photographs and connect the envelopes with a piano hinge created with bamboo skewers.
- Week 6 (May 20) Scroll-a-Notebook: Kraft Tex is a paper leather material that is strong and durable. Punch holes in it and attach a stack of note paper with screw posts. Add an eyelet, thread a rubber band through it and throw this durable portable scroll into your handbag, briefcase or backpack.
Testimonials:
Helen is a skilled, generous, and very organized teacher. I enjoyed every aspect of the online class, from the clear video and the community feel, to the ability to work at my own pace. The projects and materials were lovely. The online format made it possible to benefit from Helen’s vast expertise without the time and cost of travel. Thanks Helen! Sue E.
This was my first ever online class. The needed materials arrived in advance so I could become acquainted with them. The videos for each lesson were clear and easy to follow. It was fun to see the results that other participants posted. I found the interactive communication with you helpful and delightful. Thank you! I look forward to another online class taught by you! Barb H.
What You Get:
- Step-by-step video tutorials for each lesson
- Printable instructions for each project
- Templates
- A comprehensive resource list, plus a list of suppliers
- The online classroom where you can ask questions, share your work, and get feedback
How it works:
- A week before class begins, you will receive information about creating a unique login for the Flexible Book Structures II online classroom.
- Each Wednesday, beginning on April 15th, a new lesson will be available in the online classroom with a video tutorial featuring a new project to explore throughout the week. This is not a live lesson; you will be able to watch the video anytime, work on your own and then visit the online classroom to ask questions and share your work.
- As a student you will have access to all lessons, support materials and videos indefinitely!
Supply Kit
Order the Supply Kit: $55 (for a smaller kit)
4/8/20: Kits are out of stock, but you can source your own materials! Please e-mail me and I’ll send you details.
|
Sign up for the class here ↓↓ |
Order the Supply Kit – $75 ↓↓ |
Tools: You probably have most tools on hand, but here’s an idea of what we’ll be using: pencil, ruler, scissors, cutting mat, craft knife, eraser, glue brush, hole punch, needle and thread, glue, eyelet setter. Optional tools: Sewing machine, heavy duty scissors/garden shears for cutting bamboo skewers.
Beyond the class: The skills you acquire will have multiple applications in book arts as we explore paper as a material, books as objects, and the various ways they can be manipulated and connected. Take what you learn beyond this class as you add additional ideas for working with paper and books to your repertoire.
Let’s Do This!
- Check out my free video tutorials if you want to see my teaching in action
- Sign up for the FREE webinar on March 12th if you want to learn more.
- Register today!
About Helen: My initial interest began on a trip to Japan 30 years ago when I was inspired by light filtering through traditional shoji screens. I took classes at the NY Center for Book Arts with Hedi Kyle, Susan Share, Barbara Mauriello and more and soon began developing workshops combining book arts, papercraft and lighting techniques. I’m the author of five books about paper crafts and papermaking, and I publish The Paper Year, featuring a how-to paper project for every month. I am a Colorado artist who constructs installations, sculptures, films, artists’ books and works in paper. I teach, lecture and exhibit my work internationally and have an extensive network of paper colleagues around the world. My interest in how things are made (from paper) keep me up-to-date on current paper trends, which I write about in my weekly blog, The Sunday Paper. I hold an annual paper retreat in my Red Cliff, Colorado studio each September.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why an Online Class?
I’ve taught these projects to hundreds of students in person over the past twenty five years, but since I can’t travel all the time (and perhaps you can’t either) I decided to develop on-line content. This is an extension of the numerous how-to projects I’ve written about in my books and the Twelve Months of Paper calendar, but they are a bit more in-depth and elaborate, featuring skill building as well as creative ideas.
What if I’m traveling or have to miss a lesson?
The sessions are independent, so you can jump in at any point and come back to lessons you’ve missed later. You will also have access to the online classroom indefinitely.
What kind of experience is required?
This class is for all levels but expect some challenges. You should be comfortable using a craft knife. I have taught all of these projects to beginners and experienced artists with success.
Cancellation/Refund Policy: Refunds are only available within 24 hours of purchase. You will receive a full refund minus a $25 processing fee for cancellations within 24 hours.