Sunday 25 March 2018

Making handmade artist's books

I had fun, and some frustration, at a bookmaking workshop. I had only
waited about 3 years to have the experience.

This group project with about 10 -13 people from our printmaking
group, was at our local arts centre. Some had produced the work but
only 10 attended.

We all got a little kit of hard cardboard covers, and a title page plus the
exchange of prints from the group.

Each book was as individual as the artist as each could choose their covering
paper, inside lining paper, and thread and beads.

The tricky bit was drilling holes through the tough cardboard. Soon
though the whole group had tussled with this and finished their little books.

Special stitching held the cover and pages together, called Japanese stab
binding.

There were printed instructions, and some demonstration and help given,
but it still seemed a little strange and confusing.

By lunchtime all done. Satisfying to hold the finished product, and having
learnt a new skill.