A variety of extracurricular workshops are offered to members of the Wellesley College community through the Book Arts Program. Workshop schedules vary from semester to semester and year to year. Some sample workshops are listed below; clicking a name will direct you to a brief description of the technique/workshop (with images where available).
For the current workshop schedule and online registration, click here.
This introductory workshop covers the tools and techniques used in hand bookbinding. Several simple structures, such as the accordion fold, the sewn pamphlet, books folded from one sheet of paper, and the rotating flexagon, are taught. These structures are easily to repeat and adapt and do not require specialized equipment to execute. Papers from decorated papers workshops can be incorporated into this workshop.
Simple Bindings Image: image1
Coptic binding, developed in Egypt in the 4th century CE, is one of the oldest codex structures, and is sewn with a linking stitch that creates an elegant exposed sewing along the spine. The flexibility of the structure allows the book to open flat at each page, making it an excellent choice for journals and sketchbooks. Workshop participants learn how to prepare cover boards, fold signatures, punch sewing stations, and sew. Papers from decorated papers workshops can be incorporated into this workshop.
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The long stitch is a simple elegant structure that is flexible and durable. It was developed as a binding that could be made swiftly, but which has great structural integrity. This non-adhesive binding attaches the signatures to the paper cover with exposed stitches along the spine of the book. The long stitch binding can be learned and executed quickly. Variations both on the stitch and in the materials can create wonderful alternative bindings.
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Workshop participants will learn how to make an elegant, flexible hard bound photo album with book cloth and decorative papers. This workshop will cover all the steps of making an album, and the practical concerns involved in mounting photographs and prints. Papers from decorated papers workshops can be incorporated into this workshop.
Screw Post Albums Image: image1
In this workshop, participants make a traditional flat back hard bound book from scratch. Signatures are folded, punched, and sewn, and the resulting textblock is prepared for being glued into a case. A custom case is built for the textblock with binder’s board, cloth, and decorated papers. Then the textblock is cased in to the case, resulting in a solid, well-constructed volume. Papers from decorated papers workshops can be incorporated into this workshop.
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Learn how to make a Japanese stab binding! These text blocks are sewn through with silk thread, and a variety of traditional sewing patterns can be followed. Special paper or silk decorative corners can be applied, and a matching suite of books can easily be made. Papers from suminagashi, or Japanese style marbling, workshops can be incorporated into this workshop.
This workshop covers a variety of simple enclosures that can house books, prints, photographs, and other ephemera. Structures such as paper slipcases and four flap cases can easily be adapted to house final projects for studio art classes. Portfolios with ties make terrific presentation folders for flat items such as broadsides or prints. Papers from decorated papers workshops can be incorporated into this workshop.
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In this workshop taught in the Pendleton West Papermaking Studio, participants will make waterleaf hand made paper with laid and wove papermaking molds. Participants will learn to form sheets of paper with the mold, couch sheets off the mold, and press sheets. A variety of papermaking fibers will be used, and botanical inclusions may be added to the paper pulp. Paper made in this workshop can be used for making unique art objects or be incorporated into projects in the Book Arts Lab.
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In this workshop, each participant designs and prints her or his own limited edition single color note card using the Book Arts Lab’s collection of metal type and ornaments, and Vandercook presses. This workshop is a wonderful opportunity to print thank you notes, birthday greetings, or personal stationery. This workshop is an excellent opportunity to learn about letterpress for the first time or to build on previous letterpress printing or printmaking experience.
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In this workshop, each participant designs and prints her or his own limited edition single color poster using the Book Arts Lab's collection of wood type and Vandercook presses. Wood type is large type traditionally used to print posters and newspaper headlines, and it is perfectly suited for printing short quotations or announcements. This workshop is an excellent opportunity to learn about letterpress for the first time or to build on previous letterpress printing or printmaking experience.
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In this workshop, participants make beautiful one-of-a-kind decorated papers using pastes and pigments. With a wide variety of tools, participants delve into surface design techniques and create elaborate patterns and textures. The final product can be used for making unique art objects or be incorporated into bindings in other Book Arts workshops.
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Traditional Turkish marbling begins with floating pigments on the surface of a special prepared size. Then the pigments are manipulated into patterns with combs and rakes, and printed onto papers. This mesmerizing process was a closely guarded secret in traditional workshops. Come see the magic, learn a bit of chemistry, and make some beautiful papers! The final product can be used for making unique art objects or be incorporated into bindings in other Book Arts workshops.
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This traditional Japanese marbling process is very fluid and organic. Pigments are floated on a tank of water and allowed to respond to the environment—breezes stirring in the room, the breath of the artist, currents in the tank—and, at an opportune moment, printed onto a sheet of paper. The final product can be used for making unique art objects or be incorporated into bindings in other Book Arts workshops. Sumi papers are especially appropriate for Japanese stab bindings.
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Participants will learn historical broad-edged lettering styles, and will learn to use a variety of classical and modern calligraphy instruments and materials. Hands-on work in the Book Arts Lab will be supplemented by visits to Special Collections, and contextual explanations of the development of our alphabet and different writing styles. Participants will practice a variety of historical lettering styles, and will create their own unique hand-lettered keepsakes.
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