Elements of making a leather bound journal are similar to making a case bound book yet there are special tools and opportunities with leather… and the casing is a little more forgiving than board binding! Participants will sew a multi-signature, torn edge text block and glue that block into a leather wrap cover. Several closures […]
Introduction to Bookbinding & Letterpress Materials, Tools & Techniques This free, hands-on class provides an introduction to letterpress basics and bookbinding. Participants will learn about locking up a form on the press bed, inking the press and “pressure” considerations in order to then pull several prints. Other aspects of letterpress printing will be reviewed, such […]
In this introductory class you will learn to make paper that incorporates recycled papers, flowers and other fibers. You will bring home several sheets made in class, and we will construct a simple pamphlet book with pre-made paper similar to the ones you will create. You will learn the basics of paper making, how to […]
Get your hands dirty in the largest collection of moveable type in the mid-Atlantic! Have you always wondered where the phrase “out of sorts” came from? You’ll know, once you’ve learned a little typesetting using Virginia Book Arts massive collection of lead type. Participants will get an introduction to type and the elements of setting […]
Using book board, decorative paper, and book cloth, participants will learn basic box construction and make a 5 x 7 hinged lid box. This durable and sturdy construction both sits on its base and stands upright on a bookshelf; it is perfect for housing mementos, jewelry, ephemera, and more. Participants will explore options for decorating […]
Curious about linocut? In this hands-on, four-hour beginner workshop, you’ll experience the full process of relief printmaking—from first impression to finished print—all in one day. We’ll jump right in by printing from a selection of pre-carved blocks, both by hand and on a press, so you can immediately see what’s possible. Then you’ll create your […]
In this two day class we will create a soft fabric book filled with meaning and intention, inspired by our own collection of fabric pieces. We will create the folios from simple layered and stitched fabric collages. In the process we will explore different hand sewing and embroidery techniques, and we will discuss different ways […]
How on earth did people print things before the invention of the computer? Learn about “slow technology” in this one-day introduction workshop on letterpress printing. From type to image to paper to ink, from grippers to rollers to proofing to cleaning, you’ll not only get an inside view of printing on a Vandercook Universal cylindrical […]
This workshop will introduce you to the world of encaustic wax and you will learn how to approach encaustic wax application for preservation and surface decoration with book arts in mind. Encaustics provides an archival and dimensional surface. Be confident after this hands on opportunity about tools, techniques and materials for engaging at home. The […]
Gradient print inking looks amazing, and is actually pretty simple to do! These quick demos let you watch how to ink VBA’s Vandercook presses to produce rainbow & other gradient inking (aka “split fountains” or “rainbow rolls”) on type, and on type-high boards to create gradient-inked backgrounds. You’ll leave knowing enough to experiment & practice […]
In this special two-day workshop, a small cohort of six collaborators will create a folio of original letterpress poetry broadsides—each pairing a poem with a hand-carved illustration. Constraints in design guidelines for scale, method, and color gradients will make the collection harmonious while highlighting our individual creativity and poem selections. Before the workshop, you’ll select […]
Joomchi and Momagami are both a traditional Asian paper craft that creates textured handmade paper using your hands and water. This paper art dates back to the tenth century. (A.D. 918-1392). This processing transforms strong, long-fibered paper, such as kozo (mulberry) paper, into a material with a rich, leather-like texture. The resulting “kneaded paper” is highly […]