Bookbinding 2 Day Workshop

Coptic Technique Bookbinding Workshop | Thursday, January 19th & Friday, January 20th, 2023 | 1:00pm-4:00pm (both days) |

This workshop will teach students to create handmade books using the Coptic exposed binding technique. The covers of their books will be made using the decorative paper or book cloth of their choice. Each student will go home with a 6.5”x5” Coptic binding book.

Coptic binding is a linked stitch forming a chain that will attach the covers and bind several sections/signatures together forming a blank journal. This binding technique is believed to have been used as early as the 2nd century AD by Christians in Egypt (the Copts). Today, we still use this binding technique to create art journals or other books.  The beauty of Coptic binding is that this stitch allows the book to lay completely flat when opened to any page.  Though these books will have blank pages, they have a multitude of possibilities: sketching and/or recording ideas, recipes, guest book signing, wedding books, baby books, journaling, travel journals, artist books, photos, or gifts.

Materials: 

Students can show up with nothing. They will choose their own decorative paper for the book cover the day of the class and purchase the paper with a 10% discount at Artisan. The books are small enough that some papers can probably be shared by two students. It may be helpful to take notes throughout the workshop so please be prepared with a notebook and pencil.

Following materials will be supplied:

• Davey Board 
• Section pages – students will tear Arches Text Wove paper to section 6.5”x5” pages. 
• 4-ply Waxed Linen Thread for exposed binding
• Glue
• Cutting matts
• Needles
• Dremel Drill
• Antique knives for tearing paper to book size
• Bone Folders (recommend students bring if they have one)
• Pencils
• Utility or Exacto knife (recommend students bring if they have one)
• Bookbinding Awls (recommend students bring if they have one)
• Ruler – 12-18” (recommend students bring if they have one)
• Glue brushes (recommend students bring if they have one) – these can be 1/2-1” nylon brushes purchased at hardware store. DO NOT bring foam brushes

Levels: All Levels

• No Refunds after Wednesday January 11th
• The last day to register is January 12th 
• Capacity:  Max 6 Students 
• Please park on Maclovia Street between Artisan and Autozone – Please DO NOT park directly behind our building

IF YOU NEED TO CANCEL, CLICK HERE

Artist Bio:

Joy McKenzie holds a BFA in Photography from the Kansas City Art Institute and an MFA in Photography from Southern Illinois University/Carbondale. She recently retired to Albuquerque after teaching photography and serving as VP for Academic Affairs at Watkins College of Art, Nashville, TN.  For over 20 years, she has taught classes in photography and bookbinding techniques.  McKenzie is the author of Exploring Black and White Photography and co-author of Artificial Lighting for Photography (2nd edition to be published soon).

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