(504) Paper. Book. Art.

Every aspect of hand papermaking allows for repetition, concentration, discovery and opportunity – just like weaving. Using a fusion of Eastern and Western techniques, we will work with abaca, flax, iris, day lily, persicaria, and other common garden plants to bring these fibers to their fullest expression. Through beating, sheet forming, manipulation, and drying we will uncover the distinct personalities that allow us to tell a story.

Each participant will have samples to handle, compare, explore and question. We will use these handmade papers, along with threads, buttons, adornments, and other papers to create visual metaphors that will extend the way we communicate. Folds, covers, stitched folios, and embellishments will encourage investigative ways a story can be read and experienced. After making a series of samples, we will choose one method of telling our own unique story. Guaranteed, you will be giving books all year long after this!

Instructor:

Suzi Ballenger

Experience Level:

All Levels

Maximum Class Size:

12

Materials fee:

$30 covers handouts with directions for making many types of stitched books, prepared pulp, handmade paper stock for book sketches, threads, and all kinds of fun things for making metaphors into stories.

Student Supplies:

  • X-acto knife.
  • Scissors.
  • Small cutting mat.
  • 18 inch metal ruler.
  • Small bits of threads and string.
  • Needles for stitching.
  • A small stack of plain and colored 8 ½ x 11 inch paper.