Paste Paper and Bookbinding

with Judy Sommerfeldt

We didn't do as much as I'd hoped last spring, but this fall we have a lot lined up! Judy Sommerfeldt with the Salt Lake City Calligraphy Guild, Utah Calligraphic Artists, is coming to Boise and is going to put on our second fall workshop.

The first part will be open to all Guild Members and will be a Friday evening paste paper making meetup. Below are some details about the event.

Paste Paper Play

Paste paper is one of the oldest decorated papers used by bookbinders for centuries.  The process of making paste paper involves applying colored paste onto the surface of the paper and working it into rich patterns using a variety of tools and techniques.  In this session we will make several sheets of paste paper that can be used in handmade books, cards, art or calligraphy backgrounds, collage, or whatever way your creative muse imagines. 

Participants are asked to bring the following:

*4 quarter sheets of Arches text wove   (Those not attending Saturday’s workshop can bring Arches or other fine art papers such as Canson Mi-tientes or Ingres, 90 lb watercolor paper.  Printer paper, cardstock, or heavier papers are not good choices for this activity.

*2-3” chip brush

*kitchen sponge – about 3x5”

*two large yogurt or cottage cheese containers

*paper towels

*apron – we will be working with acrylic paints

This will be held on the Friday before the bookbinding workshop at our regular meeting time 6 - 9 pm, although we will be picking a different venue that can handle a bit more mess.

Those that sign up for the workshop will take their paste papers and use them the following day at the bookbinding workshop, which is described below.

Boise BookBound 2.0

In this workshop participants will be making two books – a hardcover pamphlet stitch book and a multiple-needle Coptic book. 

The hardcover pamphlet stitch book is a contemporary version of the historic chapbook.  It is a good beginning structure for those new to bookbinding as it introduces basic bookbinding terms and techniques.  The finished project is a lovely book perfect for use as a notebook, journal, or sketchbook.

The Coptic binding was developed in the 2^nd century, the earliest known binding of the codex format.  It was adopted and altered by many different cultures and became a major influence in subsequent historic book structures.  Today because of the beauty of its exposed link sewing and its ability to lay flat or open 360^o, modern variations of the Coptic structure are popular among book artists.

Workshop participants will learn more about the history and significance of these two structures and will leave with two completed books.  

Workshop Fee: $75

Materials fee:  $25 (this covers the paper that will go in the books, thread, and other bookbinding supplies the teacher will provide)

Tools and supplies participants are to bring:

Self-healing cutting mat at least 18” X 24”

Metal ruler – 18” works best

Sharp cutting blade – scalpel or Xacto with #11 blade

Scissors

Book binding awl – if you have one

0.5 mechanical pencil and eraser

Bonefolder – instructor will have a few extras

Sewing weight - if you have one

Small spray bottle

Water pot – glass jelly jar, pint jar, mug  - anything with a wide base that won’t be tipped over easily

Where: CWI Campus

1360 S. Eagle Flight Way Boise, ID 83709** 

**Subject to change

When: October 9th 6- 9PM

For all members where we will make paste paper

Cost: Free

When: October 10th 9-4 PM

Registered members, the bookbinding workshop with Judy, where we use out paste papers to create hard bound books. 

Cost: $75 + $25 material fee for Members