Summer book arts workshops in Nashville

I've often found that people who like book arts fall into one of two groups. They either like functional books, perhaps to be used as travel journals or sketchbooks. Or they like sculptural forms made from clever found objects, and interesting book-like structures created as artistic displays. This summer, I'll teach workshops for both. 

Through Watkins College of Art, Design & Film, I'll be teaching a two-day workshop where we'll make a large hardcover journal with the Coptic binding, as well as a several smaller functional books with a variety of binding styles.  And I'll also be teaching a one-day workshop on flag books made with a interesting materials like maps, postage stamps, vintage photographs, and game boards.  

If you're interested in learning to make books but don't know which type you'd enjoy the most, these two workshops would be a perfect introduction to the world of book arts.  Since the workshops are just one or two days long, you'll be able try something new without committing to an in-depth, multi-week course.  

These classes are open to anyone in the Nashville community, and to register just call the college's community education office at 615-277-7455.  Be sure to sign up at least two weeks in advance.  To see the other creative classes available, check out the Watkins summer course catalog. 

Bind your own handmade journal

When: Saturday, July 14; 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

and Sunday, July 15; 1 – 4 p.m.

Where: Watkins College, 2298 Rosa Parks Blvd., Nashville

Cost: $65, plus $20 materials fee

Description: Learn to bind your own unique and functional book, perfect for journaling or sketching. This two-day workshop will teach the Coptic binding style, which features hard covers, exposed stitching on the spine and pages that lay completely fl at when open. The Coptic stitch, developed by early Christians in Egypt, remains one of the most popular bookbinding styles. All materials and tools will be provided.

Sculptural bookbinding

When: Saturday, June 9, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Where: Watkins College, 2298 Rosa Parks Blvd., Nashville
Cost: $50, plus $15 materials fee

Description: Maps, postcards, ticket stubs, letters and vintage photographs become works of art in this sculptural bookmaking class. We’ll make hardcover flag books, which look simple when closed, but open to reveal surprising interlocking folds and pages. Bring your own paper keepsakes to feature inside. All other materials and tools will be provided.