Bookmaking With Kids

Part of a series of posts about the professional-development workshops in our Summer Camp 2009.

Asian bookbindings are known for their understated elegance, handmade papers and fine craftsmanship. Yet the basics are simple enough for kids to learn. We’ll start with easy adaptations for the youngest kids, using file folders, three-hole punches and pipe-cleaners, ribbon and yarn. Next we’ll learn a traditional sewing pattern, using a pre-punched book for practice. Then we’ll tackle all the preparations—folding text pages and covers, punching sewing holes with awls—before sewing. Participants are welcome to use covers they decorated in the Paper Decorating for Bookmaking workshop. Suggested for teachers of Grades 2 & up.

This workshop takes place on Thursday June 25th, from 1:30–5:30 p.m., in the Community Room at the Redwood Shores Public Library.

A poet and book artist publishing under the Deconstructed Artichoke Press imprint, instructor Nikki Thompson also has extensive experience teaching bookmaking to children. She currently teaches special education in the South San Francisco Unified School District. You can explore her artist books and broadsides at her web site.

Got questions? Want more details? Need help deciding if this class is a good fit for you? Just email Cathy for fast, knowledgeable answers. For a Summer Camp overview in calendar form, click here. You’ll find complete workshop descriptions and a registration form in this downloadable flyer.

And to see all posts to date about Bookmaking With Kids: Summer Camp 2009, please click here.