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Book Clasp Workshops |
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Workshop
Schedule 2008
Columbia
College, Chicago |
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| I became interested in the book arts after a 25 year career as an artist, metalsmith, and production jewelry designer. While learning about bookbinding and conservation, I found that there was very little information about book closures or hardware, and no readily available resource for clasps or bosses; so I did some research, and began to make my own. Now, in another incarnation of my artistic life, I bring together my accumulated skills to offer workshops teaching bookbinders how to fabricate their own metal book clasps, closures and book decorations. These workshops are specifically geared for the book artist. I teach students some simplified metal working skills and metal decorating techniques using readily available tools and materials. Participants will learn to make hinges and rvets using only cold connections (no soldering). During a two day workshop, students will learn to make two different clasps, one simpler and another more complex hinged style, as well as how to properly attach both to a book with wooden boards. Clasps will be attached to a model book made with wooden boards which students are required to bring to the workshop. I provide very clear directions for constructing a simple book for those unfamiliar with making wooden board books. I also demonstrate the use of patinas for coloring metal, and students will have an opportunity to patina their clasps if they wish. If there is extra time we may begin another clasp, or I may demonstrate construction of bosses or other types of book decorations. Workshops are usually two days long, but can be longer. Obviously, the longer the workshop, the more techniques will be taught and the more work the student will be able to accomplish. The information and techniques I teach give participants some basic and very practical and useful skills for making metal fasteners and decorations suitable for use on books or boxes. I provide almost all tools, equipment, and supplies for students use. Detailed written instructions and supplier information are provided as class handouts. Students pay a small materials fee to cover shipping of tools and cost of supplies in addition to the class fee. I have taught workshops at the Center for Book and Paper Arts at Columbia College in Chicago; at the 2004 Paper and Book Intensive (PBI); and at the Oregon Book Arts Guild Focus Conference 2005. In 2006 I did a workshop for the New York Guild of Bookworkers and most recently, at the Huntington Library. California Hand Bookbinders, Oakland, Ca, and at Hollander's in Ann Arbor, MI in 2007. Fasteners and clasps similar to some of those taught in the classes can be viewed throughout this web site. View some photos and clasp examples from various workshops I will be teaching a workshop in January 2008 at Columbia College, Chicago, Center for Book and Paper Arts, Jan. 19-20, 2008. If you might be interested in planing a workshop, please contact me for more information.
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