Scrap/Books: Journals, Fragments, and Commonplace Books 

In this evening class, we will explore the relationship between visual art and text in hand-made books. This class is designed for anyone with an interest in learning the basics of hand-made books, as well as beginning to fill them with original and borrowed words and visuals.  

After exploring a few different basic bookmaking techniques, we will select and apply them to the creation of handmade books. Inspired by Emily Dickinson’s sewn-together “fascicles” and the idea of the commonplace book—a centuries-old tradition of collecting personally significant passages and information into a unique organizational system—we will make books of our own, focusing on exploring the individual creative process and sourcing material from both within and around us. You are encouraged to bring one or more passages, poems, recipes, quotes, etc. that speak to you, but there will be plenty of resources available to sift through. Expect to leave with at least one hand-sewn book.  

[This class is part of an exhibition on display at the Feast Arts Center gallery by Molly Schaeffer. All participants are invited to participate in a community meal immediately following the class, which will take place inside the exhibition. Participants will also be able to contribute to the exhibition as part of the class, leaving behind a portion of their work to become part of the larger show.]

1 Session

3/18 (Friday)

Class from 6-8 followed by dinner 8-9