Spring is in the air! We're looking forward to a full schedule this spring. Join us this month for more exciting book arts workshops than you can shake a stick at!

A perfect introduction to the season: this weekend Karen Gorst is offering
The Origins of Color: Many color names hint at the color's origins. Sienna is earth from the area of Sienna, Italy. Sap green really does contain sap. Burnt umber really is heated. During this workshop we will learn the basic processes for making traditional pigments. We will levigate earth, grind malachite stones, make colors from vegetable sources, and precipitate lakes. Once the colors are made we will use our pigments to make paint and ink. After taking this workshop you will never look at a tube of paint or ink in the same way! You may even find yourself gathering natural materials for pigments on your next vacation.
May 1-2, Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 4pm
Karen Gorst, Instructor
Tuition: $260/ $245 CBA members.


Sound and Light! Hooshang Partovi is back again this year for our perennial favorite: How would you like to make an electric book with special effect devices? This course devotes two days to making books with Direct Current (DC) electricity. Students will learn how to install batteries, buzzers, light bulbs, and micro-switches, as well as the fundamentals of electricity and the techniques of wiring, soldering, and attaching miniature parts to book covers or text blocks in a hardcover book. You will wire one or, time permitting, two books during this weekend course. Some bookbinding experience is recommended but not required.
May 15-16, 10am – 4pm, Saturday and Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Hooshang Partovi, Instructor
Tuition: $260/ $245 CBA members plus $35 materials fee

The Hidden Art of Kozo Paper
Book making, paste paper and art come together in this two-day workshop packed with innovative and inspiring techniques for using kozo – thin, strong, and pliant handmade mulberry paper. You'll learn a nontraditional process of laminating kozo to other sheets of paper or Tyvek without wrinkles or bubbles, for use in making stiff paper book covers. You also learn to make lush, layered, unique two-sided artwork using blind "gesso drawing" in combination with paper waxing. An application of beeswax transforms the kozo, which becomes translucent — so that the images on both sides, underneath the waxed kozo, pop out. You'll learn how to make shifu (paper thread) from a single sheet of paper; and paper tabs and ribbons. The class focuses on processes and new skills and ideas useful for subsequent book projects rather than on creating a specific object; however, students will make one or two small books and other projects. For all levels of experience.
May 8-9, Saturday and Sunday, 10 am to 4pm
Rory Golden, Instructor
Tuition: $260/ $245 CBA members

Relief Block Printing for Beginners: Lino & Xylo
This class is about the differences between linoleum and wood, selecting and sharpening carving tools, and the very basics of printing. Participants in this class will have the opportunity to experiment with hand-carving on both linoleum and wood blocks using the instructors collection of tools. A small edition of prints from one of their creations will be made on a Vandercook proofing press. This is an introductory level course meant to give students a chance to work with a variety of tools and materials which will allow them to then make educated purchases for their own tool boxes and future projects.
May 15-16, Saturday and Sunday, 10 am to 4pm
Bryan Baker, Instructor
Tuition: $260/ $245 CBA members

Exploring Laced and Tacketed Books
Account books and blank books have always needed to open well, hold up to heavy use, and be portable. Lacing and tacketing are both historical bookbinding techniques that were used to construct non-adhesive bindings that functioned well, creating exposed structure that is both very durable and decorative. This class will introduce students to these historical record keeping structures, and allow time to construct one parchment covered tacketed and laced blank book.
Previous bookmaking experience recommended.
May 22-23, Saturday and Sunday, 10 am to 4pm
Chela Metzger, Instructor
Tuition: $260/ $245 CBA members


You can register for all of our workshops online at www.centerforbookarts.org/classes or by calling 212-481-0295.