Paper was flying, irons were steaming, wax was bubbling at the last Book Arts Lounge, celebrated Friday, March 13th with great enthusiasm. About fifty folks piled into the binderies for this month's project: Paper Salon. Space was tight but the mood was festive as loungers experimented with different ways to transform a blank sheet of paper into an experimental artwork. We folded and dipped sheets of Japanese tissue to create ethereal patterns, used crayons and acrylics to create surprisingly sophisticated batik paper, experimented with paste paper designs, and waxed and shellacked printed materials to surprising effect. Loungers left with a portfolio of sheets to inspire their future paper treatment endeavors. Click here to see some photos from the event.

Next month's Lounge will feature a popular bookbinding method with ancient origins. Join us Friday, April 17 from 6 to 9 for Coptic Craze: Stitch like an Egyptian, as we learn the basics of the Coptic stitch, useful for creating sturdy yet handsome books that lay flat when open - perfect for sketchbooks, journals, and gallery books!