This class is all about learning one specific binding technique called Single Sheet Sewing (originally developed by Keith Smith*). By binding the sheets separately, you are not restricted to one paper/board type. You can use a variety of materials (heavy weight paper, cardboard, book board, cloth, plastic, metal) or anything else you can poke a hole through. The other great thing about this stitch is the book will lie flat when opened.
The best way to learn this simple binding stitch is to practice. So for the first part of the class, we will be making multiple ATC-sized (2.5" x 3.5") sample books. You can write notes right on the pages for future reference. You'll learn how to make a sewing template guide for hole punching and how to adapt it to larger sized books.
WE WILL NOT BE CREATING ANY ARTWORK IN THIS CLASS.
The sole goal of this class is to learn the binding technique. For the second part of the class, you can bring your own pages of pre-existing artwork to bind or other materials/papers you would like to put into book form. You may have had other classes in which you created artwork but never got around to binding them, feel free to bring them to class. We'll set up a sewing template that best matches your artwork dimensions. If time permits, we can review different ideas to add embellishments to the spine of your books as well.
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* NOTE: I learned this technique through a class at Hollander's in Ann Arbor, MI.
Supply List:
- waxed polyester thread -- any color -- minimum 12 yards (or more if doing bigger personal books) Teesha sells 125 yard spools on her site.
- 1/16" round hole hand punch or awl
(the hole created only needs to be just big enough for the needle and thread to pass through, do not get larger sized punches)
- 4-8 Tapestry needles, size 18, round ended (DMC Brand)
NOTE: Michaels carries a six-pack of size 18 needles (DMC Art. 1767/4), you will need a minimum of 4 for the class project (4 needles - 2.5" x 3.5" sized book, 6 needles - 5" x 7", 8 needles - 8.5" x 11").
Do not get sharp end needles, eye needs to be large enough for thick thread
- ruler
- small scissors or knife to cut thread
- personal artwork previously created and/or different materials that you would like to bind into a book
(paper needs to be sturdy enough to handle stitching, very thin papers, like regular copy paper, need to be reinforced along the spine edge)
NOTE: WE WILL NOT BE CREATING ANY ARTWORK IN CLASS
Optional:
- small embellishments to add to the spine of your book (beads, charms, ribbon, ect.)
- To attach use: jump/split rings with small pliers, wire or regular needle and thread
Teacher will supply:
- 2.5" x 3.5" practice scrap papers/board to bind
- masking tape or 2-3 small binder clips (to anchor pages while stitching)
- pencils
A Little About ME
Brenda is a freelance graphic designer and long time Artfest attendee. She has always been interested in what happens when images, shapes and textures are combined and what story the resulting image may tell. Her creative passions have led her to art journaling and zine making and her work has been featured in several publications including RubberStampMadness, ATC Quarterly, LK Ludwig's "Creative Wildfire: An Introduction to Art Journaling" (2010), "True Vision: Authentic Art Journaling" (2008), and Carla Sonheim's "Drawing Lab for Mixed Media Artists" (2010). She has also been exhibiting her mixed media artwork in area galleries.
Brenda resides in Roseville, Michigan with her best-friend husband of 28 years and their two feline children, Tommy "L'il Man" and Lilly aka "The Drama Queen".
