- This event has passed.
Book Craft for the Beginner
Storytelling is one of the most foundational crafts of humankind. Stories have helped us interpret and understand the world, one another, and ourselves. The craft of bookmaking and binding also has a long and rich human history. Inside and out, these vessels are an important part of cultures all over the world. In this class, we will explore our own experiences with books, gain insight to the passions and views others hold in their own experiences, look at examples of zines and artists books, attempt to define “book” as a group, and create the structure for our own books. Learning various book binding techniques, and practicing the process of mapping out book designs, students might walk away with a new understanding of the craft of bookmaking and their own role in it.
Itinerary:
Day 1: At the beginning of class, we will introduce ourselves, as well as our favorite books, to gain insight of ours and others literary interests and selfhood. Then, we will go through a collection of artists’ books and zines. We will take notes on our observations before returning to a group discussion and mind map making as we explore the question, “what makes a book a book?” We’ll discuss the project of creating a book, and begin to explore some traditional ways of binding them.
Day 2: After regrouping on the second day, we will begin with a demonstration of a simple pamphlet stitch, all performed on scrap paper together. Next, we will view various ways in which a pamphlet-stitched signature can be utilized for alternative styles. We’ll pause for lunch, and spend the rest of the day crafting individual books. Towards the end of the class, there will be time to come together and share projects!
Meet Your Instructor:
Flower Apley
Flower is a multidisciplinary artist, educator, performer, and writer, whose mission is to share the healing powers of making with the masses. They prioritize accessibility, authenticity, and wide definitions of craft and concepts to bring their love of art to everyone. For far too long, the art world has been separate from the majority of America, requiring that people “buy in” to artistry, with fancy degrees and supplies. Flower aims to destroy this notion, by showing others that with an idea, some creative thought, and whatever you can get your hands on, you can make something that just may help the world! When they are not working on ideas, teaching, and projects, Flower loves hiking with their massive, fabulous dog, Magnificent Awesome Gorgeous Superstar
(MAGS), swimming in one of Northern Michigan’s bountiful lakes, dreaming big with their incredible pals, and dancing like no one is watching!
Telling our Stories: Most of our first sights into the world are through books, in America. We read with our parents when we are young, to learn stories about the outside world, morals that we have not yet the structure to find for ourselves, to start to piece together our values and beliefs. In school, we read books chosen by our teachers, the State, or the school board, to begin to shape our views into something of a larger collective. As technology advances, however, many have lost their ability to get lost in a book. Our brains are changing, rapidly, and we must keep up with the world through a rapid categorization of the constant data we are barraged with every day. Some may even feel a strong sense of guilt when picking up a book – a feeling that it may be selfish to indulge with a page when there is so much work to be done. Perhaps if we teach everyone how to enjoy reading, and to move gently with the changing world, we could begin to create a new way of sharing thoughts and data with each other. And if everyone can consider themselves a book maker, we might all have new ways to tell our stories.
Green Door classes are immersive and intentionally long. We find that over prolonged time together, students form deeper bonds with each other, the craft, and their instructor for an over all more impactful experience. Even if you are a Traverse City local, the intention is that these classes feel a bit like a retreat away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. If you are visiting from afar, the experience can be even deeper.
Class Details:
Where is the class held?: This class will be held in our classroom in Cedar, MI, an environment that lends itself to creative planning and exploration.
Visiting from out of town?: Surrounding Green Door Folk School is Cedar North of J2 Farms. Cedar North is dedicated to enriching the world through arts and agriculture. Stay in the airbnb…steps from the classroom, art studio, and farm!
Cost includes all required materials.
Date/Time: October 4th @1:30 pm – 4:30 pm and October 5th @10:30am – 4:30pm
Prerequisites/Skill Level/Age Requirements:
- No prior experience required.
- Ages 18+
Booking Information and Policies:
What happens after I book the class?: After you book, we will send you a confirmation email that you are IN! A week out from the class, we will send you an email with more details about our meeting locations and some housekeeping items.
Want to make sure you have all of the information before you dive in? Here’s our cancelation policy: We understand that plans change, and we do our best to accommodate while honoring the time, energy, and resources that go into preparing for each class.
Cancellations made more than 14 days before the class start date Receive a full refund, minus a $25 administrative fee. This fee helps cover the cost of filling your spot. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer refunds for cancellations made less than 14 calendar days before class begins.
At this time, we are not able to offer:
• Course credit
• Transfers to other courses
This policy allows us to keep class sizes small and intimate, while minimizing pressure to increase overall course costs.
If the class is canceled by the school: In the event of inclement weather or other disruptions, we will issue a full refund and do our best to offer a reschedule option.
Policies:
Go for it! If you’re an avid reader, a songwriter, collector of things, or storyteller in any form, this is the class for you!