Teaching Schedule 2020
THE FOLDING BOX
Boekbinderij Wilgenkamp, Hoorn, The Netherlands
14-16 May 2020
During this workshop, we will construct two different playful and practical box structures. Both share the unusual characteristic of opening by folding out completely flat. The first box appears as a standard shaped book box, but then folds open completely to become a flat presentation surface. The second box is a petit pyramid that also lays open to reveal its contents as well as its unusual geometric form. Both boxes utilize powerful neodymium magnets as closures. Let these fun box structures expand your box making repertoire!
More information and registration through Boekbinderij Wilgenkamp
GEOMETRIC BOX DESIGNS
Centro del Bel Libro Ascona, Switzerland
6. – 10. July 2020
This workshop will be all about designing, planning and constructing box forms. We will start with basic rectangular forms and move on to pyramidal, hexagonal and other shapes. We will learn how to plan, measure and cut basic geometric shapes using a compass and ruler and make templates for making precise cuts on the board cutter. We will cover the basics of making structurally stable forms with stepped joints, gluing, covering and lining. We will explore various types of lids/closures (hinged lid, telescoping lid, seated lid and fold open design) and various means of hinging (cloth/Tyvek, magnetic hinge, piano hinge). We will use paper, cloth, and Tyvek for coving our boxes, and also leather depending on interest and time. There will also be time to experiment and explore your own ideas!
Basic hand skills and familiarity with materials are a must (precise measuring, cutting, gluing, folding, scoring, etc.), but previous experience with box making is not necessary.
More information and registration through Centro del Bel Libro Ascona
THE SPLIT SPINE BINDING
Centro del Bel Libro Ascona
28. Sept – 2. October 2020
The Split Spine Binding is an innovative case binding style that can be adapted to use with various types of text block constructions and sewing styles. The principle behind the Split Spine Binding is to construct a spine piece that can fold and move in a way as to allow a complete opening of the book. The structure was devised as a way to provide stability while maintaining flexibility for text blocks with unlined spines or other non-traditional sewing styles. During this workshop, we will complete several examples of the split spine case for different binding styles – from traditionally sewn text blocks, Coptic sewings, board books and more. Additionally, we will explore how this concept can evolve to a structure with multiple articulations in the spine piece.
Enjoy this opportunity for experimentation and exploration of a versatile new structure!
More information and registration through Centro del Bel Libro Ascona
THREE PLAYFUL AND PRACTICAL BOXES
BINDING re:DEFINED Wiltshire, England
22. – 24. October 2020
Clean lines, geometric forms, and smart, functional design inspire this box making workshop. Over three days we will build three different boxes. We start with a sleek little case for business cards with a snappy magnetic closure. The practical and durable form will make it something that you’ll always want to have handy in your pocket or bag. The second structure will be a book box with a magnetic flap closure. This is a great structure that is easily adaptable to a range of sizes and uses. Finally, we will make a small triangular box that utilizes a playful and mysterious magnetic hinge. It will be a fun workshop to open your eyes to some new and practical approaches to box making as well as a primer on incorporating powerful and versatile neodymium magnets.
More information and registration through BINDING re:DEFINED
Past Courses and Workshops
Geometric Box Designs Centro del Bel Libro, Ascona, Switzerland, 2019
Six Case Styles for the Board Book Centro del Bel Libro, Ascona, Switzerland, 2019
Bauhaus Inspired Box Designs Boekbinderij Wilgenkamp, Hoorn, Netherlands, 2019
Playful Box Structures Collective SML | k Denver, CO USA, 2019
Innovative Album Structures BINDING re:DEFINED, Wiltshire, UK, 2018
Contemporary Book Structures Centro del Bel Libro, Ascona, Switzerland, 2018
Contemporary Codex Structures and the Split Spine Case Boekbinderij Wilgenkamp, Hoorn, Netherlands, 2017
Split Spine Binding BINDING re:DEFINED, Wiltshire, UK, 2017
Contemporary Codex Structures Centro del Bel Libro, Ascona, Switzerland, 2016
Contemporary Codex Structures and the Split Spine Case Boekbinderij Wilgenkamp, Hoorn, Netherlands, 2016
Contemporary Codex Structures Centro del Bel Libro, Ascona, Switzerland, 2014
The Flex Spine Album Rocky Mountain Guild of Bookworkers, Denver, CO USA 2014