ome explore making albums that utilize traditional side-stabbed Asian binding structures, and celebrate the endless, appealing variations that emerge in combining colorful materials with interesting sewing patterns.

The integration of materials and structure is essential to the success of any binding, but especially so with these side-stabbed configurations. Traditionally, the inflexibility of the spine is balanced by the drape, or flexibility, of the tissue paper used for the pages. When thicker, stiffer, Western papers (ideal for holding heavier materials such as photographs) are used in these structures, a flexible hinge needs to be incorporated into the spine edge of the page.

The aesthetics of combining various materials, and the physical properties of the materials themselves will be discussed extensively. You will work both with Japanese tissue and Western paper in your projects.

You will begin by making three or four small books with heavy paper covers. Spine and sewing variations—for example, traditional Japanese Kangxi, Hemp-leaf, and Tortoise-shell patterns as well as Chinese-style decorative stitching—will be employed. Although these are intended as practice models, they will be very charming and finished and useful in their own right. In addition, they will be bundled together in an attractive paper wrapper.

You can expect to complete two elegant hard-cover albums—one larger and one smaller, that sport different spine and sewing styles. The hard covers will be finished with combinations of cloth and papers.

If you have a favorite paper you’ve been saving that you would like to use in this workshop you are welcome to bring it along, however, the materials fee includes a rich selection of dyed and printed Japanese papers; complementary bookcloths; colorful, waxed thread; and ribbon.

Beginners and album-enthusiasts at all levels are welcome.

(This workshop is not currently on the schedule. You may to request that we offer it sometime in the future.)