Paste paper is one of the oldest decorated papers used by bookbinders, and can be found in books that are centuries old. Hundreds of years ago (a tradition that continues today), bookbinders would sometimes use up their leftover bookbinding paste by adding pigment to the mixture and brushing it out on surfaces to make decorative papers used in bookbinding. They would make strokes or stipple patterns with a brush in the paste, or use tools to draw or comb designs in the paper and then let it dry.
One of the distinctive qualities of paste paper is the rich 3-dimensional patterns and designs. This is achieved because when the paste is first applied to the paper and a pattern is made, the paste is thick with peaks and valleys. As the paper dries, the paste is sucked flat into the paper, leaving a 3-dimensional pattern on a 2-dimensional surface.
During this workshop students will learn about the history of paste paper. Together we will look at different samples and use different kinds of paste and tools to create decorative paper. This fun class focuses on color blending, textures, and graphic design on paper for artistic use in a variety of book arts or collage-focused art projects. Anything but ordinary, this is a hands-on class where participants will create beautiful custom decorative papers by applying colored starch paste to paper and manipulating it with tools to create patterns. Students will learn different recipes for making paste, how to create tools for mark making, and each individual will take home a full suite of papers made in this single session.
This special workshop welcomes beginners, and artists of all levels. The instructor will offer guided instruction in a supportive learning environment with a limited class size. The class materials fee will include paper and all the tools needed to create each of these projects.
Please note that since the papers need to dry before they can be safely taken home, students should arrange a time for later pick-up from our studio.
Please bring a bagged lunch to class or plan to buy something nearby.
Available Dates
Sunday, October 25th
10:00am - 3:00pm
WORKSHOP POLICIES & REGISTRATION INFO:
frequently asked questions:
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Registration opens when classes are announced on our social media, newsletter, and posted around town. We encourage participants to register early, as space is limited and tends to fill up fast. We cannot reserve space in a workshop without receiving full payment, either with online registration.
You can reserve a space if you can drop off or mail a check or cash within the week you reserved the space.
E-mail reminders are sent out about one week before the workshop takes place.
Walk-in registration on the day of the workshop is not accepted.
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Please alert us as soon as you know you cannot make a workshop you have registered for. We will issue you a class credit if canceled seven or more business days before the workshop. The class credit must be used in the current or following workshop season.
If canceled with less than 7 days remaining until the workshop, no credit will be issued.
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Classes are not guaranteed to run if minimum enrollment is not met. You will receive updates via email regarding the possibility & confirmation of a class cancellation. If your class is canceled, we will issue you a refund via check to the address provided in your registration form.
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Please email us at info@northbayletterpressarts.org to let us know if there is a workshop you would like to be placed on a waiting list for. If someone forfeits their place, you will be notified immediately by email with a link to register.
Location:
925 Highway 116 South
Suite D
Sebastopol, CA 95472
*park in the back gravel lot