ALTERED BOOKS: 4 APPROACHES

Developed for a Friday Night Teen Workshop at Seattle Academy of Fine Art, December 2005

Skills to be Covered

Altered Book & Binding Techniques: creating an altered book,
Japanese stab binding, Folio binding, 11 x 17” paper binding,
accordion binding, creating a found object book

Book Making Skills: techniques to fold, score, cut, stitch, glue
and press books

Book Design: layout, pacing, vocabulary, creative subject matter

Book Arts & Zines History

WEEK 1: CREATE A NEW BOOK USING
AN EXISTING BOOK

Class introduction

Create a new book using an existing book structure. Show examples of altered books. Demonstrate techniques: cutting pages out, creating windows, adding envelopes, painting cover, creating hidden compartments, and adding outside materials (collage, clip art, Letraset).

Present Theme Options

Students have the option of creating a book
based on 1 of these 3 themes:

New vs. Old
Mystery
Lost & Found

Create

Students create an altered book.
I will consult with students one on one for questions and advice.

WEEK 2: CREATE A BOOK FROM DRAWINGS

Class introduction

Present the project: We are going to create books
using a theme-based drawing process.

Present Theme Options

Students have the option of creating 3 drawings
based on 1 of these 3 themes:

A Place (where you live, you visited, you imagined)
Luck
Journey

Create Drawings

Each drawing should be different. For example the drawings might be different in size, use of materials/media, non-objective/abstract/ realistic, or different interpretations of the theme. Maybe some have color, writing, are drawn in a clean diagram like manner, an expressive mark making manner, etc.

Create Book Pages

After the students are done with the drawings, they are going to decide on a size for the book. Students create a template stencil for their book pages using cardboard. Students identify pages in their drawings (through cropping and creating a new composition). Students cut their book pages from their drawings using a ruler and scissors or exacto knife. Narrative & pacing are emphasized while students select and lay out their book.

Bind Book

After the book is arranged, students bind their book using a Japanese stab binding. I will demonstrate this traditional bookbinding technique. Students bind and finish their book.

WEEK 3: ZINES, DIY & SELF-PUBLISHING

Class introduction

During this workshop, we will discuss zines, learn 3 binding techniques, and create 3 zines.

Discussion: Zines, History & Ideas

What exactly is a zine? What is the history of zines and self-publishing? Examples of different zines and handmade books are shown and shared. Students share and discuss the different subject matter of zines. We create a brainstorm web of ideas.

Binding #1: Folio Stitch Binding

Students learn a very basic bookbinders stitch to create a folio book. The pages of a small zine about the history of zines & zine resources in Seattle are handed out and used to create a practice book. This mini zine is for students to keep. After practicing, students receive 3-5 sheets of white, 8 1/2” x 5 1/2 “ paper and a cover paper. Using these materials, student make their own zine. Referencing the brainstorm of ideas we generated, student select a topic and create a zine about it (through writing, drawing & collage).

Binding #2: 11 x 17" Paper Book

Students create an eight page booklet using only one sheet of 11 x 17 inch paper and one cut. Students can reference the topic they used in the previous zine or select a different topic for this zine. Students create a second zine (through writing, drawing & collage).

Binding #3: Accordion Binding

Students learn accordion method binding. Craftsmanship techniques are demonstrated: scoring, folding, and gluing. Students can reference the topic they used in the previous zine or select a different topic for this zine. Students create a third zine (through writing, drawing & collage).

WEEK 4: BOOKS & FOUND OBJECTS

Class introduction

Present the project: creating a book from a combination of found objects and art materials. Examples of artist books are shown (match-books, books with boxes, altered book structures, books with packaging). Demonstrate techniques for manipulating a variety of materials to achieve your vision. Emphasize how designing a structure can reinforce the theme of a book.

Present Theme Options

Students have the option of creating a book
based on one of these 3 themes:

Synchronicity
A Place: Ocean, Outer Space, Desert, Another Country
Yourself/Self-Portrait

Create

Students create a book from found objects & art materials.
I will consult with students one on one for questions and advice.

Please note this is a brief overview of the curriculum.