Applied Arts: Accordion book binding workshop

This past Saturday we hosted an Applied Arts workshop on Accordion book binding with photographer/book arts artist Cynthia Katz. Cynthia started out the workshop by introducing everyone to the numerous ways that the accordion style could be used by showing examples of her own books and others that she brought.

Next Cynthia gave a demonstration of the techniques and materials used in accordion book binding. One of the first steps was to determine which way the grain of the paper goes; the accordions have to be folded in the direction of the grain of the paper. To figure this out, you roll the paper over, and gently press down.  You do this in both directions and figure out which way presses more easily. It’s also important when working to have a flat, clean surface.  Magazines or newspapers are good for covering your surface; newspaper is not because the ink can get on your clean paper.  Other tools that are important are sharp scissors with a point, a heavy duty utility knife with a retractable blade, and old painting brushes that can be used as glue brushes, rulers with a corked back, and PVA glue. (Poly Vinyl Acetate) You can view all of the photos from this workshop on the Jewett Art Gallery’s Flickr page.