Dear Everyone ~
The deep winter months have brought dreams of budding spring blooms and blossoming trees. Whilst Cat Bennett & I were musing about our next Bookful workshop, we were both longing to breathe outdoors, draw outdoors & document hardy botanicals.
Butterfly Bookful of Botanicals, our new four-Saturday workshop, is our third collaboration. We will celebrate early spring: more light & warmth, the pods that have survived winter, and the awakening of overall optimism.
This past winter, I reacquainted myself with a lovely style of binding called the Butterfly stitch. I had taught it numerous times in studio, but have only recently taught it via Zoom. Because of its name, and also because of its delicacy, the Butterfly stitch seems the perfect technique to use for the Bookful workshop.
When I delved into my paper cabinet to see what I could see for covers, I had just received a fresh shipment of Saint-Armand cover papers in a dozen understated, beguiling hues. They became my point of departure for the two palettes, Jewellery and Springery. Soon thereafter, an assortment of muted Satagomi papers whispered to me, inspiring the two signature wraps. As I like to remark: The more colour the better.
One of my favourite aspects of the Butterfly stitching is that you can use up to four different thread colours. For the kit, I have included five colours so you can decide how you want to mix & match. (Your kit includes enough of each colour that you could use just one to stitch your entire book.)
I will record the bookbinding workshop lesson in advance, and it will be available for you, with no interruptions or delay, immediately after the first lesson. Between sessions, Cat & I will both answer your questions in our private Facebook group. We invite you to share and to be inspired by each other. (Even if you are not on Facebook, it’s easy to create an account simply for the class.)
In Workshop #1, you will make your book using the Butterfly stitch. This Japanese binding style dates back to 11th century. It involves four needles for stitching, which is not nearly as daunting as you might imagine. The stitch is so simple, I'd describe it as rhythmic. Your pages lay completely flat, making it a delight to work directly in your book. Easy, breezy, springy.
In Workshops #2, #3 & #4, Cat will lead the group through a series of drawing, painting & colour mixing exercises. You will fill your book with illustrations of botanical bits you find between sessions.
In the highly detailed shop listing, you can read more about the multitude of mediums we will explore together, the materials included in your kit, and the tools you will need. Cat is a big fan of using what you have on hand. That said, if you feel inspired to shop for new implements….
We hope you will join us to share in the creative camaraderie and shared love of paper, bookbinding, drawing, painting & nature. No previous art experience necessary. In case you missed yesterday’s e-blast about Introduction to Bookbinding, you’ll find it here. I’ve timed that new workshop especially for anyone who might be feeling fluttery at the prospect of making an entire book. If you take both Introduction to Bookbinding and Butterfly Bookful of Botanicals (BBB), you will receive a 15% discount on your BBB registration.
Butterfly Bookful of Botanicals
Bye-bye, Bari (BBB!)