Dear Everyone ~
I’m enveloped in delight to debut my new group Zoom workshop, Buttoned-up Elegant Envelope Booklet. This structure builds on the basic skills of Introduction to Bookbinding—measuring, scoring, folding, and hand-folding paper. It is a small step up to make variations on the stitched-booklet theme. I hope you can join us on Saturday, June 26, at 10 a.m. (CDT).
The booklet you will make in this workshop combines bookbinding and envelope making without a template, all with heavy Stonehenge drawing paper & luscious 100% cotton Saint-Armand. You will also learn how to stitch an unfolded envelope into a booklet prior to sealing the side flaps. Next, you will make a lovely presentation envelope for your booklet, adding a layer of loveliness to the ensemble. And for the finale, you will attach charming string-and-button closures to both envelopes.
The kit of materials includes two shades of Saint-Armand (You can choose which to use for your booklet covers and which to use for your presentation envelope.), two pre-cut sheets of creamy Stonehenge drawing paper, three colours of waxed-linen thread wound on a piece of bookboard, and four very cheerful buttons. I have assembled three earthly palettes: Nantucket, Sonora, and Mesa.
This structure is a marvel of multi-utility: Currently, I’ve configured mine as a correspondence-on-the-go mini-kit. The interior envelope is large enough to hold several postcards, as well as larger scraps of paper to draw and write on. The covers’ two interior pockets hold labels and postage. When I’m out & about, I enjoy tucking the booklet into the sturdy presentation envelope to protect it.
Even though I miss the creative camaraderie of in-person workshops, teaching via Zoom has provided two major benefits for students. First, enthusiasts from anywhere on the planet can sign up for a workshop, which they can take in their pyjamas. Second, I now routinely make a “distilled video” in advance, detailing the steps for making a given book or box (about 30 minutes) and email this to students immediately after the workshop. The videos have definitely enhanced students’ ability to make more books at home on their own. Although I wouldn’t recommend the video as a substitute for taking the “actual virtual workshop,” they are such a complement—and, yes, I have received quite a few compliments on them!
I look forward to sharing my love of paper, books & hand-folded envelopes with you in this new three-ish hour group Zoom workshop.
Buttoned-up Elegant Envelope Booklet
Enveloped, Bari