Workshops

Instructor: Rosemary Rae   

Using random ephemera, images, and scrap/recycled paper, we will build a unique structure that houses a folded accordion, which, when fully opened, reveals a dimensional tunnel attached to the inside back cover. We will collage and paint the covers, the accordion, and the tunnel. Create a story that carries the viewer from the front cover to the inside panels and then to a dimensional collage in the back. Work can be based on a theme or a random exploration. Experience making books and working with collage is helpful, but not necessary. All skill levels are welcome.

Required Materials/Students will need the following materials:

FOR COVERS:
• Book board for the front & back covers (Two pieces 7 inches wide x 7 inches high) and for the spine
(2.5 inches wide x 7 inches high) or a recycled cardboard box that is sized to those dimensions
• Random, collected ephemera, images
• One sheet of decorative paper (liner) for the inside front and back cover (16.5 inches wide x 7 inches high)
• Acrylic paint
• Book cloth (approximately 8 inches high x 5.5 inches wide)
• PVA glue and brush
• Self-healing mat and X-acto knife
• Scissors
• Bone folder
• Scrap paper (to cover your work surface when gluing)
• Metal Straight edge or ruler

FOR TUNNEL:
• Four sheets of cover weight paper cut to 7 x 7 inches (opening in center is approximately 3 x 3 inches)
• One sheet of paper 14 x 7; folds to 7 x 7
• Sheets of cover weight paper to create ten gussets/any color you wish
Note: Each gusset measures 2 inches wide x 7 inches tall (each folds to .50 inch x 7 inches tall)
• Random collage images printed on card stock to place in tunnel• PVA or double stick tape
• Collage or decorative image for the back of tunnel (adheres to inside back cover)

FOR INTERIOR/ACCORDION & COLLAGES:
• Ten to fifteen sheets of cover weight paper/any color (each panel folds to 6 inches wide x 5.5 inches high) to create the accordion structure. Please note: in my book example, I have six panels, 36 inches + 1-inch flaps on the right edge. I recommend Strathmore Watercolor Paper, 140# (lb). It is what I use for most of my book structures, including the book for this class. It has a wonderful surface for mixed media (I paint a lot); it comes in a pad of 11 in x 15 in, 12 sheets.
• We will fold paper to create panels, attach spinning images, and create die-cut windows
• Glue stick, PVA glue or double-sided tape to attach accordion pages and attach collage material
• Collage ephemera including but not limited to stamps, small images, clip art, rubber stamps, torn paper, bits of type, pages from old books, labels, ribbon, hand or machine stitching, small scraps of paper, etc.
• Acrylic paint, rubber stamps

OPTIONAL MATERIALS:
• Markers, colored pencils, crayons, vinyl lettering, ink, stamp pads, paper punches—anything you enjoy using to add color and decoration to your work!

Adult All Levels

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