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Introduction to Book Arts
9 weeks | $295 | In-Class

Tap your creative skills and learn how to make unique and personal artists' books. This course is perfect for new and repeat students interested in exploring the rich tradition of bookmaking from cover-to-cover. Instruction in Introduction to Book Arts covers the history of bookmaking, creative sketching and writing exercises, and the fundamentals of bookmaking using a variety of techniques. You will have the opportunity to explore techniques in bookbinding and bookmaking, including: folded and sewn structures, Japanese stab binding, handmade paper and marbling; collage, transfer and simple block printing techniques for creating images.

What You Will Learn:

  • Basic codex binding and elaboration of collaborative codex.
  • Elaboration of notebook with stab binding.
  • Stitched and star book collaboration.
  • Simple block printing techniques: acrylic on soft linoleum and handmade paper how-tos.
  • By the end of this class, you will be able to design and construct handmade artists´ books using a variety of basic materials and techniques.


Quarters Offered: Fall | In-Class
Course Fee: $295
Prerequisite: none
Materials: Bring to first class: pencil, small blank notebook, white eraser, glue stick, and small scissors. We will go over the materials list in the first session.
Note: Required textbook: Cover to Cover by S. LaPlantz. No prior bookmaking experience required. 
Contact: For more information about this course, please email ahl@ucsd.edu

Course Number: ART-40245
Credit: 3.00 unit(s)