never mind the press

Fall 2008

Painted Paper: Visual Books. I am scheduled to teach four monthly Fall workshops on the following Wednesdays at the San Francisco Center for the Book from 10am to 1pm. Registration and details through the Center are now available! For related info, see the newest how-to from Sterling Publishing, Painted Paper: Techniques and Projects for Handmade Books and Cards.

September 10. Window Envelope Book
October 22. Mask and Crown Book
November 19. French Link Stitch Pocket Book
December 10. Postage Stamp Miniature Book

Studio Classes

We'll explore a variety of techniques, colors, materials, and approaches in these one-day workshops. Workshops are scheduled on the following Mondays from 9:00am to 12:30pm. Each workshop is $85: all materials and use of tools included, unless otherwise noted. Pre-registration required. See below under General Class Information. All levels welcome unless otherwise indicated.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

September 22
One-Sheet Wonders. Through a variety of folds, tricks, and snips we can create a book out of a single sheet of paper. Excellent for designing by hand or on the computer, these little books are easy to edition and make copies for friends or for sale. As a warmup, this workshop will take a whirlwind tour of some simple structures that are great to teach or to make quickly; then we will focus on two structures (including a box-tunnel book) and learn about layouts and planning. We will create one edition this day (with content) with the aid of a photocopier and/or stencils, collage, rubberstamps. We will then have copies to trade with other students, and copies to take home for friends. Many things are already in the studio, but if you have them, bring old magazines for collage material, rubberstamps, or anything else that might inspire you. All levels welcome!
October 6
The Inside Story: Writer's Workshop and Crossed-Structure Journal with Gatefold Pages. Through a series of activities and free writing practice we will uncover paths to stories and ways of thinking about words, memory, and imagination. We will bind a softcover journal, read some highlighted works, go through a series of gently guided exercises, and discuss the creative process along the way.

October 27
Buttons and Buttonholes: Painted Paper and Buttonhole Stitch Variation. First, we'll spend a relaxing hour painting and layering a large sheet of paper and a cover paper with acrylic inks, then we will tear, cut, and fold the papers into signatures and a soft cover. Using linen thread we will sew the signatures through the cover with a decorative buttonhole stitch to create a small, chunky book. Optional: bring old buttons that have meaning to you.
Buttonhole Stitch Variation

GENERAL CLASS INFORMATION

Leave a message at (510) 527-1767 to indicate interest in a class or if you need more information. I will return your call as soon as possible. You may also leave your email address if that is more convenient.
Payment is due one week prior to the session you plan to attend or your space may be given to someone else. Bring a friend! Classes may be canceled due to low enrollment (two or fewer) for a full refund. No refunds after the class has begun. No makeups. All classes are limited to six students. Materials are included in the price, unless otherwise noted.

All classes are held at the never mind the press studio in Albany, CA. Reserve a space by sending a check for the full amount to: Alisa Golden, P.O. Box 8106, Berkeley, CA 94707. Your check will be held until one week before class is due to begin, then it will be deposited, no refunds. Please include your email so I can send you a reminder, give you the address, and let you know if there is anything you should bring.

Consultations: If you have previously taken a class with me in the studio, at the Albany Community Center, San Francisco Center for the Book, SFAI, CCA, or anywhere else, and you would like advice or help/tutoring on a project, please call (510) 527-1767 to schedule a private appointment. Consultations are $100 for the first hour, $50/hour afterwards.

Instructional Books

For reference, try these how-to books: Creating Handmade Books, and Unique Handmade Books and Expressive Handmade Books and Painted Paper: Techniques and Projects for Handmade Books and Cards.

To order from Amazon.com, please use these links. Thanks!

Creating Handmade Books
Unique Handmade Books (out of print)

Expressive Handmade Books

Painted Paper: Techniques & Projects for Handmade Books & Cards
This one focuses on a variety of painting techniques for paper, with one chapter on structures that work well with it.

Other Recommendations

See Lisa Kokin's site for her monthly workshops in the East Bay involving altered books and found materials.
Check out the huge variety of book arts classes at the San Francisco Center for the Book.

Updated: 6/22/08