Beginning Book Arts--Construct, Write, and Illustrate a Handmade Book
In this one-time class, learners will be introduced to the medium of book arts, become inspired to tell their own story, and create a handmade book complete with writing and illustration.
What's included
1 live meeting
1 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
In this class, learners will be briefly introduced to the art form of handmade books through a slideshow presentation. Then, I will read aloud a children's book titled "The Rabbit Listened" by Cori Doerrfeld, and we will discuss as a group what learners thought about the book and identify it's themes. Whatever themes we identify (i.e. friendship, forgiveness, trust) will be the inspiration for the story the learner chooses to tell in their own book. Next, we will learn how to plan out an eight-page book by creating a "mock-up", which will include leading learners through a demonstration on constructing the book itself, and afterwards, making decisions about where text and images will go on each page. The mock-up provides a chance to learn the structure and practice it before making the final book. After that, we will construct another book, and using the mock-up as reference, do the final writing and illustrating. If learners do not complete all their writing and illustrating by the end of the class session, that is ok! They are welcome to finish it on their own time. This class is intended to be an introduction to book arts, so it focuses primarily on learning how to make the book structure and how to design a book. All skill levels and styles of writing and illustrating (painting or drawing) are welcome! Reading a story and pulling themes from it is a technique for generating inspiration and will encourage learners to think critically and introspectively as they decide what story they want to tell in their own book. We will use scissors while constructing the book, so it is up to the parent's/caregiver's discretion whether or not supervision during that step is necessary for your learner. Throughout the class, I will talk about safety and cleanliness while using materials, when necessary.
Learning Goals
Students will learn how to:
-Identify themes and make personal connections with them
-Think critically about their life experiences
-Create an 8-page, codex-style book structure
-Consider design choices
-Be expressive and empowered by sharing their story through art
Other Details
Parental Guidance
We will be using scissors when constructing the book.
Supply List
Required materials: A pencil and eraser Scissors At least 8 pages of paper of the same size, around 8 1/2" x 11" (copy paper or light-colored construction paper are fine, as well as heavier weight papers, i.e. from a sketchbook) A clean, flat workspace, like a table, or a cutting mat if working on the floor Optional but recommended materials: A pen or fine-tipped marker for writing (any colors are fine, as long as they will show up on the paper) Learner's choice of tools for illustrating, such as crayons, colored pencils, pastels, paint (watercolor is ok if using heavier paper, otherwise acrylic or tempera paint is recommended) (If using paint) Cups for water, brushes, paper towels or a rag, a tray to lay out paint, and a protective covering for the workspace, such as newspaper
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
I will read aloud "The Rabbit Listened" by Cori Doerrfeld towards the beginning of the class.
Joined March, 2021
Teacher expertise and credentials
I am an artist with experience in dance, music, theater, writing, and visual arts. I also had a career in social work before pursuing the arts professionally. No matter what I am doing in life, I enjoy building community, teaching, learning, being helpful, and focusing on joy, kindness, compassion, communication and personal growth.
I earned my MFA in Printmaking and Book Arts at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (2022), my Associate of Fine Arts degree from North Seattle College in Seattle, Washington (2019), and my BSW from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado (2010). I have had a variety of work experiences in both social work and the arts, as well as the restaurant industry, retail, and real estate. In my teaching experience thus far, I created and taught a youth, summer art camp, have conducted bookbinding, printmaking, and hand papermaking demos, and have assisted other instructors in adult book arts and hand papermaking workshops.
I believe book arts and printmaking have enormous potential to impact personal growth and enhance cognitive and emotional skills for people of any age. In book arts, learners can practice communicating ideas through the nuances of narrative and a time-based medium, and experience the very personal, interactive nature of handling a book. Printmaking is a medium which calls for planning and analytical and critical thinking skills, while also allowing for endless experimentation and expressiveness. And because many printmaking processes yield multiple copies of one's artwork, the results are extremely rewarding, abundant, and naturally lead to the sharing of one's work.
In my classroom environment, I will provide a space in which learners feel seen, heard, valued, respected, and safe to explore their identities and life through the joyful creation of art. Furthermore, I consider myself to be a lifelong student. I have always loved school and learning environments, and try to share that enthusiasm with my students.
My latest adventure was joining a local, community choir and we performed Carl Orff's Carmina Burana!Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$12
per classMeets once
90 min
Completed by 2 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-12
3-8 learners per class
