Newport Paper & Book Arts Festival
Origata Book Binding
Origata is the Japanese art of gift wrapping, traditionally using specific folding techniques with a focus on a single sheet of paper. The Origata Binding draws inspiration from this practice, combining one long folded paper cover with two shorter folded covers. Intertwined ribbons and a decoratively wrapped spine bring the structure together, resulting in a binding that is both visually striking and thoughtfully crafted. For this class, we will be making a book consisting of three signatures bound in the Origata binding method. Students will get to add decorative elements to the cover as part of the 1st day of class as well as adding a center pocket structure sandwiched between signatures on each side of the inner book. Students can use this additional pocket structure in many other books.
Note: The Origata binding is somewhat of a brain teaser….This is an intermediate class although advanced students may enjoy it as well.
Students should bring: Rulers: An 18”clear ruler, a metal ruler with rubber backing (for paper scoring), Beeswax (for waxing your thread), Scissors, Bone folder, Cutting Mat, Scrap paper or old magazine (for when we glue the spine), Pencil & eraser, X-acto knife. Optional: Piercing cradle (if you have one you prefer) and decorative papers. The instructor will provide decorative papers, but feel free to bring some favorites of your own. Strong – but thin – paper such as Lokta works best.
Two-Day Workshop
Thursday, April 23rd & Friday, April 24th
9am to 4:30pm (lunch break 12-1pm)
Toledo Public Library [MAP]
For adults and youth ages 16+ (accompanied by an adult)
To help ensure an enjoyable experience for all, we kindly encourage guests to consider attending fragrance-free in support of those with allergies and sensitivities.
Lara Cox holds a formal education in fashion design and pattern drafting. Her introduction to book arts began with a small, handmade notebook gifted to her by her mother. Over time, as the well-loved book began to fall apart, her efforts to repair it sparked a deep fascination with the ways books—much like garments—can take on a variety of forms. This curiosity led her into the world of bookmaking, where she discovered a rich intersection between structure and the opportunity to incorporate familiar artistic mediums in new and unexpected ways. Based in Humboldt County, California, the Northern Book Arts Guild (NORBAG) became an important part of Lara’s artistic journey. She joined the guild in 2016, gaining much of her bookmaking experience through NORBAG’s many workshops, along with self-guided exploration and online courses. As her skills grew, she found a natural affinity for the art form and began teaching workshops herself—both for NORBAG and for smaller, independent groups in her own studio.
Registration for this class will go live, here, at 12pm on February 25, 2025