Newport Paper & Book Arts Festival

REGISTRATION IS CLOSED FOR THIS WORKSHOP

Indigo – the colors of sky and sea captured onto cloth. Ancient, filled with mystery, beauty, and wonder, this plant- derived blue inspires passion! Day one will focus on using a natural indigo vat to create plain and patterned fabrics to transform into book cloth. Patterns are informed by the traditional Japanese itajime style of fold and clamp dyeing. You make two 24” x 36” pieces. On day two mount the paper backing onto you indigo-dyed cloths and explore itajime on paper appropriate for use in book interiors.

How many sides are there to the story you want to tell? How many layers? Is it about color? Pattern? History? The seasons? Does it need a reliquary? Over two days build a five-sided box that opens outward, revealing three five-sided trays in descending layers, ideal for framing a narrative. Learn fine finishing details, inlays, attachment techniques and more. Leave with at least one completed box. Assorted book cloths and decorative papers will be provided. You are encouraged to bring some of your own as well (purchased or self-created) to make the project personal to you. Tell a story!