PAPER MAKING & BOOK BINDING with Julie Pomerleau
Students will explore the art of paper making and an introduction to book binding. Beginning with a discussion on paper and its impact on the world, we will explore the various ways we utilize paper and the transformative process of converting “old, unusable” paper into new paper with value and purpose. Students will be encouraged to create an intention for their paper by writing or drawing a theme or situation in their lives that they wish to see transformed on used paper. Students will be guided through the process of making paper, including the tools, steps, and finishing touches.
The second half of this workshop includes an introduction to book binding. Students will be taught various book binding stitches, including: Saddle Stitch book binding, Japanese Stab Book Binding, pamphlet stitch book binding, and easy no-sew alternatives.
This workshop can be expanded upon to add details to our paper, such as:
– foraging for plants to add as decorative pieces to our paper
– Shaved crayons to add “confetti”
– Plant seeds to add texture or to plant
Themes: The workshop has some clear elements of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts obviously…, and Mathematics)
Materials:
paper-making materials:
– wet space and lots of tables
– blender
– scrap paper
– Plastic boxes to hold large quantities of water
– paper making mould frame and deckle or screened splatter guards
– blue shop towels
– sponges
– drying space! (either using a drying rack, or we can hang them to dry on a string with clothes pins)
– optional decorations (seeds, pressed flowers, plants, crayon shavings)
Book Binding Supplies:
– hand-made paper and additional paper
– thread and string
– scissors
– ruler
– pen knife
– cutting surface
– awl
– bone folder
Grade Levels: Secondary grades 7-11
Artist Profile: Julie Pomerleau
Email: info@jpomerleauart.com
Phone: 514-441-4945
Resides in: English Montreal School Board
