In the world of artist books, complicated structures and difficult bindings are fun to learn and a challenge for the artist. Yet, when we want to write a line of poetry or paste in some ephemera like an old photo or ticket stubs to a favorite play, we look for a simple book.

Perhaps, as a child you made a pamphlet book with folded construction paper, a big needle and yarn, and a teacher to punch the holes for you!

In this workshop we will revisit that pamphlet-style book and learn how to make several other simple book structures for everyday use – a daily journal perhaps, a collection of drawings, a small book to take to the grocery store, or to tuck into a backpack to record the sights of a hike. You will want to make these books as gifts for friends.

Materials for 5 or 6 books will be provided. You will make two different kinds of pamphlet books, two different kinds of accordion books, and a Japanese stab binding, plus one of your own choice. All in one day!

This event is free for South Thomaston residents. $50 materials charge for all others.Please bring your own lunch; drinks and snacks will be provided.

I look forward to meeting some new book makers!

Sandy Weisman is both poet and visual artist. Her poetry has been included in two anthologies and several other journals, including Salamander, Spillway, Barrow Street, The Maine Review, Off the Coast,and Muddy River Poetry Review. Sandy’s art work has been exhibited locally at the Maine Jewish Museum in Portland, Michael Good Gallery in Rockport, Granite Gallery in Tenant’s Harbor, Waterfall Arts in Belfast, and University of Southern Maine. She is a founding member of the Midcoast Maine Book Arts group. Her artist books include Ontogeny, Book of Hours, Love Letters to Nora, Who Is Not a Migrant, Mycchorizal, and Blue.

Sandy is the owner of 26 Split Rock Cove, a privately-owned artist community of studios, artist living space, and workshops overlooking Mussel Ridge Channel in S. Thomaston, ME.