Annual Binding Challenge
An individual challenge for bookbinders guided by co-chair Nicole Cotten
21 for 21
Since in-person workshops were still too risky, we decided to try something new. We began a virtual exploration of “bookness.” This exploration was free and open to anyone interested in learning about the many structures that can be described under the idea of “book.”
We met on Zoom every other Thursday evening to chat about bookbinding and encourage each other to keep making books. After each meeting, we sent out an email with instructions for a different structure for participants to try on their own. At the following meeting, we would talk about how it went: how we interpreted the structure, what we liked, what we disliked, our material choices, etc.
Over the course of the challenge, the meetings expanded to showing additional examples of that structure from other artists or previous creations, as well as talking about other current binding projects. We found so much inspiration from this group of people. Even though I, Nicole, did not complete all 21 structures, I know I pushed myself to create more because of this group. I’ll admit that this challenge had an awkward start, but we found our footing throughout the year. We look forward to how 22 for 22 will develop.
February 25th: Jacob's Ladder
March 11th: Secret Belgian Binding
March 25th: Flower or Map Folds
April 8th: Caterpillar Binding
April 22nd: Flexagons
May 6th: Crossed Structure Binding
May 20th: Chinese Thread Book
June 3rd: Japanese Stab Bindings
June 17th: Tunnel Book or Box
July 1st: Long and Link Stitch
July 15th: Celtic Weave Binding
July 29th: Pop Ups
August 12th: Islamic Binding
August 26th: Movables
September 9th: Sewn Boards Binding
September 23rd: Miniature Tied Binding
October 7th: Dos-a-Dos Book
October 21st: Non-Rectilinear Books
November 4th: Single Paper Sheet Books
November 18th: Limp Vellum Binding
December 9th: Tessellations