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