Totebook with Watercolor Paper NEW! Online Class May 21

Totebook with Watercolor Paper Online Class
Sunday, May 21, 10am-1pm MT
Instructor: Kristen Lewis
Limit: 15 students. Includes class kit + shipping
To receive your kit in time for the class, register by May 14.

Class Details:

There are so many reasons why we love this new book structure from local book artist Kristen Lewis! First, it’s practical and versatile. Second, the small details give it a professional look. Third, it also includes a number of transferable techniques to add to your paper and book skills. 

The specific version of the book for this class has pages of watercolor paper, making it a more economical option for art than buying a commercial watercolor journal. Kristen has designed the book so it’s easy to take anywhere – hence the name Totebook. The hard cover protects it when it’s thrown in a jumbled bag, a soft spine is both flexible and sturdy, and an easy chain stitch binding holds up well to use. Did we mention that the structure is versatile? Substitute other paper when you make more at home – text weight, sketch, lined, etc. – to change the purpose of the Totebook.

Included in the class are some useful techniques that readily transfer to other book projects: an elastic band that keeps the book closed, rounded corners that keep it from looking dog-eared despite constant use, and envelope paste downs that are both useful and fun. Kristen thinks of everything! Her Totebook is a workhorse, and a handy thing to have around.

So that class time can be devoted to assembling and binding the book, there is approximately 1-2 hours of pre-work beforehand. Allow yourself plenty of time for the homework since this is an estimate and everyone’s pace is different. You’ll receive a video link before class to step you through the pre-work.

This online class will be recorded and made available to class participants for 10 days after the class.

Class Materials

Please bring the following materials:

• scissors
• bone folder
• PVA (strongly recommended) or Ailene's tacky glue
• bookbinding awl
• large format magazine or large scrap paper for gluing
• apron + baby wipes or damp towel or paper towels for gluing
• Optional: snacks or prepared lunch to eat during the non-hands-on part of class

Class Kit Includes:

• Templates, handouts & information
• Bookboard covers
• Glue brush
• Decorative paper and bookcloth
• Envelopes for interior pockets
• Elastic, sewing kit, clips & skewer
• Precut watercolor paper text block
• Bookbinding needle & thread

We ship class kits approximately 2 weeks before the class via USPS Priority Mail. You will receive a tracking number (check your spam folder) once your kit ships. Kits can only be shipped within the USA. If you’re outside the USA and would like to take the class, please contact us for information.

Zoom Info

Be sure to look for an email with class details sent out the Monday before the class. The email includes a Zoom link to login, the class agenda, a materials list, and information on any pre-class prep. You’ll also receive a reminder email the day before the class. If you don’t see the class email from us check your spam folder. No email? Double check the email address you entered when you registered. It's on your order confirmation. If there's still an issue, contact twohandsclasses@gmail.com.

Class Refund/Cancellation Policy

For cancellation made 3 weeks before class we can either issue a refund or apply the funds to another class. We deduct the price of the class kit plus shipping if we’ve already shipped the kit, and we retain a $10 processing fee for EACH class cancelled. If you cancel fewer than 3 weeks before the class there is no refund or credit. If Two Hands Paperie cancels a class, we’ll contact you by email and refund the FULL class fee.

Instructor Bio

Kristen Law Lewis was bitten by the book-bug in the last semester of her undergrad Studio Art studies at University of Colorado. She’s made all kinds of books since - founding Papercuts Press in 2005. She later pursued artifact conservation, a second love, and earned a degree in Museum Studies. Kristen mixes her time between sculpture, bookmaking, teaching, and caring for museum collections. She has taught bookbinding classes since 2007 and brings a gentle, engaging, and informative approach to guiding class projects.

"My work is largely driven by materials and process. I love the challenge of physically incorporating something special into what I make. Upcycling, repurposing, and reducing waste are key interests in my studio practice. I think a lot about where things come from, and where they are going. I'm enamored with material objects - modifying their past significance to construct a relevance for them today."

Read Two Hands Paperie’s Artist Interview with Kristen

Visit her website at papercutspress.com