Starburst - An Exposed Binding In-Store Class Nov 23

Starburst - An Exposed Binding In-Store Class
Sunday, November 23, 10:30-4:30pm
Instructor: Kristen Lewis
Limit: 6 students. All participants must be 15 years or older.
*This class has been rescheduled from the original date listed in our Fall 2025 schedule.

Class Details

We love how modern bookmakers have been featuring traditional binding stitches in exposed spine books to add interest and color. It’s hard to imagine that such beautiful patterns were never meant to be seen! These formerly hidden bindings were created around the eighth century; it was a time when books became larger and heavier, which required them to have stronger structural support. As a result, hard wearing stitch patterns were used to bind the signatures and were then covered over with a spine to protect them. 

In this class, local book artist Kristen Lewis focuses on a stitch pattern she calls ‘starburst’. The pattern is more ornate and offers more decorative possibilities than the better known Coptic binding. Kristen will discuss ways to take this decoration even further, like adding contrasting elements behind your stitches. Talk about a wow factor!  

Kristen will discuss the structure, form, and function of the binding as well as the registration of the pages. The bulk of the class is devoted to making your covers, grouping the pre-cut pages into signatures, using a jig to punch the pages, and binding the signatures together. At the end, Kristen discusses  inspiring variations on the project. There are plenty of innovative ideas for you to play with at home!

At the end of class you’ll take home a unique and hardworking journal, plus the satisfaction of knowing you’re showing off something beautiful that once was hidden.

An email will be sent to participants the Monday before the class. Classes with homework may receive pre-class info earlier.  No email? Double check the email address you entered when you registered and your SPAM folder. Due to SPAM filters and inbox settings, we cannot guarantee you will see, read, or open these emails. Two Hands Paperie assumes no responsibility for non-attendance of a class. Contact twohandsclasses@gmail.com with any class questions and see our Class Policies page for more information. 

Class Materials

Please bring the following materials:

• Snacks, water bottle, something to eat during the short lunch break
• Optional: apron or wear clothes that can get messy

Class Materials Include:

• Templates, handouts & information
• All bookbinding tools + scissors, glue, thread, awls, needles, etc
  
• Bookboard covers, decorative paper, etc
  
• Prepared page paper
  

Class Refund/Cancellation Policy

Cancellations made up to 14 days prior to the first class meeting will be refunded or, at the participant's option, used to pay for another class. Two Hands Paperie will retain a $10 processing fee for EACH class cancelled by a participant. After 14 days, there is no refund or credit. In addition, the fee for a class cancelled within this 14-day timeframe by a participant cannot be transferred to pay for another class. These policies are to ensure that teachers are compensated for their investment in materials and in time spent preparing for the class. We reserve the right to cancel a class if fewer than 3 students enroll 48 hours prior to the scheduled class time. If for any reason Two Hands Paperie cancels a class, students will be called at the phone number on file and refunded 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