Boro is a word used to describe Japanese textiles that have been pieced, patched, repaired, and passed down from generation to generation. Boro textiles are utilitarian objects that are rich and sumptuous and that, although old in age, possess a contemporary aesthetic. In this workshop we will make mini cloth sampler books that contain this Boro aesthetic. Students will learn stitching, patching and mending techniques that are specific to Boro and create small sampler books incorporating personal ephemera such as cloth swatches, book pages, paper ephemera and even photographs. The finished product will be a Japanese Side Sewn book that can serve as a reference for future mending projects as well as inspiration for your next art masterpiece. This workshop is appropriate for beginners wanting to learn stitching or experienced artists and makers wanting to incorporate a new aesthetic into their work.

Basic materials will be provided but students are encouraged to bring fabric, thread and paper ephemera that will make their book personal and unique to them. We will be working fairly small (hand stitching is a slow process and we want to finish!) so very small scraps will work well for patching and the book page size will be your choice of 4 x 6 or 5 x 7 if you would like to bring cloth for the pages (the instructor will bring some basic fabric for pages). Bring a variety of materials that will allow for different options.

Materials to Bring: Fabric and thread of the students' choice to work with for repairs; paper ephemera, if desired, to work into the books; sewing pins; variety of needles to fit various threads; fabric scissors, pencil and paper for notes; awl.

Workshop Fee: $175.00

Date & Time: Saturday, November 12, 2016 :: 10am-4pm

Location: 375 Rhode Island St, San Francisco, CA 94103

Note: Please read over the SFCB Registration Policies before signing up for a class

REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE 3 DAYS PRIOR TO THE START DATE OF THIS WORKSHOP.

About the Instructor | Jody Alexander

Jody Alexander is an artist, bookmaker, librarian and teacher who lives and works in Santa Cruz, California. Her artwork celebrates collecting, storytelling, and odd characters. Her characters, books, sculptural pieces and found items are often combined to create installations. Her work appears in a number of publications including Masters: Book Arts: Major Works by Leading Artist, 500 Handmade Books, and 1000 Artists' Books: Exploring the Book as Art. Jody is the 2015 recipient of the Rydell Visual Arts Fellowship. She is also proprietress of Wishi Washi Studio in Santa Cruz, CA.