If you've been looking for a book with a nearly indestructible cover, or just a unique binding, this is your answer! 

Featuring an indestructible cover inspired by Italy’s 1970’s solution to broken Yellow Pages bindings in public phone booths, this 360-degree flexible binding offers many advantages because it bends and does not break! This binding style offers visual and tactile delight, employing strips of articulated hard board covered with marbled fabric made by the instructor.

In this workshop, the instructor will guide students through the art of this rare binding technique. Students will create an articulated blank journal that can beautifully withstand the ravages of time.

>> Prerequisite: None <<

In this introductory class, student will gain a basic understanding of history, techniques, tools and styles of European marbling. Students will get hands-on experience of all aspects of Western marbling techniques from paper priming and preparatory mixing of water medium and paints, to the creation of classical patterns. Specific attention will be given to learning how to obtain particular designs using a diverse array of rakes and combs. Students will have ample time for experimentation with guidance from the instructor and will leave with a sampling of papers they've marbled themselves.  

An indestructible cover, inspired by Italy’s 1970’s solution to the Yellow Pages in public phone booths, this 360-degree flexible binding offers many advantages because it bends and does not break! It offers visual and tactile delight, employing strips of articulated boards and marbled fabric. In this workshop, instructor Pietro Accardi will instruct students in the art of this rare binding technique. Students will create a large and small articulated blank journal that can beautifully withstand the ravages of time. All materials provided.

Clamshell Box. This is Pietro Accardi’s version of the clamshell box made with marbled fabric. Originally this kind of box has been used by libraries to preserve rare books or papers. The box was individually made according to the specific measurements of the book or collection of paper to preserve. Also, all the basic tips and tricks of box making with book cloth will be shared during the construction of the box. Note that the finished box will have rounded corners. You will also learn tips on how to make your own book cloth out of any kind of fabric.

In the world of paper marbling, metallics are rare due to the heavier weight of these types of pigments. Since marbling pigments must float perfectly on the surface of the water bath, metallics prove challenging; but when handled correctly, the shining hues of copper, silver, bronze, gold and pearl will transform a sheet of paper into an iridescent wonder. The use of rakes and combs is also tricky, requiring carefully manipulated movements of these heavy paints in order to achieve the desired effects without sinking or breakage.

In this workshop, students will learn to handle metallic paints and be introduced to new and more intricate patterns. They will also explore the exciting territory of “Over-marbling”, where one pattern is superimposed upon another to create a magnificent and complex play of pattern. Students will receive instruction during the morning half of class, then spend the afternoon dedicated to personal practice with hands-on guidance from the instructor.

In this introductory class, student will gain a basic understanding of history, techniques, tools and styles of European marbling. Students will get hands-on experience of all aspects of Western marbling techniques from paper priming and preparatory mixing of water medium and paints, to the creation of classical patterns. Specific attention will be given to learning how to obtain particular designs using a diverse array of rakes and combs. Students will have ample time for experimentation with guidance from the instructor and will leave with a sampling of papers they've marbled themselves.  

A clamsehll box, is a type of protective packaging and storage solution typically used for valuable or delicate items such as books, documents, artwork, photographs or other valuable objects. The design of a clamshell box resembles the shape of a clamshell and consists of two hinged halves that open and close like a book. Students will work closely with the instructor to create a custom designed box and basic tips and tricks of box making will be shared during the construction of the box. All materials are provided.

Learn to make a useful box that's ideal for storing sewing supplies, jewelry, or small tools. The box has a hinged lid and can be opened fully. The interior holds a removable top tray; the bottom compartment is open and can store larger items.

The instructor has developed his own way of making boxes, combining the industrial and artisanal methods of boxmaking. Students will learn basic boxmaking concepts, as well as an understanding of paper and board grain and its importance.

Pietro is known for his marbling, and will provide marbled fabric to use in covering the boxes. Students will learn how to make their own book cloth out of regular fabric.

All skill levels are welcome: the most difficult part of the class will be the choosing of the marbled fabric from the multicolor array of patterns that Pietro will provide.
 

In this introductory class, student will gain a basic understanding of history, techniques, tools and styles of European marbling. Students will get hands-on experience of all aspects of Western marbling techniques from paper priming and preparatory mixing of water medium and paints, to the creation of classical patterns. Specific attention will be given to learning how to obtain particular designs using a diverse array of rakes and combs. Students will have ample time for experimentation with guidance from the instructor and will leave with a sampling of papers they've marbled themselves.  

This popular marbling workshop will introduce students marbling techniques on fabric that can be used for covering books and boxes. Students will begin the day by working on basic marbling skills. With the instructor’s guidance, they will work on new patterns with an eye for nuance. The main focus will be on marbling fabric to create book cloth, and techniques for other textile uses will also be discussed. At the end of the day, the instructor will demonstrate how to prepare pieces of marbled cloth for use in bookbinding. Students will leave with their own stack of 15 marbled fabric pieces. All materials provided with registration.

Witness this magical process that transfers the paint from the surface of the water to a silk scarf. In this one-day workshop, Pietro will show students how to print on silk scarves using an array of different patterns and colors from which you may choose. After some guided practice, students will have the opportunity to create 2 beautiful marbled scarves.

If you've been looking for a book with a nearly indestructible cover, or just a unique binding, this is your answer! 

Featuring an indestructible cover inspired by Italy’s 1970’s solution to broken Yellow Pages bindings in public phone booths, this 360-degree flexible binding offers many advantages because it bends and does not break! This binding style offers visual and tactile delight, employing strips of articulated hard board covered with marbled fabric made by the instructor.

In this workshop, the instructor will guide students through the art of this rare binding technique. Students will create an articulated blank journal that can beautifully withstand the ravages of time.
 

Building on the skills learned in Introduction to Western Paper Marbling, this workshop will take students through the techniques needed to marble on fabric.

Students will begin the day by advancing upon their marbling skills with the introduction of marbling on fabric. With the instructor's guidance, they will work on new patterns with an eye for nuance. The main focus will be on marbling fabric to create book cloth, and techniques for other textile uses will also be discussed.

At the end of the day, the instructor will demonstrate how to prepare dry pieces of marbled cloth for use in bookbinding. Students will leave with their own stack of 15 marbled fabric pieces.

Handmade boxes are not only lovely, they are also quite useful and can be used to store a range of objects, not just books. Using hardboard or masonite and marbled fabric, students will learn the basics of creating decorative boxes made with marbled bookcloth. Expanding on these primary box building skills, students will learn about more complex functions by adding a hatch-top and bottom drawer. This particular structure also features rounded corners giving a pleasing twist to the standard pointed corner. All students will leave with a beautiful, handcrafted box suitable as a gift or holder of personal treasures!

This class is designed to provide a fun activity together for parents and children. We will learn the basics of color theory and how to make vibrant hues float on water to create beautiful, marbled prints. The first part of the day will be a guided activity making simple designs with your favorite colors. You will also have time to practice with the correct distribution of paint on the surface of the water to discover your favorite patterns. When ready, with the help of the instructors, you will marble 3 baseball hats of your choice (2 kids size and 1 adult size).Additional hats will be available for purchase if you find yourself in the groove of creating!

In the world of paper marbling, metallics are rare due to the heavier weight of these types of pigments. Since marbling pigments must float perfectly on the surface of the water bath, metallics prove challenging; but when handled correctly, the shining hues of copper, silver, bronze, gold and pearl will transform a sheet of paper into an iridescent wonder. The use of rakes and combs is also tricky, requiring carefully manipulated movements of these heavy paints in order to achieve the desired effects without sinking or breakage.

In this workshop, students will learn to handle metallic paints and be introduced to new and more intricate patterns. They will also explore the exciting territory of “Over-marbling”, where one pattern is superimposed upon another to create a magnificent and complex play of pattern. Students will receive instruction during the morning half of class, then spend the afternoon dedicated to personal practice with hands-on guidance from the instructor.

*Please note that paper marbling is a wet process and papers made in the workshop may not be dry at the end of class. Students may return to SFCB after the workshop to retrieve any papers left to dry at the of the day.  

In the world of Paper Marbling, metallics are rare due to the heavier weight of these types of pigments. Since marbling pigmens must float perfectly on the surface of the water bath, metallics prove challenging. The use of rakes and combs is also tricky, requiring carefully manipulated movements of these heavy paints in order to achieve the desired effects without sinking or breakage.

This class will also explore the exciting and uncharted territory of “Over-marbling”, where one pattern is superimposed upon another to create a magnificent and complex play of pattern.

During the morning students will learn how to handle these paints, and the instructor will introduce new and more intricate patterns.

The afternoon session is dedicated to personal practice with hands-on guidance from the instructor.

This introduction to the art of marbling will provide you with an understanding of the history, styles, tools and techniques of classical European marbling. We will cover all of the foundational elements of marbling practice, including the acquisition and proper use of many and varied supplies including carrageenan, primer, paints, trays, rakes, combs, and more.  

Pietro will then demonstrate how the marbling process is executed. With helpful tips and tricks on handling paints on the water medium, and on dealing with known and unknown variables, he will show you how to create classical and basic marbling patterns (as well as spontaneous designs) using a diverse array of rakes and combs.

You will have ample time for your own practice and experimentation with personal guidance from Pietro, and will have your own tray, set of paints, rakes, and combs to use. Expect to leave with 15-25 sheets of your own original marbled paper.