A Collaborative Workshop Series with Historic Yellow Springs & Historic Sugartown

Design and craft a one-of-a-kind sketchbook in this immersive, four-part workshop series that blends creative printmaking and traditional bookbinding techniques. Offered in partnership by Historic Yellow Springs and Historic Sugartown, this hands-on experience invites you to explore two historic sites while creating a functional and personal work of art.

Session 1: Traditional Paper Marbling 

Historic Sugartown | October 25, 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Begin your journey in Historic Sugartown’s 19th-century bindery, where you’ll learn traditional paper marbling techniques that date back centuries. Create a collection of one-of-a-kind hand-marbled papers to use in your final sketchbook. If you'd like to incorporate your own specialty papers, bring a few sheets—we’ll guide you through prepping them for binding during the final portion of this session.

Sessions 2 & 3: Creative Printmaking for Your Sketchbook 

Historic Yellow Springs | November 1 & 8, 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM

In these two sessions, artist Laura Stockdale will guide participants through printmaking techniques to personalize the pages of their sketchbook. You'll create a decorative frontispiece—similar to those found in historic books—and explore options for adding sections that showcase original printwork. These pages can include different types of paper, layouts, and textures, offering a dynamic and deeply personal touch to your final book.

Session 4: Bookbinding with Leather or Cloth

Historic Sugartown | November 15, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Return to Sugartown to complete your sketchbook in the working bindery. Using hand tools and traditional techniques, you’ll sew and bind your printed and marbled pages into a hardcover book, choosing from leather or hand-dyed book cloth in a variety of colors. The final sketchbook can be up to 9x12 inches in size and will be a durable, heirloom-quality piece.