Concertina Books

01/07/2027 - 02/11/2027 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Level: All

Registration opens on 11/03/2026

Price

$333

Member Price

$283.05

Room: 206

200 Grant St Denver

There will be an Accordion Book exhibition at ASLD in April 2027, workshop participants are encouraged to enter the call for the exhibit.

Tickets go on sale on 11/03/2026

Concertina Books: fun and easy accordion forms 3 different ways:

This six-session workshop introduces participants to the accordion (concertina) book as both a functional book structure and a creative storytelling format. Through demonstrations, hands-on making, and group discussions, students will build technical skills while exploring the expressive possibilities of artist books.

Session 1: Introduction to Accordion Books?Participants will learn the fundamentals of accordion book construction, including measuring, folding, and assembling pages with precision. Rather than beginning with a blank book, we'll explore how narrative and intention can guide the structure from the start. Each student will complete a simple accordion book while experimenting with decorative papers and surface treatments.

Session 2: Making Materials & Covers?Students will collaborate on creating handmade page or cover materials before learning to design and attach hard or soft covers. Demonstrations will cover cutting chipboard, covering boards, and artistic finishing techniques. The session concludes with a brief show-and-tell of artist books for inspiration.

Session 3: Thematic Book Design?Students will develop a second accordion book centered on a personal theme or narrative. Through storyboarding, sketching, and peer feedback, participants will explore how sequence, imagery, text, and pacing shape a reader's experience.

Session 4: Advanced Accordion Structures?Building on earlier skills, students will experiment with more complex structures, including layered pages, windows, flaps, and pop-up elements. Emphasis will be placed on integrating these techniques into a cohesive artistic concept.

Session 5: Finishing & Critique?Participants will complete and refine their books by adding finishing details and ensuring structural integrity. The session includes a constructive group critique focused on craftsmanship, design, and conceptual development.

Session 6: Presentation & Professional Tips?The workshop concludes with a presentation of completed books and a discussion of future applications for accordion books in artistic practice. Final demonstrations will cover practical production techniques—including folding methods, alignment jigs, corner guides, and efficient assembly strategies—to help participants continue making books with confidence and precision.

Sammy Lee

Assortment of paper and book cloth (available at any art supply stores)

Personal collections (stamps, travel documents, photos, etc.), small in size and not thicker than 1/8”

Glue (such as PVA or Elmer’s) and glue stick

A pair of scissors

Cutting knife, x-acto knife

Cutting mat

Optional: mixed media, collage materials – participants’ choices (not thicker than 1/8”), paints, brushes, markers, pencils, any mark making tools

Tickets go on sale on 11/03/2026

Concertina Books

Price

Member Price

Sessions

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