Elsi Vassdal Ellis – Stick Binding

Workshop Description:

Have you wondered what to do with that orphaned chopstick or a paintbrush that has seen better days? Are you looking for a technique to offer additional aesthetic variations to a pamphlet binding or even a medieval long stitch structure? This workshop combines the basic Coptic sewing technique with an external spine element. Because the stick/rod does not function as a hinge, it can be tapered, organic, or not perfectly round. Participants will explore a minimum of three variations on the stick technique as well as discuss optimum sizes and materials for this structure.

Materials/equipment to be provided by students:

• Metal ruler
• Cutting mat
• Snap-off blade knife or X-Acto knife
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Bone/Teflon folder
• Scoring bone folder
• Awl
• Punching cradle – options include Talas TTS066002, Etsy 3-D
• Printed punching cradle, or make your own
• Sewing needles
• Glue stick or PVA and brush
• Optional: personal sticks (chop sticks, rods, found stems), paints for staining sticks, decorative paper for end sheets and/or covers

See Materials Glossary for definitions and images

Materials/equipment to be provided by instructor:

• All papers for books (text blocks, end papers, decorative covers)
• Sticks/dowels/chopsticks
• Thread
• Instructions and supply resources

Instructor Biography:

Elsi Vassdal Ellis is an alchemist and storyteller. She taught design production and book arts at Western Washington University for 40 years. Her narratives are distilled from current affairs, common experiences, memories, and materials to emerge in book form. As EVE Press she has produced 175 editions (offset, letterpress, inkjet, printmaking) and 145 unique books since 1983 in a well-equipped studio. Her work is permanently housed in over 150 collections including the National Museum of Women in the Arts, Sackner Archive of Concrete and Visual Poetry, Yale University Library, and The Wiener Library for the Study of Holocaust and Genocide.

Instagram: @vassdalellis