Book Arts

Gather to create handmade thank you cards which we will then mail to people who are standing up and defending democracy in ways large and small; people who help us get through this time, create community, hold us up. We will come together to focus on positive actions in a time when it is all too easy to give in to overwhelm, despair and helplessness. No artistic or technical skills needed. All materials will be provided. Bring postage stamps and addresses for those you would like to thank and pens, paper, envelopes, glue stick, stickers, envelopes, or anything else you may have and want to use to decorate your cards. No registration necessary. Participants are welcome to drop by anytime between 10 AM and 12 PM.

Term: Fall 2025

Suggested Ages: 7+

Dates: 9/20

Exploring a new place? This is the perfect little book for storing your collected notes and ephemera - easy to carry with you on your adventures or organize your project notes at home. This soft cover book has a 5 hole pamphlet stitched binding, origami folded pockets, and paper signatures. You will have the option to add decorative stitching to the front cover or edges (based on Shashiko, a type of traditional Japanese embroidery) or a magnetic strap closure. No bookbinding experience necessary. Tuition for this class includes a fee of $3 for basic materials provided by CAW. The classes in the bindery will take place in a studio accessed by a flight of stairs. For any accommodations please send a confidential email to registrar@creativeartsworkshop.org School Policies Students who withdraw 48 hours prior to the first class are eligible for a refund or credit toward another class, less a $25 registration fee. Please click here for more details.

Term: Fall 2025

Suggested Ages: 18+

Dates: 9/27

Join us for an afternoon of artistic celebration with Peter Thomas. Peter is a nationally recognized book artist from Santa Cruz, CA. He is known for his miniature books, his hand papermaking, and his letterpress printing. He is a player of the ukulele, an experienced & creative teacher, and author of Making More Books By Hand and 1000 Artists’ Books. He will start the afternoon by giving an illustrated talk titled “Beyond the Codex”, sharing some of the many innovative books and unique binding structures made during the 40 years of his work with Donna Thomas. Following will be a musical interlude filled with “book arts” folk song (and you can sing-along if you like). Then, using only scissors, he will teach you how to make a binding structure he calls the non-adhesive, miniature, dowel spine portfolio. This can hold business card size ephemera, artist cards, poetry, and whatever else fits! Everyone will go home with this as a memento of the time we spend together. So, bring

Term: Fall 2025

Suggested Ages: 15+

Dates: 9/28

Discover the creative potential of manual die-cutting machines and transform simple paper into stunning works of art. Experiment with an array of dies to cut unique shapes and patterns, then explore the art of embossing to add depth and texture. Learn techniques for inking embossing folders to create eye-catching effects, and combine these elements to craft personalized cards or other paper treasures. A wide selection of dies, embossing plates, and folders will be on hand, offering endless possibilities for designs to use during the session and to take home for future projects. School Policies Students who withdraw 48 hours prior to the first class are eligible for a refund or credit toward another class, less a $25 registration fee. Please click here for more details.

Term: Fall 2025

Suggested Ages: 18+

Dates: 11/8

Celebrate the season with a joyful workshop full of color, creativity, and handmade charm! Students will craft three unique ornaments perfect for gift-giving or decorating. Start with bright and festive origami boxes—just the right size for small treasures. Then, dive into the magic of paper engineering by creating a dazzling star book that opens into a layered, sculptural surprise. Finally, assemble a tiny blank-paged book, ready to capture winter wishes or holiday memories. All materials and tools are provided—just bring your imagination and festive spirit! No bookbinding experience needed. Tuition for this class includes a fee of $3 for basic materials provided by CAW. The classes in the bindery will take place in a studio accessed by a flight of stairs. For any accommodations please send a confidential email to registrar@creativeartsworkshop.org School Policies Students who withdraw 48 hours prior to the first class are eligible for a refund or credit toward

Term: Fall 2025

Suggested Ages: 18+

Dates: 11/15