Calling all artists! Join us for an exciting FREE online bookmaking workshop where you’ll learn to create beautiful, versatile books using the innovative “Folded Fan” structure

Workshop Details:

What: Making Books Together: The “Folded Fan” Bookmaking Structure

When: August 27th at 11am PST

Format: Live online workshop via Zoom

Cost: Completely FREE for all artists

Registration: Sign up using our Google form (link below)

Zoom Access: Participants will receive the Zoom link one day before the workshop

What You’ll Learn

In this hands-on workshop, you’ll discover the joy of creating the “Folded Fan” bookmaking structure—Debra’s own innovative take on the traditional Flag Book form. This versatile and sculptural book requires no hole punching or sewing, making it perfect for artists of all skill levels.

You’ll learn how to:

• Create the foundational folded and glued structure

• Display your book in multiple creative ways

• Transform the sculptural form into a familiar codex format

• Explore various presentation methods and artistic possibilities 

Debra will also share examples from her own extensive body of work, showing how she has used this structure to create numerous compelling book pieces.

What You Need

The beauty of this workshop is its accessibility—you can literally create this structure using just 4 pieces of standard 8.5 x 11″ copier paper! However, for the best results, Debra recommends having these materials on hand:

Essential Tools

• Scissors (or just use folding and tearing techniques!)

• Glue stick

• Pencil

• Bone folder (optional—you can use your glue stick as a folding tool)

Recommended Materials

• Accordion Spine: One 11 x 17″ tag board or cardstock sheet

• Covers: Two 8.5 x 5.5″ pieces of railroad board or similar cardboard

• Pages: Three 8.5 x 5.5″ pieces (or slightly smaller at 5.25″ for easier handling)

Choose your own colors and get creative with your material choices!

Optional Enhancement Materials

• Scrap paper and easy-to-glue fabric

• Washi tape, decorative tapes, stickers, ribbon

• Ephemera: old letters, cards, ticket stubs, journal pages, and other meaningful materials

Why This Workshop?

The “Folded Fan” structure is incredibly versatile and forgiving, making it an ideal entry point for new bookmakers while offering endless creative possibilities for experienced artists. Whether you’re interested in creating artist books, journals, display pieces, or sculptural works, this foundational technique will open up new avenues for your artistic expression.

Ready to Join?

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from Debra Disman and connect with fellow artists in our supportive online community. Spaces are limited, so register today!

Sign up here using our Google form

Remember: You’ll receive your Zoom link the day before the workshop, so keep an eye on your inbox!

We can’t wait to see what beautiful books you’ll create. Happy making

Questions about the workshop? Feel free to reach out to Shoebox Arts for more information. shoeboxartsla@gmail.com