Imagine what you can do with a stack of paper and some string. The ancient Copts of Egypt did and the history of bookbinding began.
Imagine what you can do with a stack of paper and some string. The ancient Copts of Egypt did and the history of bookbinding began.
Coptic binding, or Coptic sewing, comprises methods of bookbinding employed by the Copts, early Christians in Egypt. The term is also used to describe modern bindings sewn in the same style. The Coptic stitch is a non-adhesive, hand-sewn binding and various forms of this stitching technique have remained popular for over 1,500 years.
Now you can learn to bind like an Egyptian with Lisa Louise Adams. The workshop, “Handmade Books with Coptic Bindings,” will be held on Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Volcano Art Center.
Create your own books styled after the 4th century Copts. Attendees will be able to make soft cover and hard cover books with beautiful chain links across the exposed spines. You’ll learn how to cover book board with fabric, how to ply linen thread and how to sew a two needle Coptic binding. Lisa will bring other books she has made in the Coptic tradition for inspiration.
The basic cost is $70. Adams is a painter, potter, printmaker, bookmaker, papermaker, jeweler, poet and quilter who lives in Volcano.