Patricia Johnson
from AirBnB ~ Bookbinding Experiences
Now you can book through AirBnB and take a Workshop at Still Water Bindery!
Click on the buttons below to go to the AirBnB site to sign up.
If you don't see a date and time that works for you ~
just email or phone to set up a time that does!
Star Books to "Capture Your Dreams"
1.5 hour workshop at Still Water Bindery, Newfane, VT
Everyone will learn how to make a Star Book. Choose from a variety of materials to make your own unique book. I will demonstrate each step of the book's construction, and then you will copy my example. Feel free to take photographs of the steps so you can make more books at home. Everyone will make at least one book and are then free to make more star books in the time remaining. These make great ornaments and handmade gifts.
All materials and instructions are included.
Bookbinding tools we will use include a bone folder, awl, scissors and possibly the board shear. Care and patience is needed to focus when using these sharp tools. Guests ages 5 and up can attend. Adults must take a class with any children under 12 years of age.
"Your Own Spirit" Traveler's Notebook
2 hour workshop at Still Water Bindery, Newfane, VT
Come to Still Water Bindery and learn to make a book. You will make several single- and two- signature soft cover books, with various colored papers, decorative papers, colored linen thread, buttons, beads and closures. Learn to make a hard cover non-adhesive cover to protect your books. Add pockets ~ make a wrap around cover ~ have fun and play!
All materials and instructions are included.
Bookbinding tools we will use include a X-Acto knife, bone folder, awl, scissors and possibly the board shear. Care and patience is needed to focus when using these sharp tools. Guests ages 8 and up can attend if guardian thinks this is appropriate for the child. Adults must take a class with any children under 12 years of age.
Hardcover Japanese Stab Bound Album
3 hour workshop at Still Water Bindery, Newfane, VT
Learn to make a Japanese Stab Bound Hardcover Album ~ In this class you will use traditional bookbinding tools and materials to make an archival quality album. Choose from my private collection of papers from around the world to customize your album. Using traditional book cloth in many colors, ribbons, papers and binders board, this three-hour class is a glimpse into a working bindery.
All materials and instructions are included.
Bookbinding tools we will use include a X-Acto knife, bone folder, awl, , and possibly the board shear. Care and patience is needed to focus when using these sharp tools. Guests ages 12 and up can attend if guardian thinks this is appropriate for the child. Adults must take a class with any children under 12 years of age.
“This was such a fun experience! My husband was hesitant and he can’t stop talking about how much he enjoyed the time learning about with Patty and creating beautiful Shibori pieces that we were able to take home with us! Definitely would recommend this activity!”
— Lauren 2021
“My husband and I had so much fun dyeing napkins and shirts indigo with Patty - the perfect artsy experience if you’re looking for something to do in the Newfane area!”
— Hanna 2021
"Patty was a great teacher. She made the class fun and easy! Time flew by because we were having such a great time. I want to do it again!" ~ Nancy 2018
Shibori Indigo Dyeing Experience
2 hour workshop at Still Water Bindery, Newfane, VT
Indigo Shibori Workshops are available from May through October. This workshop is a warm weather activity, as the dyeing is done outdoors on the deck or in the barn.
Indigo Shibori Workshop is a magic workshop, watching the greenish-yellow materials oxidize in the air when removed from the dye vat and turn wonderful shades blue. Students will start with a piece of plain white cotton material to pattern in the Shibori style, to understand the sequence of the Shibori process. Then choose an additional 3 pieces of natural fibers to dye, using any of the various Shibori techniques demonstrated or in the notebook and library of Shibori books. Choose from various items, such as napkins, dish towels, tote bags or fabric as available.
Additional items can be purchased for a small fee, if you wish to make more than the 4 included items. These items have been scoured and prepped for dyeing. This takes hours of time prior to your arrival which is included in the price per item.
Also, feel free to bring your own natural fibers to dye, but be sure to scour them at home before you come to the workshop. You can read about scouring fabrics by clicking this link - BotanicalColors.com.
Wear clothing that you don't mind if some dye inadvertently splashes on, and shoes you won't mind getting wet.
This is an outside activity, so dress appropriately for the weather.
IMPORTANT: Bring a plastic bucket or garbage bag to take dyed items home in.
TIME: The workshop runs for 2 hours.
If you wish to stay longer, to dye more items, the hourly fee for additional time is $40/hour, for a maximum of two additional hours.
LEVEL: No prior experience is needed ~ beginner to advanced.
AGE: Five-years old through adult. (An adult must take the workshop with anyone under 12 years of age.)
IMPORTANT: Instructions for rinsing and washing will be given out at the end of the workshop. Please read through these instructions before leaving for the day, just in case you have any questions that can be answered before you leave.
What folks are saying about the Shibori Indigo Experience ~
“If you are thinking about this, just do it! Patty was so friendly and encouraging and it was a wonderful experience and opportunity just to be creative and learn more about this art form. Patty was a wonderful teacher and really made me feel comfortable right away! I thoroughly enjoyed the experience!” — Terry 2021
“This was a great way to learn about indigo dying and try out lots of different techniques since she had lots of materials on-hand.” — Erica 2021
“I was teaching a pre-college fashion program and took my group of high school students on this experience. Everything was amazing and we all had so much fun learning about the art of shibori and gaining new skills and experience. Patty was a lot of fun and guided us through the techniques and then we spent the rest of our time creating some amazing pieces! The location was blissful and we even extended our time as the group was so deeply into it! I would love to go back and I’m sure my students would too, given the chance! Thank you Patty!”
— Benjamin 2021
“What a wonderful experience, Patty is friendly, helpful and guides you during the entire workshop. We had a blast!” — Barbara 2021
“Patty was a great host, we learned a lot and had a fabulous experience. The atmosphere was relaxed, friendly, and accommodating. Patty offered lots of time and materials for experimentation. Highly recommend Patty.” — Jon 2021
“We were a group of 5 adults ranging from done-some-creative-things to an experienced fiber artist. Patty provided a fun and immersive experience for everyone. She provided many different materials, fasteners and tools to experiment with various patterns and fabrics. Patty also provided things to dye! I recommend this experience for anyone who is a beginning dyer or an experienced one!” — Masha 2021