Materials Lab Workshop: Making a Journal

This event requires registration; see further details below.

In this workshop, conservation technician Yi Bin Liang, from the museums’ Straus Center for Conservation and Technical Studies, will teach you how to create your own journal with a link stitch binding, involving only needle and thread. This type of simple binding allows the book to lay flat when open, making it perfect for sketching or writing. It’s also a great way for beginners to learn fundamental bookbinding concepts and techniques. The technique is derived from the Coptic multi-section binding technique used in Egypt as early as the second century CE. Using this method, the sections of paper are attached to each other with chain stitch links across the spine, rather than cords running across the spine as seen in European bindings from the eighth century onward. While historical bindings would have covers of wooden boards or layered papyrus, you can decorate yours freely with paint or collage after the workshop.

The hands-on session will take place in the Materials Lab on the Lower Level.

$15 materials fee. Registration is required and space is limited; registration will open on this form, beginning on Sunday, October 29, at 10am. Materials fee must be paid to confirm registration. Please email am_register@harvard.edu or call 617-495-1440 to join the waitlist. Minimum age of 14; no previous experience required.

The Harvard Art Museums are now offering free admission every day, Tuesday through Sunday. Please see the museum visit page to learn about our general policies for visiting the museums.

The Harvard Art Museums are committed to accessibility for all visitors. For anyone requiring accessibility accommodations for our programs, please contact us at am_register@harvard.edu at least 48 hours in advance.