Magic Books & Paper Toys (Fall 2024)

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This weekend, in-person workshop takes place at CBA on Saturday and Sunday, January 27–28, 2024 from 11:00am–5:00pm.



  • Saturday, January 27, 11:00am–5:00pm

  • Sunday, January 28, 11:00am–5:00pm


Please Note: Registration for this workshop closes on January 20 at 11:59 pm.






About the Workshop:


Everyone loves a good book, but what's better than one you've made by hand? And not just any straightforward book, but simple pop-up books, flip books, magic pamphlets, pop-up maps, and accordions!

In this workshop, participants will explore a variety of structures from flexagons to instant accordion skylines and mountains to stitched triangle star books. If you want to kickstart your creative practice, learn new approaches to content and structure, or just inspire your kid at heart, then this workshop is for you. Come with an open mind!

Fun Fact: Pop-up books are meant for all ages, and the earliest surviving example dates back to 1121 CE!




Required Materials:




  • Bookbinding awl



  • Bone folder



  • Olfa silver knife and blades, or exact-o knife



All other materials will be provided by Center for Book Arts at no additional cost.




About the Instructor


Esther K Smith is the author of HOW TO MAKE BOOKSMaking Books with KidsMagic Books & Paper Toys, and editor of the Rizzoli reprint of WH Page’s Specimens of CHROMATIC WOOD TYPE, Borders &c. Artistic Director at Purgatory Pie Press, Esther K Smith makes collaborative limited editions with letterpress printer Dikko Faust, Susan Happersett and other artists & writers. Purgatory Pie Press works are in public and private collections throughout the world including Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art, Cooper Hewitt, London’s V&A, and Tate Modern Museum.




All images courtesy of the instructor.

Class size is limited to ensure an optimal participant to instructor ratio. Register now before spots fill up! Registration for this workshop closes on January 20 at 11:59pm. The price of this class is $420 tuition plus a $25 materials fee.

Registration is closed. Return to all Classes.