Leather Bound Journal

Lose yourself in the tranquility of designing and painting a handsome leather bound journal. Begin with plain white sheets of paper and end with a beautifully decorated, painted, hand bound journal. Keep it for your favorite quotes, thoughts and memories or give it as a special gift. Either way, it will be treasured forever.

Course Content:

Friday

• 10:00 a.m. Introduction of myself – Brief bio
• History of the Leather Bound Journal
• Samples of leather bound journal
• Collect paper – demonstrate break down
• 11:00 Pick leather, pick color of paint – begin mixing
• 12:30 Lunch
• 1:30 Demonstrate texturing techniques, begin painting
• 3:00 Demonstrate more texturing techniques
• 4:00 Adjourn

Saturday

• 10:00 Demonstrate texturing techniques, paint pages
• 12:30 Lunch
• 1:30 Demonstrate texturing techniques
• 3:00 Demonstrate texturing techniques
• 4:00 Adjourn

Sunday

• 10:00 Demonstrate texturing techniques, paint pages
• 12:30 Lunch
• 1:30 Demonstrate sorting of signatures, demonstrate sewing of signatures into leather
• 3:00 Finish up and Show and Tell
• 4:00 Adjourn

Cost: $350

Includes all supplies -- paper, leather, thread paint, tools, brushes and miscellaneous items.

Instructor: Ruth McDonald-Gates

Ruth McDonald-Gates began her calligraphy studies at age 19 under the direction of Denys Taiple-Knight who instilled a sense of discipline and passion for the lettering arts that continues to inspire Ruth. She says, “Denys encouraged me to continue my studies through workshops. Over the years I have been fortunate to work with some of the nation's foremost calligraphers, such as: Peter Thorton, Dick Beasley, Martin Jackson, Lisa Engelbrecht and Sheila Waters to name only a few. With the exposure to so many styles, techniques and materials, I enjoy not only lettering but designing and making journals, cards, paper and more.