In the world of paper marbling, metallics are rare due to the heavier weight of these types of pigments. Since marbling pigments must float perfectly on the surface of the water bath, metallics prove challenging; but when handled correctly, the shining hues of copper, silver, bronze, gold and pearl will transform a sheet of paper into an iridescent wonder. The use of rakes and combs is also tricky, requiring carefully manipulated movements of these heavy paints in order to achieve the desired effects without sinking or breakage.

In this workshop, students will learn to handle metallic paints and be introduced to new and more intricate patterns. They will also explore the exciting territory of “Over-marbling”, where one pattern is superimposed upon another to create a magnificent and complex play of pattern. Students will receive instruction during the morning half of class, then spend the afternoon dedicated to personal practice with hands-on guidance from the instructor.

*Please note that paper marbling is a wet process and papers made in the workshop may not be dry at the end of class. Students may return to SFCB after the workshop to retrieve any papers left to dry at the of the day.  

In this introductory class, student will gain a basic understanding of history, techniques, tools and styles of European marbling. Students will get hands-on experience of all aspects of Western marbling techniques from paper priming and preparatory mixing of water medium and paints, to the creation of classical patterns. Specific attention will be given to learning how to obtain particular designs using a diverse array of rakes and combs. Students will have ample time for experimentation with guidance from the instructor and will leave with a sampling of papers they've marbled themselves.  

A clamshell box is a type of protective packaging and storage solution typically used for valuable or delicate items such as books, documents, artwork, photographs or other valuable objects. The design of a clamshell box resembles the shape of a clamshell and consists of two hinged halves that open and close like a book. Students will work closely with the instructor to create a custom designed box and basic tips and tricks of box making will be shared during the construction of the box. All materials are provided.

In this introductory class, student will gain a basic understanding of history, techniques, tools and styles of Western marbling. Students will get hands on experience of all aspects of marbling from paper priming and preparatory mixing of water medium and paints, to the creation of classic patterns. Specific attention will be given to learning how to obtain particular designs using a diverse array of rakes and combs. Students will have ample time for experimentation with guidance from the instructor.

This one day workshop will take students through Western marbling techniques on fabric. Students will begin with the introduction of marbling on fabric and working with the instructors, they will develop new patterns with an eye for nuance. The primary focus will be on marbling fabric to create book cloth and techniques for other textile uses will also be discussed. Using the marbled fabric they created, students will create book cloth to use on the cover of the book they will bind. The instructor will teach his unique binding style based on methods used in contemporary Northern Italy. Each student will leave with a handbound book covered in fabric they patterned and marbled. All materials provided.

If you've been looking for a book with a nearly indestructible cover, or just a unique binding, this is your answer! 

Featuring an indestructible cover inspired by Italy’s 1970’s solution to broken Yellow Pages bindings in public phone booths, this 360-degree flexible binding offers many advantages because it bends and does not break! This binding style offers visual and tactile delight, employing strips of articulated hard board covered with marbled fabric made by the instructor.

In this workshop, the instructor will guide students through the art of this rare binding technique. Students will create an articulated blank journal that can beautifully withstand the ravages of time.

Learn how to marble two very unique silk scarves with the color palette that you like. It's all about playing with colors and learn the most common (and uncommon) marbling patterns used in the past to embellish the covers and the ends paper of the books. Thanks to the modern paint available we can recreate these patterns on fabric. Immerse yourself in a very unique experience of creating your color pattern on the surface of the water and then transfer it permanently on silk. A perfect gift to yourself or somebody you love.

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I will provide everything: silk scarves, paints, rakes and combs.

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Join the American Bookbinders Museum in discussion with marbler: Pietro Accardi. Accardi will give a brief talk about the legendary origins of marbling, cover historical and modern marbling patterns, give a live demonstration of marbling, and discuss his exploration of marbling on materials other than paper.

Pietro is native to the northwestern Italian city of Turin where his father Gaetano founded and operated a printing press. His youth spent in the press led him to paper marbling, restoration, and bookbinding. In 1997 Pietro established “La Legatoria del Sole,” an artisanal and production-oriented bookbindery in Turin. It served Turin’s Municipal Archives, as well as public and university libraries. After coming to the U.S. he started teaching at the San Francisco Center for the Book and at the Nevada Museum of Art. Together with his wife Vanessa, he  founded Accardi Book Arts: a book arts studio and bindery in Gardnerville Nevada to follow his passion of marbling fabric/paper, and to preserve the tradition of handmade books and boxes.

Cost: $10

Welcoming Pietro Accardi to Copper Cat Studio for the first of a series of workshops. 

Marbled paper came to Europe from the East around 1600 and embellished the fine work of hand bookbinders. Also the edges of precious books were decorated with this technique.

In this introductory class, students will gain a basic understanding of the history, techniques, tools and styles of Western marbling. We'll talk about the color wheel and color theory to guide your creativity.  Pietro will demonstrate how to execute the most classic patterns and how to create simple harmonic color combinations. Students will have ample time for experimentation and will make at least 10 unique marbled papers.

Note: Paper marbling is a wet process and the marbled paper needs to dry overnight. Students will need to return to pick up their papers.

Meet the artist! Pietro Accardi will demonstrate and discuss marbling at a special reception celebrating The Magic of Marbling, Unique by Design. This special exhibit explores the patterns, history and magic of marbling.

Celebrated marbler, Pietro Accardi, will share his passion for marbling, his love of teaching, and his comprehensive knowledge of the art form with all who attend.

Join us for comestibles, libations and live demonstrations on Saturday, September 21 form 4:30-6:30pm.

This class is designed not only to answer questions about almost everything about marbling, but also to give students a firm foundation upon which to launch themselves into the marbling world. Pietro Accardi will share his knowledge gained from 25 years as a traditional marbler in Italy, as well as the evolution of his style after moving to North America. 

We will start with the basics of marbling on paper and move into textiles such as cotton and silk. The class will also focus on pattern development, beginning with the fundamentals of traditional patterns, then progressing on to more complex patterns and on to the grand finale: Overmarbling.

Pietro will give special attention to color theory and harmony in color combinations. In classical marbling, the use of metallics was not explored due to their heavy weight in the water bath medium; but in this class the instructor will reveal his techniques that have allowed him to work successfully with metallics.

The last two days of class will be dedicated to creating larger marbled pieces. To complete the course students will also have the opportunity to execute at least two marbled scarves in special vats.

Welcoming Pietro Accardi to Copper Cat Studio for the first of a series of workshops. 

Marbled paper came to Europe from the East around 1600 and embellished the fine work of hand bookbinders. Also the edges of precious books were decorated with this technique.

In this introductory class, students will gain a basic understanding of the history, techniques, tools and styles of Western marbling. We'll talk about the color wheel and color theory to guide your creativity.  Pietro will demonstrate how to execute the most classic patterns and how to create simple harmonic color combinations. Students will have ample time for experimentation and will make at least 10 unique marbled papers.

If you've been looking for a book with a nearly indestructible cover, or just a unique binding, this is your answer! 

Featuring an indestructible cover inspired by Italy’s 1970’s solution to broken Yellow Pages bindings in public phone booths, this 360-degree flexible binding offers many advantages because it bends and does not break! This binding style offers visual and tactile delight, employing strips of articulated hard board covered with marbled fabric made by the instructor.

In this workshop, the instructor will guide students through the art of this rare binding technique. Students will create an articulated blank journal that can beautifully withstand the ravages of time.

>> Prerequisite: None <<

In this introductory class, student will gain a basic understanding of history, techniques, tools and styles of European marbling. Students will get hands-on experience of all aspects of Western marbling techniques from paper priming and preparatory mixing of water medium and paints, to the creation of classical patterns. Specific attention will be given to learning how to obtain particular designs using a diverse array of rakes and combs. Students will have ample time for experimentation with guidance from the instructor and will leave with a sampling of papers they've marbled themselves.  

An indestructible cover, inspired by Italy’s 1970’s solution to the Yellow Pages in public phone booths, this 360-degree flexible binding offers many advantages because it bends and does not break! It offers visual and tactile delight, employing strips of articulated boards and marbled fabric. In this workshop, instructor Pietro Accardi will instruct students in the art of this rare binding technique. Students will create a large and small articulated blank journal that can beautifully withstand the ravages of time. All materials provided.

Clamshell Box. This is Pietro Accardi’s version of the clamshell box made with marbled fabric. Originally this kind of box has been used by libraries to preserve rare books or papers. The box was individually made according to the specific measurements of the book or collection of paper to preserve. Also, all the basic tips and tricks of box making with book cloth will be shared during the construction of the box. Note that the finished box will have rounded corners. You will also learn tips on how to make your own book cloth out of any kind of fabric.

In the world of paper marbling, metallics are rare due to the heavier weight of these types of pigments. Since marbling pigments must float perfectly on the surface of the water bath, metallics prove challenging; but when handled correctly, the shining hues of copper, silver, bronze, gold and pearl will transform a sheet of paper into an iridescent wonder. The use of rakes and combs is also tricky, requiring carefully manipulated movements of these heavy paints in order to achieve the desired effects without sinking or breakage.

In this workshop, students will learn to handle metallic paints and be introduced to new and more intricate patterns. They will also explore the exciting territory of “Over-marbling”, where one pattern is superimposed upon another to create a magnificent and complex play of pattern. Students will receive instruction during the morning half of class, then spend the afternoon dedicated to personal practice with hands-on guidance from the instructor.

In this introductory class, student will gain a basic understanding of history, techniques, tools and styles of European marbling. Students will get hands-on experience of all aspects of Western marbling techniques from paper priming and preparatory mixing of water medium and paints, to the creation of classical patterns. Specific attention will be given to learning how to obtain particular designs using a diverse array of rakes and combs. Students will have ample time for experimentation with guidance from the instructor and will leave with a sampling of papers they've marbled themselves.  

A clamsehll box, is a type of protective packaging and storage solution typically used for valuable or delicate items such as books, documents, artwork, photographs or other valuable objects. The design of a clamshell box resembles the shape of a clamshell and consists of two hinged halves that open and close like a book. Students will work closely with the instructor to create a custom designed box and basic tips and tricks of box making will be shared during the construction of the box. All materials are provided.

Learn to make a useful box that's ideal for storing sewing supplies, jewelry, or small tools. The box has a hinged lid and can be opened fully. The interior holds a removable top tray; the bottom compartment is open and can store larger items.

The instructor has developed his own way of making boxes, combining the industrial and artisanal methods of boxmaking. Students will learn basic boxmaking concepts, as well as an understanding of paper and board grain and its importance.

Pietro is known for his marbling, and will provide marbled fabric to use in covering the boxes. Students will learn how to make their own book cloth out of regular fabric.

All skill levels are welcome: the most difficult part of the class will be the choosing of the marbled fabric from the multicolor array of patterns that Pietro will provide.
 

In this introductory class, student will gain a basic understanding of history, techniques, tools and styles of European marbling. Students will get hands-on experience of all aspects of Western marbling techniques from paper priming and preparatory mixing of water medium and paints, to the creation of classical patterns. Specific attention will be given to learning how to obtain particular designs using a diverse array of rakes and combs. Students will have ample time for experimentation with guidance from the instructor and will leave with a sampling of papers they've marbled themselves.  

This popular marbling workshop will introduce students marbling techniques on fabric that can be used for covering books and boxes. Students will begin the day by working on basic marbling skills. With the instructor’s guidance, they will work on new patterns with an eye for nuance. The main focus will be on marbling fabric to create book cloth, and techniques for other textile uses will also be discussed. At the end of the day, the instructor will demonstrate how to prepare pieces of marbled cloth for use in bookbinding. Students will leave with their own stack of 15 marbled fabric pieces. All materials provided with registration.

Witness this magical process that transfers the paint from the surface of the water to a silk scarf. In this one-day workshop, Pietro will show students how to print on silk scarves using an array of different patterns and colors from which you may choose. After some guided practice, students will have the opportunity to create 2 beautiful marbled scarves.