This is a single session online workshop. 

The Franklin Fold was invented by Hedi Kyle in Philadelphia, and named for one of the most famous Philadelphians, Ben Franklin. It is a single-sheet book structure in which both covers and two center accordions fold out. This structure is ideal for mysterious or playful imagery and text that can be hidden and revealed by the reader.  

After constructing a Franklin Fold, we will make both an Inner and Outer Folded Slipcase. Like the Franklin Fold, these are structures folded each from a single sheet of paper that can be used to enclose books. Our slipcases will be folded to enclose the Franklin Fold book made during class, however these structures can be adapted for any book. Students will receive handouts in advance that must be printed out to be used as reference during class.

We recommend that students have some experience/comfort level with paper folding.

Please consider before enrolling: The oversize sheets of paper must be purchased and trimmed to size before class - this can be challenging if you do not have proper tools or experience, though it's not impossible to pull off. 

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Materials to Bring:

3 sheets of text-weight paper, trimmed to the following dimensions:

• 1 piece measuring 17 1/2 x 27 inches, grain short (for Franklin Fold)
• 1 piece measuring 16 x 18 3/4 inches, grain short (for Inner Slipcase)
• 1 piece measuring 19 1/8 x 25 3/4 inches grain long (for Outer Slipcase)

Suggested papers: Mohawk Superfine (24lb writing/60lb text but any of the three text weights will work), Awagami Shin Inbe

You will need one full-size sheet for each of the three structures, trimmed to the above dimensions before class. Please note if finding paper of suitable size with grain in ideal direction is not feasible, these structures can still be folded.

• 2 pieces of 8.5 x 11 cardstock to be cut down during class for folding jigs/spine reinforcement for slipcases
• Paperclips (at least 6)
• Glue stick
• Bone folder
• Straight edge or ruler
• X-acto knife or other blade
• Cutting mat
• Triangle
• Pencil and eraser
• A large, clean work surface, large enough to fully support your papers

Workshop Fee: $50

Date & Time: Wednesday, April 7, 2021 :: 4-6:30pm Pacific time

Location: Online over Zoom

Please read over the SFCB Registration Policies before signing up for a class.

REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE 5 DAYS PRIOR TO THE START DATE OF THIS WORKSHOP.

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About the Instructor | Michelle Wilson

Michelle Wilson is a fiber and print artist living in Oakland., CA whose work incorporates handmade paper, embroidery, and craft-based social practice. She has an MFA in Book Arts and Printmaking from the University of the Arts, where she studied with Hedi Kyle. In 2019, in collaboration with the artist Anne Beck and almost 600 community participants, she completed the Rhinoceros Project, a monumental embroidery and hand papermaking project, which resulted in a 10 x 12 foot embroidery and handmade paper watermark based on the “Rhinoceros” print by Albrecht Durer. She is fascinated by the possibilities of paper as a material and as an object. 

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Past Student Reviews:

“Michelle was a knowledgeable and pleasant teacher.”

“She gave us the perfect amount of guidance while allowing us to explore and practice the processes on our own.”

“Michelle was great!”

"Great product, fun project!"