Learn Traditional Japanese Bookbinding Techniques

Samples of Japanese bookbinding. Photo courtesy of Volcano Art Center.

Volcano Art Center will host a fun, hands-on workshop that teaches participants how to create their own notebooks through traditional Japanese bookbinding techniques. The workshop will happen Saturday, April 15, from 9 a.m. to noon at the VAC’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village.

Spend the morning with instructor Charlene Asato as she guides attendees through four traditional styles: Yotsume Toji (four-hole binding), Koki Toji (noble binding), Asa-No-Ha Toji (hemp leaf) and Kikko Toji (tortoise shell). Participants will complete at least two styles–one with soft cover and one with hard cover–which can be used for albums, journals, scrapbooks and more.

The cost to attend is $35 general and $32 for VAC members, plus a $10 supply fee. Register online, or by calling (808) 967-8222. Prior experience is not necessary.

Participants are asked to bring the following tools: glue stick, x-acto knife with a fresh no. 11 blade, cutting mat, scissors, pencil, metal edge ruler, bone folder, old magazine or catalog for gluing, and awl (if you have one).

Asato is a creative enthusiast who avidly pursues book arts, paper arts, photography, calligraphy and doll arts. Her work has been featured in many juried shows at local, national and international levels, and some have won awards.