Teaching Artist: Emma Percy

In this workshop you will create your own handmade herbarium book in which to preserve plant specimens, make botanical illustrations, and record your observations of nature.

Collecting botanical specimens in books was a popular 18th and 19th century pastime, and making a personal herbarium is a valuable and enjoyable way to learn about the plants in your local environment and create a beautiful, unique collection for reference.

We will be using the Secret Belgian stitch, a non-adhesive bookbinding style that includes a spine and hard cover, and allows the book to lie open flat. In addition to constructing and binding the book, we will discuss methods for pressing and preserving plants before they are stored, ethics around harvesting from the wild, and tools for botanical identification.

All materials will be provided and no prior bookbinding experience is necessary!

$100