Tryon Arts and Crafts School welcomed back instructor Christine Mariotti to teach two new paper and book making workshops. On Saturday, May 21, students will learn how to create their own paper; then they can return Saturday, June 4 and Sunday, June 5 to make their paper into unique handmade books. These are stand-alone workshops but together they create the total bookmaking experience.

The first of the “Paper Pleasures” workshops will be offered on Saturday, May 21 from 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the craft school located on Harmon Field Road. This workshop is an introduction to handmade paper using pulp from recycled papers, cotton linters and plants. Paper sheets are formed from gathering the pulp into a mold and pressing and drying it. Handmade paper is unique and elegant and adds a special touch to letters, note cards, scrapbooks and invitations. The paper can be used in many ways and is perfect for artists and crafters of all media.

On Saturday, June 4 and Sunday, June 5, students will have the opportunity to transform their handmade paper (or ready-made paper) into handmade books. This weekend workshop will explore the simple art of bookmaking including accordion fold, portfolio cases and simple signatures. The hours on Saturday will be 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. and on Sunday, noon – 5 p.m.

The instructor, Christine Mariotti, has been a textile instructor for more than 30 years in California. Now in her retirement and having relocated to Tryon, she continues to teach in her areas of special interest. She has a master’s degree in art from Nazareth College in Rochester, N.Y., and vast experience in her field of study. She is the author of “The Art of Silk Painting,” a Walter Foster library selection, and her work may be viewed in the Tryon Arts & Crafts gift shop.

Advance registration for all workshops is required. Students may register for only one workshop or both. A discount will be given to students registering for both at the same time. For more information about the instructor or workshop, contact Tryon Arts & Crafts School at 828-859-8323 or by email at tryonartsandcrafts@windstream.net. More details and examples of projects are available on the Tryon Arts and Crafts website, www.TryonArtsandCrafts.org. There are a limited number of spaces available for this class.

Tryon Arts and Crafts is a non-profit crafts school located at 373 Harmon Field Road in Tryon and exists to provide creative opportunities for everyone.