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Reserve your seat!
SDBA offers a wide array of classes in book constructions, box creations, design skills, as well as paper arts and embroidery. Check out our upcoming workshops.
Nancy Akerly continues to entice us with her wonderful box structures. Erin Fletcher returns to SDBA offering Double Panel Binding and then the Envelope Binding structure, Clara Gevaert’s inspiration from a 15th century limp vellum cover. Kit Davey adds joy to the world with her creative book constructions. Barbara Close guides us through a myriad of surface design techniques which are bound to impress. Paul Jackson continues probing paper possibilities with Fascinating Flexigons, Pleating for Surfaces and Forms and Seasonal Paper Joys. Come and join in the fun!
Featured
Join us for these exciting workshops:
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- Box of Wonders with Nancy Akerly
- Double Panel Binding
- Envelope Binding Structure
- 2026 FULL SERIES II with Kit Davey
- The Double Pop Out Shadowbox Book
- The Theater Book
- The Circular Cascade Book
- The Telescoping Book
- Exquisite Surface Design Starter with Barbara Close
- Fascinating Flexagons with Paul Jackson
- Pleating for Surfaces and Forms
- Seasonal Paper Joys
Members, log in now or during checkout to view discounted prices.
Not a member? Join here.
Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at 11:00 am PT via Zoom, deadline for RSVP is June 15
Open to members and non-members. RSVP required. Attendees must take care of their RSVP in a timely manner, and take note of the Zoom link that is received upon replying.
Presentation:
Magic Lines – presentation by Barbara Close.
Lines are in every mark we make. It may be thick or thin. They can transform a surface into something dynamic and alive. Lines are pathways of movement, emotion and rhythm and carry energy and discoveries.
Tips & Tricks
A big thank you to Judith Christensen for sharing her story with us, and to Carol Shenk for so generously giving her time and telling us about her mother’s work and legacy.
The recording of the meeting “Home Is Where the Story Begins” by Judith Christensen, is available in the Video section under the category “Concepts/Inspirations.”
Congratulations to Judith Christensen, the inaugural recipient of the Genie Shenk Excellence in Book Arts Award recognizing an outstanding artist in this creative medium.
James Alan Rose Art Gallery
6501 Linda Vista Road
San Diego, CA 92111
SDBA worked with a videographer trying to capture the essence of Judith’s exhibit…not easily accomplished, but nonetheless an offering for those who could not personally attend. We also value having this documentation in appreciation to the Shenk Family for their continuing dedication towards the legacy of their beloved mother and a renowned artist.
Your Directors present a brief slideshow, followed by a wonderful presentation with Paul Jackson!
Boxes: Should we be Thinking Outside, Inside or Between Them?
Paul Jackson gives reasons why it is preferable to think between boxes, instead of thinking outside them, when creating new work. He gives tips on how to do this and shows examples from his own creative practice as a paper artist.

Paul Jackson has been a professional paper artist and paper engineer since 1983. He has taught extensively, including at the Royal College of Art in London, MIT in Boston and is a semi-regular instructor at the Centro del Libro in Ascona, Switzerland. He has written 45 books and been a consultant for many clients, including Nike, Disney and the Harry Potter movies. His folded artworks have been exhibited extensively. English born, Paul has an MA in Fine Art from the Slade School of Fine Art, University College London.