Into The Heartland 2026- Altered Mica Book - Daniel Essig

Daniel Essig | Altered Mica Book

This workshop will explore the techniques of creating and filling a hand bound book. Utilizing a binding that has withstood the test of time with its elegance, flexibility and strength, we will first bind a book of fine papers and ridged translucent
mica sheets. We will than cut, hammer, glue, shred, paint and sew back into the pages creating niches, alcoves and secret spaces to house and protect treasures, images and words.

Participants will learn to work with mica. We will use both the natural and manmade forms of this material, becoming familiar with the “ins” and “outs” of mica’s unique characteristics.

CLASS SUPPLIES

Instructor-supplied for Materials Fee of $75
• Mica
• Text blocks
• Handmade papers
• Waxed linen thread and needles
• Sandpaper
• Tools and materials needed to complete

Student Tools and Materials
• Thin or light weight collage materials: decorative and text papers, old photospaper, tintypes or ambrotypes(glass), old
letters, sheet music, insect wings, leaves, feathers, etc.
• 3/8” Flexcut palm chisel-single bevel (not a must, but very useful)
• Pencils and eraser
• Black Sharpie fine line
• A few colors of acrylics
• 6-18” metal ruler
• X-acto knife and extra blades, utility knife and blades
• Self-healing cutting mat
• Assorted binder clips
• Small sharp scissors
• Utility scissors
• Bone folder
• Brayer
• Awls (including a slender one for piercing sections)