Artist David Gibson’s current exhibition, Morning Light, presents just one aspect of Gibson’s work. He also makes books! Currently on view in the library until May 21, 2023, are four accordion-style, limited edition artist books featuring original inkjet prints created by Gibson. Carter Community Artist Raul Rodriguez recently led a bookmaking workshop in the library so guests could create their very own accordion-style books.

If you missed the bookmaking workshop or are eager to make your own book, follow this simple guide to make your own accordion-style book based on materials you likely have at home.

Supplies needed:

• One to two decorative pieces of paper
• Two pieces of cardboard cut to 4 3/8 x 5 1/2 inches
• Three sheets of 8 1/2 x 11 copy paper
• Glue stick or another adhesive
• Scissors
• Decorations of your choice: magazines for collage, photographs, pens, markers, stickers, etc.

Step 1:

Gather supplies.

Step 2:

Fold each sheet of copy paper in half lengthwise and widthwise. This will result in four folded quadrants.

Step 3:

Cut each sheet of copy paper in half on the longest side along the fold. This will result in six pieces of paper.

Step 4:

Cut the decorative paper larger than the carboard pieces.

Step 5:

Trim the corners of the decorative paper at an angle to align with the edges of the cardboard. Repeat for the other piece.

Step 6:

Glue or adhere the edges of the decorative paper to the cardboard. Repeat for the other piece.

Step 7:

Create a chevron pattern with five out of the six copy paper pieces. The pieces should overlap in the middle and leave half of a folded piece single at either end. Glue or adhere pages together on the overlapping pages.

Step 8:

Take the joined accordion paper and glue the remaining single end pieces to the uncovered backs of the cardboard pieces.

Now, the accordion-style book is formed.

Step 9:

Decorate the pages however you’d like.

To gather more inspiration, visit the Library to view David H. Gibson’s photobooks on display until May 21, 2023. The Library has over 50 books by David H. Gibson in the collection. Come by the Library to talk with a librarian or archivist to explore these works and more.