Potomac GBW: Pop-Ups! Pure Mechanics of Paper Engineering

May 17th, 2026

10:00-4:30 est

In person at:

Frederick Book Arts Center

127 S Carroll St

Frederick, MD 21701

 

Introduce dimension and movement. Amplify drama. Surprise and delight your reader!

If your artist book practice needs a little spice, paper engineering might provide the ideal solution. In this one-day workshop, you will assemble and examine a variety of foundational structures based on both pop-ups (the action is dimensional and happens when you turn the page) and movables (the action is flat and happens when you pull a tab or turn a wheel). Periodically pop-ups and movables are integrated and the result is animation magic. Using just a handful of simple tools, you will explore the dimensional and mechanical potential of 80 lb card stock and glue. You will become well-versed with the fundamentals and vocabulary of paper engineering. Ultimately, you will bind the completed structures into a simple, satisfying case.

Materials included.

Limited to 15 registrants.

By submitting this form you agree to the following cancellation policy:

Cancellations requested 15 or more days before the beginning of a workshop will receive a full refund of tuition and materials fee, minus a $25 processing charge.

Cancellations requested 7-14 days prior to the workshop will receive a 50% refund of tuition, minus a $25 processing charge.

No refunds are possible for cancellations 6 or fewer days in advance of the first day of class, or for no-shows.