A Book Fair attendee getting craftsy at last year's event

The Austin Book Workers want you to celebrate a handmade nation this Fourth of July by making your own book. ‘Cause what’s more American than DIY?

The Austin Book Workers is an organization that promotes the book arts, exploring “everything from artists books to fine bindings, from repairs to type setting.” These are people who like to get their hands dirty, and they want you to do the same at their annual Austin Book Arts Fair at AMOA-Laguna Gloria (3809 W. 35th St.) on Sunday, July 4, from 1-5pm.

There will be demonstrations of book making and paper making, along with specific techniques like marbling, suminagashi, paste paper making, gold tooling, calligraphy, and letter press printing. There will also be kid-geared, hands-on activities.

The event is free, open to the public, and – honestly? – looks totally awesome. Don’t believe us? Check out the pics from last year’s fair at the ABW website.

This article appears in June 25 • 2010.

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A graduate of the Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas, Kimberley has written about film, books, and pop culture for The Austin Chronicle since 2000. She was named Editor of the Chronicle in 2016; she previously served as the paper’s Managing Editor, Screens Editor, Books Editor, and proofreader. Her work has been awarded by the Association of Alternative Newsmedia for excellence in arts criticism, team reporting, and special section (Best of Austin). The Austin Alliance for Women...