UNFOLDING - Create Handmade Concertina Books with Debbie Mackinnon

UNFOLDING includes an introduction, seven modules and two bonus features, with approximately 2.5 hours of video demonstrations.

The course is divided into manageable sections, so you can watch a little at a time and work through the process at your own pace.

Pre-recorded videos you can watch whenever it suits you.

Yes. UNFOLDING is completely self-paced. There are no scheduled classes, deadlines or fixed times when you need to be online.

You can pause the videos while you work and return to any of the modules throughout your two-year access period.

You will have full access to UNFOLDING for two years from the date of purchase.

This gives you plenty of time to work slowly, revisit the demonstrations and make more than one unfolding book.

Your access period begins when you purchase the course, rather than when you first start watching.

Your purchase provides access for one person only.

Please do not share your login details, course links or password with anyone else.

Another person wishing to take the course will need to purchase their own access.

No refunds after purchase, but email me at debbie@debbiemackinnon.com if you have any concerns.

Your course access will finish two years after the date of purchase.

I recommend completing the course well within that period and returning to any
videos you find particularly useful before your access expires.

You will receive a reminder before the end of your access period.

No. The course videos are available to stream online but cannot be downloaded.

You will need an internet connection and a computer, tablet or smartphone to watch them

Yes. The course videos include English captions, which can be switched on or off while you watch.

A good internet connection and a laptop or tablet (Chrome is recommended).

Please contact me if you experience difficulty accessing the course, and I will help where I can.

Before contacting me, it is worth refreshing your browser, checking your internet connection and trying a different browser or device. I recommend Chrome.

Yes! The price will show in your currency, and you can access the course from anywhere.

You will need a suitable large sheet of paper, basic painting and drawing materials, brushes, a ruler, scissors or a craft knife, tape and glue.

You do not need to buy every material I demonstrate. I encourage you to begin with what you already have and adapt the process to suit your own materials.

A full materials list is provided, with both metric and approximate imperial measurements and alternative names for materials used in different countries.

No. One of the main advantages of this course is learning how to make your own
unfolding book from a large sheet of paper.

Ready-made concertina books can be expensive and difficult to find. Making your own is an inexpensive and flexible alternative, and allows you to choose the paper, size and proportions that suit your project.

You do not need previous experience making books. I demonstrate the folding, cutting, backgrounds, collage and assembly processes step by step.

Some basic familiarity with drawing or painting materials will be helpful, but you do not need advanced art skills.

The emphasis is on experimentation and developing your own ideas rather than
producing a perfect finished result.

No. Your book can include colour, pattern, collage, written fragments, printing and expressive marks as well as drawing.

I’ll encourage you to pay attention to what interests you and find your own way of responding.

Your unfolding book does not need to look like mine.

Choosing the right paper is important. It needs to be strong enough for wet media but light and flexible enough to fold.

Mixed-media paper of around 200 gsm is ideal. Smooth hot-pressed watercolour paper can also work, but very heavy paper may be difficult to fold.

I explain the paper choices clearly in the course and provide suggested sizes in both metric and imperial measurements.

No. The gel-plate demonstration is an additional bonus feature.

You can make your unfolding book without a gel plate and use painted, printed, found or purchased papers for collage instead

Absolutely. An unfolding book is a wonderful way to gather the story of a journey.

You can include drawings made on location, colours, maps, tickets, printed fragments, handwritten notes and memories. The pages can be viewed individually or unfolded to reveal the whole journey as one continuous visual story.

Because you prepare the backgrounds before working on location, you will not be facing an intimidating blank white page. This makes it easier to begin, respond quickly and enjoy recording the experience of being there.

No. You can make your whole book at home or in your studio, using objects, gardens, photographs, memories or any subject that interests you.

The location demonstration is included to show you how portable and useful the format can be, particularly when travelling.

No - and that is the point. I will guide you through the process and share plenty of ideas, but you will choose your own theme, colours, materials, marks and story.

Your finished book will be a personal response to something that matters to you.

Yes. Once you understand the folding and construction process, you can use it
repeatedly.

You might make a book about a holiday or vacation, a journey, your garden, a local landscape, a collection of objects, a season or a personal memory. Each new book can develop in a completely different way.

The course is designed to be self-guided. I do also offer one-on-one Zoom coaching for a fee, if you need extra help or mentoring. Reach out if interested in this option.