Zhen Xian Bao Hardcover Sampler Workshop with Rosemary Rae

Zhen Xian Bao Hardcover Sampler Workshop with Rosemary Rae

  • Saturday, August 23, 2025, 10 am to 1 pm Mountain Time, and Sunday, August 24, 2025, 10 am to 12 noon
  • Online via Zoom; live, will NOT be recorded
  • $65; must be a current BAG member to participate (Not a member? Join here.)
  • Maximum of 10 students
  • You will receive a list of tools and supplies needed upon receipt of payment plus some “homework” to do prior to the workshop
  • Register here: https://santafebag.org/register-for-rosemary-raes-zhen-xian-bao-hardcover-sampler-workshop/

“A Zhen Xian Bao is a structure made up of graduated boxes folded from paper, which collapse to form a compact book. They were originally used to store and carry needles and different colored threads, but they can be used to organize any small objects.” Deborah Mattson

Explore folding trays, a flower-top box, collapsible boxes, a masu box, and a small booklet assembly with this Zhen Xian Bao Hardcover Sampler project. This is a great way to mix and match papers and play with a fun, adaptive book structure. The hardcover book houses all your folded explorations. When completed, you can use it as a travel case for pencils, paper, collages, postage stamps, photos, and other small art or craft supplies.

Please note: there are a lot of steps and folding involved in this structure, but it is fun!

This workshop will take place over the course of two days (a Saturday and a Sunday).

In the first session, Rosemary will present an overview of the project and inspiration. Participants will build the book structure, then begin folding the trays and the boxes.

In the second session, participants will continue to fold, make the small booklet, assemble and embellish the final book, and share their work.

Rosemary Rae is a creative director/designer, artist, and design educator living in San Diego, California. A graduate of Moore College of Art & Design and Vermont College of Fine Arts, she currently works as a graphic designer. In addition to designing her unique line of letterpressed greeting cards, she also creates collages and artist books, which have been featured in many juried exhibitions. Website: https://rosemaryraedesign.com/. Instagram: @rosemarydesign.