Friday, October 16, 2026 · 1:30–4:30 pm
Safety Harbor Public Library · 101 2nd St N, Safety Harbor
Free · Drop in, no registration needed · All materials provided
What’s a tunnel book?
A tunnel book is a stack of cut paper panels joined by accordion-folded sides. When you open it and look through the front, the layers line up into a single scene with depth, like looking down a street or through a doorway. The form dates to the 18th century, when tunnel books were sold as souvenirs of exhibitions and events.
What we’ll do
Book one: Safety Harbor. We’ll focus on learning the construction method using printed sheets of local landmarks. You’ll cut them out and assemble a finished tunnel book step by step.
Book two: your own scene. Using what you’ve learned, you’ll design a second book however you like. Bring images if you want to work them in.
We’ll close by sharing what everyone made.
What to bring (optional)
- Your favorite small scissors
- A glue stick
- Images or papers for your second book, such as photos, maps, postcards, or magazine pages. Bring copies rather than originals.
Everything else is provided.
Who it’s for
Teens and adults. No experience needed. If you can cut along a line and fold paper, you can make a tunnel book.
Class handout
The handout (PDF) covers the assembly steps, the structure diagram, and ideas for going further.
To explore before you come (or after)
- UF Libraries Tunnel Books
- Alisa Golden, Making Handmade Books (available through PPLC)
About the instructor
Kate Bird is a fiber and book artist and geospatial analyst based in Safety Harbor, Florida. Her work uses layered textiles, maps, and handmade books to explore the histories built into places. She uses tunnel books in her own studio to test how layers relate before building dimensional fiber pieces, which is why the form is a favorite.
Thanks to Emily Stehle, the Safety Harbor Public Library, and the Tampa Bay Surface Design Guild.