Fraktur Bookplate Workshop

The Fraktur Bookplate Workshop with Emily Smucker-Beidler is a unique opportunity to explore one of the most iconic artistic traditions of Pennsylvania German culture. Hosted at Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum, this workshop introduces participants to the vibrant world of Fraktur—an art form celebrated for its colorful imagery, decorative lettering, and symbolic motifs. Bookplates, or Taufscheine and Vorschriften, were among the most personal and cherished forms of Fraktur, often used to commemorate births, baptisms, marriages, and the ownership of treasured books. In this class, students will discover the history behind these beautiful documents while creating their own hand-crafted bookplate using traditional methods.

Led by artist and educator Emily Smucker-Beidler, the workshop is designed for beginners and experienced artists alike. Emily’s extensive knowledge of Fraktur design, along with her warm, accessible teaching style, allows participants to feel confident as they learn step-by-step techniques used by Pennsylvania German artists in the 18th and 19th centuries. The class begins with an introduction to the history and cultural importance of Fraktur within Pennsylvania German communities, exploring how these decorative bookplates functioned as both art and documentation. Students will have the chance to examine examples and identify key elements such as tulips, birds, hearts, scrolls, and symbolic color palettes.

From there, participants will begin the creative process of designing their own Fraktur bookplate. Emily guides students through layout planning, lettering choices, motif selection, and the use of geometric and floral forms common in historical Fraktur. Special attention is given to spacing, symmetry, and aesthetic balance—hallmarks of traditional bookplate design. Workshops like this one offer an invaluable chance to slow down, observe fine details, and develop thoughtful artistic compositions rooted in centuries-old folk art traditions.

Once the design is sketched, participants move into watercolor techniques. Students learn how to mix pigments, apply translucent color layers, and achieve the bright yet gentle tones characteristic of Fraktur painting. Emily demonstrates how to highlight motifs, add decorative borders, and build depth through controlled brushwork. All materials are provided, and participants finish the class with a fully realized Fraktur bookplate that reflects both historical authenticity and personal creativity.

The Fraktur Bookplate Workshop also emphasizes the broader cultural meaning of Fraktur art. Students learn how Pennsylvania German families used bookplates to mark important milestones and preserve generational memory. The workshop connects artistic practice to historical identity, making it not only an art class but also a cultural learning experience. Participants leave with a deeper appreciation for Pennsylvania German heritage and the role of decorative arts in everyday life.

Whether you are a folk art enthusiast, a calligraphy lover, a watercolor painter, or someone simply seeking a meaningful and meditative creative experience, this workshop offers an enriching way to explore traditional craftsmanship. Many students appreciate the peaceful atmosphere of the class, the blend of creativity and cultural history, and the ability to take home a finished work of art that can be framed, gifted, or used to personalize their own books.

Because the class size is intentionally kept small, participants receive individual attention from Emily, allowing them to ask questions, refine their techniques, and progress at a comfortable pace. All necessary tools and materials are included in the registration fee. Students are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and bring reading glasses if needed for fine detail work.

By the end of the workshop, each participant will have created a beautifully detailed bookplate and gained practical skills in layout design, watercolor application, and traditional Fraktur motifs. The Fraktur Bookplate Workshop is one of Landis Valley’s most beloved heritage crafts classes, offering an inspiring glimpse into Pennsylvania German art and history.

Advance registration is recommended, as workshops with Emily Smucker-Beidler often fill quickly.