Bookbinding

I am really enjoying the bookbinding workshop I registered for.

I am use to working with needles and thread.

I am learning with ease all the different types of construction, some ancient.

I did notice I am not a very good folder!

Learning Something New

Today, I learned to make two kinds of books. Both are manuscript books- the kind you make and then  add things to, like text and images.

photo diary, September 22
Concertina book

It felt odd sewing paper instead of fabric. Did you know paper, like fabric, has a grain?

Rose Newlove teaches for CBBAG, the Canadian Bookbinders and Book Artists Guild. She was patient and full of great information.

I learned book terminology and 2 ways of binding a book. I learned about paper and tools.

My teacher explains the tools for bookbinding.

This class was a make-up class because I was away when the classes started. (thanks Rose!!) Tomorrow, I jump in with the rest of the students and make another type of manuscript book. I am really looking forward to it!

Altered Books

I had my last class on Abstract Art at the AGO last week.

My class mate's finished altered book

As a project, we altered books.

An example of an altered book
the teacher brought in from the
 Globe and Mail, 2010

Some finished their paper sculpture.

The same friend's altered book taken from a different angle.

I did not but it is coming along well. I plan to continue in January and will definitely post it.

Here is the inspiration for my book which I photographed in Paris yesterday. It is exactly what I want to achieve….although my work will surely evolve while I am cutting into the paper and may actually never look like this.

Shoe display at BHV department store in Paris

Here is another altered book which I found in a store window as part of their decoration.

Altered book in a window display in Paris, France.

Collage Book

In collage class, we made an accordion book. I made mine about my trip to Verona.

Verona accordion book, Gail Marmoreo's work behind it.
I think I will give it to my friend.

I was very involved in promoting literacy for about 8 years starting in 1990, the International Year of Literacy. I did that through workshops I gave at the Toronto Public Libraries, the Toronto Public School Board amongst other things. One of the workshops was entitled "Book Making with your Children".

My children's french books, books with puppets, books about their dad

Making the book in class reminded me of the great books my own children made for their stories.