by Elissa | Nov 29, 2017 | B.A.G. Meetings, bookbinding, Exhibitions, MailB.A.G., Vermont, Workshops
Next Meeting: Wednesday, December 13, 2017, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
We meet at the Unitarian Universalist Society Church located at 152 Pearl Street in Burlington, VT. We will be in the Sophia Fahs Community Room, a large room located in the basement. Click here for more information on directions/parking.
Program: Get Your Holiday Book Arts On: Ornament Exchange/Make a Froebel Star
Deck the halls with handmade creations! Join us in December for a meeting filled with holiday cheer, a handmade ornament exchange and a hands-on workshop to make a traditional European holiday paper star ornament.
In the first part of the meeting, Annette Hansen of Make Life Cozy will teach us to fold beautiful, three-dimensional Froebel Stars, a traditional paper decoration that graces homes in Germany and Scandinavia throughout the holiday season. Annette, who grew up in Denmark, says that paper arts are an integral part of holiday hygge (a Danish word that captures the coziness, conviviality, warmth and contentment of the holiday season).
Annette will bring all supplies, including an array of colored paper for the stars in addition to the traditional white. We’ll also explore way to join and use the stars beyond ornaments.
Tools to bring:
Once we all have stars in hand, we’ll hold the first B.A.G. handmade ornament exchange. Participation is easy: Simply hand make an ornament and bring it to the meeting (wrapped or unwrapped) to swap!
Once we’ve swapped, all makers are invited to share a little bit about their inspiration and/or process. Instructions on how to make your ornament are always appreciated but entirely optional.
November Meeting Reflections
Our November meeting was true to its title of Card Tricks and Book Blitz – Member-led Mini Workshops. We had multiple stations of creative paper play including folded stars, pop-up cards, lanterns, and folded boxlike containers.
Fun was had by all as we roamed the room collecting ideas and having hands-on fun as we made out own samples at each mini workshop.
The November meeting format has become a tradition in the Book Arts Guild. Those in attendance are already looking forward to next year.
You can view images from the meeting on the B.A.G. blog.
B.A.G. News
*** December Handmade Ornament Exchange
At our December meeting, we will host an ornament exchange where members and friends are invited to swap handmade baubles. Bring one, take one!
Here’s how it works:
- Make an ornament to share – instruction or directions on how to make are optional
- Bring to the meeting, wrapped or unwrapped
- Swap for another ornament
That’s it! The only rule is that the ornaments must be handmade.
Need inspiration? Check out these blog posts:
Get making!
*** Book Arts Guild of Vermont 2018 Show news!
Members and friends are invited to submit work for our show at Studio Place Arts in Barre from May 22 – June 30, where we will be exhibiting in the second floor gallery. Here is our show name and description, which leaves it wide open for interpretation:
Beyond Words: Artworks by the Book Arts Guild of Vermont
Books can take on a language of their own, as shown in the multimedia work of this group of artists that use shape, structure, and materials to get their message across.
Important dates:
- Submissions: Work must be submitted by May 1, 2018. No work can be accepted after that date.
- Opening: May 22, 2018
- Closing: June 30, 2018
- Artist’s talk: Date TBD
The second show will take place in June at Frog Hollow Craft Gallery on Church Street. This will be a great opportunity to get exposure for our group in the heart of Burlington. Dates for the show have yet to be determined. Stay tuned for updates.
Book Arts News
*** From November 3 – December 22, the North Bennet Street School will host Heroic Works, the third International Bookbinding Exhibition from Designer Bookbinders in the United Kingdom. The exhibit includes 28 prizewinning bindings and 9 works by binders from the United States.
184 binders from 31 countries participated in the competition by binding a book of their own choosing on the theme of myths, heroes, and legends. These works reflect a remarkable range of styles, materials, and approaches to great classics of world literature, as well as modern texts.
The exhibit is free and open to the public on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The North Bennet Street School is located in Boston, MA.
*** Chena River Marblers is holding their Annual Studio Sale on December 9 & 10 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The studio is located at 70 Justice Drive in Amherst, MA.
Marblers Regina and Dan St. John will be selling overstock works and seconds, including marbled silk scarves, ties, bow ties, sketchbooks, notepads, holiday ornaments, and marbled papers in both full sheets and small scrap bag size.
For more information, please call (413) 253-2835.
*** The Sketchbook Project 2018 is looking for people to participate in their annual collaborative art endeavor. The concept is simple – you request a blank book and then fill it with your artwork.
You can select from a number of themes, including the following:
- Underwater
- Lines and Graphics
- Long Stories with Short Endings
- No Worries
- Connections
- People I Wish I Knew
Once your book is filled, you send it back and it becomes part of the permanent collection at the Brooklyn Art Library in New York. Visitors to the library can view sketchbooks contributed by artists from around the world.
The cost is $30.00 to receive a sketchbook and participate in the project. The deadline to sign up is January 5, 2018. For more information, please visit their website.
*** The Paper and Book Intensive (PBI), an annual working sabbatical in the book arts, papermaking, and conservation, has announced its lineup of instructors for 2018:
PBI will take place from May 13 – 24, 2018 at Ox-Bow in Saugatuk, MI. The general application period begins on January 1, 2018. Applications for scholarships are being accepted now through December 31, 2017.
For more information, please visit the PBI website.
Book Arts Classes
*** On December 16 – 17, Susan Bonthron will be teaching the Coptic-sewn Hardbound Journal with paste paper covers and spine sleeves.
This is the Soul’s Kitchen journal that Paulus Berensohn taught so many of his students to make. It is 12¼” x by 9¼” and uses gorgeous Arches Text Wove paper that is suitable for writing, drawing and watercolor sketching. A journal to hold your dreams, ideas, plans, and noticings of “who else is here with us.”
For more information or to register, please contact Susan at (802) 257-0003 or susan.bonthron@gmail.com.
*** The Helen Day Art Center is offering Introduction to Bookbinding with Chiyomi McKibbin on January 27 – 28, 2018 (Sunday is optional).
On the first day of this workshop, students will learn to make an accordion book, a pamphlet stitch book, and how to fold a single sheet of paper into 7 different folded books. On the second day, students will make a portable hole-punching cradle that can be used for future stitch-bound books along with learning how to make Postal Notebooks. Supplies will be provided. Teens welcome!
The Helen Day Art Center is located in Stowe, VT. For more information about the class or to register, please visit the Helen Day Art Center’s website.
*** On February 10 – 11, the North Bennet Street School is offering Bookbinding 101 with Erin Fletcher.
In this class, students will get a quick introduction to various bookbinding techniques by exploring three different book structures. The class begins with a simple pamphlet and continues with constructing two multi-signature books known as a flatback case binding and link stitch binding. Finally, students construct a box to house all of their creations. This class is a great way to familiarize yourself with bookbinding and is perfect for those who are curious about the craft.
For more information or to register, please visit the NBSS website.
by Elissa | Aug 6, 2015 | B.A.G. Meetings, bookbinding, Call to artists, Exhibitions, MailB.A.G., Vermont, Workshops
Next Meeting: Wednesday, August 12, 2015, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
We meet at the Unitarian Universalist Society Church located at 152 Pearl Street in Burlington, VT. We will be in the Sophia Fahs Community Room, a large room located in the basement. Click here for more information on directions/parking.
Program: Studio Support and Workshop Time
Studio Support and Workshop Time is two hours that you give yourself, in the company of fellow book- and paper-arts lovers, to learn, share and create in a supportive and encouraging environment.
The meeting will begin with some group time, both for sharing – something you’ve made, a great resource or tool you’ve found, a source of inspiration – and for asking questions or puzzling out challenges you may be having with a project or particular technique.
The remainder of the time will be devoted to creative work. Bring along a project or model from a previous meeting that you’d like to continue working on or develop further, or bring a project of your own to simply continue working on in the company of others.
Not sure of what to bring? No worries! Every Studio Support and Workshop Time session will have suggestions, resources or materials for a project. This session will offer the opportunity to continue exploring (or discover the pleasure of making) miniature books as presented by Jill Abilock in July. Jill will be on hand with samples and suggestions for miniaturizing a variety of book structures, and will also bring supplies (book board and paper) for anyone who would like to try their hand at creating a tiny accordion book.
You can also continue exploring the fun and fascinating possibilities: Folded Page Book Sculptures (as presented by Marilyn Gillis in January), of Exquisite Corpse Books (as presented by Rebecca Boardman in May), or rev up your creative juices and delight your friends by making collaged postcards (presented by Marcia Vogler in March). You can even combine techniques and collage a series of Exquisite Corpse images!
In addition to drawing paper, you might want to bring drawing tools (for Exquisite Corpse images) such as:
- Pens
- Pencils
- Colored pencils
- Markers, Sharpies, Gel pens, etc.
If you plan to collage or would like to make and decorate a mini accordion book, you might also want to bring:
- Glue stick
- X-Acto knife
- Scissors
- Cutting mat
- Bone folder
- Ruler
- Magazine, calendar, catalog and other collage materials you like to work with
- Paints, inks, and rubber stamps and anything else you enjoy using for decoration or embellishment
July Meeting Reflections
Our July meeting was full of little pleasures with the Miniature Book workshop lead by our own Jill Abilock. Jill has always loved small treasures and graciously shared her enthusiasm, tips and tricks for creating miniature books.
After marveling over examples of Jill’s small books we each created our own book measuring only 1.5 inches tall. Jill had all of our materials precut and lead us step by step in the process. We left with our miniature books safely tucked into pockets, bags or the palm of our hands.
Thank you Jill for sharing your wealth of knowledge and miniature bits of wisdom.
Book Arts News
*** New City Galerie in Burlington is accepting submissions for BOOKBODY, a juried exhibition of art and books relating to book forms and the human body. There are two sections for consideration: books that consider or reference the human body (preferably small press); and unique book objects or sculptures that relate to the forms and structures of both the human body and the book. The show is November 6, 2015 to January 26, 2016.
The submission deadline is September 15th. Please send submissions to newcitygalerie@gmail.com.
*** Geographies: New England Book Work, the New England Chapter of The Guild of Book Workers exhibition, is now on view at the Dartmouth College Library in Hanover, New Hampshire through August 21, 2015.
Geographies: New England Book Work includes bookbindings and artist’s books that relate to the theme of New England created by 26 of their members. Included are classic regional texts, books that make personal connections to the region, and New England history from a variety of perspectives, among other topics.
For more information on the exhibition and the complete schedule please read the post on the chapter blog.
*** The exhibit UNBOUND VOL. V is open now through August 22, 2015 at the Artistree Gallery in Woodstock, VT. This juried show looks to explore this idea of “the book” and all the ways artists use that format as a stepping-off point or as material to explore new ideas.
Book Arts Classes
*** Susan Bonthron of Otter Pond Bindery in Guilford, VT is offering Image & Word: Developing an Interactive Practice in collaboration with poet and writer Christian McEwen. The workshop will take place on August 29, from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
In this workshop participants will explore a thoughtful, generative way to develop poems inspired by images and collect them in an unusual and simple book format. No bookbinding or poetry experience necessary.
For more information about the workshops, please contact Susan at susan.bonthron@gmail.com.
*** From January 26 – 31, 2016, Daniel Essig will be teaching Wooden Books – Greek & Centipede Binding at the North Country Studio Workshops in Bennington, VT.
Easily master the centipede stitch by first understanding the structure and workings of this ornate 7th century Greek binding. Using simple hand tools to begin, we will drill, shape, and smooth our wooden book covers. Sealing the covers with milk paint will create a leathery appearance. We will adorn our books with the centipede stitch using two different colors of thread. This elegant sewing structure, combined with wooden covers, opens a wide range of possibilities for both the beginner and the advanced bookbinder.
Applications are now available and the review process begins June 1st. For more information or if you have any questions, please visit the NCSW website.
*** The Eliot School in Jamaica Plain, MA is offering Artists’ Book Boot Camp with Annie Silverman on August 24 – 28, from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Present your photographs, prints, collages or paintings in book form. Bring 2-D imagery you have generated to incorporate into your books. Learn basic folded and sewn bindings, discover a range of hard and soft cover options, and explore how to sequence your content. Forms will include pamphlets, multiple signatures, accordions, composites, dos-a-dos and French doors.
For more information about the class, please visit the Eliot School’s website or click here to download the complete catalog.
by Elissa | Jul 3, 2015 | B.A.G. Meetings, bookbinding, Call to artists, MailB.A.G., Member News, Vermont, Workshops
Next Meeting: Wednesday, July 8, 2015, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
We meet at the Unitarian Universalist Society Church located at 152 Pearl Street in Burlington, VT. We will be in the Sophia Fahs Community Room, a large room located in the basement. Click here for more information on directions/parking.
Program: Miniature Books with Jill Abilock
When you hold a miniature book in your hand, it is like holding a jewel. Usually no bigger than three inches in height or width, miniature books have been around since ancient Babylonians inscribed cuneiform lettering on two-inch tablets beginning in around 2200 BC.
While we won’t be inscribing cuneiform letters on tiny tablets, we will explore the unique challenges and delights of creating books in miniature. Jill will share some tips and tricks as she guides us in creating a case bound book measuring just 1.5 inches tall, and, if time allows, a delightful little 1-inch accordion book.
Jill will provide all the materials (paper, board, glue, thread, etc.) for the books, but invites you to bring your favorite decorative papers for the covers if you like.
Jill will also bring extra tools, but asks that you please bring the following hand tools if you have them:
- Ruler (both a metal edge ruler for cutting and a C-thru ruler for measuring and centering, if possible)
- X-Acto knife or scalpel and blades
- Cutting mat
- Pencil and eraser
- Small, sharp scissors
- Bone folder
- Awl or needle tool
- Binding needles
- Brush for gluing
- Reading glasses, patience and a sense of adventure!
June Meeting Reflections
Our June meeting began with a showing of the exquisite corpse concept that Rebecca Boardman had presented in the May meeting. Rebecca took the art that the group had created in that meeting and turned it into two structures to show how the exquisite corpse can work. The combination of the artwork and the structure made the books fascinating to look at.
The group then played some Victorian parlor games on which the exquisite corpse is based, both with words and a combination of words and pictures. Never mind that some of us couldn’t remember the difference between an adverb and an adjective, it was both hilarious and challenging.
What’s next for the Exquisite Corpse – a group project, or a collaborative work?
You can view images from the meeting on the B.A.G. blog.
B.A.G. News
*** The Creative Box Making workshop with Elizabeth Rideout presented by B.A.G. the last weekend in June was a fun and educational experience. A full studio of eager students learned first by observing Elizabeth apply her master skills an archival techniques to box making. Then with Elizabeth’s patient guidance and support we each created our own clam shell, flip top and fitted lid boxes using precut boards and beautiful papers.
We are all proud of our finished boxes and grateful for the new knowledge and techniques we acquired. It was wonderful to learn from Elizabeth, our master bookbinder, and come away with deepening friendships and new expertise with the design and construction of box making.
Thanks Elizabeth! Don’t go far, we are ready for more.
Book Arts News
*** Geographies: New England Book Work, the New England Chapter of The Guild of Book Workers exhibition, is now on view at the Dartmouth College Library in Hanover, New Hampshire through August 21, 2015.
Geographies: New England Book Work includes bookbindings and artist’s books that relate to the theme of New England created by 26 of their members. Included are classic regional texts, books that make personal connections to the region, and New England history from a variety of perspectives, among other topics.
For more information on the exhibition and the complete schedule please read the post on the chapter blog.
Book Arts Classes
*** Susan Bonthron of Otter Pond Bindery in Guilford, VT is offering two workshops during the month of July:
Gathering Evidence: The Making and Using of Notebooks will take place on July 11, from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. You will make several simple notebooks and discuss methods of “gathering evidence”, including but not limited to doodling, pen and ink & watercolor sketching, listening to poetry, pochoir, and exercises for writing and observing. Use these small, easy-to-stash notebooks to collect images, words, lists, doodles – in short, to attend to, honor and enrich your experience (and store ideas for future creative endeavors).
On August 6 – 9, Susan will hold a Book Artists’ Boot Camp. A 4-day workshop at Otter Pond Bindery, with a special concentration in “shaped drum leaf binding.” Thursday you’ll work with paper decoration techniques; Friday you’ll create a small drumleaf binding model; Saturday and Sunday you’ll work on individual book art projects with content and forms of your own devising, and private consultations with Susan.
For more information about the workshops, please contact Susan at susan.bonthron@gmail.com.
*** From January 26 – 31, 2016, Daniel Essig will be teaching Wooden Books – Greek & Centipede Binding at the North Country Studio Workshops in Bennington, VT.
Easily master the centipede stitch by first understanding the structure and workings of this ornate 7th century Greek binding. Using simple hand tools to begin, we will drill, shape, and smooth our wooden book covers. Sealing the covers with milk paint will create a leathery appearance. We will adorn our books with the centipede stitch using two different colors of thread. This elegant sewing structure, combined with wooden covers, opens a wide range of possibilities for both the beginner and the advanced bookbinder.
Applications are now available and the review process begins June 1st. For more information or if you have any questions, please visit the NCSW website.
*** The Eliot School in Jamaica Plain, MA is offering Artists’ Book Boot Camp with Annie Silverman on August 24 – 28, from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Present your photographs, prints, collages or paintings in book form. Bring 2-D imagery you have generated to incorporate into your books. Learn basic folded and sewn bindings, discover a range of hard and soft cover options, and explore how to sequence your content. Forms will include pamphlets, multiple signatures, accordions, composites, dos-a-dos and French doors.
For more information about the class, please visit the Eliot School’s website or click here to download the complete catalog.
