Studio Sunday-Writing

I spent some time last week writing about my relationship with calligraphy. I usually write in the composition books with the black and white marble covers as I find them the least intimidating. Sometimes the words just stay there but often I like to share them. Sometimes I publish them on my blog. When I am feeling more ambitious, I look for other outlets. Bound & Lettered has been particularly welcoming. 

I'm considering developing some workshops on writing for artists. I have two ideas. One is personal writing for a deeper understanding of your work. I have, if not solved, at least come to understand some of the emotional issues involved in making my art and the things that I feel are holding me back. My series of 65th Year blog posts are an example, as is my Art Lessons book. The second is writing authentic artist's statements that clearly express the way and how of your work.

If you might be interested, please let me know. I would try out my ideas in small groups locally and think about expanding to online if it all works out.

Book Arts Tuesday-Workshop in Gloucester, MA

I'm getting ready for this workshop and having a great time. It's easiest to explain it by sharing the blurb:

Learn to make simple handmade books that require no special materials, tools, or technical skills. They can be produced as one-of-a-kinds or printed in small editions—perfect to give away as keepsakes at readings and events, use as a format for small zine, and share with friends and family. You’ll get advice on page layout, paper choices, and printing and be ready to continue making these books on your own. 

To make design and printing easy, all the books have writing on only one side of the paper. They can vary in size but most are small. I am doing some collaborative projects with friends as part of the process. The first was Morning View Haikus with Anne Mulvey. Anne and I are doing a second volume which will have type rather than calligraphy. I have a few others in the works and look forward to sharing them.

I have the book forms worked out. Now I'll be spending some time on page layout and preparing the document for printing or copying. I am assuming that some people will use their home printers and others will go to copy and print shops. It is as much fun to prepare for workshops as it is to actually teach them.

Book Arts Tuesday and Studio Sunday will be on vacation until April 3. 

Seventh Day of Christmas-Welcome 2016

I'm starting the year with a new little book and something new in the tech department—making a gif. This book of wishes for 2016 is made from a 2015 calendar. It's my sample for a workshop I am giving at the Newburyport Public Library on January 12. Here is a flyer. 

Book Arts Tuesday-Book-Play for Calligraphers

Last month I did a one-day Book-Play workshop for Masscribes. As in all my Book-Play workshops, the focus was on keeping it simple, relaxing, and having fun. I think I can speak for everyone when I say we had a grand time.

We all sat around one large table made up of multiple smaller ones which led to lots of good conversation and sharing. I very much want to create a relaxing atmosphere in my workshops. If I have any model, it is my children's Montessori preschool classrooms. We made books with sticks and string, fan books with buttons and twist ties, and explored the many possibilities of the hot dog booklet. We used recycled papers including practice sheets and work that never quite made it beyond the drawer. I brought beads and jewelry bits, collage papers, ribbon, and assorted other goodies. Bertha kindly shared pressed leaves, feathers, and quotes. It was a productive and inspiring day.

We all enjoyed the show and tell at the end.

You can see more photos on flickr.

Book Arts Tuesday and Studio Sunday will be on vacation until the new year. I'll still be keeping in touch, but I'm giving myself a holiday break from a regular schedule. Look for this year's 12 Days of Christmas starting on the 26th. 

Book Arts Tuesday-Book-Play at Rolling Ridge

I'm taking this blog post to promote my upcoming Book-Play workshop at Rolling Ridge Retreat Center in North Andover, MA on December 3rd from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM. We'll be doing several versions of books based on origami folds that are great for ornaments, mini-journals, and gifts. It's a low-key, relaxing day with an emphasis on approaching bookmaking with a light heart. What makes it special is the beautiful setting, the crackling fire and muffins and coffee and tea that greet you in the morning, and the delicious lunch served midday. If you register by November 26, it is only $65. for the day. The price goes up to $80. after. You can get information about the workshop and how to register here.

Snowflake with peace written in different languages

Book Arts Tuesday-Book Play to Celebrate Autumn

I just made the flyer for my upcoming Book Play workshop at the Newburyport Public Library for adults at the Newburyport Public Library. I love autumn. It will be such fun to make books to celebrate the season. These are the stick and elastic books but tied with jute and string instead of using an elastic. I'll bring sticks and leaves for rubbing but am also encouraging participants to gather and bring their own. As is the case with all Book Play workshops, I'll guide everyone throught the construction step-by-step and then there will be time to play with leaf rubbings, collage paper, and quotes. I look forward to sharing some of the books at the end of the month.

Mill City Skillshare

As you may know, the city of Lowell, Massachusetts is near and dear to my heart. I lived in the area from 1977 to 1985. It is where I got my start as an artist doing calligraphy at the dining room table and where I was deeply involved in the art activities of the city. When I visit, I love the diversity of the city and all the energy in the arts. When I heard about Mill City Skillshare, I knew I wanted to particpate if I could. I attended a demonstration of the 3D printer at Lowell Makes and gave a Book Play workshop at UnchARTed Gallery. Thanks to all for making it such a great day.

I couldn't tell you exactly what I thought a 3D printer looked like but I was thinking big and boxy with all the goings on hidden in the inside like a regular printer. So I was surprised to see a small device that looked rather handmade. We watched the design and printing of a small disk with the raised letter L on it. The printing is done in layers or slices.

I have to say it didn't inspire me as a tool to use. The laser cutter and engraver was another story. I am very excited about the possibility of doing some engraving on lucite. Lowell Makes is an amazing place with all kinds of areas to work in: bicycle repair, woodworking, electronics, 3-D printing and engraving, leather work, and more. Memberships are by the month or year and there is also a 3-day pass for special projects. They also give workshops. I hope to be able to take advantage of the opportunity at some point in the future.

My workshop was at the unchARTed Gallery. It was a wonderful space highlighted by the art on the walls, a series of photographs called The Flying Project by Maria Fernanda Bay.

At Book Play, adults and children worked on simple books made from the hot dog booklet. As always, it was such a joy to feel the energy in the room, watch the concentration of focus, and witness the creativity of each individual.

You can see more (and better) photos by Nancy Ho on the Howl Facebook page.

Summer Workshops on Cape Cod

I'm very excited to be teaching at the Truro Center for the Arts at Castle Hill on Cape Cod this summer. I'll be giving 2 workshops, each for 2 mornings. Here's the information:

BOOKMAKING WITH RECYCLED MATERIALS
June 30, July 1, 9 am-12 noon
$170. ($320 for both classes)

Enjoy bookmaking at its most friendly and accessible—no rulers or precious papers, no designing or planning ahead. The emphasis is on freedom and possibility—how the simplest forms can be adapted, varied, and combined to unlock our creative juices. Using cereal boxes and grocery bags, buttons, and sticks, we'll make intimate books that fold and fan, hang and stand.


SPIRIT BOOK WORKSHOP
July 2-3, 9 am-12 noon
$170. ($320 for both classes)

"Gratitude is a kind of seeing, an awareness of the magnitude of the gift of this earth."
Kathleen Dean Moore

Connect with your creativity and the spirit of nature in this hands-on workshop based on Susan's Spirit Book Series of sculptural handmade books. After an introduction to the Spirit Books and a walk to gather materials, you will make a simple handmade book and add texture, imagery, and pattern. There will be an array of materials to work with and gentle guidance from Susan whose twenty-five years of teaching bookmaking to children have made her a clear and patient instructor. No art experience or creative confidence is needed; this workshop is truly for everyone.

Both workshops are appropriate for all levels but may be of particular interest to those with little or no bookmaking experience. For those with experience, the workshops offer a chance to let go and play.

If you have any questions about the workshops, please leave a comment or email me.

If you would like information about the center or would like to register, go to the Truro Center for the Arts website.

View other Spirit Book workshops on flickr.

Bookmaking Workshop

I spent Saturday morning with a women's church retreat group on Cape Cod. We started with a little bit of conversation about the creativity we all have and a short reading from Art Lessons: Reflections From An Artist's Life about time and patience. I taught the simple Hot Dog Booklet and showed some variations. We used recycled paper for the books and paper from the collage box. I also had some sheets of quotes and words. It was wonderful to feel the energy in the room and see the results. Inspiration came from many places—children, flowers and gardens (we are all feeling a hunger for spring), a basket in the rest room, and the quotes and words. It is always a privilege to be part of the creative process. Thanks to Gail for taking these pictures with her phone.

View the books on flickr.

Book Arts Tuesday-Spirit Book Workshops

I visited my flickr collection from Spirit Book workshops today as I worked on a big revision of my website which will debut on Thursday for the first day of spring. This book was by Jean DeVito who took the workshop at Wisdom House in Litchfield, CT.

Calling the Quiet Bookmaking Workshop

Calling the Quiet: Making Books for Meditation and Reflection
December 12, 9:30-3:30
Rolling Ridge Retreat Center, North Andover, MA

This workshop was originally scheduled in October but was postponed because of the storm. If you're in the area and have the time, it should be a restful and rewarding day.

Making books combines the calm and comfort of handwork with the opportunity for reflection. Using recycled materials, we'll make five simple books on a variety of themes and a box to hold them. No art experience or creative confidence is needed; this workshop is truly for everyone.

Register online or by calling the office, 978.682.8815.

Book Arts Tuesday-Stick Books

I've spent the morning making books for the upcoming Stick Book workshop at the Center for Creative Wholeness in Newbury, MA. I love working with such simple materials (recycled paper, sticks, and ribbon and string), tools (a hole punch, scissors, and a glue stick), and the easiest of techniques (punching holes and threading string).



Contact me if you'd like to join me for the workshop on Saturday, October 13 from 10 AM to 12:30 PM. And here's a pdf about the workshop.

Book Arts Tuesday-Fall Workshop Schedule

I've had a great week or so preparing projects and material for my fall workshops. Here's the schedule:

WORKSHOPS FOR ADULTS:

A Gathering of Gifts
Workshops at the Center for Creative Wholeness
Newbury, MA

Give yourself the gift of quiet time and creative activity in companionship with others while making small, simple handmade books that can be used as gifts and cards.

These workshops take place from 10 AM to 12:30 PM on Saturday mornings. Each session focuses on a different simple book form made with recycled materials. No art experience or creative confidence is needed; this workshop is truly for everyone. The cost is $30. per workshop. Space is limited so early registration is recommended. Contact me, susan (at) susangaylord.com, to register or for more information.

Stick Books, October 13

Celebrate autumn by making books with sticks, string and ribbon. Add elements from nature such as leaf rubbings and words and quotes about the season or use the books for themes of your choice.

Stick Books Flyer

Flag Books, December 1

Usher in the holiday season by making vibrant, lively books from old cards and bright papers. And the best part—they are easier to make than they look.

Flag Books Flyer

Booklet Books, January 12

One piece of recycled paper, three folds, one cut, a little magic and voila—a book! These simple books can be used as is, have bookmarks added, or be combined to make more three-dimensional structures.

Booklet Books Flyer

Unfolding Books, February 9

Just in time for Valentine’s Day—a simple, intimate book that unfolds to a central page—a perfect place for a special message. Don’t send Valentines? No worry—there’s lots of other ways to use your book.

Unfolding Books Flyer

Slat Books, March 23

Based on the earliest book form of China, these books can stand or hang, spell out names and words, hold poems, or create small altar spaces.

Slat Books Flyer

2012-2013 Workshop Schedule at Center for Creative Wholeness Flyer


Calling the Quiet: Making Books for Meditation & Reflection
"A Day Apart" at Rolling Ridge Retreat Center
Andover, MA
Tuesday, October 30, 9:30 AM-12:30 PM (includes lunch)

Making books combines the calm and comfort of handwork with the opportunity for reflection. Using recycled materials, we'll make five simple books on a variety of themes and a box to hold them. No art experience or creative confidence is needed; this workshop is truly for everyone. The cost is $70. Early registration (before 10.23.12) is rewarded with a reduction in cost to $58.

Register online or by calling the office, 978.682.8815.


FAMILY WORKSHOPS:

Both workshops are drop-in self-guided activities. You'll have a chance to make one or more books and add content with collage materials, rubbings, and stencils. There will be a display of handmade books to inspire you to continue your bookmaking adventures at home.

Trails & Sails Bookmaking with Recycled Materials
Emma Andrews Library and Community Center
77 Purchase Street
Newburyport, MA
Sunday, September 30, 1-3 PM

Harvest Themed Bookmaking with Recycled Materials
Sudbury Valley Trustees
Wolbach Farm
18 Wolbach Road, Sudbury, MA
Saturday, October 27, 12-4 PM

EDUCATION WORKSHOPS:

Making Books with Children
Educational Service Center of Cuyahoga County
Cleveland, OH
Tuesday, October 16, 4-6 PM

Feel free to contact me with any questions or to schedule a workshop for your organization.

Book Arts Tuesday-Fan Books Workshop

On a rainy day in May, I'm enjoying remembering a bright Saturday morning Gathering of Gifts Fan Book Workshop at the Center for Creative Wholeness in April. Here are a few photos of the space set up and ready for the workshop.

We used old postcards, cereal boxes, buttons, and twist ties. We started by making a book from strips cut from leftover exhibit postcards to learn the simple construction. This book was made from that original structure and adding images from a garden catalog and hand lettered words that I had provided.

Then we all played with different shapes—petals

and circles—the last one uses one of my favorites from the collage box, patterns from the insides of security envelopes.

We're off for the summer but there will be more workshops and new books to make at the Center for Creative Wholeness in the fall.