EMBROIDERY MONTH

February is National Embroidery Month and some of our members are celebrating this in various ways. If you haven't tried embroidering on paper you should give it a try. One of our NORBAG members, Celeste Chalasani, will be teaching a two-day class of embroidery on paper at FOBA this June. For more information go to: https://focusonbookarts.org/2026-foba-conference/ Registration begins March 28. 

Our member from the UK, Margaret Beech, has recently joined a local (to her) organization, York Embroiderers and Stitchers. She was asked to speak at their monthly meeting about her work as a book and calligraphy artist. Here is their description of her visit.

Margaret Beech presents "Paper Magic"

"Our afternoon speaker was a local artist who specializes in calligraphy and bookmaking (mostly out of paper, but some out of fabric). In 2025 she was invited to exhibit as part of York Open Studios. Margaret had brought along a large collection of different books made over a number of years. Margaret's work is very varied and quite difficult to categorize as the books have a sculptural quality. She is part of an International community of artists that swap ideas and books that they have made. Because of her interest in calligraphy and words she incorporates poetry and phrases into her art/books, many of which contain manipulated and three-dimensional elements. Over the course of the afternoon we saw flag books, fan books, flickbooks, concertina books, scroll books, Jacob's ladder books, explosion pages and surprise elements. We very much enjoyed her spirited 'show and tell' and admired her creativity."
Here are some photos of the books Margaret shared with the group.

NORBAG's February workshop was taught by Jeanne Levy. She shared a versatile hanging accordion book that could be designed as a great Valentine gift. Thank you Jeanne for sharing this structure with us. Margaret Beech sent in a couple of photos of the book she made using her sister's marbled paper.