Library Kiosk: Constance Rose

The Humboldt County Library kiosk has a display of local artist and Norbag member, Connie Rose. As always, it is better to go see them than rely on two-dimensional photographs! Connie says this about her work:

"My interest in book arts is focused largely on creating journals from recycled materials. I make "art" journals, as distinct from writing journals—that is books with pages that might be painted or collaged on addition to some narrative text. My journals aren't "about" anything in particular, but exist to be filled in some creative way, thereby becoming something special as one is used.

I fill the journal with pages made from recycled book and (heavyweight) magazine pages, journal and accounting paper, sheet music, wallpaper, my own sketchbook pages, scrapbook paper, drawing paper, old envelopes—anything that can withstand being folded and bound. I cover books with hand-painted or printed papers, hand-dyed fabrics, or recycled upholstery samples. I use different methods of binding each new journal using one of a variety of hand bookbinding stitches."

Altered Book—Recycled Journal

August Workshop with Connie Rose

We’ll be altering an old book by removing the book block, reinforcing the spine, and inserting pages of our own. Use an old book you already have, pick one up at a garage sale or thrift shop, or choose one to work with from a selection provided at the workshop. We’ll make a 3-signature journal and learn the Diamond X stitch to bind the book.

The workshop is in 3 parts:
Part 1, we’ll dismantle and rebuild the book itself. 
Part 2, we’ll cut or tear papers and create three signatures. 
Part 3, we will bind the new journal.

The fee is $45. Please RSVP as soon as possible, and send payment by Tuesday August 6 . See newsletter for details. 

Materials To Bring:
Old book to alter, with spine no more than 1 inch thick.
Various papers including scrapbook or drawing paper, magazine or catalog pages), large format picture or photo books, pages from large old journals, accounting paper, flap envelopes of any kind—pretty much any paper you can recycle/reuse.
Decorative paper for insides of front and back covers.
Piece of cardstock 3 inches wide and as long as your book is tall (for hole template).
Book cloth tape OR contact paper OR plain or decorative duct tape for inside spine.

Tools To Bring:
• PVA or Mod Podge and glue brush
• Cutting mat
• Craft knife
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Bone folder
• Awl or screw punch
• Binding needle
• Waxed or unwaxed linen thread – can also use hemp thread
• Wax, if using hemp thread
• BIG paper clips, the plastic-coated kind (they don’t mar the paper like metal ones often do)
• OPTIONAL: If you want to cover the outside spine of your book with paper, bring a special piece for that purpose, 4 inches longer than the spine and 5 – 5-1/2 inches wide. OR you can use contact paper cut to the same size as above. OR if you want to cover the outside spine with fabric, then cut a piece of fabric the size specified above, glue it onto paper smoothing it down to get all the wrinkles out, let dry completely. Or you can fuse the fabric to paper, which I prefer over glue. In either case, bring the fabric/paper/contact paper strip to the workshop ready to glue onto your book.

Materials to be provided:
• Extra papers/pages. You’ll need between 15 and 24 papers to fold into folios. Bring 15 and use some of Connie’s if you need more.
• Decorative duct tape (Duck brand). If you want to buy your own, Michaels has the biggest selection, also Ace Hardware.
• Contact paper. Also available at Ace if you prefer your own.
• Hemp threads in neutral colors. Michaels has in a variety of colors
• Books to alter, if you need one
• Piercing cradles

More detailed info will be emailed when you pre-register for the workshop.

April Workshop: Triple Chain

Triple Chain Stitch Binding with Connie Rose

Connie’s elegant
Triple Chain Stitch Binding

At the April workshop we will learn the Triple Chain Binding, a link stitch sewing that creates a chain effect on the spine. Single chains can be used to bind in any number of signatures, whereas the Triple Chain is used to bind three or multiples of three signatures. We will create a three-signature journal that is 8-3/4" tall by 5-3/4" wide. The focus of the workshop is on the stitch itself.
Please RSVP by April 8 by phone or email (see newsletter for contact info). Connie will respond to all emails. If you don’t hear from her within a day, she didn’t get your email—please resend.

Materials to bring:
• 3 SIGNATURES: please cut and fold signatures prior to the workshop. Folio size should be 8-1/2" x 11" folded in half widthwise. Number of folios (folded pages) per signature will vary depending on what kind and thickness of paper you use; you’ll need 6 to 8 sheets or folios PER signature. Paper options: 60 or 80# drawing paper, lightweight (90#) watercolor paper, recycled heavyweight book or magazine pages, recycled journal paper, scrapbook paper, lightweight cardstock, etc. Each folded signature should be around 1/8-inch thick at the spine edge. Cut, fold and weight overnight.
• COVER: 8-3/4" x 11-3/4" grain short (paper length will wrap around book). Cover options: watercolor paper, medium or heavy cardstock, anything that will fold easily but is heavy enough to be a cover.
Note: If you would like to line your cover, do so before the workshop. Cut a piece of decorative paper 8-5/8" x 11-5/8" and glue to the inside of the cover. You could also finish the edges of the cover with washi or other decorative tape, or cut and glued strips of paper – use your imagination.

Tools and Supplies to bring:
• Thread: options include waxed linen, hemp (available at Michaels, JoAnn, Scrapper’s Edge), size 5 perle cotton or crochet cotton, 6-strand embroidery thread
• Beeswax
• Awl or Japanese screw punch
• Book binding needle
• Piercing cradle (or old phone book or thick catalog)
• Bone folder
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Cutting mat

What will be provided:
• Hole punching template
• Extra piercing cradles
• Stitching diagram


When?
Saturday, April 13, 12 noon
 
Where? NEW LOCATION FOR THIS MEETING
Harry Griffith Hall, Room 204, HSU, corner of B and Harpst
(from L.K. Wood Blvd or B St, turn on Harpst St and then south on Rossow St. There is a large parking lot on your left. There is an elevator in the build-ing for easy access to the second floor)

What to bring?
See list above

RSVP
Yes, by April 8
Cost? 50 cents