HINTS, TIPS, & TOOLS

The August Zoom workshop will feature Dolores Guffey sharing her book art Hints, Tips, and Tools. Having been one of the original NORBAG members (25 years ago this September), Dolores has amassed a wealth of great ideas learned from fellow book artists, her own discoveries, and from the many conferences she has attended. This “workshop” will be a time for sharing ideas. She invites those of you who join the Zoom meeting to bring your own tips and favorite tools to share with us. We all learn from one another and there is always something new to discover.

When:   Saturday, August 8 at noon, Pacific time

Where:  On your computer, tablet, or smartphone via Zoom

RSVP:   YES, to Dolores Guffey by August 5 to receive the password. Her contact information is in the newsletter.

What to have on hand:  Paper to take notes and your own tips & tools to share.

Projects from our members

Michele's Keith Smith books

Those of you who received the June NORBAG newsletter saw the information about how to purchase unbound copies of some of Keith Smith’s books to bind yourself. Our member, Michele Kamprath, did just that and shared with us this photo of her books. Like the examples Dolores Guffey shared in the newsletter, binding these books with a Coptic stitch or sewing over tapes is a perfect way to have them bound so that they will open flat…very helpful when trying to follow Keith’s instructions.

Bonnie's "books-in-sheets" classics

Did you know that it is also possible to find unbound copies of classic books? On the Volcano Arts website you can find “Books-in-Sheets” that are ready to bind with your favorite materials. According to the website, the books “have been formatted in content-appropriate fonts. They’re imposed into separate sections and copied onto good quality 70 lb. paper. You just fold and sew.” Some of the books that are available include A Christmas Carol, The Secret Garden, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and several favorites by Jane Austen. Bonnie Julien has bound several of these books with plans to give one to each of her grandchildren. Here is a link to Volcano Arts: 
https://volcanoarts.com/?s=books+in+sheets&post_type=product

Randi's Eco-dyed print

This print and the one above are available on Etsy

What else can you do with your beautiful eco-dyed or other surface designed papers besides make cards and books? Frame them! Our member, Randi Parkhurst, has refined her eco-dyeing techniques into an art form worthy of framing. Here are some photos of her work currently for sale on Etsy. https://www.etsy.com/shop/EcoPrintLove

Thank you to our members for sharing information about your projects. We're happy to pass along your photos and ideas.

COOL TOOLS & TECHNIQUES II

Connie Stewart is the queen of tools and gadgets. She HAS to have the latest ones available. Cricuts, Cuttlebug, MISTI, new paper cutters, punches, Thinlits, embossing folders, and some simple tools that make life s-o-o-o worth living!

This is NORBAG members once a year chance to come play with tools for free and decide for yourself which ones you can't live without. Some are great and some are duds and Connie will share them all and give you the low down. The only change from our usual monthly workshop is the time and place.

We will meet at Connie's house
Please check the newsletter for directions to her house.
Saturday July 8

Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

You are welcome to come anytime during those hours. Connie will have stations set up all over the house so that you can go straight to playing with tools you aren't familiar with and bypass the ones you know well. You're also invited to bring a friend(s). 

We will stop for the book exchange at 1 p.m. and because we are a book group, we will take the samples of the techniques made from a variety of tools and turn them into a book.

There is no cost for this event. Please RSVP by July 3 to Connie. Her contact information is in the newsletter.

COOL TOOLS & TECHNIQUES

   Connie Stewart just can't help herself. She HAS to have the latest gadgets! Cricuts, Cuttlebug, MISTI (yes, a MISTI...it's the latest and greatest!), new paper cutters, punches, Thinlits, embossing folders, and some simple tools that make life s-o-o-o worth living!

   This is NORBAG members once a year chance to come play with tools for free and decide for yourself which ones you can't live without. Some are great and some are duds and Connie will share them all and give you the low down. The one big change is the time and place.

We will meet at Connie's house

Please check the newsletter for directions to her house.

Time: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

   You are welcome to come anytime during those hours and Connie will have stations set up all over the house so that you can go straight to playing with tools you aren't familiar with and bypass the ones you know well. You're also invited to bring a friend(s). 

   We will stop for the book exchange at 12:30 p.m. and because we are a book group, we will take the samples of the techniques made from a variety of tools and turn them into a book.

  There is no cost for this event. Please RSVP by May 8th to Connie. Her contact information is in the newsletter.

January Workshop Report

Our monthly workshops usually focus on book structures or surface design. Not this one! It was a tool extravaganza with three presenters who generously donated their time and expertise. Thanks to Sandy, Dolores, and Connie.

Dolores shares

Dolores shared a number of her tools (these are just a few) providing information about each one. She got her brass and steel measuring guides at a building supply store. Bone folders can be real bone, plastic, or teflon. The whetstone is used to sharpen her Exacto blades to get a bit more use before discarding. The transparency pieces may be her best idea ever; put a spot of glue on the end and place it in tight spots that need gluing, press together, then remove. She also provided a two page handout with lots of tips. If you are a Norbag member, send her an email and she will email the document.
 

Connie's stash

Connie brought bags of her favorite tools and enthusiastically demonstrated their use. 

Sandy's little feet

Sandy led a mini-workshop on creating "feet" that can be adhered to the bottom of boxes. The best size circle punch for small boxes is 3/4".

In addition to the actual workshop our monthly meetings involve a number of other activities. The first half-hour is spent borrowing or returning books from our own library, and preparing books for the exchange. We also had a large number of freebies—a very popular activity. Bring materials you don't use and recycle them at every meeting.

 

 

Exchange books come from all over the states, York, England and Victoria BC, Canada

This long table is covered with giveaway materials.

Book Artists delight in the unusual. Calendar pages are  great for making your own envelopes.

January, 2014 Meeting

 Tricks, Tips, Tools, Techniques & Feet

Join us as we share our collective knowledge of all aspects of book arts and related paper arts. Bring your favorite tips and tools you use and demonstrate how they work.

We will find out how to wrap board corners with a perfect and simple technique. Learn how to make spherical feet to put on the bottom of a box, or platform. Discover cutting and gluing secrets. Explore some old and some new gadgets.
 
Don't have all the tools you think you need? Come and learn easy substitutes for standard book arts tools. This is a workshop for everyone, especially our new members. Everyone will come away with a scads of good information.

Materials to bring:
• Right triangle – if you don't have one, there will be extras to share (Note: it needs to be a 90-45-45 degree triangle)
• Scissors X-Acto or craft knife
• Cutting mat (or magazine on which to cut)
• Glue stick and/or PVA
• Brush and waste paper
• Metal ruler
• Your ideas to share

When?
Saturday, January 11
12 noon

Where?
Our usual location: BSS 166 at HSU

RSVP?
No

Cost
None

Toolboxes and the Women Who Love Them

It's always intriguing to see the tool boxes that are brought to our monthly meetings. They are as individual as our members and anyone looking at them knows that there are artists at work in this room.

Hand-painted Suitcase

Another Suitcase

This Toolbox is a Computer!

Everything in Its Place

Briefcase Toolbox

Have Bag Will Travel

Lunch Box

Repurposed Pencil Holder

Plastic Carry-all with Useful Lid

So Many Shelves in this Carry Case

Another Suitcase

Tool Bag

Stackable Toolbox

Farmer's Market to Workshop

Handy Three Level Toolbox

Everything Fits in This

Juicy Toolbox

Why not?

Another Bag of Goodies

This Toolkit came from England with its Owner!

Vintage Cosmetic Case

Another Vintage Case with Maximum Storage. Wonderful!

Does anyone have another toolbox tip to add? What are your favorite storage devices? Leave a comment below (or, if you are on the main page, click on the word "comments" in the bar below to be taken to the appropriate place). We like to hear from you!