Now that The Sheltering Book and The Big Beach Book are no more, except for fragments, in photos, and in memory, I wanted to look at the one structure/two projects piece in greater depth, and see the different ways the large book co-created in community was used. [Read more…] about Beach, Books and Shelter
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
Fireworks Bookmaking Workshop!
Children and families, join us to learn how to make the “Fireworks” book that expands as it unfolds. To honor African-American History Month we will develop our books with images of barrier-breaking members of this community who created their own brand of fireworks and changed our country, our culture, and our world.
All materials included!
This program is made possible by an Artist in Residence grant The City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.
Freedom of Expression and More…
It has been exciting to lead programs at the Granada Hills Branch Library of the LAPL, as part of my Artist Residency there: “We Write the Book“, supported by the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and freedom in all its forms, participants created “single signature” sewn and glued books, and then used their Freedom of Expression to develop and embellish the covers. A “signature” is a gathering of folded sheets that create pages for a book. Single signature bookbinding refers to a group of sheets (usually paper) folded in the middle and bound together through sewing through their folds.
Although our program was originally planned for teens and “tweens”, several families attended including a number of dads with children. We had a wonderful time!

Sister and brother enjoy the delight of adding to their books after working step by step sewing and gluing to create them.

The glory of patterns. This young participant is age 3!

She attended with her mother.

In the background, mom and dad look on, taking a well-deserved break and enjoying the fun from the sidelines as their children worked and played.

Father offers support and presence to his son.

Our fearless leader, Branch Manager Pam, enjoys some creative “play” time, adding washi (decorative paper) tape to her book.
There is something very satisfying about hand-sewing a book together. It feels real…permanent. The work of our hands on a whole other level.
Hopefully, these books will continue to be developed at home, and most importantly, used!
“Freedom of Expression” Bookmaking Workshop at the Granada Hills Library
In this “Freedom of Expression” workshop participants will learn how to create a single signature binding and use assorted materials to design book covers which will reflect their unique individuality!
Join us to celebrate the Martin Luther King holiday and freedom in all its forms.
This program is part of my Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs Artist Residency at the Granada Hills Branch – Los Angeles Public Library.
Thanks to Teen Librarian Kristin Peers, Senior Librarian Pamela Rhodes, and the LA DCA.
Community Winter Celebration at the Granada Hills Library
Join us and Artist In Residence Debra Disman from 1:30 to 3:30 for an envelope bookmaking workshop and create heartfelt gifts and cards.
We will continue the fun from 3:30-5:00 PM with a winter community celebration.
All are welcome!
Light refreshments provided.
Attendees will also be entered into a drawing for a free LAPL sleeping bag!
This program is made possible in part by a grant from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.
“Tunneling through” at the Granada Hills Branch Library!
It has been exciting to lead programs at the Granada Hills Branch Library of the LAPL, as part of my Artist in Residency there: “We Write the Book“, supported by the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs
In honor of Native American Heritage Month, participants created multi-dimensional “Tunnel Books“, theatre-like structures comprised of a backdrop attached to an accordion-folded “spine” on either side.
Makers then added their own “cross-pieces” , cutting out strips in the shapes of mountains and more, and attaching them to the spines so that they traversed the width of the book, creating a place to add figures and other images to create their unfolding story, tableau or diorama.
As usual, attendees wowed with their use of color, shape and materials, imagination and creativity!

It is a materials world.

Families work together.
Attention to detail.


Making is an active sport.

Careful cutting.

Focus.

Sketching out the concept.

Use of feathers animate the image.

Majestic purple…

Showing off the completed book!

Creating a beautiful place to be.

Was this maker hungary? He created an ice-cream shop…

Fun use of materials.

Brilliant colors, black framing and carefully chosen use of select materials make this piece a stunner.
If you are in the area, join us for a Winter Community Celebration at the Granada Hills Branch Library on December 19th from 1:30 – 5PM.
There will be “Envelope Bookmaking”, refreshments, sharing of works, and lots of fun!
