Debra Disman

Artist

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Handmade Books

Seeing Double Vision: Double Flower Bookmaking

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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  Chinese New Year, community members participated in creating “Double Flower” books (also known as “Exploding Books”).

Both adults and children learned to fold and “pop-out” the basic structure. They then made several and glued them together to create a  long or short book of repeated folded forms  that flatten into a single square. Finally, they had a blast adding covers and a tie if they wished, and embellishing their creations with all manner of materials.


Sisters with their folded up books: books closed..


Books open!


Taking the materials in another direction…


Mom gets into the act making her own Double Flower creation.

 


I also taught the “Turkish Map Fold”, (but that is another story…), and this intrepid maker was able to create one on her own!


Dad gets a gift from daughter…


The work of our hands…

Celebrating the beauty of the holiday, in community, creating together.

A Striking Matchbox “Mini” Book Workshop

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Artist-in-Residence Debra Disman will lead a workshop that focuses on making Matchbox “Mini” Books featuring women artists.

The program is designed for teens but all are welcome!

This workshop is made possible in part by a grant from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs. This program is part of Women’s Heritage Month.

Double Flower Bookmaking Workshop

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Celebrate Chinese New Year by making a Double Flower Book with Artist-in-Residence Debra Disman!

This program is for ages 10 and older, and is made possible in part by a grant from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.

Fireworks Bookmaking Workshop!

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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…

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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!