Debra Disman

Artist

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Sewing books

“WE Write the Book”: Making CODEX Books with Spines at the Northridge Branch Library!

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I am thrilled to serve again as a 2025-26 “NEAR” Artist in Residence at the Northridge Branch Library!

On November 22, 2025, participants learned how to create a sewn “codex” book with a spine, and how to add a single  signature. Signatures are two or more sheets of paper stacked and folded as a group, or a gathering of folded pages, using the pamphlet stitch.


Using all sorts of materials, participants transformed paper scraps into intricate scenes and designs,


used material found in nature,

employed drawing tools, using markers, paint pens and pencils,

added maps and more,

and supported each other while having fun and learning new things!

We have three more programs in December, including a grand CULMINATION event on December 20th.
JOIN US!

This Neighborhood Engagement Artist Residency (NEAR) is supported by the wonderful City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.

JOIN US for MORE BOOKMKAING FUN and LEARNING!
All programs free and open to the Public, All materials provided!

“WE Write the Book”: Two-Signature Bookmaking at the Northridge Branch Library!

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I am thrilled to serve again as a 2025-26 “NEAR” Artist in Residence at the Northridge Branch Library!
The participants here are finding combination style books, folding accordion structures and pockets, and sewing in signatures, or gatherings of folded pages into the folds. 


These books are perfect for recording and holding treasured family recipes!


Stickers remain a perennial favorite of the younger set…


and a lovely time of learning and making was had by all. 


This Neighborhood Engagement Artist Residency (NEAR) is supported by the wonderful City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.

JOIN US for MORE BOOKMKAING FUN and LEARNING!
All programs free and open to the Public, All materials provided!

CULMINATING our Journey at the Canoga Park Branch Library

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We culminated my yearlong Artist Residency at the Canoga Park Branch Library, “We Write The Book!“, supported by the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, with a celebration for the whole community! Attendees created their own travel journals, enjoyed refreshments and a slide show of the year’s bookmaking projects, and “take and make” bookmaking packets (complete with materials and instructions)  were available for the taking.

Library staff, the security guard, families, seniors and a group of very special adults all got into the act!
A lovely group of teens helped set-up for the event, then participated by making their own travel journals. They share their thoughts about the event HERE.


Adult and teen librarians Patty and Marcia have a moment to play with materials and be creative!


Branch security guard made a travel journal!


Auntie and niece have a making experience together.


This young makers loves  the color GREEN!


Assorted materials were available, to offer something to everyone.


Participants had the opportunity to socialize while creating, another human need that sometimes gets put on hold in busy lives.


Happy maker Dawn loves to create books and made a beauty with doors that opened!.


Morning making experience together for mother and daughter.


Making creative re-use of available maps and atlas pages!

 
Making beautiful use of materials, Patty is ready to document her travels!


Enjoying the process.


And the pink book develops, with maps!


TEEN POWER!
Creativity knows no bounds…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Culminating our “We Write The Book” Artist Residency at the Canoga Park Branch Library!

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Please join us at 11AM on Wednesday June 12, 2024 to  celebrate the culmination of the Canoga Park Branch Library’s year long Artist Residency with Debra Disman, “We Write The Book”, supported by our beloved and supportive Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs!

11AM June 12th at the Canoga Park Branch Library!

Come and make your own travel journal, enjoy refreshments and see a slide show of our exciting year of  bookmaking projects. “Take and Make” bookmaking packets will be available while supplies last so you can keep the bookmaking magic going after the event!

We hope to see you there!

“We Write The Book” Artist Residency CULMINATION!

By


Please join us to  celebrate the culmination of the Canoga Park Branch Library’s year long Artist Residency with Debra Disman, “We Write The Book”, supported by the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs!

Come and make your own travel journal, enjoy refreshments and see a slide show of our exciting year of  bookmaking projects. “Take and Make” bookmaking packets will be available while supplies last so you can keep the bookmaking magic going after the event!

We hope to see you there!