Debra Disman

Artist

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Sewn Books

“Unfolding Possibilities”: Bookmaking at the Los Angeles Country Museum of Art on Saturday Dec 13, 2025 from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Not 5PM)

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Saturday Dec 13, 2025          10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Not 5PM)

Adult Art Class: Unfolding Possibilities—Bookmaking

“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” “Kick-off” Workshop at the Northridge Library!

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Our kick-off “We Write the Book” 2025 workshop at the Northridge Library is happening Saturday September 13th!
JOIN US!

I am thrilled to “kick-off” my “We Write The Book”  Neighborhood Engagement Artist Residency (NEAR)artist residency at the Northridge Public Library supported by the  Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs .

We will be learning the accordion fold as well as one and two-cut pop-ups and how to reinforce our books with “double covers”. All ages and levels of experience welcome!
JOIN US!

I am honored to be serving the City of Los Angeles again through the DCA.

“We Write The Book” Two-in-One Bookmaking Workshop at the Northridge Library!

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Join us at the Northridge Branch Library as we learn to create fun and fantastic “Two-in-one books”, also called, “Dos-à-dos binding” in honor of Springtime and Storymaking!

Wednesday May 14 –  3:30PM – 5:00PM

FREE and OPEN to the PUBLIC!    All materials included!

I am thrilled to work  with the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs Neighborhood Engagement Artist Residency (NEAR).  I am honored to be serving the City of Los Angeles again through the DCA.


I am an artist-in-residence at the Northridge Branch Library, conducting bookmaking workshops and events for the local community and library patronage from February through May, 2025, on selected Wednesday afternoons, 3:30-5:00PM, and Saturdays 11:00am – 12:30PM
Please note date change, May 21st Saturday program is now May 14th!
Same time and place! 11:00AM – 12:30PM at the Northridege Branch Library!

“We Write The Book” Flower Fold Bookmaking Workshop at the Northridge Library!

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I was thrilled to lead an “Flower Fold” bookmaking workshop at the Northridge Branch Library in honor of National Poetry Month and upcoming EARTH DAY!

Participants including family groups, seniors and others learned how to make the flower fold book structure using a myriad of beautiful origami papers, and then how to attach multiple flower folds together to create a longer book that folds up into a square.

They added front and back covers and developed their books through addition of images, text, print media, drawing, writing, decorative papers, stickers, paper lace, fabric and wall paper frsagments and scraps, trims, “jewels’, finally learning how to add a ribbon to keep the book closed!  A wonderfully creative time was had by all.


Participant Lenny, father of two, at our program with his wife and children,
shares his experience of the bookmaking program:
“My brain is tingling right now…”


Dina learned about our workshop when she visited the Library that day,
and created a jewelled tie for her book!

 

Proud participant shares her book created at a previous workshop

I am thrilled to work  with the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs Neighborhood Engagement Artist Residency (NEAR).  I am honored to be serving the City of Los Angeles again through the DCA.
Join us for this and other bookmaking workshops! JOIN US!

“We Write The Book” Double Signature Bookmaking Workshop at the Northridge Library!

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I was thrilled to lead an “Accordion Fold Book with Pockets and Pages” workshop at the Northridge Branch Library in honor of Women’s History Month, International Women’s  Day, and Women Artists everywhere!

Participants learned to how to create a book using the accordion fold technique, how to fold pockets as part of the structure, and how to sew in pages, or “signatures“, (gatherings of folded pages) using the pamphlet stitch.

Participants also learned about ground breaking women artists Faith Ringgold, Frida Kahlo, Yayoi Kusama , Louise Nevelson, Betye Saar,  Georgia O’Keeffe.

 

I am thrilled to work  with the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs Neighborhood Engagement Artist Residency (NEAR).  I am honored to be serving the City of Los Angeles again through the DCA.
Join us for this and other bookmaking workshops! JOIN US!