Debra Disman

Artist

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Story

“WE Write the Book”: Making Flower Fold Gift Books-in-a-Box 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!

It was a joy to teach the “flower fold” book structure that participants could place in small boxes they embellished, and offer to to others or to themselves for the holidays!

Makers had access to beautiful origami papers direct from Japan!

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.

Needless to say, magnificent works were created!


Makers’ Hands!

       
Making use of materials in a different way!

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!

Join us for our next workshop on December 10, 2025!

And for our CULMINATION Event on December 20th!

“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!

“WE Write the Book”: “Storybook Theater” 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!

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

On October 18, 2025,  participants of a diverse ages and backgrounds gathered to learn how to create the “Storybook Theater” structure, which integrates books, stories and theater into one delightful form. A bit more advanced, this bookmaking process challenged our participants in a fun and engaging way, opening their minds and imaginations to greater bookmaking possibilities!


 


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

“We Write the Book” CULMINATION EVENT!!!

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You  are invited to our free CULMINATION event for our “We Write the Book” program with Artist-in-Residence Debra Disman.

Please join us to see some of the books participant have created, enjoy refreshments, and learn how to make a book of your own!

All materials included!
Supported by the Los Angles Department of Cultural Affairs.

 

celebration

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

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Join us at the Northridge Branch Library as we learn to create the fun and fantastic Tunnel Book structure in honor of Springtime and Storymaking!

Saturday May 3 –  11AM-12:30PM

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!