Helen Hiebert's Blog, page 44
November 11, 2017
Kozo Harvest
Paper of the Week: Combat Paper
As we honor our veterans, here’s a group that’s doing great work, with paper! Combat Paper engages veterans in a therapeutic process as to turn their uniforms into sheets of paper and works of art.
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In the Studio: A Giveaway!
The Twelve Months of Paper calendars are shipping! Click here to enter a GIVEAWAY to win a copy of the Twelve Months of Paper Calendar (there will be three lucky winners)!
Papery Tidbits
Did you catch the Best Basic Papermaking Books that I posted last week? I’m building a virtual Paper Library, and this is just the beginning!
Are you intrigued with online learning? I’m offering a Twelve Months of Paper Calendar mini online class which is a great way to try it. Read all about it here.
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As seen on Hyperallergic! A lovely review of the Morgan Conservatory in Cleveland, perhaps the most comprehensive book/paper/print studio in the US. And they grow their own kozo (their annual harvest is this weekend)!
Yesterday (November 11) was World Origami Day in Japan. Check out a selection of origami architectural projects that include this folding practice, using material that range from sound-absorbing material to actual paper.
Students in the paper lab at the University of Washington help run the machine producing paper made from spent beer grain. How cool is that?
(GeekWire Photo / Kurt Schlosser)
Japanese artist Coco Sato’s latest project, Moon Rabbit, is a giant origami performance which takes you on a meditative journey inspiring connection and cultural exploration. Click through to watch the video.
This is a fascinating story about Rembrandt’s papers with a focus on watermarks that are being used by students from several universities to identify when he made his drawings and etchings.
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If you read this blog regularly, would you consider making a donation to support the research, writing, design and delivery of The Sunday Paper? Click on the paper button at the left (I made that paper) to see how you can provide support.
And if you run a paper-related business, you might be interested in promoting your business in The Sunday Paper.
Thanks again to those of you who have pledged your support, and enjoy your Sunday!
November 4, 2017
Persimmon Paper
Paper of the Week: Japanese Persimmon Treated Stencil Paper
Cushing Memorial Library and Archives, Texas A&M University
A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of visiting the Berger-Cloonan Collection of Decorated Papers at Texas A&M University (This happens to be where my father taught physics, and also is where I grew up. I hadn’t been back in awhile, so it seemed like a good reason to go). The collection, which was curated by Drs. Sidney Berger and Michèle Cloonan over more than 40 years, contains more than 20,000 pieces of paper from all over the world and spanning more than five centuries. I looked at about 1% of the collection (mostly watermarked and handmade papers) and drooled over these hand cut Japanese stencil papers, which were treated with persimmon juice and then used as stencils for printing.
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In the Studio:
I have long wanted to share my bookshelf with you and have finally come up with a method of doing it. I’m starting a paper library! Here’s a list of my favorite how-to books about making paper by hand. Click through to read a brief synopsis of each one, and stay tuned for more to come.
Papery Tidbits
The 2018 Twelve Months of Paper Calendars will start shipping this week! I’m offering a FREE Halloweek Special through November 7th. Order any calendar package and choose your gift: a copy of the Papermaker’s Studio Guide DVD or a 2017 Twelve Months of Paper Calendar (although the calendar is almost defunct, the how-to projects are everlasting)!
Are you intrigued with online learning? The Twelve Months of Paper Calendar package #3 includes a mini online class for a great price (only $39 more than the calendar + paper pack, in other words, you get the calendar, paper pack and online class for $99). Read all about it here.
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Well this isn’t paper, but I find it so similar in look to the persimmon treated paper above. These leaf carvings by JC Lua are fantastic!
The Malayan Tapir is part of Lua’s ‘Endangered Animal’ leaf art series to promote awareness on soon to be extinct animals. – Pictures courtesy of Leaf Man
This work by Jean Richardson caught my eye. She creates collections of ordinary objects which trigger memories and ignite a sense of comfort… do you recognize the objects below?
Ok, this is cool! London-based startup and electronics brand Bare Conductive has created a DIY kit that can be used to transform a sheet of paper into a functioning light. This project was recently launched on kickstarter, and I think they are fulfilling orders now, so you’ll have to wait until they relaunch to get your paper light!
Just today someone asked me if I came up with paper designs in my sleep… I had to say no (they come to me in a variety of ways) but then I read this about Karen “Bit” Vejle who says her paper cut designs often pop up in her head as she’s falling asleep!
I heard Patterson Clark speak at a papermaking conference years ago. He’s still doing this fascinating work of collecting weeds and invasive plants and turning them into papers and inks. Watch this short video where he shows you what he’s up to.
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If you read this blog regularly, would you consider making a donation to support the research, writing, design and delivery of The Sunday Paper? Click on the paper button at the left (I made that paper) to see how you can provide support.
And if you run a paper-related business, you might be interested in promoting your business in The Sunday Paper.
Thanks again to those of you who have pledged your support, and enjoy your Sunday!
October 28, 2017
Paper Plant Purifiers (a Tongue Twister)!
Paper of the Week: BookLove
Are you looking to develop paper and book-binding skills and explore your creativity? Join Rachel Hazell on her latest BookLove e-course. Immerse yourself in a world of alphabets, paper ephemera and linen thread as you meet your inner wordsmith and bind two utterly personal hardback books over two full weeks. Design, write and make books of your own, with detailed, generous support. The BookLove e-course starts 13th November
“Nothing has come close to comparing to this course. The way the information is delivered, and the quality, ensures that on completion you are equipped to continue developing your own book dreams.”
– Lisa, Course Participant, July 2017
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In the Studio:
Have you listened to my podcast Paper Talk? If you have, you’ll notice a few changes this month. I’ve recorded an intro, I’m working with a sound editor, and I’ve added some paper music! This month’s episode features Jenn Woodward from Pulp & Deckle Studio in Portland, OR. Here’s a short video of her studio space, and click here to listen to Episode 18 of Paper Talk.
Papery Tidbits
Have you taken an online class? I just started teaching them this year, and most of the participants surveyed said they’d never taken one! I’m offering a trial-size (mini online class at a great price) during the 25 Days of Paper (December 1-25). Find out more under Package #3 at this link.
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I’m not sure whether these are better air purifiers than real plants, but they look pretty cool! Filters and fans placed inside the corrugated cardboard cacti break down bacteria, fine dust and pollutants from cigarette smoke thanks to three technologies developed by researchers at the University Politecnico di Milano.
My travels have not taken me to Ann Arbor, MI (yet) but I’ve ordered papers and supplies and have always heard fabulous things about Hollander’s, a top notch art supply store that specializes in decorative papers.
One of many decorative paper displays on the main floor (Photo: Meredith Bruckner)
India seems to be on the cutting edge of lighting design. I’ve written about Jenny Pinto’s lighting in this post. Check out these geometric designs by Ankon Mitra which are in the Lodhi Hotel in New Delhi. Wowza!
Ankon collaborates with NID textile designer Aditi Anuj to create origami inspired lampshades that hark back to diverse historical eras and craft traditions.
Also hailing from New Delhi but showing in Paris: Jayashree Chakravarty’s Earth as Haven: Under the Canopy of Love, curated by Roobina Karode of the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, New Delhi, at the Musée National Des Arts Asiatiques Guimet, Paris, France.
“Like vegetation that mixes with the nurturing soil, when I paint, the twigs, leaves and thorns growing across also become part of the composition,” says Jayashree Chakravarty
This is an interesting article about what goes into making paper money harder and harder to fake.
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About our Sponsor: Rachel Hazell has twenty years’ experience taking people on creative journeys. She shapes itineraries that develop technical skills, expand the imagination, increase confidence and build lasting friendships.
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If you read this blog regularly, would you consider making a donation to support the research, writing, design and delivery of The Sunday Paper? Click on the paper button at the left (I made that paper) to see how you can provide support.
And if you run a paper-related business, you might be interested in promoting your business in The Sunday Paper.
Thanks again to those of you who have pledged your support, and enjoy your Sunday!
October 21, 2017
Blush Handmade Paper
Paper of the Week: Oblation Papers & Press
Oblation Papers & Press is making new blush handmade paper from cotton fibers recycled from the garment industry. This nuanced color is now available in a new size, for folded pocket notes, and a new journal. The calligraphy notes collection features modern handlettering in collaboration with local calligrapher, Andi Allison, from old city mailroom. The inspiration journal is hand bound, with a little dog image and quote from Edith Wharton.
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In the Studio:
In the spirit of the upcoming Twelve Months of Paper Calendar, I made a video featuring this watermarked handmade paper that is featured in the custom paper pack. Have you ordered your calendar yet? Orders placed by October 25th – that’s this coming Wednesday – will receive a bonus pack of kite paper for making window stars. Here’s the link.
Papery Tidbits
I’m offering a Twelve Months of Paper workshop in Denver that includes creating a selection of paper projects, plus a copy of the 2018 calendar and a custom paper pack at Highline Cohousing Community on November 4th.
Vail Valley Peeps: Get a head start on the holiday season at the Alpine Arts Center. We’re creating several of the projects featured in the Twelve Months of Paper Calendar on Tuesday, November 14th. Paper fun for adults & kids!
Have you taken an online class? I just started teaching them this year, and most of the participants surveyed said they’d never taken one! I’m offering a trial-size (mini online class at a great price) during the 25 Days of Paper (December 1-25). Find out more under Package #3 at this link.
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Who thinks up this stuff? Paperself are the world leaders and inventors of the paper lash, originally inspired by the ancient art of paper cutting. They are the first of their kind that feature beautifully intricate designs letting you adorn your eyes with gorgeous storytelling lashes. Here are the Halloween lashes, but there are many others!
These delicate paper cuts by Kiri Ken as seen on This is Colossal are exquisite, and from what I can tell, they’re cut by hand!
© Kiri Ken
I love Anathi “Elpee” Nkanyuza’s curiosity for smoke on paper as a medium. “With pencil, paint or oil you are in control; you are the leader but with smoke you have to follow its lead. Sometimes I have an idea of what I want to create but the smoke does not put it the way I want, and all I can do is to follow the smoke and manipulate it, so this keeps you on the edge and you never know what to expect.” This is similar to how I work with paper.
City smoke artist Anathi Nkanyuza.Picture: Thobile Mathonsi
Here’s a brief history of paper flowers, accompanied by this image, possibly the oldest surviving paper flowers.
Here’s an interesting business article about art. STPI in Singapore, a paper and print studio founded by Ken Tyler, is celebrating 15 Years and is still pushing the boundaries and paper and print (which they began in America many years earlier). I found it intriguing to read about how it was difficult at first to convince artists to make work there and collectors to acquire a new type of work, but it looks like STPI held out and got both sides on board.
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About our Sponsor: Oblation Papers & Press is an urban paper mill, letterpress print shop and old-world paper boutique in Portland, Oregon. They also offer their work in wholesale exhibitions in New York, Tokyo and Paris. Follow Oblation Papers & Press on Instagram.
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If you read this blog regularly, would you consider making a donation to support the research, writing, design and delivery of The Sunday Paper? Click on the paper button at the left (I made that paper) to see how you can provide support.
And if you run a paper-related business, you might be interested in promoting your business in The Sunday Paper.
Thanks again to those of you who have pledged your support, and enjoy your Sunday!
October 14, 2017
Liberty Paper
Paper of the Week: Liberty Paper
Handmade paper inspired by boro patchwork, abaca, wax resist, indigo, and black walnut
Liberty Paper is the culmination of Claudia Lee’s dream to have some land in middle Tennessee and build a paper studio that would be both a working and teaching facility. Now in it’s 15th year, students and artists come from all over the country to take custom designed classes or to work on independent projects with the staff acting as technical support. Owner, Claudia Lee and studio assistant, Matthew English also travel each year to conduct workshops for groups and schools. If you’re in middle Tennessee during the last weekend in October, Liberty Paper (and many other studios) will be open during the Off The Beaten Path Studio Tour!
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In the Studio:
In the spirit of the upcoming Twelve Months of Paper Calendar, I’d like to share a tutorial with you that I’m fond of. These window stars are made from translucent kite paper. You can find written instructions (and where to get the colored wax paper) in this blog post and/or watch my video tutorial.
Papery Tidbits
I’m giving a lecture about my work at the SW School of Art next Friday evening, October 20th. Message me if you’d like the details (I don’t have them myself yet)!
Have you purchased your Twelve Months of Paper Calendar? I can’t wait to pick up the printed calendars upon my return from TX and send them off to you!
I’m offering a Twelve Months of Paper workshop in Denver that includes creating a selection of paper projects, plus a copy of the 2018 calendar and a custom paper pack at Highline Cohousing Community on November 4th.
Vail Valley Peeps: Get a head start on the holiday season at the Alpine Arts Center. We’re creating several of the projects featured in the Twelve Months of Paper Calendar on Tuesday, November 14th. Paper fun for adults & kids!
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This is such a wonderful documentation of Jennifer Collier’s work. I love her sentiments about materials and experimentation. Have a look! Special thanks to a blog reader for sharing this with me.
Did you catch the origami unicorns in the old and new Bladerunner? Here’s a tutorial for folding your own. I like how the writer recommends buying several pieces of paper, for practice runs (i.e. origami ain’t that easy).
From Creative Boom: “Vera van Wolferen has made a name for herself in the paper art community. Her latest series, Plant Life, features two new paper sculptures made especially for the windows of Livraria Lello, one of the world’s most beautiful and oldest bookshops, in Porto, Portugal. A wonderful art nouveau building, it’s where J.K. Rowling was inspired to write Harry Potter, and where tourists queue up daily for their chance to visit.” Beautiful paper sculptures and beautiful photography!
I love this story about Kelsey Pike, founder of the Cherry Pit Collective in Kansas City. She came up with a creative solution when she came to the realization that she wouldn’t be able to continue her craft — papermaking — after graduation, without the tools and space to do it on her own.
I’m not sure I completely understand this flexible energy storage device (battery), but it sounds pretty cool: metallized paper for foldable supercapacitors.
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About our Sponsor: Claudia Lee is an artist, designer, consultant, author, and instructor working in handmade paper. She is a two-time recipient of a Master’s Grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission and was chosen to design and create the 2011 Governor’s Arts Awards. Her work can be seen in over 30 books and is the cover story in the 2017 summer issue of Bound & Lettered magazine.
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If you read this blog regularly, would you consider making a donation to support the research, writing, design and delivery of The Sunday Paper? Click on the paper button at the left (I made that paper) to see how you can provide support.
And if you run a paper-related business, you might be interested in promoting your business in The Sunday Paper.
Thanks again to those of you who have pledged your support, and enjoy your Sunday!
October 7, 2017
Viewing a Life through Paper
Click on the post title to go directly to this blog post, where the videos will automatically appear.
Paper of the Week: Twelve Months of Paper Launch!
It’s coming! The Twelve Months of Paper Calendar is at the printer, and I’ll be viewing the proofs on Monday! Hop on over to read all about it and place your order. Calendars will start shipping in early November, but if you plan to get one (or more) please pre-order now – this will help me determine how many paper packs I need to assemble and will give me more lead time for packaging and shipping them off to you. I appreciate it! I’d also love it if you tell your paper-loving friends about the calendar!
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In the Studio:
Here’s a video I made about the calendar. Have a look and learn about the four packages I’m offering.
Papery Tidbits
Vail Valley Peeps: Get a head start on the holiday season at the Alpine Arts Center. We’ll spend three Thursday evenings creating several of the projects featured in the Twelve Months of Paper Calendar. Paper fun for adults & kids!
Are we connected on facebook? Follow me at this link.
We’re busy making paper lanterns in my online class, and I put this pinterest board together for inspiration.
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Artist Fritzi Huber passed an abandoned house on her daily walks and got curious. Check out how she documented the life of Mary Nixon that might otherwise have been lost (the house is now gone). Through her project, Huber recreated a sense of Mary’s life together and documented it for all of us to see.
Do you know about the wandering book artists, Peter and Donna Thomas? For part of the year, they drive their colorful vehicle around the country, lecturing, exhibiting and teaching workshops. Here’s an article about their recent visit to Swarthmore. You can follow there adventures on facebook – search for Wandering Book Artists.
Peace Paper brings papermaking to the masses, often as a therapeutic activity. This week, they were working with students in Illinois, giving them a creative outlet during midterms.
Jane Ingram Allen recently created a “flower bed” with a “living quilt” during her residency in Newnan, Georgia, with the cooperation and participation of community people and Newnan Master Gardeners. The quilt is created with handmade paper from local plant materials dyed with non-toxic dye and has seeds for Southeastern wildflowers in the paper pulp in the same colors as the quilt pattern. This artwork will change over time into a living, blooming artwork. The headboard and footboard are woven with local branches and vines, and the “bed” is formed with soil and wood planks. The piece is installed in a public park in downtown Newnan, Georgia, near the corner of College and Temple Avenues.
Joseph Choma’s piece Chakrasana currently graces the Clemson University campus, and although it isn’t paper, he used paper folding techniques and principles to create it. It must be stunning to walk through!
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If you read this blog regularly, would you consider making a donation to support the research, writing, design and delivery of The Sunday Paper? Click on the paper button at the left (I made that paper) to see how you can provide support.
And if you run a paper-related business, you might be interested in promoting your business in The Sunday Paper.
Thanks again to those of you who have pledged your support, and enjoy your Sunday!
September 30, 2017
Paper Wallets
Paper of the Week: Green Banana Paper
Green Banana Paper’s slim wallet is now available on Kickstarter!
Three years ago Green Banana Paper set out to raise the bar for the future use of natural fibers in eco-textiles. They have developed their craft in their own eco-factory – combining the traditional art of hand papermaking with finishing techniques from modern day manufacturing technology. Located on the beautiful island of Kosrae, Micronesia, Green Banana Paper is a social impact company making paper and helping people. Forget plastic and leather, as paper people your wallet could be made from a more ethical and eco-friendly alternative – banana fiber paper.
Hop on over to Green Banana’s Kickstarter Page to see how you can get your hands on the brand new Slim Wallet (there are several packages available) and learn more about this amazing company making paper into products on a tiny island.
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In the Studio:
I never dreamt I would be an author (but that’s another story). When writing how-to instructions, I construct each project over and over again in my hands, trying to find words to describe the movements. Sometimes it is really tricky! Pictures can help, and sometimes videos are better. You can tell me what you think if you purchase the 2018 Twelve Months of Paper Calendar! I’m offering a mini online class in conjunction with the calendar that will feature videos and an online classroom: read all about it here next week!
The Stacking Star Tree features an 8-pointed origami star. After falling in love with the project, I realized I needed to include the star folding instructions, which turned out to be rather involved! Ah, the things we do for love…
Papery Tidbits
Check out my online photo album about the annual Red Cliff Paper Retreat.
Vail Valley Peeps: Get a head start on the holiday season at the Alpine Arts Center. We’ll spend three Thursday evenings creating several of the projects featured in the Twelve Months of Paper Calendar. Paper fun for adults & kids!
Paper Money: I brought this topic up a couple of weeks ago and am still fleshing out my ideas… in the meantime, I wanted to share the Craft Industry Alliance with you, a great place to connect with other craft professionals, learn more about the industry and strengthen your business. I joined this amazing organization a couple of months ago and learn new things every week through their webinars, podcasts and journal.
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Paper engineer Colette Fu is breaking a world record by constructing the world’s largest pop-up book. Visitors can watch the live-creation process at the Philadelphia Photo Arts Center now through October 12th (and then it will be on view through November). If you’re in Philadelphia, you should go check this out!
Model of “Tao Hua Yuan Ji.” When the project is complete, will be the world’s largest pop-up photo book.COURTESY PHILADELPHIA PHOTO ARTS CENTER
I’ve just released episode #17 of my podcast series Paper Talk, an interview with Jenny Pinto, who lives and works in Bangalore, India. Jenny came to work with me in Portland for a month seventeen years ago, and then she went on to create a full-fledged lighting business utilizing handmade paper. Be sure to watch the gorgeous video of her studio in action! Sign up for the podcast in ITunes and get notified every time I post an episode, and I’d be flattered if you were so inclined to leave a review.
I love these works on hanji by Minjun Kim, whose work is on view now at Gallery Hyundai in Seoul.
© 2016 Minjung Kim, Red Mountain, watercolour on hanji-paper, 37.5 x 44cm
I will never ceased to be amazed at all of the ways that paper is being used in technology. At Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, a team of researchers led by assistant professor Kiju Lee have created the TWIsted TowEr Robot (TWISTER) mechanism.
Speaking of paper and technology, artist Matthew Shlian speaks eloquently about his work with scientists (and the time he sent 50 letters out trying to make connections, and it worked) on Maketime, a podcast by the craft school experience. Have a listen!
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About our Sponsor: Green Banana Paper is a waste-to-wealth manufacturing startup recycling post-harvest banana trees into stunning handmade products in Kosrae, Micronesia.
Follow my FB page to find out about a fun giveaway. Hint hint: it has something to do banana paper!
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If you read this blog regularly, would you consider making a donation to support the research, writing, design and delivery of The Sunday Paper? Click on the paper button at the left (I made that paper) to see how you can provide support.
And if you run a paper-related business, you might be interested in promoting your business in The Sunday Paper.
Thanks again to those of you who have pledged your support, and enjoy your Sunday!
September 23, 2017
Two Rivers Paper
Paper of the Week: Two Rivers Paper
© 2012, Callum Innes, Pastel on Two Rivers paper, 52 x 42 cm
The work of Callum Innes caught my eye in this article, but then I wasn’t able to view the images again (hopefully you can with your first click – this has to do with the legalities of journalism; if not, look him up)! The text is equally enthralling though: Deep and bright hues of pastel chalks have been tediously worked and rubbed into the handmade paper, that nearly covers the entire surface with a sensuous and smooth texture. One is exposed to glimpses of the underlying layers of contrasting color that are most evident at the deckled edges of the works, bringing to fore the traces of the human gesture. I’d love to speak with the artist about his experience of working on handmade paper! Two Rivers makes beautiful rag papers for artists and designers at an ancient watermill deep in the Somerset (England) countryside.
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In the Studio:
Here’s the next in my series of Word Broadsides: Perspective. I’ve been pondering how easy it is to stay close to those who have similar perspectives, yet how rewarding it can be to mingle with those who have differing views. The color of this broadside matches the golden hue of the aspen leaves that are currently showing off their fall colors here in Colorado.
Papery Tidbits
I shared this video about the making of Akari Light Sculptures with my Paper Lanterns online class participants this week.
I’m offering two Twelve Months of Paper workshops in Denver that include creating a selection of paper projects plus a copy of the 2018 calendar and a custom paper pack, which will be available soon. Join me at Highline Cohousing Community (November 4) or at the Arvada Arts Center (November 5). Or contact me if you’d like to organize your own Twelve Months of Paper workshop!
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This is a lovely story about the work of Hong Hong, a young artist who is pushing the boundaries of paper in so many ways. Her work is currently on view in Hartford, CT.
Hong completes a large-scale paper pour at the Dirt Salon in Hartford, Connecticut, 2015. Photographer: Justin O’Brien. Courtesy of Artist. © Justin O’Brien.
Paperboyo makes these fun cutouts from cardboard and then brings them to life through photography. Look for his new book Around the World in Cut-Outs.
I recently learned about Celebration Company in Houston, an organization that provides life skills and meaningful employment to individuals with disabilities who, with joy and purpose, provide services and create products that celebrate the good of life. Check out their handmade paper greeting cards!
Floral papers have been popular for quite awhile. Cast Paper Art in Webster Groves, MO has a unique twist. You can just cut the heads off of a wedding bouquet (or funeral arrangement), mail them to the company. They’ll turn them into floral papers, usually done by the time the couple is back from their honeymoon!
Check out this podcast on Bookbinding Now, an interview with book artist Susan Joy Share (one of my mentors) by Paula Beardell Krieg.
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If you read this blog regularly, would you consider making a donation to support the research, writing, design and delivery of The Sunday Paper? Click on the paper button at the left (I made that paper) to see how you can provide support.
And if you run a paper-related business, you might be interested in promoting your business in The Sunday Paper.
Thanks again to those of you who have pledged your support, and enjoy your Sunday!
September 16, 2017
Handmade Paper Rocks!
Paper of the Week: Handmade Paper
Let’s celebrate handmade paper today! We just wrapped up the second session of the Red Cliff Paper Retreat (I’ll share photos soon) and lots of paper was made by makers with all levels of experience. Making a sheet of paper is really quite a simple process, but setting up a studio is expensive and requires a space that can get wet. Here’s a list of places where you can go to make paper (please let me know of places I’ve missed).
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In the Studio:
Next on my agenda is finalizing the copy for the 2018 Twelve Months of Paper Calendar, which will be available in just a couple of weeks, yay!
Papery Tidbits
I’m offering two workshops in Denver that include creating a selection of these projects plus a copy of the calendar and a custom paper pack. Join me at Highline Cohousing Community (November 4) or at the Arvada Arts Center (November 5).
Contact me if you’d like to organize your own Twelve Months of Paper workshop!
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Hand Papermaking Magazine’s auction is now live. Support this amazing organization as you take advantage of fantastic deals on all sorts of paper-related items: equipment and supplies, books on paper and book arts, fine handmade papers, art works, paper experiences, and much more (I’ve donated a set of watermarked word broadsides).
Has anyone participated in NYC’s Morningside Lights lantern parade? It’s been going on since 2012 and you can participate in lantern making events this week leading up to the parade next Saturday.
Artists in New York State: Dieu Donné Papermill has an amazing Workspace Residency Program! The deadline is September 29th and you don’t need to have any papermaking experience to apply!
I wrote about this paper pinwheel project a few months ago when submissions were being accepted. Did any of you participate? This summer, Brooklyn’s Prospect Park was home to more than 7,000 pinwheel ‘flowers’, which blanketed over 2 and half acres of rolling lawn. And the inside of each pinwheel was embellished by a community participant.
Here’s a twofer: the Guild of Bookworkers is a national organization with regional chapters that are active in all areas of book arts. I enjoyed this recent GBW interview by Pamela Train Leutz with Alicia Bailey, a book artist, instructor and artist’s book dealer.
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If you read this blog regularly, would you consider making a donation to support the research, writing, design and delivery of The Sunday Paper? Click on the paper button at the left (I made that paper) to see how you can provide support.
And if you run a paper-related business, you might be interested in promoting your business in The Sunday Paper.
Thanks again to those of you who have pledged your support, and enjoy your Sunday!
September 9, 2017
Southwestern Paper
The Sunday Paper #174, September 10, 2017
Paper of the Week: Woven Reversible Unryu
People often tell me they have drawers full of paper and they won’t allow themselves to purchase one more sheet until their stash dwindles. But then I hear them saying they can’t bring themselves to use a beautiful sheet of paper, so perhaps that is the real issue. I’m okay with you framing a sheet of paper and hanging it on the wall, but if it is just stashed in a drawer, I don’t see the point. Put it to use! I’ve been using this reversible thai unryu paper for a few years now and love it. It has a cloth-like texture but is a bit stiffer. We made these woven paper journals (with a double pamphlet stitch to add pages on the inside) at my Red Cliff Paper Retreat on Friday using the reversible unryu for the cover. Notice the woven paper hinge that creates a closure on the foredge.
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In the Studio:The Red Cliff Paper Retreat is in session! It is such a (good) change to have company in the studio! I rent out the gym in the old schoolhouse too, so that each participant has a nice big work area in addition to this shared papermaking space.
Papery Tidbits
It isn’t too late to start thinking about next year’s Red Cliff Paper Retreat, which takes place the week/end after Labor Day. The page currently describes this year’s event, and I’ll let you know when the next event is listed. Registration begins in January 2018.
The Paper Lanterns Online Class is starting in about 10 days (begins September 20th). As the days shorten and the light fades, join us and learn how to make six illuminated paper projects.———————————————————————————————–––––––
There are several paper shows that just opened in the Southwest (an extra reason to visit Taos & Santa Fe)! Curated by Lynn Sures, a wealth of experimentation and innovation is being explored in a new exhibition titled “Paper, Paper, Paper” in the Encore Gallery at the Taos Community Auditorium. The show runs through October 29th.
‘Wisp,’ section of a triptych by Priscilla Robinson
Nearby, the Santa Fe Book Arts Group (BAG) just opened their annual members show at the Capitol Rotunda Gallery. Dr. Cynthia Sanchez, Executive Director of the Capitol Art Foundation, selected 112 pieces by 71 artists to include in the show this year. “Portable Magic: The Art of the Book” is on view through December 15th.
These wall sculptures by Canadian artist Andrew Ooi at Boxheart Gallery in Pittsburgh incorporate techniques traditionally found in Japanese joinery and origami. Hundreds of small strips of handmade gampi paper are cut, painted, folded and connected. I enjoyed reading the writer’s observation of how the pieces feel different when displayed on the wall verses under glass.
Andrew Ooi’s “Edo Check”
For your bathroom reading pleasure: toilet paper printed with you know who’s tweets!
Make a note to shop for papermaking goodies during Hand Papermaking’s annual online auction which starts on Friday, September 15th (I’ll post a live link next Sunday). Help this great organization continue its mission to advance traditional and contemporary ideas in the art of hand papermaking while taking advantage of some fantastic deals on all sorts of paper-related items: equipment and supplies, books on paper and book arts, fine handmade papers, art works, paper experiences, and much more!
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And if you run a paper-related business, you might be interested in promoting your business in The Sunday Paper.
Thanks again to those of you who have pledged your support, and enjoy your Sunday!
