Sunday 26 July 2009

Quarto Book Art Group

Yesterday I visited the Quarto Book Art group that meeets in Sunderland four times a year, they are a great mix of people and interests, some are also in local calligraphy groups. They each make a book to bring to the day and then swap that with another so everyone leaves the day with a different book - it's a great way to share and appreciate what everyone has done. The theme for this month was 'Bad Books' so they ranged from a books of bad jokes, a book made badly!, a book of bad quotes, a book on poisons (a bad way to die) plus lots more.

It was interesting to see how everyone interpreted the theme differently.

We also had three demonstrations during the day - Margaret Beech showed us various methods for pop-up books, Manny Ling showed us how to make a book using four needles (I though using one needle is hard enough but this wasn't as scary as it sounded!) and then Christine Blunt ended the day showing us how to make a star concertina book which was lovely.

I can't wait to go the next meeting in October with my first book to swap - the theme is appertures and windows so I need to get thinking!

Friday 24 July 2009

Summer Break and Bookbinding Group

Well, it's our summer break at the moment so I thought I'd take advantage of some free time and join a bookbinding group that meets quarterly in Sunderland. I met Ruth from the group when she came to visit our exhibition back at the start of the year. Manny Ling is demonstrating along with two others - Margaret and Christine so it looks like we should get 3 books made - I might get one done!

I'll be taking the camera so I will hopefully get some photos taken to show you all.

A few from the group are also taking advantage of the summer months and attending the CLAS festival and other residental courses in the area. I should get some feedback on these when we all meet again in September

It was a shame that The Cumberland Show had to be cancelled this year - there were three of us from the group who entered the calligraphy competition and Terry was judging this year. I'll upload photos tonight of the entries!