Monday, July 28, 2008

Off to a Workshop

Hurray, hurray, later this week I'm off to attend my first-ever bookbinding workshop! It's at the Seattle Center for Book Arts, and the instructor is Elsi Vassdal Ellis.

The workshop will cover German long and link stitch limp covers (limp covers are the soft, wrap-around leather covers, like the journal from my Etsy shop pictured here:


As Elsi says in the workshop description: "There are two distinct styles of limp structures: the Italian with a more relaxed approach to the stitching and the northern with structured designs employing more rigid supports." I got my ideas for making soft-cover leather journals when I was in Venice, Italy, a few years ago, so my journals are mostly in the "relaxed Italian" style. I'm looking forward to making more northern-style bindings in this workshop.

Also, I have to say, I'm very excited at the prospect of having other bookbinders to talk to! I've actually been quite happy working out how to make books on my own, but sometimes it does feel a bit isolated out here in the wilds of the British Columbia interior. Very beautiful here, but not a lot going on bookbinding-wise.


12 comments:

Kiley said...

I love Portland and they have a very active book arts community. I am sure you will have a great time there. Even without the community it's a wonderful city with lots to offer.

Be sure hit powells in downtown while you are there, it's a great bookstore and you (well I) can spend an entire day in there!

moonandhare said...

Powells is wonderful! A whole city block of books--what could be better? I have family scattered all over Washington, Oregon and Idaho, so I've been to Portland many a time. Great city.

Ciara Brehony said...

Nothing nicer than having a day to immerse yourself in a workshop about something you love. (Why are they called 'work' shops I wonder? More like fun to me!)
Yes, I do remember those days... (Hee heee)

Have fun!

Carol said...

Enjoy your workshop and tell us all about it later. And I'm so envious about your Dan Essig workshop - how fantastic is that?

BWK Art said...

Have a wonderful time! I've never taken a formal bookbinding course, so I'm envious. :) Let us know how it goes!

Acornmoon said...

Lucky you, have fun!

dinahmow said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Waterrose said...

I love mingling with people of like mind! I also like those that aren't so like minded...can give you some refreshing ideas.

Doreen Frost said...

Sounds like a wonderful class. :)

LOVE your books..they are wonderful.

Take care,
Doreen

Dana and Daisy said...

Oh enjoy your workshop and come back with many examples of your work!

Kim said...

Hurry up and post your new books! I can't wait! Those are bindings I have never made, do not think I have even seen them.... oh where are you?

moonandhare said...

Thanks for all your comments! I have been hiding out a bit, working on new designs, but am finally back with photos from the workshop.