{ Bookmaking with VT Industrial Design Students } : April 2019 //

On Friday, April 5th, I joined 14 VT students to create one-of-a-kind mini handmade books as part of a class entitled Mindful Makers. This was the second semester I have been invited onto campus to be a part of this class. Isn’t it funny how others see us in regards to how we see ourselves? When I was originally invited to join the class, I remember how honored I was to be thought of as ‘mindful’ in my making.

Working with young adults that know how to (and love) work with their hands is a treat!

A VT student is learning how to ‘convince’ the decorative paper that it wants to wrap around the book board.

Here the Instructor discusses with the class their final projects as we admire the uniqueness of each piece

Yes…mini handmade books are the cutest…these students nailed it!

This class has inspired me to become more intentional in my mindfulness in regards to the way I create. I try to weave mindfulness into every class, workshop and camp I facilitate. Breathe, be in the present and focus on workmanship.

{ Bookmaking Bonanza! : A Personal Dream Come True } : March 2019 //

In my mind, I had imagined this thing that I eventually named the ‘Bookmaking Bonanza!’ I wanted to gather a group of people together to see how many handmade books we could make in a day. I had tried multiple times to make this workshop happen. Third time is the charm! 11 magnificent women joined me on Saturday, March 23rd at the Floyd Art Center in gorgeous Floyd, VA to make this artist’s dream come true!

We made 5 handmade books in 5 hours—the Accordion Fold, Flower Fold, Smash Book (a variation on the Accordion Fold), Japanese Stab Binding and a 5 Hole Butterfly Stitch Pamphlet.

SO. MUCH. FUN. This group of women ROCKED it! Infinite gratitude to all that participated!

I am thinking that another Bookmaking Bonanza would be great around the holiday season?

{ Handmade Book Challenge } // January 2019

I have been making handmade books for over 10 years. I tend to stick books I am familiar with making so that I can work on my craftsmanship while creating enough product to sell at various stores, galleries and shows. While teaching a class on bookmaking at the local university here in Blacksburg, VA, a friend of mine handed me a book on how to make books. As we combed through the book together, I realized that there were so many books that I had yet to discover! I decided to challenge myself to work from one end of the ‘How To’ to the other. This month, I created the 5 Hole Pamphlet (with inside folder), 5 Hole Pamphlet Do-Si-Do and the Basic Codex.

5 Hole Pamphlet : Front View

5 Hole Pamphlet : Spine View

5 Hole Pamphlet : Inside View with Folder

5 Hole Pamphlet Do-Si-Do : Front View

5 Hole Pamphlet Do-Si-Do : Back View

5 Hole Pamphlet : Front Top View

5 Hole Pamphlet : Back Top View

Basic Codex : Front View

Basic Codex : Spine View

Basic Codex : Back View

Basic Codex : Endcover View

{ Watercolor Meditations : Part One } : Circles // Inktober Challenge

I decided to jump in on the Inktober Challenge after I watched Traci Bautista’s online videos for her upcoming new Masterclass. I was SO inspired by the Bautista works with ink, I knew I had give it a try.

Most of my work these days is in ink…both India ink and spray ink. I had never really explored wet on wet media and I truly loved the dreamy effects it gives my papers.

Due to amount of work created during the first half of this monthly challenge, I decided to break my pieces down by type. I started off with circles that were created by using the droppers directly out of the India ink bottles on wet paper and Jane Davenport watercolor pens for detail.

I work in many books at one time (anywhere from 4-6, which include Moleskine watercolor books, spiral bound journals and loose mixed media paper to create my own Idea or Challenge Books).

Working on these loose pages and in my journals truly has been a meditative experience. I left my studio feeling relaxed, productive and clear headed which makes me a better mother, friend and employee. I am currently wrapping up TWO journals (that I will put in a video) on Instagram and will keep plugging away on Inktober.

{ DESIGNING ART JOURNALS } : A Paper & Book Art Workshop //

'Designing Art Journals' is a book and paper art workshop happening at my studio (1600 Glade Road; Blacksburg, VA) on Saturday, April 22nd from 10-4.

In this 1 day workshop, participants will create a dynamic 6 x 6" wire bound sketchbook bursting with colorful handmade papers. We will explore a wide variety of techniques that can be used in art journaling, collage, mixed media projects and bookmaking.

Upon registering for this class, participants will receive a Welcome Letter that outlines the full class curriculum. In addition, participants will receive a handout at the end of the class that will outline all techniques used so you can have more FUN playing and not have to worry about trying to remember all the techniques!

Registration REQUIRED : http://www.etsy.com/shop/BimburBooks