2008 Workshops

Using Valentine’s Day themes, this workshop will teach 4 book structures and a number of ways to resurface paper with color, pattern, and texture. Each book offers a stage for your

calligraphy, but lettering isn’t essential, so beginners and non-calligraphers should feel welcome. The projects—a flag book, pop-up heart ornament, double accordion, and carousel book—all rely on basic accordion folds and simple origami. Paper surfacing techniques include marbling, stenciling, frottage, faux gilding, stitching, beading, and embossing.

So, prepare to play and go home with four lovely gifts. And, even if you’re not into Valentine’s Day, learn the techniques and translate them for other holidays (e.g. four hearts make a good shamrock!).

Most tools and materials will be provided for a $15 materials fee. Students are asked to bring the following materials:

• scissors
• X-acto knife + extra blades
• cutting mat
• metal-edged ruler
• hard sharpened pencil (e.g. 3H)
• unprinted scrap paper for gluing (not newspaper or phone book)
• bone folder (if you already have; I have some to loan)
• optional: gel pens, metallic markers, calligraphy pens, Valentine-themed “stuff” such as stickers, charms, images for collage, etc.

Monograms can be chic, whimsical and classic. They can also be an incredible puzzle of how to merge various letter combinations. Spend the day examining the intricacies of these often-asked for motifs and we will explore how to untangle even the most complex of  initials while learning to think about various alternate routes to a satisfying result. From the simple solution to the ornate you will be amazed at how many possibilities will present themselves. Some calligraphic experience —whether broad-edged or pointed pen—is recommended.

Supply list:

• plenty of practice paper
• tracing paper
• HB or harder lead pencil and sharpener (mechanical pencil is preferable)
• white plastic or kneaded eraser
• fine point marker (Micron .005, GTech 3 or 4 or equivalent)
• ruler
• calligraphic pens and nibs
• ink
• water container
• If you have! - fine paintbrush (2 or smaller)
• If you have! - gold gouache or any type

When you are producing artwork and calligraphy for reproduction, the rules can be very different. Learn time-saving skills on production and layout, explore the different methods of reproduction (and the various peculiarities of each) and discover various supplies and mediums that you may not have used before. We will work with how to approach a printed project from start to printer-ready. A computer demo will also explain some of the modern advantages available (although not essential). Since this a one-day class, please come with a project already underway or a small quote(s) that you have previously worked with that would transfer to greeting card, postcard or invitation—these need not be complete, but worked out to a semi-comprehensive state.

Supply list:

• graph practice pad (11X17 preferable)
• tracing paper or vellum
• HB or harder lead pencil and sharpener (mechanical pencil is preferable)
• white plastic or kneaded eraser
• x-acto knife
• double-stick tape
• ruler
• calligraphic pens and nibs
• ink
• water container

This class is designed for those who have had some experience with italic and wish either to bring their writing to a more polished level, or to identify and eliminate bad habits that may have developed. Some variations will be examined, and techniques for correcting mistakes (the other key to beautiful writing!) will be demonstrated.
materials

• A poem or quotation (approximately 50 words) that is meaningful to you;
• bond paper (such as Boris Marker Layout, 11 X 14”);
• penholders and nibs (Mitchell 2.5 & 4 or equivalent);
• Higgins Eternal Ink; ruler; pencil; a couple of pieces of Fabriano Ingres paper if you have it
  (cut large sizes down to manageable size, e.g. 11 X 14”)

Instructor will have some Fabriano Ingres paper for sale if you cannot get it.