Oh, and this was done earlier .......

Numbers.............

Continuing with the recycled papers............

As I am collaborating with Myles Calvert (screen printer) on a project to use found advertising - I thought I would experiment with different fibers, cotton, esparto, gampi, and kozo; using different types of sizing. I am recycling my dad's old logarithm book that I found when he passed away - I think he would be quite amused to know how I'm using it - he used to sit with me for hours helping me with my maths homework!!

Colchester

Western papermaking for Book artists
Colchester Institute - MA Art, Design and the Book
12th and 19th January, 2011

What a great workshop! The first week was an introduction to papermaking followed by a second session that looked at ways to develop the students ideas using the medium and various techniques. Very interesting conversations and experimentation.....found text, threads, pigmented pulp, wasps!!

I have asked the students to send me photos of their work using the papers they made in this class --- watch out for updates!

Maple Leaves

above image - sheet held up to the light

Then blended them up and added them to the pinkish pulp...... results interesting .... the leaf bits look shimmery and when held up to the light the leaf bits are transparent!! I can see that some more experimentation will be needed ..... this could be developed further...

I have a couple of bags of maple leaves sitting in my studio - so over Christmas I thought I'd do something with them ..... cooked them up and then forgot about them! Returned to the studio this week and found then looking and smelling a bit nasty!!! So added some bleach and left them for a couple of days and was amozed when the leaves had turned pure white!! They were very delecate so I tried to place them on a dark pulp ........

The pulp made from the rose petals was really soft and non fibrous - and I wasn't sure how long to cook it for. When some white pigmented abaca was added I was happy with the results - quite crisp and interesting ! Then added more abaca and the results were okish -

Last day of the year!! 2010

Yellow rose petals - they look like cornflakes......

Thought I'd prepare some inclusions for making paper in the New Year. I have really got in a bit of a slump - not sure why - maybe the weather has alot to do with it. The studio has been so cold that I have lost the early momentum. Or maybe the job at Selfridges has sapped my brain. So - time to get my papermaking going.

Also I have been working on several ideas for books. One is about how I can present the samples in a book form that's pleasing to the eye and to a potential customer - my friend Carolyn Skei has been bugging me to do this for years - why does it seem so difficult hmmmmm The other book idea is on the theme of architectural patterns and thoughts that surround me in my new life in London.

Spots

Making paper with spots - not easy - bit of a challenge

OK - where did the last month go - the last entry was on the 16th Nov. I was really busy getting ready for the Handmade and Bound book fair and a open house week-end at my studio!

Handmade and Bound - was very crowded - almost to many visitors! It got rather full and folks were unable to see the work. Plus many exhibitors lowered their prices - they have to be careful because it devalues the art form!

http://www.handmadeandbound.com