In my email in-box today…

“A Day to Explore – Don’t miss this chance to see demonstrations from a group of talented artists and representatives from the world’s premier makers of art materials, all in one place!”

Vendors ranging from Strathmore to Golden and from Prismacolor to Arches are sending artists with samples of their products for demonstration and hands on trials. I’m particularly interested in the Arches Oil Paper and the R&F Encaustics.

The event runs from 10-4 on Saturday, May 18th.

For more info, here is their PDF.

~Ginger

http://www.gingerburrell.com

[Double concertina with a split binding in a tin with a collage in resin]

I’m getting ready to teach Miniature Books at the Palo Alto Art Center. This class was inspired by my friend and fellow artist Rae Trujillo. A few years ago, Rae initiated a miniature book exchange at the Bay Area Book Artists’ meetings. Every other month we bring up to 3 miniature books to exchange – not only does this encourage us to produce more work – but it also helps us build our own collections.

[Circle accordion with a ribbon binding in a circle case]

I love miniature books because they are a great way to make a book about an event, an emotion or a thought without the time investment a large book requires. Miniature books are a great way to turn small pieces of treasured paper, ephemera, and photographs into art.  It is easy to make multiple copies of miniature books and they make great gifts.

On the last day of class we’ll have a miniature book exchange in class so, not only will you learn 4 new structures, you’ll also leave with 3 books by other artists! The class that starts next Wednesday, April 10th is good for both beginners and advanced students. It is 4 weeks long and we’ll learn 4 book structures: an accordion with pop-up pages, a circle accordion with a ribbon binding, a double concertina with a split binding and baseball stitch bindings with variations. Each book will have a box or case especially for that design.

[Accordion fold book with pop-up pages comes in a paper box]

The class is Wednesdays 1:30-4:30 p.m. April 10th – May 1 and you can sign up here. If you’d rather call the Palo Alto Art Center, you can reach them at 650-463-4900 and give them the Class ID 72921. The class is filling up quickly, so call or register online soon!

~Ginger

http://www.gingerburrell.com

Today I went for my annual mammogram appointment. (Yes, ouch!) While I was in with the technician and she was, um, pressing the relevant parts, I suddenly started laughing. She told me that it is very unusual for someone to laugh during this process that everyone dreads.

What I didn’t tell her was that I suddenly had a vision of the book covers and finished books that I put under a lot of weight in my studio and leave overnight while they dry flat. I could just imagine those little sandwiches of paper saying “ow….” and then I took a moment to be grateful that I didn’t have to stay in this situation overnight!

A little levity never hurts and prevention is always a good thing. Are you or a loved one putting off this important medical screening? Please make your appointment soon!

~Ginger

http://www.gingerburrell.com