Handmade Books and Journals Class

My friend Karen and I took a class Tuesday night called "Handmade Books and Journals" - taught by Kathy Vincent (gallery.webfresco.com/) It was one of the greatest experiences involving art I've had in a long time. We had the most perfect day! We indulged in all my favorite things - hers too, which was really amazing. We left work at noon, went to a fun and very good restaurant for lunch, then to Borders bookstore where I bought the new issue of "Artful Blogging" by Somerset Studios with Laura Frankstone's article in it (YEAH!! Laura) (http://laurelines.typepad.com/). Karen also bought me the new issue of "Where Women Create", also by Somerset Studios, with Mary Engelbreit on the cover! What a sweet and thoughtful friend she is. She said it was to help me with gas, and I wanted to argue, I did argue a little, but I was so excited to think of getting TWO fantastic art magazines that I was quick to relent before she changed her mind - Then of course I gave her a great big hug and thanked her profusely.

After Border's we were off to our class - the class was at Iggy's Art Supply(http://iggysartsupply.com/). Boy, were we in for a treat!! I found that they carry Caran d'Ache Neocolor II watercolor crayons OPEN STOCK!!! along with a lot of different pencils, pens, etc., all available as open stock. What a great store this is! I will visit many more times. Now about our class...

My very first book - pamphlet stitch, with one section

Below is the second book I made - I'm not crazy about the size and shape, but it might be good for landscape sketches if turned sideways. I like the binding on this book very much - it's still a pamphlet stitch, but with 4 sections and slits cut into the spine.

Thank you Kathy Vincent for a fun and worthwhile class! I enjoyed it so much! Please visit Kathy's website and take a look at her beautiful art.

I have so much more to share - I hope you aren't tired of reading - I've been busy with art lately and I can't wait to tell you all about it...

Above are some new supplies I bought at Iggy's:

new Caran d'Ache crayons to add to my collection, 2 Design Ebony Pencils, Titanium White Maimeri Gouache, an eraser, and last but not least my first Faber Castell Albrecht Durer watercolor pencils. I went back to Iggy's today because I liked it so much Tuesday! Lookout pocketbook - I've got it bad.

I don't know if you remember, but I made this pact/rule for myself in May that I would not buy any more art supplies or books for one year. Well, I cannot keep that rule - it was made to be broken - life without new books or art supplies I find quite dull. I am trying...but...who can resist a new art supply store with open stock supplies - who I ask you???? And who can resist a used book sale, or a 40% off coupon to Borders - not me, not me, my friend. I am not that strong. In the words of Henry Ward Beecher, "Where is human nature so weak as in the bookstore?" That also applies to art supply stores I believe.

Speaking of books: I found this one in a used book sale last week

The copyright date is 1964. It's a little pocket size "golden handbook" and the price is $1.00. With 160 pages, it's a really good reference on the "techniques of handling oil, watercolor and casein. It's in very good condition - I could not resist.

I will have to post more tomorrow - it's way past my bedtime and I have to work tomorrow. Until then dear friends...