Bookmaking with Karen Hanmer

Three book blocks, waiting to be finished

Last weekend I was lucky enough to take two bookmaking workshops with book artist Karen Hanmer, who was visiting the San Francisco Center for the Book from Chicago. Not only is Karen a great instructor and book artist, she's also funny and loves Star Trek and who doesn't love someone that can compare binding to Star Trek?

Drum leaf binding

Link stitch binding with sewn on boards

In the first workshop we made three books: a drum leaf binding, which requires no sewing, and two link stitched books with sewn boards. We also got to learn and experiment with edge decorating.

In the second workshop we learned the pyramid book structure, which is just amazing. It can be viewed page by page like a 'normal' book, or flat (it's double sided), or it can be stood up in a number of different ways to be viewed in a more sculptural manner. 

A pyramid book starts with a triangle

After my practice book, I decided to make a pyramid book out of wrapping paper with skeletons on one side and a map of the world on the other. I didn't cut all my paper at the right angle so the pages on this book don't line up perfectly but, it's just the first one of many pyramid books I'll be making in the future.

A Finished Knitted Piece--For the First Time Ever!

Just look at those finished ends, no needles attached

So, a friend of mine taught me to knit years ago, back in high school. But, at that time, it just wasn't my thing, it took too long to get a result. Then, when I was living in Savannah, Georgia, and was working Saturdays in the Tours Office at the Savannah College of Art and Design, the admissions rep I worked with showed me how to knit so we could better pass the time (this was a bit before you could spend an entire day on Facebook and YouTube). Finally, over Thanksgiving, I bought some yarn and needles at The Websters in Ashland, Oregon, thinking that I could get a decent amount of knitting done on the 5 hour drive back to San Francisco. Alas, that drive resulted in only a few inches of scarf, but, I have stuck with the project and this afternoon, I finished it! Don't get my wrong, the scarf is a bit too short for my liking and is full of holes, but I'm still proud!

Nice Ceiling

Sometimes on Sundays my husband and I head down the street to get homemade veggie burgers at the Sea Breeze Cafe. The restaurant isn't fancy but it has good food and a great ceiling!