Book Lights

Book Lights

The Sunday Paper #306
April 5, 2020

Paper of the Week: Book Light

Times, they are a changing! I’ll be listing papers or paper objects each week until business gets back to normal, or a new normal. I created three of these book lights as samples for my upcoming online class Flexible Book Structures. These are available on my website in The Paper Shop. Thanks to those of you who made purchases last week!

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In the Studio:

I did it! On Friday, I submitted the manuscript for my next book to the publisher (Storey Books). The last two sections I worked on were an overview of the various types of paper crafts and the resource list. This picture shows about a third of my paper library, and it came in handy! I look forward to sharing details with you here as the book begins to come to life. The projected date of publication is August 2021.
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Papery Tidbits:

  • Have you had a chance to listen to my interview with Richard Flavin on Paper Talk?
  • Flexible Book Structures begins on April 15th. I sold out of supply kits but was able to put together a reduced kit that contains the hard stuff to source. I have four left, if you’d still like to join us (and you can also sign up and source your own supplies).

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Holy smokes! Look at this tea house constructed from 4000 origami units. The structure was designed by Tokyo-based architect Kazuya Katagiri who, with the help of designer Akinori Inuzuka, came up with a method of folding a large piece of washi paper into a single interlocking unit with 2 pockets and 2 arms. I wonder who repeated the task 4000 times!

As seen on Spoon & Tamago, photos by Takuya Watanabe


Earth Day is coming up later this month, and Vamp & Tramp Booksellers has curated a selection of artist’s books to celebrate the day. One of those featured is this collaborative book I made with Karen Kunc called LandEscape. Click through to read more and to see the other lovely books in the selection.
I enjoyed this smart article by John Yau about Chuck Webster’s new drawing and sculpture. His observations about Webster’s practice as it fits into a bigger picture are insightful. I don’t know for sure where the paper was made (I have an inkling) but I love how he documents and captures the process: “… the artist poured different layers of wet paper pulp onto the surface, then let each one dry before applying a different color. Each semi-transparent layer dries flat. The final work is a compressed record of all the different pours.”

As seen on Hyperallergic. Chuck Webster, “Storm Warnings” (2019), collage of drawings on handmade paper with paper pulp painting and watercolor, 58 x 39 inches.


I would love to visit this ‘botanical wall’ in the Netherlands, created by Minneapolis-based artist Ann Wood, who has created an international following for her incredibly lifelike re-creations of flowers, fruits and insects. She dissects real plants and then meticulously remakes them out of wood, wire and handmade paper, painstakingly reconstituting every detail.

From The Star Tribune: A botanical wall is on display at the Kunstmuseum in The Hague, Netherlands.


Paula Beardell Krieg writes a wonderful blog, Playful Bookbinding and Paper Works, filled with paper projects relating to math (don’t let that put you off)! Here’s a recent post for children staying at home looking for something to do.

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The News from Here:
I think I am over the shock of COVID-19 and am settling into my new routine. I’m embracing the new: last night I attended an online memorial for friend from long ago (it was so touching to share stories from those who spent time with him then and more recently). My husband and I had take-out date night from a local restaurant that created an experience: the proprietor made a video telling us about the cocktails, the wine and how to prepare the meal (there was no dessert though!).
On Wednesday, I participated in Alyson Stanfield’s Teaching Art Online Summit. I know that many professors and teachers are having to learn to teach online on the fly. I admire them, because I remember how nervous I was when I started out in 2017! Many independent artists have been asking me for advice in recent weeks. Alyson put together a group of six artists who teach online, and each of us shared our experience in a 15-minute session, which was followed by a 15-minute Q&A. You can still access the entire summit for $37 (that’s a steal for the 4+ hours of content). And full disclosure, I will receive an affiliate commission if you sign up (that’s a good thing).
Speaking of teaching online, I have been contemplating a summer course, because it looks like I might have to postpone the two master classes that will take place in my studio. The other day I had an idea (this is a signal that I am over the shock of COVID-19, which was distracting me). I’m going to offer a technique-based class in which we’ll be exploring ways to combine paper and light. Stay tuned!
Making a face mask is next on my list today! Remember to help out where you can (it feels good), and stay safe and healthy.

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Featured this week in my Studio shop:
Flexible Book Structures online class, Book Lights, The Papermakers Package, and Playing With Paper.
Flexible Book Structures Banner

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1 Comment

  1. Sally Blakemore says:

    Great stories of creative paper! Ann Wood is a real treat! Stay safe and congrats on it all!