January 25 is the birthday of the Scottish poet Robert Burns. To celebrate the day, I wrote out one of his poems. Although I now do most of my writing on the computer, it is still satisfying to put pen (or marker) to paper.
When I did calligraphy, making leaf borders was something I enjoyed. I first learned how in Writing & Illuminating & Writing by Edward Johnston. Here are some modified directions:
I was looking for a bookmark for a book I was reading and decided that I would make one and then use it to keep a record of the books I read. It's easy. All you need is paper (each sheet gives you 4 bookmarks and used paper with writing on one side is fine), a hole punch, and some twist ties. I write the title and author on the front of the book before I start reading the book. After I'm finished, I write about the book on the back: sometimes a summary, whether I liked the book or not, what I liked best, why I chose to read the book, etc. I haven't done a very good job of it but I'd recommend also writing the date. If you keep doing it, it will be fun to look back and see when you read the book.
When I enter a library, I see a rainbow of hands reaching across time and space to offer me knowledge, wisdom, and inspiration.
I am working on a handmade book that will be displayed at and used as the introductory image to a talk I am giving at the South Carolina School Library Association Conference in March. On the panels of the accordion I will be writing the names of authors through time and around the world.
There is room for 288 names. I welcome your suggestions, from you as individuals or from your class. I am looking for both children's and adult authors. I'd love suggestions of authors from other countries as my experience is primarily with English and American authors.
In addition to the image being used in the talk, it will also be posted on my blog. There will be an accompanying pdf with the names of all the authors.
To participate: please comment to this post with your recommendation of author(s) and a sentence or two describing why you think (s)he should be included and your name so credit can be given.
I was so pleased to take part in the Revels Twelfth Night Celebration at St. John's Church in Watertown, MA on Sunday. In addition to singing, dancing, a mummers play, and Morris Dancing, and a visit from Father Christmas, there was a craft activity on stage. This year it was making a wish book for the new year. I was so pleased when the Revels accepted my offer to lead the session as I have been a long-time attendee and have always wished there were some way to be involved. My singing voice, or lack thereof, makes trying out for the chorus not a possibility.
We made a simple hot dog booklet out of recycled paper with writing on one side only and added a yarn and bead loop and tie so that it could be hung. Then the real fun began as the children used markers and papers from the collage box to decorate their books. There were some amazingly intent workers. Some spent about an hour at the table.
I loved the creative hum of the children with songs and music in the background. And then to see their lively creations! A wonderful way to close the Christmas season and welcome in the new year.
Now Christmas is past, Twelfth Night is the last To the Old Year adieu, Great joy to the new.
Today is Carl Sandburg's birthday. To celebrate, I am sharing a book I made years ago with photos of my young son illustrating the wonderful closing lines of Sky Pieces.
The complete poem by Carl Sandburg: Proudly the fedoras march on the heads of the some- what careless men. Proudly the slouches march on the heads of the still more careless men. Proudly the panamas perch on the noggins of dapper debonair men. Comically somber the derbies gloom on the earnest solemn noodles. And the sombrero, most proud, most careless, most dapper and debonair of all, somberly the sombrero marches on the heads of important men who know what they want. Hats are sky-pieces; hats have a destiny; wish your hat slowly; your hat is you.
A more recent adaptation made for my friend Trudy who makes hats:
susangaylord.com Everything that's here AND MORE. Giveaways and posts about my art and celebrations of the seasons.
Making handmade books has been an important part of my life for over twenty years. Here I share simple books, often based on traditional forms from different cultures. I use recycled materials and keep the process as simple as possible—no rulers allowed here. I believe we are all creative beings. I encourage you to celebrate that creativity with books of your own.
Handmade Books For A Healthy Planet
Sixteen Earth-Friendly Projects From Around The World
