paper works by paper nerds

New Project - Oil and Cotton Creative Exchannge

2010-09-14T06:35:00.000-07:00

hello friends! paper nerds is evolving. many of the classes, as well as new workshops are now being offered at Oil and Cotton. Thanks to all that have attended our workshops, shared their creativity and supported us!!!

more paper chandeliers...

2010-06-23T09:40:00.000-07:00

last friday's paper chandelier class was full of paper bits and sewing notions. thanks to all that came, especially the lidji family! for those of you that were unable to attend, we are teaching paper chandeliers (and screen printing) at bows and arrows. please contact alicia & adam if you would like to register. they are located in east dallas at 1925 greenville avenue.

BOWS AND ARROWS CLASS SCHEDULE:
June 30, 6-8 PAPER CHANDELIER $50
July 1, 6-8 DIY SCREEN PRINTING $60
July 21, 6-8 DIY SCREEN PRINTING $60
July 29, 6-8 PAPER CHANDELIER $50
August 11, 6-8 PAPER CHANDELIER $50
August 12, 6-8 DIY SCREEN PRINTING $60

...paper chandeliers...

2010-06-07T12:44:00.000-07:00

our next workshop is FULL. we are teaching the traditional craft of the pajaki, a paper chandelier.

these colorful examples of polish folk art have recently been popping up on many design blogs. our pal and local artist, shari suggested we add paper chandeliers to our workshop roster.

we may be teaching this class again, we will keep you posted.

DIY SCREEN PRINTING CLASS

2010-05-24T08:13:00.000-07:00

thanks to our very talented group of students, we had a great class. we were inspired by everyone's creative designs and exploration of this down and dirty printing technique...

summer workshop schedule...

2010-05-10T06:54:00.000-07:00

silk screen prints made with pennsylvania dutch folk art motiff

join us this summer!

if you would like to register for a class you may contact us @
shannondp(at)gmail.com or brewertl(at)gmail.com

may 23. diy silk screen printing. 1-4pm - $50 in advance-$55 at door
june 13. paper chandeliers (see above). 1-3pm - $40 in advance-$45 at door
june 19. at we are 1976! paper marbling 11-1pm - $65
july 18. paper making. 1-4pm - $80 in advance-$85 at door
july 25. felting w/ guest teacher lizzy wetzel 1-4pm - $65

polish paper chandeliers/mobiles, known as pajaki

paper marbling

2010-04-14T14:06:00.000-07:00

please join us for paper marbling:
swirls of color on beautiful papers...
april. 25. marbling (cost: $60 in advance, $65 at the door) 1pm to 3pm!!!

kozo and gampi

2010-03-31T08:52:00.000-07:00

we just received materials for our Japanese paper making class. Above are bundles of kozo and gampi...

basket class

2010-03-22T07:22:00.000-07:00

we had an amazing basket weaving class this weekend. jan was an excellent teacher and our students blew us away with their creativity and skill. THANKS to all that joined us!!!

coptic binding...

2010-03-02T18:57:00.000-08:00

we had a very sweet class this sunday. thanks so much for joining us. books were sewn and covered with lovely papers.

paper flower class @ we are 1976

2010-03-01T10:11:00.000-08:00

Join us on SATURDAY, MARCH 13th 11am-1pm for our PAPER FLOWER SCULPTURE
workshop at We Are 1976!!!

Learn to create paper flowers from recycled pages of vintage books. Students will produce
a bouquet composed of delicate paper flowers and branches found in nature. We will also demonstrate a technique used in paper conservation to tone paper in baths of acrylic paint and water. The dyed pages will be used to create brightly colored paper petals to contrast with the creamy colors of the old book pages. Students will also receive a gift wrapped present as well!

Workshop Costs $45 (All materials included.)
REGISTRATION REQUIRED. workshop@weare1976.com or 214-821-1976

coptic binding

2010-02-17T08:50:00.000-08:00

we still have room in the COPTIC BINDING workshop on february 28th from 1-4pm. all materials and tools will be provided. this class is $75 in advance and $80 at the door. please let us know if you would like to register!

students will learn link stitch sewing, how to cover boards, and how to attach board covers to the text block. this book has exposed sewing on the spine. tish ordered beautiful hand-dyed thread for the sewing. we will use an assortment of decorative papers to cover the hard board covers of the book.

coptic binding refers to methods of bookbinding developed by early christians in egypt, the copts, and used from as early as the 2^nd century ad to the 11^th century. the term is also used to describe modern bindings sewn in the same style.

basket weaving!!!

2010-02-08T14:07:00.000-08:00

we are very excited to announce our first basket weaving class!!! we are honored to have guest instructor jan schmidt as a visiting teacher on MARCH 21, 2010 from 10:00am to 4:00pm.

you can learn more about Jan and to see examples of her baskets here.
www.basketsbyjan.net

in this workshop we will learn to weave a 13" x 8" x 12" market basket with handle. this basket has a solid woven bottom with a solid wood handle that is woven in, making for a very strong basket. we will wrap the handle for a finished look. multiple color choices will be available.

the cost of the class is $35 dollars in advance and $40 at the door. registration is limited and there are many people that expressed great interest in joining, so early registration in HIGHLY recommended. please forward to others that might be interested!!!

paper sculpture...

2010-02-01T15:04:00.000-08:00

we had a super class this past sunday. the studio was filled with old paper, branches, and birds. thanks to the great participants! thanks to elizabeth for making the woven bird! it is nice to learn something new from our students.

printed paper...

2009-11-16T08:33:00.000-08:00

here are some examples of the lovely prints made during our workshop this weekend. thanks to the talented artists that attended!

go:::gocco:::go

2009-10-21T13:29:00.000-07:00

gocco prints and diy screen printing:
make cards and gift tags for the holiday season...
nov. 15. gocco prints and diy screen printing (cost: $95 in advance, $100 at the door-class limit of 6). these postcards were silk screen printed during our last workshop...

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

2009-10-06T09:56:00.000-07:00

paper lanterns:
just in time for a spooky halloween, or a festive thanksgiving...
oct.25. paper lanterns (cost: $40 in advance, $45 at the door)
the above lanterns are almost finished...
gocco prints and diy screen printing:
make cards and gift tags for the holiday season...
nov. 15. gocco prints and diy screen printing (cost: $95 in advance, $100 at the door-class limit of 6). these postcards were silk screen printed during our last workshop...
pulp ornaments and paper stars:
for decorating your tree and making packages pretty...
dec. 6. pulp ornaments and paper stars (cost: $35 in advance, $40 at the door)
paper sculptures:
make paper flowers and explore 3-dimensional paper objects...
jan. 31. paper sculptures (cost: $40 in advance, $45 at the door)
coptic binding:
explore this beautiful exposed sewing book structure...
feb. 28. coptic binding (cost: $75 in advance, $80 at the door)

flip books: SEE AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST (we will make more advanced books, just playinb around in the video below!
ANIMATION is fun...
march 28. flip books (cost: $35 in advance, $40 at the door)
marbling:
swirls of color on beautiful papers...
april. 25. marbling (cost: $60 in advance, $65 at the door)
screen printing and stamping:
learn to screen fabric and paper...easy and fun!
may 23. screen printing and stamping ($50 in advance, $55 at the door)

homemade

2009-10-06T08:14:00.000-07:00

the diy beauty products class was super. we love our coconut and lavender deodorant!

dallas observer best of award!!!

2009-10-06T07:58:00.000-07:00

Best Way to Find Your Inner Artist

Art shouldn't be scary. Even if a person hasn't been creative since preschool finger-painting, making art (granted, not necessarily good art) can be as easy as making a beautiful piece of paper or printing a simple design. The owners and proprietors of The Center for Art Conservation, Shannon Driscoll Phillips and Tish Brewer, want to share the joy of creation, one fun workshop at a time. Through their Paper Works by Paper Nerds series, the paper conservators and paper artists aim to "promote the exploration of paper art and craft" through hands-on lessons on cyanotypes, fold books, long-stitch binding, collage, paper ornaments, paste paper and marbling, silk-screen printing and more. Prices range from $30 to $95 for a four-hour class, and the proof that anyone can be an artist is in the pretty paper.

Dallas Observer, September 2009

flag books

2009-08-24T07:45:00.000-07:00

we had a super class this weekend. thanks to all who attended. above is a pretty in pink flag book.
welcome to my tee-pee...
tee-pee interior...
asian inspired flag book
the beginning of a flag book...pre-flags.
snails and scales...

new workshops...

2009-08-18T06:36:00.000-07:00

FLAG BOOKS!!!
aug. 23 (cost: $45 in advance, $50 at the door)

because homemade is better...
sept. 20. homemade beauty products (cost: $60 in advance, $65 at the door)

just in time for a spooky halloween, or a festive thanksgiving...
oct.25. paper lanterns (cost: $40 in advance, $45 at the door)

make cards and gift tags for the holiday season...
nov. 15. gocco prints and diy screen printing
(cost: $95 in advance, $100 at the door-class limit of 6)

for decorating your tree and making packages pretty...
dec. 6. pulp ornaments and paper stars (cost: $35 in advance, $40 at the door)

!!!FLAG BOOKS!!!

2009-08-11T08:38:00.000-07:00

flag books look complicated and intricate, but they are simple to make. please join us on sunday, august 23 from 1 to 4ish. $45 in advance, $50 at the door. email or call if you would like to register for this class!

cut and paste...

2009-08-03T08:39:00.000-07:00

we had a great class this weekend. above is an envelope book with hard covers...
lovely fold books...
paper business card holders...
envelope and fold book with marbled papers
business card holder...

envelope and fold books workshop

2009-07-27T17:26:00.000-07:00

our up coming workshop will explore fold and envelope book structures. the variations are endless and the opportunity for creativity is boundless. here are a few samples of what we will make. above and below are triangle fold books made with paste paper hardcovers...
open triangle books....
make a business card holder with lovely papers...
these little books make super cute gifts and organizers for ephemera, cards, and keepsakes.

gocco and diy silk screen printing...

2009-07-22T12:06:00.001-07:00

tish printed this card...
a group of shannon's tee pee post cards...silk screen printed!
kim's gocco book plates...
drying rack...
tee-pee clothing for kids...
tempest's gocco design...
cool class...

go:::gocco:::go

2009-06-16T10:14:00.000-07:00

print gocco is a japanese color screenprinting system developed in 1977 by noboru hayama. resembling a toy, the compact and self-contained printer is clean, quick and easy to use. at one time, nearly every third household in japan owned a gocco. In the 1990’s, print gocco slowly started to develop a following in the indi-craft movement, gaining notoriety as a cost-effective and efficient method of printing multiples. in 2005, just as gocco seemed to be building momentum in the west, the plug was pulled. riso corp.-the parent company of print gocco, claimed a sharp decrease in sales due to increased use of home computers was to blame.

but die hard fans of gocco have kept the dream alive. we invite you to celebrate the gocco with us on july 19th from 1-4. the cost of the class is $95.00 in advance or $100.00 at the door. each student will be provided with a screen, inks, and tons of paper. students will be allowed to print multiples of a design on heavy stock paper...gocco factory style.

we will also explore other printing techniques as well.

check out this website to learn more!

http://www.savegocco.com/what-is-gocco/

blueprints = cyantoypes = yay!!!

2009-06-08T08:35:00.000-07:00

photogram on cotton created by jennifer d.

photogram

cyanotype workshop!!!!!!
date: sunday 14 june 2009
1:00 am - 4:00 pm

cost: $95 in advance, $100 at the door
cost includes all materials, chemicals, and notes. priority will be given to those who register early. please email us to register.
the cyanotype process:
the cyanotype process, also known as the blueprint process, was first introduced by john herschel in 1842 and has remained virtually unchanged since its invention.
class objective:
the class will introduce students to the history of the cyanotype process. students will learn how to mix chemicals to make sensitizing solutions and application techniques for coating various papers, fabric, and wood (experimentation is encouraged). images may be created from film, transparencies and/or glass plate negatives. photograms may be created with botanical specimens, feathers, lace, stencils, and other objects (no film, camera, or negatives needed for photograms). most of the class will take place outside, as sunlight will be used to expose the cyanotypes.
this workshop is adaptable for participants of all ages and levels of experience.

flour paste + paper = fiesta!!!

2009-06-08T08:08:00.000-07:00

cynthia's alien pinata...
amanda's paper peony
john's skull and other creations
what, what...
skull!
tish's color explotion

pinata

2009-06-01T08:07:00.000-07:00

come kick off the start of summer with paper nerds!

our next workshop is sunday june 7 from 1 to 4 PM. we'll be making super awesome fun pinatas, and the cost is only $40. please let us know if you'd like to register and we'll put you on the list. all ages are welcome. we hope to see you soon!

other upcoming classes:
June 14. Cyanotypes (cost: $95, class limit of 6)
July 19. Gocco Prints/Screen Prints (cost: $95, class limit of 6)
August 2. Pocket & Envelope Books (cost: $55)
August 23. Flag Books (cost: $45)

To register email us:
Tish Brewer: brewertl@gmail.com
Shannon Phillips: shannondp@gmail.com

summer class schedule

2009-04-28T07:37:00.000-07:00

please join us for these amazing summer classes!

long stitch books may 14th 6:30-8pm - $75
pinatas!!! june 7th 1-4pm- $40
cyanotypes june 14th 1-4pm - $95
gocco printing (class limited to 6) july 19th 1-4pm - $95
pocket and fold books august 2nd 1-4pm - $55
flag books august 23rd - $45

CYANOTYPES!!!

2009-04-20T09:33:00.001-07:00

cyanotype printed from a doolie during our last workshop

cyanotype workshop
date: sunday 3rd may 2009
1:00 am - 4:00 pm

cost: $95 in advance, $100 at the door
cost includes all materials, chemicals, and notes. priority will be given to those who register early. please email us to register.

the cyanotype process:
the cyanotype process, also known as the blueprint process, was first introduced by john herschel in 1842 and has remained virtually unchanged since its invention.

class objective:
the class will introduce students to the history of the cyanotype process. students will learn how to mix chemicals to make sensitizing solutions and application techniques for coating various papers, fabric, and wood (experimentation is encouraged). images may be created from film, transparencies and/or glass plate negatives. photograms may be created with botanical specimens, feathers, lace, stencils, and other objects (no film, camera, or negatives needed for photograms). most of the class will take place outside, as sunlight will be used to expose the cyanotypes.

because of the small class sizes, this workshop is adaptable for participants of all ages and levels of experience. there will be lots of one-on-one coaching.

instructor:
tish brewer is a paper conservator interested in historic printing processes and forgeries. she has spent the last few years in several places around the globe, dreaming of ways to mix her two loves of art and science. she is very happy to have returned once again to her longtime home of texas.

please email if you have any questions...
brewertl@gmail.com.com

cyanotype flags in our studio...

paste + paint + paper = pretty

2009-04-20T09:27:00.000-07:00

paste papers made during our last workshop. thanks to the folks that helped us make a mess that resulted in lovely creations.

:::paste paper & marbling:::april 16th:::

2009-04-06T20:44:00.000-07:00

found on flickr. click on the image to see more examples of paste papers...

please join us on april 16th @ 6:30 and explore art of paste papers and paper marbling. the cost is $50 and the class is limited to 6 participants.

paste papers are one of the earliest methods used to decorate paper. from the late 16th century through to the 18th century they were predominately used as book covers and as endsheets. today, paste papers continue to be used in book binding, but may be used as wrapping papers and for various paper crafts.

papers decorated with paste, inks, and paints display a wide ranging amount of complexity and skill level. they may be printed with designs, decorated with freehand brush strokes, or drawn with some tool directly on the colored, paste-covered surface of the paper. click here to learn more and to see examples.

the origin and development of marbling was practiced in japan as early as the 12th century. the first forms of japanese marbling were called suminagashi, or ink floating. delicate, swirled patterns were produced on paper when colors of ink were floated on the surface of the water. the artist would drop circles of black and indigo blue ink into the water, then blow on the surface of the water to produce smoke-like patterns. participants will have the opportunity to marble greeting cards, envelopes, bookmarks, gift tags, and paper scraps. click here to see more!

gum bichromates

2009-03-24T14:07:00.000-07:00

photo by Karl Gerling

Please join us on April 5th @ 1:00 and explore the photographic process of gum bichromates. Gum bichromate (or dichromate) is a photographic printing process that involves creating a working emulsion made of:

gum arabic
a dichromate (usually ammonium or potassium)
pigment

The light sensitive emulsion is spread on paper and allowed to dry. Negatives or objects (in the case of a photogram) are then laid on the coated paper and exposed to a UV light source. The light source will harden the dichromate in proportion to the densities of the negative. After exposure, the paper is washed in a series of water baths and allowed to develop until the unhardened portions of the emulsion have dissipated. Voila!

Participants will learn to mix chemicals, coat papers, and print from negatives/transparencies, and how to make photograms. Folks will also receive an instruction packet, a frame for printing, and paper.

tania kaufmann collage

2009-03-23T13:17:00.000-07:00

tania just sent this image of her completed collage. the collage workshop introduced participants to various archival adhesives. très bon!

veggies + light = nice

2009-03-23T08:41:00.001-07:00

here are examples of paper made during our last workshop. thanks to the very creative and kind folks that participated and thanks to fiesta market for their amazing produce!
beets, apples, leeks and carrots...
apples...i really love this piece.
peas in a pod (carrots and leeks)
beets and carrots...

paper marbling revisited

2009-03-19T13:01:00.000-07:00

due to popular demand we are offering the paper marbling workshop once again! please join us at our up coming marbling workshop on thursday evening, march 26th from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. participants will have the opportunity to marble greeting cards, envelopes, bookmarks, gift tags, and paper scraps. the cost of the workshop is just $45.00 in advance or $50 at the door.

vegetable papers

2009-03-05T12:38:00.000-08:00

the next workshop is sunday, march 15th from 1:00 to 4:00. we will be making various vegetable and fruit papers. learn to prepare vegetables and fruits and how to dry and flatten sheets of paper.

adhesives + papers = collage

2009-03-02T08:18:00.000-08:00

thanks to the amazing group of folks that attended the collage workshop. this is an updated schedule of upcoming workshops...

February 26. Mixed Media Collage (cost: $40)
March 15. Vegetable Papers (cost: $75, class limited to 6)
March 26. Paper Marbling (cost: $45, class limited to 7)
April 5. Gum Bichromates (cost: $95, class limited to 6)
April 16. Paste Papers (cost: $50, class limited to 6)
May 3. Cyanotypes (cost: $95, class limited to 6)
May 14. Long Stitch Binding (cost: $75, class limited to 8)

more collage...

2009-02-17T10:05:00.000-08:00

detail of a collage made by tish...
little guys...
scary and sweet...
sharpie drawing...
miniature book with mini collages...
pages from an old book were dyed...
and the colored pages were cut...
and pasted into...
a miniature book entitled "pong".

2009-02-16T16:02:00.000-08:00

The next workshop is just around the corner on Thursday, February 26th from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. The cost is $40.00. Come explore the art of collage. We will experiment with different adhesives (PVA, wheat starch paste, Lascaux, and methyl cellulose). You will learn to make wheat starch paste and methyl cellulose. We will provide decorative papers, paper ephemera, tools, and other art materials. Participants are encouraged to bring materials and supplies.

Check out these amazing and inspiring collage artists:

http://gracialouise.typepad.com/high_up_in_the_trees/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dollfacedesign_etsy/2328050404/
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5281666
http://www.collageart.org/links/

miniature book factory...

2009-02-09T09:39:00.001-08:00

good things come in small books...

:::miniature book workshop:::february 8, 2009:::

2009-01-27T11:12:00.000-08:00

this is just a sample of the sweet little books that we will make during the miniature book workshop. pictured above and below are accordion books, ring books, price tag books, and match books. we will be sure to have paper in shades of love for valentine's day. the class time is from 1-4:00 and the cost is $50.00. the class is just around the corner, so register soon!!!

the long and short of it...

2009-01-26T07:57:00.000-08:00

we had a talented group of students attend our thursday evening long stitch workshop. above is deanne's lovely creation. the next workshop is a miniature book class and it is just around the corner on sunday, february 8th from 1:00 to 4:00. the cost is $50.00. learn to make sweet little books of love for your Valentine. we will make match books, fold books, accordion books, price tag books, ring books, and many more!!! yay for pink and red!!!
we will post examples of miniature books this week, so check back...

get creative in the new year...

2009-01-07T12:19:00.000-08:00

check out this post on the kera art&seek blog. paper nerds gets a shout out and lydia provides a list of opportunities to learn and explore art and craft!

:::long stitch workshop:::january 22, 2008:::

2009-01-05T08:44:00.000-08:00

our next workshop is on thursday, january 22nd from 6:30 to 8:30 (EVENING CLASS!!!). learn to sew a historic binding with a soft cover and exposed stitching on the spine. this is a nonadhesive structure. you will also have the opportunity to learn to sew a chain stitch for spine and cover decoration. this binding structure is appropriate for a journal, address book, or artist's book.

Please take note of our 2009 classes:
January 22, Long Stitch Binding
February 8, Miniature Books
February 26, Mixed Media Collage
March 15, Vegetable Papers
April 5, Gum Bichromates

marbling masters...

2008-12-07T15:52:00.000-08:00

marbling materials spread out on our large work table...
old paper pulled from a book...
marbled text pages...
purple!
bookmarks and note cards...
alice in wonderland...
a feather was used to swirl the dye floating on the surface of the water...
happy folks...

paper marbling workshop

2008-11-21T09:44:00.000-08:00

the origin and development of marbling was practiced in japan as early as the 12th century. the first forms of japanese marbling were called suminagashi, or ink floating. delicate, swirled patterns were produced on paper when colors of ink were floated on the surface of the water. the artist would drop circles of black and indigo blue ink into the water, then blow on the surface of the water to produce smoke-like patterns. please join us at our up coming marbling workshop on december 7th from 1:00 to 4:00. participants will have the opportunity to marble greeting cards, envelopes, bookmarks, gift tags, and paper scraps. the cost of the workshop is just $45.00.

private classes

2008-11-17T09:16:00.000-08:00

paper nerds is now offering private lessons to groups. we provide supplies, instruction, and fun. classes are customized to fit your needs. we can come to you or you can come to us. groups of folks interested in learning paper craft may contact us to learn more!

gift cards for paper nerds classes...

2008-11-17T09:04:00.000-08:00

paper nerds now has gift cards available for workshops and classes. each card has a unique scrap of paper attached and comes in a hand stamped envelope. contact us if you are interested in giving the gift of craft to someone special this holiday season.

star gazing

2008-11-17T07:39:00.001-08:00

this is an example of a woven paper star made at our workshop this past sunday.
strips of paper used to weave the star ornaments...
folks put their production skills to work. the studio was transformed into a star factory.
a family of star makers...
students weaving away...

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

2008-11-06T08:14:00.000-08:00

we look forward to seeing you at these upcoming workshops!

december 7. paper marbling (cost: $45, class limited to 6)
january 22. long stitch binding (cost: $75, class limited to 7)
february 8. miniature books (cost: $50)
february 26. mixed media collage (cost: $40)
march 15. vegetable papers (cost: $75, class limited to 6)
april 5. gum bichromates (cost: $95, class limited to 6)

to register email or call 214.827.0200
brewertl@gmail.com
shannondp@gmail.com

paper ornaments

2008-10-29T14:11:00.001-07:00

we are offering a paper ornament making class on november 16th from 1:00 to 3:30. learn to make lovely ornaments to decorate the tree, embellish packages, or to give as gifts. The cost is just $30!!! we will post photos of other ornaments soon...so check back!

sewn boards binding...

2008-10-27T07:31:00.000-07:00

we had a great book binding class this week. it was amazing to see participants whip out these very lovely books in such a short amount of time...
exotic...
frenchy...
smoking jacket...

sewn boards binding:::october 26:::1-4pm

2008-09-30T09:28:00.000-07:00

the sewn boards structure is a non-adhesive binding. the structure allows for a flat opening, making it ideal for use as a guest book, sketch book, or journal. the sewn boards binding has it's origins in the coptic-style, unsupported bindings of northern africa. this workshop is a great introduction to sewn textblocks. the cost of the workshop, including materials, is $75.00. if you would like to sign up please contact us asap, as we have limited this class to six participants.

above is a detail shot of the book opening...
the top (or head) of three books...
another detail image of the opening of the book...

in the fold...

2008-09-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

last night was our first evening class. we had an extremely creative group of folks that brought super ideas. above is nicole's tribute to phil collins.
this is a snappy polaroid photo album.
julie's belly dancing book.
tres cool...
a pow-wow match book notepad.
a creative couple at work...
bruce's black book...

workshop schedule 2008

2008-09-18T07:42:00.000-07:00

below is our workshops through the end of 2008.

october 26.:: sewn boards binding
november 16.:: handmade christmas ornaments
december 7.:: paper marbling

we are taking registrations now for all upcoming workshops, so get your spaces while they last!

accordion books

2008-08-28T14:06:00.001-07:00

the boards of this accordion book are covered with an old map...
the text block was made with mylar. the paste down pockets are stitched shut with lavender embroidery thread...
the text block sheet was folded to form pockets...
empty pockets...
pockets with botanical contents...
pretty...
the square in the center was scored and pealed away to create some depth...
two different papers were pasted together to form the text block...
nice...
vintage wrapping paper was used to create this mini-book. it is tiny and sweet!
tish used neat leaf printed paper for this text block.
the boards were covered with a map...
tish's collection of mini books...tiny like us....

happy campers...

2008-08-17T18:49:00.000-07:00

happy campers making dream catchers...thanks to all of the nice folks that attended camp this sunday...
holly's bright creation...
john's happy mistake...
camp counselor shem giving guidance...
multicolored god's eye...
safety pin jewelry...
dream catchers and painted rocks...

...are you packed for camp?

2008-08-07T14:18:00.000-07:00

today we gathered supplies to prepare for the summer camp craft workshop. feathers for dream catchers...
this is a sample of our new stash of yarns...
above is a detail of a god's eye made with striped yarn and chop sticks (created by the talented tish).
we are officially addicted. the studio and our rear view mirrors are dripping with dream catchers. i like tish's ghetto gypsy interpretation...the image doesn't really do it justice. i made her give it to me!fallen angel...
dreamy...

barbie dream catcher

2008-07-25T11:03:00.001-07:00

camp counselor shem just sent these images of her amazing hula hoop dream catcher. and it's PINK!!!

summer camp crafts workshop

2008-07-25T05:45:00.000-07:00

the upcoming paper nerds workshop is dedicated to SUMMER CAMP CRAFTS! this is a great way to celebrate the end of summer. shem bedos is our guest camp counselor. she is an expert dream catcher fabricator and she has been known to make huge dream catchers with HULA HOOPS...woah!

SUMMER CAMP CRAFTS
AUGUST 17, 2008
1:00 - 4:00
$40.00

what you will learn:
you will learn how to construct a dreamy dream catcher with willow branches, thread, feathers and beads; god's eye's (ojo de dios) with colorful yarn and sticks; colorful beads made from junk mail and paper scraps; paper pin wheels; beaded safety pin jewelry; and more!

all materials and tools will be provided, as well as instructions and notes to take home, but you are welcome to bring your own crafty supplies.

materials provided:
yarn, thread, cord, and leather
willow branches
feathers
beads
paper and paper scraps
safety pins
pop cycle sticks
tons of art supplies (color pencils, paints, pastels, etc.)

Please contact us to register as soon as possible as space is limited!

books and more books

2008-07-21T08:49:00.000-07:00

the japanese sewn binding workshop was super. we look forward to offering additional book binding workshops in the future.

japanese sewn bindings

2008-07-15T14:55:00.001-07:00

our intern made this sweet little book. the design is inspired by composition notebooks. we will see you at the workshop this sunday...

welcome, bienvenido, velkommen...

2008-07-02T09:34:00.000-07:00

welcome to our shiny new paper nerds blog. this site will be a forum for sharing information about our creative workshops. here, you will find images of art, handiwork, crafts and the folks that create them. to learn about our past workshops go here.
japanese binding workshop:
our next workshop is a book binding workshop...

what you will learn:
you will learn how to construct a japanese sewn book. pouch books are so called because their pages, folded at the fore edge and sewn at the back edge, form pouches, but their japanese name translates simply as 'for hole'.

all materials necessary to create the basic book structure will be provided, as well as instructions and notes to take home. paper nerds will provide a variety of decorative papers and materials to decorate to book, but you are welcome to bring your own!

the japanese sewn binding workshop will be on july 20, from 1:00-4:30. the cost for the workshop (including materials) is $55.00. the number of participants is limited to 6. priority will be given to those who register early. Please email us to register and to receive more information.
You will fold paper for your text block, cut decorative paper for the cover, make koyori for the inner binding, punch holes with an awl, sew, and viola! above is a detail of the sewn corner.
A detail of a cloud that i painted on the back cover. Visit this website for more information about the tradition of Japanese bookbinding.
a paper cloud applique' was sewn with a blanket stitch to cover...sweet!