Susan Moor - Codex Amiatinus

During the October Quarto meeting we were also lucky enough to have a talk from Susan who is an amazingly talented calligrapher, she was commissioned by Sunderland University and St Peter's Church, in Monkwearmouth to reproduce two pages from the Codex Amiatinus Saxon Bible which was originally produced at St Peter's.

To read more about it and to visit the Church click here

Quarto October meeting

Well I was back off to Sunderland last week to the October meeting of Quarto - the Book Arts group I joined back in July. A bit daunting this time as I had to make my first book!!

We'd also invited another Book group called 'Bound to be Good' to visit us for the day. They are an offshoot from Calderdale Scribes.

The theme for the book swap was Windows and Apertures so I had decided to create a Tunnel Book that would have a window looking out onto one of my favourite views - Glastonbury Tor. Now this was the first tunnel book I'd made so it's a bit rough but I guess you've got to start somewhere (right??!!)









Well, as it's a swap group my Glastonbury Book went to Barbara from the 'Bound' group, I hope she likes it!!

I received a fanastic book from Anne - who loves all things Christmas!!







Everyone also brought along their previous books which had been made over the years, it was great to see such a varied and individual collection and truly inspiring. Everyone has such different styles and interests so even when you follow the same theme the books are very unique.

We also managed to sqeeze in making a book, thanks to Margaret Beech for this demonstration and providing all the paper. It was a really quick book to make but unusual in the rolled spine that you end up with. Starting with a sheet of A3 paper (although any size would do) you score folds and cut along a couple of lines, ending up with a the result below, we punched a couple of holes and tied ribbon through just to keep the spine rolled up. Brilliant!






The next meeting is in January and our book swap theme is 'Season's' so I'm busy thinking on that now!!

Lively Letters & Contemporary Calligraphy

This was the theme for our October meeting - with fabulous tutor, Sue Simpson!









We started the day practising in pencil with pressure release, loosening up our writing style and experimenting with bouncing letters and words around. Sue explained that she had developed this informal and lively style over time and it was actually odd to try to structure it into a more formal workshop - so much of this writing is personal style, preference and individual taste so it's not like learning a formal script at all.



Trying to organise the rabble for a photograph!! Bernice managed to sneak out before I'd got my camera ready so she's missing from the pic!



Sue's work is shown below - these are cards that she produces and sells, quirky and individual and a perfect gift.

Meeting Saturday 10th Oct

Our next meeting is coming up this Saturday, and it's going to be a good session with our tutor, Sue Simpson, looking at 'Lively Letters & Contemporary Calligraphy'

Sue is the founder member and honorary President for North Yorkshire Calligraphers, I first met her years ago on a weekend course back when I was about 13 (far too long ago now!!) She is totally inspirational - overcoming worsening eyesight to continue with her profession. Have a look at her site for recent examples of work here

Hopefully the newer members will be returning for their taste of a tutor workshop with the group.

I'll be taking the camera so photos will be up early next week!

North Yorkshire Calligraphers - Exhibition

The North Yorkshire Calligraphers have an exhibition this month at Ripon Cathedral 'Inspired by Words'

It runs from now until the end of October - click here for details

Long and Link Stitch book

Well it seems this summer I haven't got much calligraphy done but I'm really enjoying developing my books skills. A while ago I'd bought some bits of suede and leather so I thought it was about time I made a practise book using one of the bits.

Here are the four pieces I have - I've also got a button to go with each which will act as the fastener for the wrap around cover



I've got 8 signatures going into the book - four holes on the spine so 2 signatures share a hole.



Book pieces assembled, measured and cut ready to put together.



I've used a Long and Link stitch for the binding, natural colour linen thread which looks good against the blue material



This is how the inside looks - just plain paper for the pages but torn on a couple of edges to give a rougher look



I had fun making this book - the first long/link stitch one I'd made since my weekend course back in May, I wasn't sure how much I'd remember but the notes that Michael had done were a great reference.

Now I've got three pieces left to practise with some more. Not sure if I'll use the same binding or try something different!

Coptic Book Binding - pictures

Here are a couple of photos from my recent attempts at Copic/Link stitch. Still need to practise more although I found making the third book easier, I was also using a bulldog clip to hold the signatures together as I was going along which made it much easier to handle.

Quarto Book Art Group

Yesterday I visited the Quarto Book Art group that meeets in Sunderland four times a year, they are a great mix of people and interests, some are also in local calligraphy groups. They each make a book to bring to the day and then swap that with another so everyone leaves the day with a different book - it's a great way to share and appreciate what everyone has done. The theme for this month was 'Bad Books' so they ranged from a books of bad jokes, a book made badly!, a book of bad quotes, a book on poisons (a bad way to die) plus lots more.

It was interesting to see how everyone interpreted the theme differently.

We also had three demonstrations during the day - Margaret Beech showed us various methods for pop-up books, Manny Ling showed us how to make a book using four needles (I though using one needle is hard enough but this wasn't as scary as it sounded!) and then Christine Blunt ended the day showing us how to make a star concertina book which was lovely.

I can't wait to go the next meeting in October with my first book to swap - the theme is appertures and windows so I need to get thinking!

Summer Break and Bookbinding Group

Well, it's our summer break at the moment so I thought I'd take advantage of some free time and join a bookbinding group that meets quarterly in Sunderland. I met Ruth from the group when she came to visit our exhibition back at the start of the year. Manny Ling is demonstrating along with two others - Margaret and Christine so it looks like we should get 3 books made - I might get one done!

I'll be taking the camera so I will hopefully get some photos taken to show you all.

A few from the group are also taking advantage of the summer months and attending the CLAS festival and other residental courses in the area. I should get some feedback on these when we all meet again in September

It was a shame that The Cumberland Show had to be cancelled this year - there were three of us from the group who entered the calligraphy competition and Terry was judging this year. I'll upload photos tonight of the entries!

Japanese Stab Bound Cards

Well since I went on a bookbinding course I've been practising a few other techniques. Japanese Stab Binding is perfect for cards so I've been making a few as practice. I love the decorative pattern that the stitching makes.








I've used a couple of good books for reference - Cover to Cover by Sheena LaPlantz is brilliant with easy to follow instructions for sewing (I'm not that good with a needle so this book has made my life easier!)

I've also found some sweet little metal charms that add a nice finishing touch.