Newsletter
FEBRUARY 2022
Dear NBG Community,
We are all feeling the weight and chill of the 6 feet of snow that has enveloped us, the wearying hours of shoveling. It makes me ponder ways to bring some respite, some relief. If you attended our January Program meeting, you were fortunate to learn how to construct The Victorian Puzzle Purse Valentine, expertly taught by Connie Stricks. (If you weren’t able to be there, you can still download the directions and diagrams from the January newsletter. Go to nwbookarts.org / Click on the NBG NEWSLETTERS BROWSE button / Click on January 2022 / Click on Instructions and Box Diagram buttons.) Making these lovely origami-style foldables is a wonderful way to create quiet spaces for ourselves as we fold and embellish, knowing that these small handmade gifts will brighten a snowy Valentine’s Day for people we love. 

On Sunday, February 27th, you are invited to gather in another quiet space. The memorial for Frank Soos will be held in Davis Concert Hall at 3pm. Frank was a long-time member of our Guild, the beloved husband of NBG founder, Margo Klass. Frank and Margo’s collaborative chapbook, The Daily Blab, was one of the four chapbooks featured in our Books As Art 3 exhibition last November. My most recent happy memories of Frank are from a sunny afternoon last July when a dozen volunteers met at the Folk School to build shelves for that show. Along with Guild members, many friends from all segments of Frank’s life will gather to remember and celebrate the life of this wonderful man.
With warmest regards,
Susan Campbell
NBG President 
WORKSHOP
COPTIC BINDING
with Laurel Herbeck

Saturday, March 5 - 10am to 4pm
Sunday, March 6 - 10am to 4pm
NBG Studio
Members $180 Guests $200
Materials fee: $15
Workshop limited to 6 participants

Participants must be vaccinated and wear a mask during class

Learn the fascinating technique of Coptic binding in this two-day workshop! An important hallmark of this binding is that it opens flat, so it's a great way to create truly functional journals, notebooks and sketchbooks. 

Our sample is an open-spine sewn book with painted "calligraphic” surface design on a self-lined cover. This little gem demonstrates the versatility of Coptic binding, which can be used in combination with a variety of other stitches, straps, as well as woven and cross-stitched spines. Many of these variations will be shown as samples in the class. Students will paint the cover papers and guards for their book, assemble and punch text block sections of pre-cut folios, cut and assemble covers and guards, and finally stitch the book together.
 
Some book binding experience is necessary. Students should be familiar with grain of paper, folding, use of basic tools, including a craft knife, and gluing paper to board. 

Papers, Bristol board, paint, ink and thread will be provided. A participant's list of tools and materials to bring to class will be sent closer to the workshop date. 
NBG POLICY
FOR IN-PERSON WORKSHOPS

As we learn to navigate the latest phase of the Covid pandemic and the impact the omicron variant is having, we are committed to doing our best to keep our community safe. In light of new recommendations and after thoughtful discussion, the NBG Board has voted to require proof of vaccination for students taking in-person classes in our studio. When you register for a class, you will be asked to text or email a photo of your vaccination card. If that technology is not available for you, please bring your card to the studio when you arrive. We appreciate your understanding and thoughtfulness. We will continue to require masks for everyone in the studio at all times.
NEW!
NBG BOOK CHALLENGE

In our January newsletter, we introduced NBG’s very own bi-monthly book arts challenge. How you interpret the theme, structure, and materials used is up to you! It can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. You’ll have 2 months to finish each challenge book. Anytime within the two-month period, if you’d like to share a book you’ve created, email a photo of your completed work and a brief description to Ashley Thayer. Participants may be featured on our website and there will be a show n’ tell time at each Program Meeting for members to share their Challenge Books. Members are encouraged to make at least ONE challenge book this year. 

*If you need help or inspiration,
utilizing Open Studio on Wednesdays is a great option*

2022 Themes
Jan/Feb:         Scroll
March/April:    Playing Cards
May/June:      Tiny
July/August:   Garden
Sept/Oct:        Mythical
Nov/Dec:        Landscape
Newport Paper Book Arts Festival 2022
VIRTUAL AND IN-PERSON WORKSHOPS
April 21-24, 2022

Registration is open!
FOBA 2022
Friday - Tuesday, July 15 - 19, 2022
WORKSHOP SNEAK PEEKS
Focus on Book Arts has posted a peek at the classes to be offered at the 2022 conference.
Check it out!
IMPORTANT DATES:
Workshop Catalog – March 2022 
Registration Begins – April 2022
NORTHWOODS BOOK ARTS GUILD
CALENDAR

Open Studio
Wednesdays, noon-2pm

Letterpress Chapbook Project
ongoing

Workshop
Coptic Binding
Saturday & Sunday, March 5-6, 10am - 4pm

Save the date!
Next NBG Program Meeting
on Zoom
Sunday, March 20, 1-3pm
Book Challenge: Playing Cards
Learn about and support Northwoods Book Arts Guild!