Children and Nature

 

The Arctic and Antarctic

 

On Saturday afternoon Nature Detectives traveled to the opposite ends of the Earth, the Arctic and Antarctic to be precise.  A life-sized emperor penguin and Inuksuk greeted kids and adults as they entered the program space in the Children’s Department at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.   Inside was a paper polar bear to scale, a variety of displays, activities, and specimens.  It took three of us to transform the room into a space where the children could investigate question, and explore the wildlife and habitat of the two areas.   We also talked about the similarities and differences of the opposite ends of the earth.

 

 

The paper polar bear was a focal point for a discussion about this amazing animal.  We posted various facts about these noble creatures surrounding the life-sized image.   The polar bear is listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.  Excellent sources for information and background on  the polar bear can be found at

Seaworld: Animals: Explore, Discover, Connect    www.seaworld.org/animal-info/info-books/polar-bear/index.htm                  

World Wildlife Federation www.worldwildlife.org/species/finder/polarbear/polarbear.html

Polar Bear International                                www.polarbearsinternational.org/

National Wildlife Federation: Polar Bears                 www.nwf.org/polarbear/

       

The specimens for this program were from the Educational Loan Department of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.  They included an African penguin and egg, snowshoe hare, ptarmigan, snowy owl, and polar bear skull.  Materials such as these are so important to the programs that I present because they give the children an opportunity to see mounts and touch study skins of animals that they would probably never get that close to in nature.  For example, last month in the same space was a “What’s in Your Neighborhood” program.  The children were able to touch and investigate a racoon pelt and skull, as well as a red-tailed hawk study skin, wing, and tail.  These were in addition to the other mounted specimens in cases.   Each month materials are scheduled with Pat McShea, who is in charge of the museum’s Educational Loan Collection.  A catalog and contact information can be found at http://carnegiemnh.org/doe/programs/loan.htm.

Books are always presented and integrated into displays to encourage further exploration.

An Inuksuk is a traditional structure  constructed from stones carefully fit and placed one on top of the other to act as a beacon, guide, and sign for travelers and hunters.  It can mean good hunting or fishing is nearby, a marker signifying shelter and supplies, or placed in a series over a large area can guide travelers across the Arctic tundra.  For the Inuit, indigenous people of the Arctic region, the Inuksuk holds a sacred and important  place in their culture.  We can respect this in an educational way by explaining their significance  to children and by demonstrating how much skill and care it takes to create one.  Smaller rocks of various sizes and shapes were placed on a table. They were asked to investigate the rocks and determine which ones would fit together and balance well enough to construct an Inuksuk.  Also, the question was asked, “What does this Inuksuk mean to you?”  The kids were enthralled with this activity. 

Children touch and balance stones.

 

An inuksuk created by a young artist.

 

 

Altered Books Resources

My daughters' artists books have become a place to express their thoughts, dreams, and creations.

The sites on this list are a selection of places and artists that will help to present altered books to young people.  For the most part, the focus is to convey the basics of altered books to a younger audience, to get them excited about the format, and to say to the adults, “Yes, you can guide the kids on this creative journey.”   As to the site or two that doesn’t fit into this category, I’ve included pages of artists’ work for examples, inspiration, and the “I can do that” response.   Some altered books are masterpieces of engineering and extreme detail.  Those art pieces are amazing, but not for this list.  It’s more appropriate to highlight those works that look spontaneous, as though they came into being in a creative moment inspired by the soul.  I love it when kids dive into the book that they are about to alter and as they proceed they are completely unaware of the chaotic environment of the library program, stopping only to share with the artist next to them about a newly discovered technique.

Altered Books
www.logolalia.com/alteredbooks/
The images of artwork on this site will help to eliminate any intimidation factor dealing with the altered book format.  I really think that after viewing this page the first thing you will want to do is grab the nearest discarded book to alter.  Just go with the impulse.

art-e-zine
www.art-e-zine.co.uk/
This page will work well for teens who appreciate a more edgy look.  Artists share their work, ideas, resources, and free images.  
 
Creativity Portal
www.creativity-portal.com/howto/artscrafts/altered.books.html
This site is exactly what its name implies.  You’ll have links to tutorials, ideas, examples and more!

Incredible@rtDepartment
www.princetonol.com/groups/iad/lessons/middle/Linda-books.htm
Jump in and plan to stay a while to explore ideas, formats, supplies, resources, advice, and if you like standards and rubrics, they are there too.

Jenny’s Altered Books
www.jennysartspace.com/alteredbooks/
This site show’s the artist’s work (including her first attempt at altering), shares her favorite books on the topic, and has a brief how-to on getting started.

Karen’s Whimsy
http://karenswhimsy.com/altered-books/ 

There is quite a bit to explore on Karen’s site: altered books, collage, her thoughts about the creative process, and something we all love, public domain images.

Lemura Writing Sanctuary
Shoe-string Publishing
www.dailywriting.net/Renovate.htm
Given the current economic situation affecting our libraries, this is very appropriate and inspiring.   

Rosemont Ridge Art Classroom Studio – Linda Kieling
www.rrms.wlwv.k12.or.us/kielingl/Altered_Books/index.htm
This ward-winning lesson plan has a multitude of basic and well-organized material.  Also, check out the rest of this site for other information and resources about altered books for kids.

 

BOOKS

Altered Book Collage by Barbara Matthiessen

Altered Book Scrapbook by Susan Ure 

Altered Books Workshop by  Bev Brazelton

Altered Books, Collaborative Journals, and Other Adventures in Bookmaking by Holly Harrison

AlterThis! Radical Ideas for Transforming Books into Art  by Alena Hennessy

Art of Fabric Books: Innovative Ways to Use Fabrics in Scrapbooks, Altered Books and More by Jane Bode Smiley

Artists’ Journals and Sketchbooks: Exploring and Creating Personal Pages by Lynne Perella

The Decorated Page: Journals, Scrapbooks & Albums Made Simply Beautiful  by Gwen Diehn

The Decorated Journal: Creating Beautifully Expressive Journal Pages by Gwen Diehn

Montage Memories: Creating Altered Scrapbook Pages by Erika Ghum & Pamela Frye

Paint on Paper: Over 130 Quick and Easy Techniques to Decorate Paper by Angie Franke and Monique Day-Wilde

Pockets, Pullouts, and Hiding Places: Interactive Elements for Altered Books, Memory Art and Collage by Jenn Mason

New Directions in Altered Books by Gabe Cyr  She has a wonderful section, pages 126 – 129, on “Working with Kids.”  There’s a great quote from Gabe Cyr, “What they don’t need from you are any rules for making art.”
 
True Vision: Authentic Art Journaling  by L.K. Ludwig

 

Also, for inspiration on creating journal pages check out the inaugural issue of Art Journaling by Somerset Studios.

If you have any favorite sites that you think are missing from this list, I would love to here from you!  I will update resources as I come across new finds and treasures.

Altered Book Basics

An altered board book takes on new life with colorful beetle illustrations.

 If you don’t have the time to take in all of the books and resources on this topic, then here’s a basic list of the steps you’ll need to create an altered book program for children. 

Collect A Few Materials
Start a collection of unwanted books.  Sources for these include used book stores, rummage sales, and second-hand stores.  However, I like “free” so check your school, organization, or library’s withdrawn books or donations.  Look for hardcover or board books with minimal damage.  And remember, you are giving these books a second life as a piece of art!

The “stuff” you’ll need for an altered books program probably already exists in your supply closets or at home.  Some altered book artists recommend specific glues, paints, and materials.  My advice: kids don’t care and we’re on a budget, so use what you have.  As you do altered book programs, your supply list will change, expand and reflect what’s right for you and the children and teens in your group who are creating the works of art.

A basic list includes:

• White glue and glue sticks
• Scissors
• Binder Clips and/or clothespins
• Whole punches
• Foam brushes
• Gesso or white acrylic paint
• Water-based paints (various colors)
• Crayons, oil pastels, color pencils
• Water-based markers (These are great for the stamps instead of ink pads.)
• Stamps
• Colorful yarn and ribbon
• Recycled materials
• Paper– All colors, textures, and designs (Get out those wallpaper sample books!)
• Waxed paper, aluminum foil and tissue paper can create texture when used with paint.
• Fabric can be used for the covers and smaller scraps can be incorporated into the book.
• Ephemera and Embellishments (Start a collection!)

Get Your Ephemera Ready…
  
Start to collect everything from ticket stubs to old programs, clothing tags to newspaper clippings.  Anything made of paper that is thought to have no lasting value.  Also, gather found papers like tea bag envelopes, labels, brochures, junk mail, etc.  Copies of vintage photos, documents, and illustration can be found on the Internet.

Don’t Forget Those Embellishments!

Save those buttons, trinkets, puzzle pieces, coins, keys, odds and ends, and various found objects.   Recycled broken bits of this and that can add interest and flair to any altered book.   I like natural additions to my books like twigs, grass, pressed flowers, seed pods, and anything found in nature as long as its removal doesn’t affect the habitat.

Select the Book

Select hard cover or board books.   Avoid books with damaged spines, brittle pages, and water damage.  You’re going to be putting the book through a lot of stress during the altering process, so pick ones that are in relatively good shape.   It’s very tempting to pick an old book with an ornate cover and yellowed pages, but ask yourself if you really want to put a lot of work into a worn-out item whose poor condition will hamper the creative process.  Brittle pages will break and bindings will fall apart.  Not fun.  Trust me.

Book and Page Prep
  
If you select a board book you can either carefully remove the glossy covering on all of  the pages to reveal the rough board underneath or you can sand the pages to create a rough surface.  Truth be told, the sanding is messier and the tearing is a lot more fun!  Either way, just don’t paint directly on the smooth surface of a board book.  The paint will scrape right off.

To prepare a hardcover book start by gluing several pages together in order to have a solid and sturdy  surface to create on.  Then carefully tear out the next few pages.  Glue a few more pages together.  Then remove a few more. What you’re doing is building a structure that will accommodate the artwork and any embellishments and/or ephemera that you add to it.  The general advice is to remove twice as many pages as you leave.  Ultimately, you’ll also be reducing the stress on the spine.

A Few Page Techniques

A simple paint technique using a paper towel and acrylic paint. Scrunch the paper towel into a ball and dab paint directly on the page.

In addition to the traditional foam brushes, try painting with balled up paper toweling, plastic wrap, sponges or potato stamps.  An adult can cut windows in the books for kids to use as hiding places in their design.  (You will need a metal ruler and an X-acto knife.)  

Other paint techniques can include :

• Natural or found objects used as stamps
• Resists
• Spattering
• Patterns created on wet paper with a craft stick or other object
• Torn painted paper glued onto the page in layers or patterns
• Stenciling
• Bubble prints

Three books that are excellent book for paint techniques are:

Painted Paper: Techniques & Projects for Handmade Books and Crafts by Alisa Golden
Paper Transformed: A Handbook of Surface Design and Creative Paper Projects by Julia Andrus
Paint on Paper: Over 130 Quick and Easy Techniques to Decorate Paperby Angie Franke and Monique Day-Wilde

Hmm, the Cover

The general rule of thumb is to leave the cover for last since you will be working with the book and the process actually places the cover under a great deal of wear and tear.  The cover can be prepped with a couple of coats of Gesso before painting or other techniques are applied.  Gesso can be expensive for a program budget, so you can improvise with acrylic paints.  I’ve also used coffee filters or tissue paper and glue.  Fabric is another good alternative.  Let your imagination rule!

Watching Nature,  An Altered Book in Its Early Stages

This altered book had its first life as  a computer programming textbook.  Out-of -date and unwanted it is now morphing into an altered nature journal.  It was in perfect condition with a strong spine, good binding, and no damage.

 

Sometimes it’s fun to break the rules and work on the cover first!

I had an idea for the cover and couldn’t wait to try it.   I smeared a healthy amount of white glue on the cover, placed fabric on top of that, then bunched the material into pleasing shapes and folds.  It dried quickly.  Then I glued two pieces of wood that, when placed together, appeared to be eyes.  I’m not done with the front cover yet.

Paint techniques using paper towels and acrylic paint provide not only color, but texture when applied in thick layers.  Photocopies of my journal art with torn edges were glued on the painted pages.  Next, I’ll add color to those images with pencils, watercolor, and/or oil pastels. 

Tomorrow’s post will include books and resources…

Altered Books in Progress

Here are three different altered books that I’m currently working on.  I’ll post more pictures and background as they progress.  They are each very different although their origins are the same.  Someone decided they were not worthwhile or needed.  One had some minor wear.  Now, they are reborn and treasured.  Here’s a brief introduction and some pictures. 

There are times when a book may have no words at all.  The visuals speak for themselves.  Sometimes the words arrive later, or sometimes not at all.  This altered book was once a discarded library book.  It has since been transformed into a structure of nests.   It isn’t finished yet.  I’m enjoying its process, adding a new element now and then, when the time is right.  I’m still waiting for the words. 

 

I like the tradition of Guatemalan worry dolls.   A child tells the small doll his or her worries and the doll takes them for the night.   So what if I combine the worry dolls with another stress-reducer like a book?  Worry dolls (for design purposes I made them larger than authentic worry dolls) are kept inside a cut-out compartment of a night-blue book with soothing words from the dolls. 

 

I love insects!  This book has photocopies of stamps, copies of old engravings, copies of my own journal entries, and an actual creature from my daughter’s massive  cicada collection.  Hidden comparments and pull-out accordion folds hold even more images of beloved bugs. 

The inside back cover holds photocopies of a monarch page from a journal juxtaposed to a copy of an old butterfly illustration.

I like to photocopy my drawings to incorporate them into my altered and handmade books.  I can add color, tear the edges, and be creative without fear of destroying the original art.  It also keeps my nature journals intact.

Look for some altered book basics, more information, and resources in tomorrow’s post…

It’s Been A While…

Barn Owl

It’s been a very long time since this blog has seen any posts.   The last ten months (give or take) have been quite a transition for me.  Last May I had a heart attack.  Right out of the blue…As I think about it now, there were warning signs, but did I recognize them or pay attention?  Oh, no.   Some might say that a blog would be a good vehicle psychologically during the rehabilitation process.  However, for me it was a rather personal time with thoughts and feelings I simply wasn’t ready to share.  Perhaps in time I will.

I’m ready to write about and discuss lots of other topics though.  The importance of nature in all of our lives, especially children’s, is a subject about which I’m quite passionate.  Over the years I’ve done a regular program series called Nature  Detectives at the local library and various workshops.  With the economy so stressed and affecting budgets, it looks as if  the library programs might be cut.  I still want to get the message out there, so I will share ideas,  topics, and projects about nature utilizing this format instead. 

Another area of programming for children is book arts.   Visual arts can contribute in a variety of ways to a child’s development in reading, language arts, mathematics, social skills, and critical thinking.  When children can pour their thoughts, emotions, and creative energy into a book of their own design, a magical thing happens; they are taking ownership of their learning, they have pride in what they have created, and they will often share it with others.  The “book” is no longer an entity that someone else has written.  The book has become something that the children have brought into existence as well.  They are making books just like the authors and illustrators do.  The kids have become part of the book experience.  What better place for such a program than the public library?   What a great literacy connection.  I think that this blog will be a fitting place to share book arts too.   

This is a fabric wall hanging I designed and constructed to hold some of my handmade books.  

The Barn Owl at the beginning of this post is a page from one of my journals.  During the past months, time spent drawing has become a necessary part of life.  I think that I am ready to share some of these pieces on the blog as well.     

Altered Books on a Saturday Afternoon…

Saturday afternoons can find you immersed in an altered book project if you aren’t careful… At the library, the monthly program, Informal Handmade Books has become more of an impromptu altered book gathering.  Last Saturday my daughters came to the library with me for the day and brought their altered books and supplies.  While working at the table another regular friend of Informal Handmade Books joined them and began to create.  Soon they were joined by five more young artists – for the entire afternoon!  I think we’re going to meet again this Saturday. 

Some of my favorite resources…

                    

I have my favorite resources on book arts in print and on the Web that I refer to consistently.  I’ll add titles and sites from time to time.  There are always new finds to peruse and share.  That is, of course, one of the purposes of this blog.  I’ve been waiting for months for Alisa Golden’s latest treasure, Painted Paper: Techniques & Projects for Handmade Books and Cards.  If creating your own handmade books isn’t enough, she’s taken it up a notch by sharing her techniques, suggestions, and projects for painting your own paper while relating to the message or theme of your piece.  As a lways Alisa Golden, book artist and author, gives her audience another must-have book.  Her work has appeal to the person new to book arts as well as the experienced artist. Esther K. Smith, book artist and Purgatory Pie Press founder among her credits, has written How to Make Books: Fold, Cut & Stitch Your Way to a One-of-a-Kind Book. With easy-to-follow illustrations by Lindsay Smith and photos by David Michael Zimmerman this book with its unusual format makes you want to grab it off of the bookstore shelf.  One perusal and I was hooked.  I had to take it home.  Sections on instant books, zines, accordions, and mutant books give a new attitude to the bookmaking process.  Get ready to be inspired!  With that said, here are some of my other favorites: 

1000 Artist Trading Cards: Innovative and Inspired Mixed Media ATCs by Patricia Bolton, ISBN 1592533345

Art and Craft of Handmade Books: New Ideas and Innovative Techniques  by Shereen LaPlantz, ISBN 1579904386

Art of the Scrapbook: A Guide to Handbinding, and Decorating Memory Books, Albums, and Art Journals  by Diane Mauer-Mathison, ISBN  0823010198

Artist Trading Card Workshop: Create, Collect, Swap by Bernie Berlin, ISBN 1581808488

Artists’ Journals & Sketchbooks: Exploring and Creating Personal Pages by Lynne Perrella, ISBN  1592530192

Bookworks: Books, Memory and Photo Albums, Journals, and Diaries Made by Hand  by Sue Doggett, ISBN 0823004910

Bookworks: Making Books by Hand  by Gwenyth Swain, ISBN 1575050730 

Books Unbound  by Michael Jacobs, ISBN 158180718X   

Cover to Cover: Creative Techniques for Making Beautiful Books, Journals & Albums by Shereen LaPlantz, ISBN 0937274879 

Crafting Personal Shrines: Using Photos, Mementos & Treasures to Create Artful Displays  by Carol Oweny Paul, ISBN 157990811X

 

 

 

Creating Handmade Books  by Alisa Golden,  ISBN 0806988258

The Decorated Page: Journals, Scrapbooks & Albums Made Simply Beautiful  by Gwen Diehn, ISBN 1579905129   The Decorated Journal: Creating Beautifully Expressive Journal Pages by Gwen Diehn, ISBN  1579909566The Essential Guide to Making Handmade Books  by Gabrielle Fox,  ISBN 1581800193

Drawing from Life: The Journal As Art  by Jennifer New, ISBN 1568984456

The Encyclopedia of Papermaking & Bookbinding: The Definitive Guide to Making, Embellishing, and Repairing Paper, Books, and Scrapbooks  by Heidi Reimer-Epp & Mary Reimer   

 

Expressive Handmade Books by Alisa Golden, ISBN 1402751818 

Handcrafted Journals, Albums, Scrapbooks & More  by Marie Browning, ISBN 0806922672

How to Make Books: Fold, Cut & Stitch Your Way to a One-of-a-Kind Book by Esther K. Smith, ISBN  0307353362

Literacy Through the Book Arts  by Paul Johnson, ISBN 0435087665  

Making Books & Journals: 20 Great Weekend Projects  by Constance E. Richards, ISBN 1579900925  

Making Books That Fly, Fold, Wrap, Hide, Pop Up, Twist and Turn: Books for Kids to Make by Gwen Diehn, ISBN 1579903266  

Making Memory Books and Journals by Hand  by Kristina Feliciano, Jason Thompson, & Barbara Mauriello, ISBN  1571456244

Mixed-Media Nature Journals: New Techniques for Exploring Nature, Life, and Memories by L.K. Ludwig, ISBN 1592533671

More Making Books by Hand: Exploring Miniature Books, Alternative Structures, and Found Objects by Peter and Donna Thomas, ISBN 1592530745 

Paper by Jeanette Bakker et al, ISBN 1740457455

Paper Making and Bookbinding  by Joanne B. Kaar, ISBN 186108286X

Unique Handmade Books  by Alisa Golden, ISBN 1402706146

Visual Chronicles: The No-Fear Guide to Creating Art Journals, Creative Manifestos & Altered Books by Linda Woods & Karen Dinino, ISBN 1581807708  

So, What About Those Altered Books? 

There are several books that have a lot to offer for the altered book artist (new or seasoned).   

Altered Book Collage by Barbara Matthiessen Altered Book Scrapbook by Susan Ure 

Altered Books Workshop by  Bev Brazelton 

AlterThis! Radical Ideas for Transforming Books into Art  by Alena Hennessy 

Art of Fabric Books: Innovative Ways to Use Fabrics in Scrapbooks, Altered Books and More by Jane Bode Smiley 

Montage Memories: Creating Altered Scrapbook Pages by  Erika Ghum & Pamela Frye Hauer 

New Directions in Altered Books by Gabe Cyr  (I’m especially drawn to this book because of the artist’s approach to the subject and obvious respect for the book form.)  

 

 

   

Here are a few sites the have good information, interesting projects, and visuals on altered books. 

Altered Books

art-e-zine

Creative Art Space for Kids Foundation

Creativity Portal: Altered Books

Text, Image, and Form: The Altered Book Project

International Society of Altered Book Artists

Karen’s Whimsy

Make a Mini Altered Book

Art Centers/Organizations 

Organizations, museums, and centers for the book that promote book arts and the vital role that the arts have in the development of children, literacy, and learning.  These sources offer curriculum ideas, proactive efforts for change, and research that supports this current area of concern.  

 

Arts Education Partnership

The Book Art Project

Book Arts Web

Booklyn Artists Alliance

the imagine nation 

Minnesota Center for Book Arts 

National Museum of Women in the Artsabc: art, books, & creativity: arts learning in the classroom 

Pyramid Atlantic

San Diego Museum of Art: Education 

San Francisco Center for the Book

  

Publications that have unlimited ideas for when you have that creative block and just need some inspiration or when you just want to know what’s new in the field.

Somerset Studio Gallery – Special issue packed with 800 photos of of artwork as well as instructions on a variety of projects.

Somerset Studio: The Art of Paper and Mixed-Media  – Meant to inspire as well as inform, this is a must-read for those interested in paper arts, techniques, materials and innovations.  

Cloth Paper Scissors  

The Bonefolder: an e-journal for the bookbinder and book artist   

And Let’s Not Forget the Blogs… 

Artful Journeys

Teacher Features: Thoughts on Bookmaking with Kids  San Francisco Center for the Book’s blog.  SFCB is a wonderful kid-centered place with a great website filled with project ideas and lots of creativity. 

Making Books with Children – Susan Kapuscinski Gaylord  

Storypockets

Wonderful blog from Constance Wong (children’s librarian) that contains all the news and events straight from the Children’s Department, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.  Link to it to read and see video and photos from my latest Handmade Books program focusing on altered books.  I’ll continue with more on altered books and children next time.  Thanks for reading…   

A Different Kind of Fairy Abode

This altered book begins its second life as a fairy house.  It awaits changes and embellishments on my drawing table.   It is one of several I have in progress.  Each has a different story to tell.   I’ll be sharing these altered books as they take on their new lives and evolve.