Once again Don Drumm Studios & Gallery is celebrating National American Craft Week with a full schedule of workshops featuring ceramics, mosaics, weaving and more. This year I added a new focus to my monoprint class – Folding an Artful Book.

Working within the allotted time (2 hours), and knowing that printing ink (even water based) can be slow drying, called for some changes in materials. Inexpensive tube watercolors replaced the ink and the garden was raided for a selection of leaves and plants. The X-book design, from Making Handmade Books by Alisa Gorden, was chosen for its handsome form that belies its simple construction.

There is much to be said for a project that appeals to artists at all levels – this one was basic enough for a beginner, yet adaptable for those with plenty of visual art experience. In other words, it’s a keeper! I learned that the finely textured underside of a hydrangea leaf is great for printing and mint adds a bit of aromatherapy to the process.

Andra and Laurel

Tom, Carol and Jean

Did I mention the weather? It was gorgeous!