Libraries and Museums
Let's Make Books!
Bookmaking encourages literacy and creativity and builds bridges across the generations. Parents and children work together at stations to create simple books with recycled materials. The atmosphere is energetic and casual; families can drop in for as little as 15 minutes or stay much longer. Workshops run from two to three hours. A display of sample books gives ideas for more bookmaking adventures at home.
pdf with more information
Schools
Paper Bag Bookmaking Family Workshop
Paper Bag Bookmaking promotes the writing component of literacy. In addition to the mechanics of writing, children need to learn to take joy in writing process and express themselves with freedom. I can't remember ever seeing a child make a book and not want to write in it immediately. Teaching parents and children to work together using readily available recycled materials to make books brings creative learning into the home and serves as an important support for the work being done by teachers during the school day. Susan directs the families in making three simple books from a paper bag and a cereal box and then creates an encouraging environment for adding words and images. A display of sample books gives ideas for more bookmaking adventures at home.
Professional Development
Susan presents fast-paced and exciting half and full day professional development for teachers. The teachers make a variety of simple handmade books and learn ways to use and adapt them across the curriculum. The use of recycled materials fits in with the green initiatives in many schools and frees the teachers from the burden of gathering and preparing materials. The focus of the workshop can be tailored to meet the needs of the teachers: focus on grade levels or subjects (science, math, art, language).
pdf with more information
Conferences and Meetings
Powerpoint Presentation with Hands-on Activity
From the moment Susan made her first handmade book over twenty years ago, she has had a passion to share the joy. She's made books with thousands and thousands of children and can't think of any child who couldn't wait to write in her book at the end of the session. In this presentation, Susan shares her experiences working with children, ideas for making books across the curriculum and at home, her conversion to using almost exclusively recycled materials and all its benefits, and information about the history of making books around the world. Susan closes the presentation by leading the audience in the making of three simple books from recycled paper to inspire them to continue making books in their classrooms and at home.
Contact Susan for more information
Art Museums, Nature Centers, Retreats
The Spirit Book Workshop
Based on Susan's artists' books in the Spirit Book Series, the Spirit Book Workshop offers a quiet, meditative experience to explore one's creativity and connection to nature. After an introduction to Susan's Spirit Books and a walk outside if appropriate, each participant makes a handmade book and adds texture, imagery, and pattern. Susan's twenty years of teaching bookmaking to children have made her a clear and patient instructor. No art experience or creative confidence is needed; this workshop is truly for everyone.
View Susan's Spirit Books
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