Publisher Neal Porter-Author Sandra Jordan-Illustrator Brian Floca
Ballet for Martha...the Making of Appalachian Spring
I just completed a great class on children's book writing and illustration at a local university. The class was short and sweet (3 1/2 weeks)...just perfect for a teacher who loves children's literature but doesn't want to spend the whole summer in a classroom. There were about 40 students and just about all of us were teachers. But only 12 of us were ART teachers. Boy, did we have a great time! While the other students were busy with their essay assignments, we spent our time creating mini works of art inspired by the book illustrators. I chose to create bookmarks to accompany the vast array of books I purchased and had signed by the 11 visiting authors/illustrators. The signed books along with my handmade bookmarks are going to be great Christmas gifts for friends and family that share my passion for children's literature!
I used matboard scraps for the bookmarks. Bookmark size is 2.5 by 9 inches.
I used a variety of techniques to emulate the style of the illustrators. Above: Collage, Watercolor, Graphite and Markers. Below: Colored Pencil, Watercolor and Pen, Acrylic Paint.
I put two coats of Mod Podge on the completed work. Then, to correct the tacky surface Mod Podge is known for, I sprayed the completely dry bookmarks with Krylon Clear Coat. I punched a hole in the top center and added a ribbon loop. On the backside I put information about the book and a photo of myself and the author/illustrator taken during the book signing.
