Bookmarks from Children's Book class

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.

Bookmarks created in the style of the illustrator

Teacups

Ask anyone in my family and they will tell you I have a bit of an obsession with teacups. It began when I was a child. My mother had a modest collection of about a dozen sets. They were in a built-in china cabinet in our very 50's dining room. I would sneak in and play with them when no one was watching. Seriously.

Now I have my very own collection (vast) of teacups, including mom's originals.
To me, teacups are the embodiment of all things sweet and kind, cheerful and feminine. I'm sure each time I look at them I am subconsciously reminded of my childhood fascination and sense of wonderment.

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