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Friday, August 28, 2009
Paper Portraits
By Penny Wasmund
pin-up girl
Marilyn
Satchmo
If you look closely, you might find bits of old dictionaries, shorthand swirls or old music. Almost any paper can be recycled this way and creating art with it is just a fun way to recycle.
'Marilyn' was created with handmade papers on a painted background (stretched canvas). If you visit my blog, you can see the textures created by the pieced papers in a close-up pic. There is a green/gold metallic wash over the painted black background, lending to the glamour of the subject, and the earrings are painted on with glitter-type paint.
Louis Armstrong has got to be my favorite. He's done in shades of purple on a blue painted background. I just love those cheeks. It gives me great hope that someone can become famous and go down in history with those cheeks.... there's hope for me yet! This is a colorful piece (brighter colors than these photographs show), that matches his colorful personality and music!
I'd like to thank my family, my dog and especially my chiropractor, without whom I could not finish one of these neck-tensing, shoulder-hunching, paper-pieced projects. And yes, I WOULD like some cheese with this "whine"....
http://parsonsdaughter.blogspot.com/2007/09/art-utilizing-handmade-paper.html
Friday, July 17, 2009
Paper Making at the Japanese American Service center
By Thomas Russell
Sumi-e is Chinese brush art, an ancient form of ink painting where the artist strives to 'make the form show the Spirit (chi) of the subject.'
I recently taught a paper making class at the Japanese American Service Center in the Chicago area.
The class was a lot of fun. The ladies in my class were multi national - Japanese, Chinese, German & Polish - and they each brought artistic talents and ideas based on their heritage.
We came up with some interesting paper with inclusions, and different color layers. We even made some Japanese and Polish Flag paper.
Some of the paper we made was unsized and will be used for Suminagashi (floating ink). Check the Web, Google, and you will see some interesting stuff. This art form has been around for over 2000 years.
Besides making paper, we spent a LOT of time just laughing. The Grummer Papermills gave us wonderful results while learning the history and nomenclature of paper making.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Arnold on You Tube!
By kimmerful
Learn to make paper ...
recycle waste paper ...
place leaves like a pro!
If you've never seen him on television, at a convention, museum or school, here's your chance to see and hear Arnold doing his thing on the world wide web.
If you're an old hand at using You Tube, you can click on the link below to get to Arnold's channel and subscribe for updates.
If it's all new to you, here's all you have to do:
1) Click on the link below. It will take you to You Tube.
2) Click on any of the videos you want to see.
Current videos showing on You Tube:
1) How To Make Paper
2) What Kind of Paper Can I Recycle?
3) How To Add Color To Sheets
4) Two Ways To Add Botanicals
5) Surface Embedment
If you want to learn how to make paper, or discover easy ways to make amazing sheets, check out Arnold on You Tube today!
http://www.youtube.com/arnoldgrummer
Monday, April 20, 2009
Artist In Residence
By Greg Grummer
learning ...
doing ...
creating!
“I don’t think distance will be a problem for me,” I told her. “I live about 7 blocks from Atwater…my son goes to your school…in fact, you are his art teacher.”
We both had a good laugh about that, and so began my papermaking artist-in-residency.
We started the students off with a short course on the history and science of paper, which included some rare micron photographs of cellulose fibers, the building block of paper. About 500 students in 22 classes came through my program in the course of 9 days. Every student made 2 or more sheets of handmade paper.
Generally, the students loved the experience…so much that 40 or so signed up for papermaking club after the residency was completed. On Thursday afternoons students gather in the art room to make paper, envelopes and art pieces to sell at the spring art extravaganza. Many parents have gotten involved as well. Proceeds will support the school’s art program.
Honestly, I have never encountered a student who wasn’t thrilled by papermaking. Their joy and enthusiasm, as they actually run from one station in the process to the next, is infectious. Now, when I make paper, I have a hard time not running myself.
www.arnoldgrummer.com
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Green Wedding Book
By AG's
Kate's new book
Save big on flowers
AGs: Why the book?
Kate: My husband, Barry, and I knew we wanted a green wedding. We were surprised by how little information was available. I spent hundreds of hours researching ideas, supplies and vendors. Hopefully my book will help others fine tune their green wedding vision and save time planning.
AGs: What surprises people about green wedding plans?
Kate: It's not just good for the environment, a green wedding can save lots of money. Consider roses, the traditional wedding flower. They're expensive. Most come from Africa and S. America, doused in pesticides (to make them perfect) and often chemically scented.
A bride can save $1800 on average just by getting flowers from a local grower. But she also reduces the wedding's carbon imprint, exposure to chemicals right under her nose, and helps the local economy.
AGs: We don't usually associate 'green' with weddings. Isn't a 'green' wedding less elegant?
Kate: Not at all. And an added bonus is that a green wedding does a better job reflecting who the couple is, their tastes and values, than they would get following cues for how a wedding ‘should be’ from the $70 billion wedding industry.
AGs: Thanks, Kate.
'The Green Bride Guide' has hundreds of ideas and resources for an elegant, eco-friendly wedding on any budget. Copies are available at www.arnoldgrummer.com
Visit Kate's website: www.thegreenbrideguide.com
www.thegreenbrideguide.com
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Christmas card
By Linda Lefevere
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Making Paper at the Cultural Collaborative
By Ellie Schimelman
Drying couch cloths
Drying covers after printing
Finished book ready for sale
The books are brought back to the States and sold. All proceeds are used to buy school supplies and related necessities. This not only helps the kids financially, which is important in a developing country, but builds their self esteem and sense of empowerment.
Working in Africa presents challenges which have made us great problem solvers. A severe water shortage left us wondering how to make our paper. Someone said, "Look at all that water across the street in the ocean." So, off we went to rinse our pulp in the ocean. We only needed a little fresh water to finish the rinsing.
After much experimenting, we have chosen sugar cane leaves to make our paper. The paper is sturdy, a nice yellowish/brown, easy to cook and it grows in our yard.
Since nothing goes to waste in Ghana, I was not surprised to find that the leaves, when cooked, are taken to reduce fever (alcohol is made from the plant). Women use the waste from the plant as fuel to smoke fish since the plant itself tastes good and sweet, even snakes gravitate toward sugar cane. Sugar cane is not indigenous to Ghana. It probably originated in India and went West to become the main plantation crop of the West Indies. Now we are bringing it to the States in the form of books.
After making initial sales contacts for the kids, we plan to turn the business over to them to get re-orders, do the bookeeping, shipping, etc. We feel that it is important to help them find a source of income if they are to become productive adults in a Ghanaian village.
www.culturalcollaborative.org
www.culturalcollaborative.org
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
There Wouldn't Be An Arnold Without A Mabel
By gumshoe
Life went haywire
Their life savings for a van
Mabel & Arnold Grummer
When Mabel was later hired with a salary and bennies, she said, 'Arnie, why don't you take your paper demonstration on the road? I'll support you!'
So they bought a van, had it painted, and Arnold toured the country giving demos and lectures at the likes of the Smithsonian in DC, the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, and conventions and trade shows all over the country.
As way leads on to way, soon there were books, products, invitations for tv, and links to people that brought Arnold's excitement about paper making to lots of kids and teachers and families.
It never would have happened without Mabel, the visionary, chief fan and bankroller. Thanks, Mabel!
Happy 85th birthday, Arnold!
Happy 60th anniversary, Mabel & Arnold!
http://www.arnoldgrummer.com/resources/send_card.cfm
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
A Gift for My Sister
By Rebekah Gelinas
Rebekah and Leah
Invitation
RSVP Card
I got to work – picking out the perfect paper, the colors of carnations and angel wings, the shades of glitter and sparkles, the style of envelopes. Knowing that this paper would be used to invite people to a wedding, to none other but the joining of two souls, I made sure each paper-making act was done with care and with love. As I pressed the flowers, I pressed my prayers along in with them. As I blended the mixture of water and recycled paper, of glitter and flower and fern, I also blended in all my unspoken hopes and dreams for their future together. Wringing the paper dry with sponges allowed me to soak up all the memories of my sister in all her singleness, my baby sister, and to leave them, fresh and clean, to stay in my own heart. I remember the sun beating down on me and on the paper as I let it dry, this paper that would capture the bittersweet music of my spirit in a very permanent way, this paper that would reflect all musings on what it meant to say goodbye and hello to my sister all at once, this paper that would bring glimpses of beauty to each person who received one.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Studio 1, Nashville TN
By Pat Pickett
Shake, shake, shake!
David bursts into song
Liz, Studio 1 artist
Making seed flowers was not only a creative answer to the challenge, it also produced "inside showers" as one person discovered how much fun it was to loosen the cap on the pop bottle and let the pulp, water, colored paper and seeds fly all over friends, floor, tables, and walls!
These artists create all kinds of art during the year. However, the goal is multi-dimensional for Studio 1, an art studio housed in the Developmental Center. Studio 1 is an extension of pastoral care and is guided by the chaplain/artist. It is in this place that persons may explore all kinds of media, using anything from sheep fleece to recycled paper. Using a variety of materials to create something of beauty with little help, can be transformational.
These artists do not allow their disabilities to cloud the issue. While giving voice to their spirituality is the goal, individuals are beginning to experience a new kind of independent self-expression. A fantastic by-product is often an object of beauty. For the most part, this is all the staff sees. Those who have experienced the spark of creativity which touches one's very core know there is much more.
In the summer of 2007, The Frist Center for Visual Art in Nashville, TN called for entries to an art show featuring artists who live with disabilities. There were 465 entries from across the state of TN. On November 15, 2007, the art jury made the selection of 52 for the upcoming show. Nine of the entries are from Studio 1. This show runs May 16 through September 14, 2008.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Paper Making at Earth School
By Cracked Pots
Assisted by seven adults, the children made 71 sheets of paper in two hours, utilizing recycled Starbuck's gift bags and colored copy paper, and other recycled materials, including Easter basket "grass," coffee grounds, eggshells, and potpourri.
The sheets of paper made in the class will be used as covers for the auction booklets for the Earth School's fundraiser in May. The children also plan to decorate the auction booklet covers by gluing sunflowers seeds onto the covers, so after the fundraiser, the seeded paper can be recycled once more.
Recently, Mother Francine, the woman who started the school thirty years ago, and her friend (a donor) were walking through the school. Mother Francine's friend was so impressed with what the children had made, she is going to provide papermaking equipment for the school!
The children are still talking about how much fun they had making paper that day. Laurel Ann says that makes her happier than if she had won first prize in an art show!
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Where Everyone Is Successful
By Students at Visions Unlimited
Andrew Smerecki
Dan Green
Joe Rex and Andrew
We use recycled paper and other products to make our handmade artwork, whose special qualities make it so unique. We find that with paper making, everyone can participate.
We use the handmade paper to produce invitations for both our prom and graduations along with a wide variety of note cards.
One year we made 150 invitations for the local credit union. The community is excited about what we’re doing.
Some of our creations have been less than successful; however we just laugh and try again.
There’s a label on each product that indicates which student has helped make the paper. The label reads “Handmade Especially For You”. This acknowledgement gives the students a great sense of pride.
PS:
Andrew has been making paper for 4 years.
Dan is enjoying his first year of paper making.
Even though Joe and Andrew like rival teams (MSU Wolverines and the MU Spartans respectively), they work well together making paper!
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Monday, January 28, 2008
Crossing Media
By Kathryn Semolic
Being a painter myself, I had plenty of dyes, and white and colored pulps set up with a turkey baster for creating pulp paintings. The other artists did enjoy that, but more for the idea than the practice of painting. It turned out, not surprisingly perhaps, that the weaver loved using her fingers to layer pulp over the embroidery threads I had laid out in hopes she would use them. The result is a vibrant sheet of red and turquoise paper with threads which appear to be stitched in. She will hang this piece in her living room and was inspired to make a piece for her living room when the potter in the class had begun a pulp painting for her own.
The potter loved making paper, said she would continue on her own, and spent some time with the Arnold Grummer brochure and discussing supplies for her order. Once she noticed the molds in the catalog, and fell in love with the dragonfly, I got her set up to do some casting. She made some perfectly cast pieces, all pure white, and then got back into working with color. For her living room, she pieced together a lovely dragonfly in jewel-toned tissue papers which she laid directly on top of a soaking wet sheet of pulp. The tissue held together beautifully throughout the drying process and seems to have melded into the background.
I found it very stimulating to watch these artists try their hand at a new media and to see how their chosen media influenced the work they did with paper pulp and Arnold Grummer's supplies.
Both these artist said they found it very stimulating for their creative juices to step outside their comfort zone and try something new. Both said they had always wanted to try their hand at paper making and both were very satisfied with the experience.
I guess, I'm not the only professional artist who enjoys spending their free time making paper.
http://kathrynsemolic.com/blog/2008/01/20/studio-play-day-paper-making.html
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Poinsettia Paper
By crafty kim
mom's vase and flowers
my thank you
mom and pops
This year we turned our white Christmas ‘green’ by recycling my poinsettia plant.
Christmas card envelopes, gift wrap, leaves and flowers all went into the blender.
Our papers turned out in various shades of white, pink and red. Some sheets had 'flecks' of petals and leaves, some had larger pieces depending on how long we ran the blender.
The red in the petals darkened a bit, but you can still tell we used a poinsettia plant.
Mom is a prolific card maker. She turns her paper into cards for the hospital, her church, and the paper museum in town. I'm using mine for Christmas thank you notes.
We had fun turning our white Christmas ‘green’!
Directions for the project are at the link below.
www.arnoldgrummer.com/project/cards/projectPage.cfm?c=5&id=192
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Earthy Paper Stain
By louise spell
my paper collage
I use pecan shells
Pecan shell stain is easily made and changes to exciting colors with a little creativity. I boil the hulls, I would say for forty five minutes, then let them set in the hot water until the stain looks rich and strong. Then I strain out the hulls with a large strainer. I beat the paper in the stain water and let it set for a while before dipping my mold in.
Many times I use watercolor paper in the blender to make my collage paper. It has a good texture and absorbs the stain all the way through. Many times I choose a quilt pattern for my inspiration. I like to make the border darker which makes the design of the collage pop. Multiple colors are used to give it character and variety. Sprinkling darks throughout the collage enhances the look and brings out the other colors.
www.louisespell.blogspot.com
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Thursday, November 1, 2007
A.C. Art Club october mtg
By gumshoe
Judy and Ralph make paper
Ralph's finished sheet
Arnold demos pulp painting
The AC Art Club has 40 active members and meets twice a month. At the first meeting a member or guest teaches a technique or art concept to the group. At the second meeting, one member brings their portfolio for a local expert to critique. Everyone gets to listen in and learn.
This month A.C.ers met at the area's premier art store, Artist & Display, who hosted an after hours class for the group. (Check out the link below).
Arnold Grummer gave a paper making workshop and everybody got to make several sheets. Members collaborated on choosing fibers, metallics and botanicals for their paper. Maybe handmade paper will show up in someone's portfolio review!
www.artistanddisplay.com
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Science club spring project
By H.O.P.E. reporter
H.O.P.E. Club members
Making paper with the lunch crowd
Valentine card sale sample
The H.O.P.E. club at North High School in Appleton WI is committed to saving the environment. H.O.P.E. stands for Help Our Planet Earth.
The club meets after school and works on projects that affect the environment locally or generally. The club is advised by Mrs. Connie Roop.
H.O.P.E. club recently focused on recycling. Many of the meetings were dedicated to learning about paper, what it is, and why and how it can be recycled. Arnold and Mabel Grummer were guest teachers and came to many of the meetings. They were terrific!
Everyone learned to make paper and had lots of fun recycling. After making TONS of paper (not really), the group decided to turn handmade sheets into cards to sell for a fund raiser. Crafty teachers shared their craft supplies and helped with the project.
H.O.P.E. Club raised more than $400 with handmade cards. They sold Valentine's Day cards, and later in spring, Mother's Day cards during bake sales in the cafeteria.
The club used money they raised for field trips and a prairie they're installing at the high school.
Mabel Grummer, a former teacher, wrote up all of the activities so other groups could adapt H.O.P.E. club's paper and card making program for their school or group.
Feel free to click on the link below to download the curriculum. Use any ideas you like, and Help Our Planet Earth!
http://www.arnoldgrummer.com/resources/teacherCorner/freeCurriculum.cfm
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Saturday, September 1, 2007
Edgefield art show
By cracked pots
Here are some pictures of the Cracked Pots art show at Edgefield in Troutdale, Oregon. For those of you who don't know, Edgefield used to be the county poor farm. It was turned into a hotel, restaurants, a winery and brewery, and golf course, and hosts a number of events throughout the year. To be in the art show, you have to use at least 75% of the materials. have to be recycled. I used mostly Oprah magazines and Starbucks bags for my handmade paper.
I didn't make much money, but learned a great deal about displays and traffic flows for retailing. I had a wonderful time and did a lot of networking with the other artists. Next year I will concentrate on seeded handmade paper items - people loved them.
Ed (my husband) burned the copper and wood on some of my garden signs and the ones he burned were the only signs that sold. He's pretty smug about that!
For the Artists' Challenge, I made (with a great deal of Ed's help) a wacky giant bird feeder that could be seen from outer space. The challenge was to use CD's and/or coat hangers in the piece. I used the CD's for the tabletop.
It was a wonderful experience and I am already planning for next year.
Laurie Bower
Cracked Pots
