Our Autumn meeting took place on Zoom on Saturday 26th October and our bookswap theme of 'Boundaries, Borders and Edges' certainly stretched our creative imaginations!
The news that Susan Moor had been posthumously awarded her PhD for her extensive research into modular measurement in Medieval manuscripts was announced just a few days before our meeting. It is true to say we never come together as a group without thinking of her and her incredible work as well as the warmth of her friendship, but it was lovely to be able to mark this bittersweet moment together and reflect on our pride in her achievements. She had also inspired two of the books in our swap.
Janet B used the 'Border Book' format Susan had shown us to create a wrap-around border and central text block. She was inspired by vibrant traditional Portuguese tiles she'd seen on a recent trip to Lisbon and the book is fastened with a bead from a dress that she'd worn whilst she was there!
Judi's book used some of Susan's many photos of the North Sea at Roker and Seaburn to reflect the importance of the sea in Susan's life, creating a poignant reminder of a much-missed friend.
Jill used border patterns and intricate cut edges to create a Japanese stab-bound book of thoughtful words and timely reminders - we all need to do more of what makes us happy!
Jo had taken the idea of marking boundaries with walls and fences to create a lexicon of wall-words in a concertina book
Janet A had taken inspiration from garden borders to create a calendar of lovely gardens she enjoys visiting throughout the year, a reminder that there's interest in nature even when the Summer is over!
Pat had also been inspired by nature to use her flower-and - geometric doodling to create a fold-out album which is deceptively spacious:
Margaret was inspired by a Brian Bilston poem to create a clever structure which unfolds to reveal its message but can be simply re-folded with a twist of the wrist!
Mari took us beyond our own borders with a beautiful book about Australia with sections which pull out to reveal the beauty of the 'Land Down Under'.
Karenna's book is still a 'work in progress' but sounded as if it will be a really good use of some of those craft items she's stashed away! Maybe we should all follow her lead for the next theme which is 'Found Objects'!
Our next meeting will be on January 25th 2025.
Sending very best wishes to Ruth and Christine who were unable to join us - hopefully they will be able to make the date in the New Year!