Ten past/present members and friends attended our third annual summer lunch meet up on July 31st at Café 16 in St Nicholas’s Cathedral, Newcastle. It was a scorching day outside but the cafe-refectory provided a cool venue as we enjoyed an excellent lunch, conversation and a book swap. There was plenty of time to explore and enjoy the eight handmade books on the theme of 'a favourite quotation'; we discovered tiny items hidden in pockets, surprising pop-up constructions and a variety of media including calligraphy, collage, printing and woven paper.
Margaret's book was a double sided 'Flipping Pages' book with her favourite quotation - 'A friend's writing on an envelope lifts the heart on the rainiest morning'. The the front and back of the flipping pages have images taken from a huge collage of beautifully addressed envelopes she has received over the past 30 years.
Janet B's Hanging Book comprised a large Swedish woven heart paper basket, embellished with a handmade tassel, conceals a hanging book. Pulling the plaited thread handle magically reveals a sequence of three further linked heart baskets containing text from the song ‘You've Got a Friend’ by Carole King. The smallest basket has a removable mini book to give to a friend in need, reminding them 'You've got a friend'.
Marise's book used a complex fold to create a beautiful background for her chosen quotes and a spectacular sparkly slipcase!
Ruth's mixed media pages reminded us of some philosophical quotes we really ought to take to heart!
Judi's nature inspired note book features a wrap round leather cover, quotes and artwork within pockets on the theme of the natural world.
If anyone has photos of other books from the day, please do forward them and I can add them in!
Our next meeting will be on Zoom - 26th October, with the theme of Boundaries, Borders and Edges - but we are already looking forward to the Quarto summer lunch 2025!
