Starting in for a few days of marbling. Not prepping for a show or heavy production, so lots of time to experiment. Several new papers, an altered tool or two. Pacing myself though, already quit for the first day to enjoy some holiday customs. Last image below is my favorite of the day, though still dripping wet in this photo.
Thirteen years and a couple of weeks ago I headed to the Campbell Folk School for my first class in Marbling, with the lovely Nancy Lawrence. A week from today I’m heading that way again, for the first time serving as a Class Assistant. Thanks to Pat Thomas for inviting me to share this opportunity. We will have a great time. And I’ll be excited to see the new Book Arts building under construction, in spite of many, many fond memories from the basement of the Keith House.
with Ginny Moreland
Workshop Date: March 27, 2017, 1:00 to 5:00 pm
(Following a morning program at the Members’ Meeting)
Location: The Red House Studios
310 W State St, Black Mountain, North Carolina 28711
Spend a few hours immersed in color, pattern, and serendipity, as you explore the magic of marbling. You’ll learn to prepare the materials, apply paint to the size, use tools to create patterns and designs, and lay down paper to create a unique ‘hydroprint.’ The workshop will cover basic patterns, variations, and “free style” marbling.
Skill Level: Introductory – no experience needed! Supplies: All tools and consumable supplies will be provided. Students will have their own marbling set-up, or at most share a set-up with one other student.
Instructor: Ginny Moreland has been marbling since 2004, and teaching marbling to small groups since 2008. She has used her marbled papers in hand book-binding and cartonnage, cards, origami flowers and miscellaneous functional products. Every so often a composition is framed and offered as “fine art.” Her current interests include “over-marbling” (layering multiple prints,) paper weaving, and calligraphy.
Registration fee: $35.00 for SVFAL members, $40.00 for non-members.
Mail check paid to SVFAL c/o Cathy Skeen, 350 Bee Tree Road, Swannanoa, NC. 28778. To register via phone- call Cathy at: 828-231-1446
A separate materials fee of $10/person is payable to the Instructor at the workshop.
Questions about the class? -ginnymoreland@gmail.com
Tomorrow. Saturday, October 29th David and I are off to a show right here in downtown Black Mountain. Art by the Tracks features 50 juried artists, music, food, and fun. These flowers are the latest addition to my offerings. I’ll be doing marbling demos off and on during the day, too. Come on down, the weather will be wonderful! Do some early holiday shopping. David’s got some great new stained glass.
After considerable internal debate, I’ve registered for “A Show of Hands,” the 35th 
International Calligraphy Conference. No, you have not missed something. I have long admired calligraphy but never taken a single class. But, this conference is being held at Warren Wilson College, a scant 12 minute drive from my home, and it may be my only chance ever to attend. The cost was not insignificant, even without campus housing, so it means I’ll be foregoing a singing week at another location which would have been pure joy but not stretched me in the same ways.
From among the course offerings I’ve selected one that places more emphasis on making books, and somewhat less on the techniques of 
lettering that might be included. “All levels welcome!” it boldly proclaimed. And even more than an interest in calligraphy, which partners so well with marbling, I need encouragement to finally start making books with content, rather than exclusively producing blank journals for the creativity of others. “Heartfelt, Handmade,” taught by Cherryl Moote seems to fill the bill. At least, this is the class I requested and hope to be taking! See also: www.mootepoints.com
At least I have until June 25 to take out the random calligraphy pens and inks that I’ve purchased over the years, and see if I can at least condition my hand muscles so they don’t cramp up when the time comes! Now, I wonder if I can sell some marbled paper to all these great calligraphers and book artists who will be in attendance. Hmmmmn.
Exciting – yesterday my m
aterials arrived for participation in the International Project Ebru Patchwork. We each have two pieces of fabric to marble which will be incorporated into a large composite display of marbling/ebru from around the world. Now I just have to get it done and figure out how to send it back to the Czech Republic by their deadline. Too cold in the garage to marble in winter, but I’ll set up somewhere else.
Did “Art on the Lawn” in Black Mountain in late October.
Learned the “Secret Belgian Binding” from my friend Anne Murray.
Had fun with a tunnel book form for the Bookworks book exchange.
Gave a lecture/demo for the Brush and Palette Club of Lenoir, NC
NOTE: This marvelous event happened in September; I just now found this post languishing in my ‘drafts’! (Though if you follow the FB page you did see in a while back.)
After ten years of marbling, would you think I should still be taking marbling classes? Absolutely!! There are always new things to learn, and this week offered a bonanza of tips, tools, techniques and general wisdom, generously provided by Regina and Dan St. John, of Chena River Marblers.
Yesterday went through the inventory ritual – which was long overdue. Sorting through all the piles of paper. Some times it’s like meeting an old friend with great enthusiasm. Sometimes it’s like meeting an old flame and wondering “what the heck did I ever see in ___?” Then the slicing starts. Cutting off bad parts, paring full sheets into smaller sizes, salvaging small pieces for cards or origami.
I recently scheduled my first marbling workshop since moving to our new house a few months ago. With the large garage/studio I can accommodate a small group comfortably. A few places are left in the class on Saturday, June 7. $75.00 includes all materials needed, use of a full set of tools, and of course friendly instruction and lots of fun! Check the workshops page for more information. 
marbling, music & miscellany 