Interior view of Art ‘n Soul Rubber Stamps

I headed south yesterday to teach classes at Art ‘n Soul, a rubber stamp store in Lacey, WA, about 60 miles from Seattle. The weather was beautiful, the drive was relaxing, and i sang along (totally out of key) to country music all the way. The two 3-hour classes store owner Susie Tracy scheduled were Window Shade Book and Flexagon Cards, and i have included a few pictures for your viewing pleasure.

A few years ago, when I taught classes in Houston, Texas, artist and calligrapher Meri Taylor presented me with a beautiful interactive book structure which resembled a miniature window shade (and operated like one, too!) with a calligraphed a poem on the two ’shades’. I was pleased as punch when she graciously granted me permission to teach a class featuring The Window Shade Book. I played around with her original design and changed the size a bit, then engaged in some really serious play and come up with a jointed book with four window shades that folds in on itself and ties shut with a tassel.

Note: Meri Taylor is currently living in Oregon, and is the Chairperson for the PORTLAND SOCIETY FOR CALLIGRAPHY.

In my Flexagon Cards Class each student made four playful flexagon cards. One card has a heart shape that is broken when the flexagon is flattened, and which becomes whole when the sides are pulled. A second card contains a flexagon with a face, another contains a flexagon and a pop-up, and the fourth card contains a flexagon with 32 panels that appear and disappear when the card is ‘operated’. This one allows lots of creative ways to play with your message, photographs, etc.

Judy Daugherty with her Window Shade Book

Good afternoon Michael…my best to you and your wife Judy. I just wanted to thank you for your wonderful class offerings last Saturday at Art n’ Soul. I went right home to complete the flexagon with the face and am very pleased with the result. I will try to attend your wire edge binding class on Aug. 9th and will bring the card to show you at that time. I always LOVE to add a few more wonderful tricks to my paper arts bag, and your classes were wonderful inspirations. Take care and I will look forward to seeing you again soon. All my best!

Judy Daugherty

Sharyn Hopley with four Flexagon Cards

Karen Van Hatcher & Lorraine Barclay with their Window Shade Books

Debbie Gaetz with her Window Shade Book & Flexagon Cards