Category: Artists Book House

  • Paper, Process, Passion

    If you’ve ever been curious about the process of handmade paper, here’s a glimpse! Melissa Jay Craig is creating paper rounds for the Treewhispers‘ closing reception at Artists Book House on March 22nd. (Don’t miss it! You might be a lucky recipient of this amazing paper!)

    What you don’t see is the incredible fiber processing behind the scenes:

    • Raw hemp & unbleached abaca pulp sheet – both beaten for 90 minutes at 1 in the Hollander beater
    • Twinrocker black denim pulp sheet – 20 minutes at 1

    Papermaking is a labor of time, energy, and talent—often unseen but deeply felt in the final sheet. There are many different processes, fibers, techniques, and materials that can be used, each bringing unique textures, characteristics, and possibilities.

    So many generous papermakers have donated handmade paper rounds to Treewhispers. This has made it possible for others to take part. They can write stories, compose poems, or draw on the sheets to be included in the installation.

    I’m incredibly grateful for these generous contributions, which allow this collaborative project to grow and evolve with each participant.

    Next time you hold a sheet of handmade paper, take a moment to consider the process, the fiber, and the maker. Reflect not just on its touch and texture. Contemplate its color, thickness, and even its sound. Yes, sound.

    Enjoy the photos and celebrate the artistry of handmade paper!

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  • Join us for Pulp Painting fun!

    Pulp Painting Nature

    with Don Widmer

    Saturday, March 1, 2025; 11am to 3pm

    Artists Book House
    4207 W. Irving Park Rd.; Chicago, IL

    Sign up HERE

    Participants will learn the technique of pulp painting, creating imagery within sheets of handmade paper using plant pulp as a medium. We will design and cut our own stencils using nature as our inspiration.  Then we will create sheets of paper, including round sheets, in keeping with the theme of the Treewhispers project. Participants will apply colored pulp using their stencil forms to the fresh sheets of paper. The wet sheets can be taken home to dry. Wear clothes that can get wet.

    About Don Widmer

    Don Widmer is a book and paper artist whose work incorporates papermaking and artist bookbinding. His papermaking utilizes detailed pulp painting with numerous layers of stenciled pulp. His artist books feature structures that explore movement and light. Don has exhibited throughout the Midwest, most recently at David Smith Studio, A+C Architects Studio, the Paper Discovery Center, Bridgeport Art Center, Tall Grass Art Gallery, Morgan Conservatory, Gallery Studio Oh!, and Kalamazoo Book Arts Center.  He has received several best of show awards and his work is represented in university, museum and library collections. Most recently, the Smithsonian purchased his artist book Darkness and Light, inspired by Etty Hillesum. Widmer received his MFA in Interdisciplinary Book and Paper Arts from Columbia College Chicago.

  • Pulp Painting Nature with Don Widmer—March 1, 2025

    Saturday, March 1, 2025; 11am to 3pm

    Artists Book House
    4207 W. Irving Park Rd.; Chicago, IL

    About the workshop

    Participants will learn the technique of pulp painting, creating imagery within sheets of handmade paper using plant pulp as a medium. We will design and cut our own stencils using nature as our inspiration.  Then we will create sheets of paper, including round sheets, in keeping with the theme of the Treewhispers project. Participants will apply colored pulp using their stencil forms to the fresh sheets of paper. The wet sheets can be taken home to dry. Wear clothes that can get wet.

    About Don Widmer

    Don Widmer is a book and paper artist whose work incorporates papermaking and artist bookbinding. His papermaking utilizes detailed pulp painting with numerous layers of stenciled pulp. His artist books feature structures that explore movement and light. Don has exhibited throughout the Midwest, most recently at David Smith Studio, A+C Architects Studio, the Paper Discovery Center, Bridgeport Art Center, Tall Grass Art Gallery, Morgan Conservatory, Gallery Studio Oh!, and Kalamazoo Book Arts Center.  He has received several best of show awards and his work is represented in university, museum and library collections. Most recently, the Smithsonian purchased his artist book Darkness and Light, inspired by Etty Hillesum. Widmer received his MFA in Interdisciplinary Book and Paper Arts from Columbia College Chicago.

  • Stitching Stories and Time

    Several enthusiastic members of the North Suburban NeedleArts Guild immersed themselves in the Treewhispers forest on Sunday. It was delightful—though perhaps not surprising—that when invited to share their stories, they instinctively reached for needle and thread or brought along their already-stitched handmade paper rounds to continue working on.

    There’s something truly special about gathering together, stitching, and sharing tree stories along the way. It’s a gift—one that continues to weave connections through time and art.

  • Get Ready to Branch Out!

    Fun & Funky Arboreal Alphabets — February 22, 2025

    In celebration of Treewhispers 25th Anniversary Artists Book House will be hosting Fun & Funky Arboreal Alphabets with Julie Wildman

    Saturday, February 22, 2025; 12pm to 3pm
    4207 W Irving Park    , Chicago

    This is a class for all levels with a focus on drawing, calligraphy, and incorporating nature, using trees as inspiration for creating fun and funky letters.

    Students may bring in their own photos or cuttings of trees, branches, twigs, and leaves for inspiration, or they may use the instructor’s samples. We will explore the interesting shapes found in these items and sketch letters based on those shapes. Then, we will illustrate the alphabets using paints, colored pencils, gel pens, markers, and other materials. Students will work at their own pace and may choose to create a variety of letterforms or a cohesive alphabet or short phrase.

    Materials will be supplied, but students may bring in photos or natural clippings for inspiration.