Helen Widenhofer
Back to Book | Back to 2nd Book
My Bookmaking
My bookmaking "career" began when I retired from teaching and attended a workshop which included making an accordion book. I then attended Western Washington University in Bellingham and took a class from Dr. Elsi Vassdel Ellis. My perception of books was changed forever. I have gone back eight summers to learn new techniques and skills and now have at least 24 different bindings.
I have also attended two Oregon Book Arts Guild conferences. They are inspirational and a source of diverse ideas and techniques.
I have no training or access to various print processes, so most of my books use fine papers and leave content to the imagination of the user. I always take one of my books on trips to use as a journal.
Currently, I am doing independent research on the evolution and history of books, beginning with the clay cuneiform clay tablets of Babylon up to the printing press. Making models of the book as it evolved through the centuries is an enjoyable part of the research.