NSBAG Book Swap 2023

On November 29th at the Halifax public library, the book arts group held a book swap! Bookbinders ranged from master bookbinders, and workshop aficionados, to book newbies. We had 16 people present for the swap, with a total of 17 books (with one absent member who contributed a book). This was probably the most well-attended book group meeting of the last couple months, which is encouraging to note that everyone loves making a book for someone else!

All books were wrapped and numbered then everyone drew a number
to determine which book they would receive.
We got to see many examples of hand marbled paper from Rhonda's marbling workshop, all of beautiful colours and designs. Other books included some repurposed covers from thrift store finds, a folded book made of handmade paper, a book box with tiny ornaments, case binds, Coptic binds, Japanese binds, and an entire book filled with sheets of coloured watercolour paper.

All of the books, revealed!
Even given a number of restraints, the books turned out all different and beautiful, showing people's progression in binding, but also an array of interests and styles within the field. It was an opportunity to see different bound styles, and I personally am excited to try a repurposed binding, or having a pressed flower on a cover.
Thank you to all who participated and hopefully we will plan another swap soon! Happy binding.

Here you can find all the books featured individually:

- Marilynn Rudi
- Jamie Pratt
- Sally Crawford
- Ron Fritz
- Em Doucette
- Heather Loney
- Tabatha Cass
- Joe Landry
- Rhynn Winstead
- Larry Cowell
- Emily Brown
- Ariel Bissett
- Jeffrey Cowling
- Andrew Fraser
- Taryn Neufeld
- Rhonda Miller
- Stephanie Morley

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Written by Taryn Neufeld