About
Hi, my name is Elissa Campbell and I’m a bookbinder.
I entered the world of bookbinding in the 2nd grade with my first creation,“ The Dog Who Couldn’t Bark,” using oak tag, construction paper, and staples. The cover and pages were cut into the shape of a dog.
I wouldn’t revisit the craft until I was in graduate school studying Art Therapy. I worked part-time at a store named Paper Source, a store in Cambridge, MA. The craft had a great effect on me – I ending up writing my graduate thesis on using bookbinding in the Expressive Therapies.
Unfortunately, I once again abandoned the book arts after entering the “real world”. A few years later, the company I worked for advertised a craft show where employees could exhibit their work. I thought, “Hey, I remember that time I made books…I liked that. Hmmm…” I started making books again – this time, it stuck.
Blue Roof Designs came to life in 2000. Yes, I live in a house with a blue roof. Actually, it’s the second house I’ve owned with a blue roof.
In my studio in beautiful Montpelier, Vermont you will find me working with handmade papers from around the world, satin and brocade cloths, leather, and silky ribbons. I strive to create books that maintain the beauty and integrity of the materials with which I work. I especially love working with papers that are pieces of art, in and of themselves. All of the materials I use are acid-free to ensure the longevity of your photos.
I really enjoy making blank books – each book is meant to be transformed by the owner. I consider it “accessible art.” The owner of one of my books will put his or her own life experiences into the book, making it truly one-of-a-kind.
Everyone has a story to tell…tell yours.
I am a proud member of the following organizations:
Upcoming Events
- Note: Bring the the supplies if you have them – don’t feel obligated to buy anything. I’ll have extras available.
- Note: These materials will be used for creating content for your books.
Book Arts Intensive Studio Place Arts (SPA) | Barre, VT | February 20, 2012
Tuesday, February 20, 2012: 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (1/2 hour lunch break)
This one-day, intensive workshop will provide participants with the basics for making a variety of artist books. The workshop will emphasize the accordion book, a deceptively simple book structure. While the basic folded form is easy and quick to produce, it can be adapted into more complex and creative books. In this workshop, participants will create several books based on the accordion structure – the basic accordion, panel book, the flexagon, and the flag book. In addition, the structures will incorporate artist trading cards that will be created during the workshop.
Participants are encouraged to bring materials/tools for both decorating the book covers and creating the artist trading cards. Additional materials will be available for use during the class. In this workshop, each participant will leave class with four completed books and a basic knowledge of bookbinding technique. You will receive a detailed handout and resource list for all materials we use. No previous experience required – this is a great class for a beginner.
Cost: Members $55.00 /Non-Members $65.00
Materials fee: $10.00
Supplies: Awl, bonefolder, ruler, X-Acto knife or utility knife, cutting mat, scissors, pencil, glue brush, glue stick.
Optional materials/tools: Collage materials (small bits of handmade paper, fabric, fibers, etc.), photos, rubber stamps and pads, markers, pens, colored pencils, and decorative scissors.
To register, call the Studio Place Arts office at (802) 479-7069.
________________________________________
Vermont Foliage Open Studio Weekend Blue Roof Designs studio | Montpelier, VT | October 6, 2012
Saturday October 6, 2012
Sunday October 7, 2012
Come for a tour of my studio, demonstrations, and savings up to 50% off seconds and discontinued styles. There will also be selection of bookbinding supplies available for purchase.
Children are welcome!
For more information about Open Studio Weekend, please visit the Vermont Craft Council website.
Directions: Exit 8 off I-89. The exit ramp becomes Route 2. Follow Route 2 with the river on your left. When you reach the junction of Routes 2 & 302, stay on Route 2 for 0.3 miles. Turn left on Gallison Hill Road, at the big obnoxious Kia dealership sign. Travel 0.8 miles to #846 on the left side of the road. The house is gray with blue trim.
More details to come!
________________________________________