When I moved to the Pacific Northwest last year, purchasing my first ticket to Bumbershoot was like a rite of passage. The music, artwork, and atmosphere make it the place to spend Labor Day weekend in Seattle—for tiny children, hipsters, and grandparents alike. This morning, Maggie from Uncommon Envelope and I had the chance to experience the other side of Bumbershoot, this time as participants. Today we represented Seattle Center for Book Arts, to proclaim the joys of printing, binding, and creating books.
Let me tell you, it’s a weird feeling to bypass the crush of humanity and enter the city’s biggest festival through your own private entrance. This is how the booth looked in our last moment of calm, just minutes before the gates opened and half of Seattle poured onto the grounds.
Before long we had a steady stream a visitors—and we were ready with lots to say and share. While many kept busy creating their own keepsake books at our binding table, others perused the merchandise and exhibits, and learned that binding can transform a book into a work of art—
—and turn everyone’s preconceived notions upside down. This book, made by Dan Schafer, was my favorite show-and-tell item of the day. I always suspected cream cheese to be one of the world’s all-time best substances, but now I’m absolutely convinced of it.
Here’s another treasure: these postcards by Lisa Hasegawa are hand-printed from antique metal rule, to replicate the yummiest of school supplies. Welcome to autumn and hello, nostalgia!
Maggie made her own contributions to the display, and I sneaked in a few Dead Feminists—one of the perks of volunteering!
It was a fantastic day—and even the weather cooperated (no bumbershoots for us!). Thanks to everyone who made a book, asked a question, or signed up for a class. You confirmed our suspicions that participating today was a great idea. We book artists might be an odd addition to Bumbershoot, but we sure know how to make our mark!
