September Pen Meet

OLdspeak bar

Wednesday, September 23, 2026
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Oldspeak Bar
3640 W Chinden Blvd, Garden City, ID 83714

This is an informal meet up. Drop in to work on your exhibit pieces, share, & connect with fellow calligraphers.

Paste Paper and Bookbinding

with Judy Sommerfeldt

We didn't do as much as I'd hoped last spring, but this fall we have a lot lined up! Judy Sommerfeldt with the Salt Lake City Calligraphy Guild, Utah Calligraphic Artists, is coming to Boise and is going to put on our second fall workshop.

The first part will be open to all Guild Members and will be a Friday evening paste paper making meetup. Below are some details about the event.

Paste Paper Play

Paste paper is one of the oldest decorated papers used by bookbinders for centuries.  The process of making paste paper involves applying colored paste onto the surface of the paper and working it into rich patterns using a variety of tools and techniques.  In this session we will make several sheets of paste paper that can be used in handmade books, cards, art or calligraphy backgrounds, collage, or whatever way your creative muse imagines. 

Participants are asked to bring the following:

*4 quarter sheets of Arches text wove   (Those not attending Saturday’s workshop can bring Arches or other fine art papers such as Canson Mi-tientes or Ingres, 90 lb watercolor paper.  Printer paper, cardstock, or heavier papers are not good choices for this activity.

*2-3” chip brush

*kitchen sponge – about 3x5”

*two large yogurt or cottage cheese containers

*paper towels

*apron – we will be working with acrylic paints

This will be held on the Friday before the bookbinding workshop at our regular meeting time 6 - 9 pm, although we will be picking a different venue that can handle a bit more mess.

Those that sign up for the workshop will take their paste papers and use them the following day at the bookbinding workshop, which is described below.

Boise BookBound 2.0

In this workshop participants will be making two books – a hardcover pamphlet stitch book and a multiple-needle Coptic book. 

The hardcover pamphlet stitch book is a contemporary version of the historic chapbook.  It is a good beginning structure for those new to bookbinding as it introduces basic bookbinding terms and techniques.  The finished project is a lovely book perfect for use as a notebook, journal, or sketchbook.

The Coptic binding was developed in the 2^nd century, the earliest known binding of the codex format.  It was adopted and altered by many different cultures and became a major influence in subsequent historic book structures.  Today because of the beauty of its exposed link sewing and its ability to lay flat or open 360^o, modern variations of the Coptic structure are popular among book artists.

Workshop participants will learn more about the history and significance of these two structures and will leave with two completed books.  

Workshop Fee: $75

Materials fee:  $25 (this covers the paper that will go in the books, thread, and other bookbinding supplies the teacher will provide)

Tools and supplies participants are to bring:

Self-healing cutting mat at least 18” X 24”

Metal ruler – 18” works best

Sharp cutting blade – scalpel or Xacto with #11 blade

Scissors

Book binding awl – if you have one

0.5 mechanical pencil and eraser

Bonefolder – instructor will have a few extras

Sewing weight - if you have one

Small spray bottle

Water pot – glass jelly jar, pint jar, mug  - anything with a wide base that won’t be tipped over easily

Where: CWI Campus

1360 S. Eagle Flight Way Boise, ID 83709** 

**Subject to change

When: October 9th 6- 9PM

For all members where we will make paste paper

Cost: Free

When: October 10th 9-4 PM

Registered members, the bookbinding workshop with Judy, where we use out paste papers to create hard bound books. 

Cost: $75 + $25 material fee for Members

October Guild Meeting

Calligraphy Engraving
with Britiney Slaughter

Thursday, October 15, 2026
6:30pm - 8:30pm
CWI:  Boise Campus  
1360 S. Eagle Flight Way, Boise, ID 83709
Room: APIN 1302

Meeting Topic:
Learn about calligraphy engraving on glass with Britney.

Supplies:
TBA

November Guild Meeting

Gothicized Italic
Basics & History
with Victoria Choules

Thursday, November 19, 2026
6:30pm - 8:30pm
CWI:  Boise Campus  
1360 S. Eagle Flight Way, Boise, ID 83709
Room: APIN 1302

Meeting Topic:
Victoria will share the history of the Gothicized Italic script and demonstrate the basic strokes.

Supplies:
TBA

Traveling Exhibit
2027

Theme: Favorite Movie Quote

2027 Exhibit Theme: Favorite Movie Quote

Each year, the Idaho Inkspots Calligraphy Guild hosts a traveling exhibit featuring calligraphic pieces created by our members around a chosen theme. For 2027, we are excited to announce the theme: Favorite Movie Quote.

All skill levels are welcome to participate, and we encourage every member to consider submitting a piece.

Submission Guidelines:
Framed pieces should be no larger than 11"x14" overall. Books and 3-D pieces are also welcome.

Important Dates:
Pieces are due at our January 21, 2027 Guild Meeting.
Pieces will be returned at our December 2027 Christmas Party.

Once the exhibit is complete, it will travel throughout the year to libraries and other community locations across the Treasure Valley, giving your work the chance to be seen by a wide audience.

We encourage members to begin thinking about their favorite quote and start planning their piece early. If you have any questions about the exhibit, please reach out to us.