Leandra Spangler's passion for papermaking began in 1986 when she first plunged her hands into a vat of pulp. In the subsequent years, Leandra has explored numerous ways of making and using paper (handmade and found) as a medium in her creative artistic expressions.

After twenty five years of teaching art in the public schools, Leandra became a full time studio artist in June, 2000. She lives in the house she grew up in with her husband, artist/photographer Peter Anger, and their happy kitties.

Leandra Spangler's contemporary vessels are reed forms covered with highly textured handmade paper. She weaves the form as an armature for the application of highly textured handmade paper. A graphite emulsion which is polished by hand creates a luminous protective surface. Recently, Spangler has been adding color to the vessel surfaces. Her vessels are shown across the country at invitational and juried exhibitions.

About her work, Leandra says:

I am intrigued by the way light falls on a surface creating highlights and subtle variations of shadow. To create interesting variations on the paper surface, I press found objects into newly formed sheets of (cotton water leaf) handmade paper. A graphite emulsion seals the handmade paper and is buffed by hand. In addition to creating a beautiful sheen, the graphite emulsion on handmade paper echoes the most elemental of artistic tools: pencil and paper. These vessels: simple reed and paper structures are often misidentified as metal, ceramic or stone. Viewers are intrigued by the visual and physical paradox: the vision of weight and mass and the actuality of paper and reed.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Exhibitions:

BEYOND BASKETRY 2008
The Dairy Barn Arts Center, Athens, OH
May 23 - September 1, 2008
opening reception: May 23, 2008

XTREME BASKETS
Jane Sauer Gallery, Santa Fe, NM
August 8 - September 2, 2008

Workshops:

MAKUK INSPIRED JEWELRY
Saturday, April 19, 2008
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Leandra Spangler's studio, Columbia, MO

Create a series of pendants (or pins) inspired by the makuk.  A makuk is a traditional Ojibwe basket form for gathering sap made by folding and stitching bark.   Using this design as a starting place, we will 1) use patterned paste paper to fold, lace and embellish with bead embroidery or bead fringe; 2) texture and oxidize copper or brass sheeting to fold and lace with waxed linen; and 3)  select copper,
steel or brass mesh to laced and embellished.  Mix and match embellishment options and vary sizes to make each piece an individualized personal statement.

Contact Leandra Spangler (573) 442-3360 or leandra@bearcreekpaperworks.com to register.
Cost: $65 includes all materials.

PAPER PULPS FROM PLANTS
Saturday, April 26, 2008
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Leandra Spangler's studio, Columbia, MO

Learn the process of making paper from common plants from harvesting, preparations, cooking, beating to forming sheets. If you've never made paper from beater processed plant pulps, this is an opportunity to explore a variety of plant fibers (day lily leaves, surprise lily leaves, daffodil/jonquil leaves, and more). No previous papermaking experience is necessary. Great for beginning or experienced papermakers.

Contact Leandra Spangler (573) 442-3360 or leandra@bearcreekpaperworks.com to register.
Cost: $65 includes all materials.

KNOTLESS NETTING
Saturday, May 3, 2008
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Leandra Spangler's studio, Columbia, MO

Looping or knotless netting is a basketry technique as old as the hills.  Learn the basic stitch (loop) and create a sampler (amulet bag) of looping patterns using waxed linen.  Create a second treasure bag with your own combination of patterns and learn to make a flap and add beads and charms.

Contact Leandra Spangler (573) 442-3360 or leandra@bearcreekpaperworks.com to register.
Cost: $65 includes all materials.

SMALL BOOKS: A PRIMER
Friday, May 16, 2008
9:00am - 3:00pm
Leandra Spangler's studio, Columbia, MO

Learn bookmaking basics in an action packed day. Anatomy of a book, soft and hard cover construction, closures, pamphlet and stab binding, multiple signatures, machine stitching and coptic binding will be discussed and practiced. You will construct several small books. No bookmaking experience is necessary.

Contact Leandra Spangler (573) 442-3360 or leandra@bearcreekpaperworks.com to register.
Cost: $65 includes all materials.

WOVEN BIZ CARD CASE
August 8, 2008 in St. Louis, MO
Missouri Basketweavers Guild Convention

Weave beautiful paper and waxed linen into a folio for business or credit cards and edge it with beads.

Contact http://www.unionpoint.net/mbg/ for more information

 

GLAM MAKUK
August 9, 2008 in St. Louis, MO
Missouri Basketweavers Guild Convention

The Ojibwa traditional sap gathering bucket inspired these little baskets. Paper made by the instructor will be used in place of birch bark. Students will embellish, cut, fold, lace and layer paints to create these baskets.

Contact http://www.unionpoint.net/mbg/ for more information.

 

COPPER MAKUK PENDANT OR PIN
August 10, 2008 in St. Louis, MO
Missouri Basketweavers Guild Convention

Transform copper sheeting by stamping textures and oxidizing. Cut, fold and lace to create a pin or pendant i the Makuk design - the traditional Ojibwa sap gathering bucket.

Contact http://www.unionpoint.net/mbg/ for more information.

MAKUK MADNESS
August 21/22, 2008
BeadFest Philadelphia, Valley Forge Convention Center, King of Prussia, PA

Pattern paper, texture and oxidize copper sheeting and select decorated metal mesh in preparation for creating a series of pendants inspired by the traditional makuk form. Paper Makuk - patterned paste paper makuk embellished with bead embroidery. Mini Metal Makuk - textured and oxidized copper embellished with beads. Metal Mesh Makuk - metal mesh embellished with beads. Mix and match embellishment or vary sizes to make each piece an individualized personal statement.
Contact: www.beadfest.com or (610) 232-5733 to register.
Cost: $335 includes materials kit

BOOKLACE
August 23, 2008
BeadFest Philadelphia, Valley Forge Convention Center, King of Prussia, PA

Blank or filled with a personalized statement you will create a variety of booklaces (wearable books) based on the accordion fold and the pamphlet stitch.

Contact: www.beadfest.com or (610) 232-5733 to register.
Cost: $145 includes materials kit