We love this shot from the release party celebrating Jordan Matter’s new book, Dancers Among Us (right). It turns out that we are not only blessed to have dancers among us — we have editors, designers, salespeople, marketing directors (Workmanites!) among us, too. Oh, and is that an author/photographer I spy in the middle?

Thanks to the Paul Taylor Dance Company for hosting the event and for providing a stunning performance for the guests in attendance. And thanks to Ryan Carville for capturing this joyful shot! (Click through for more stunning shots from the photo booth.)

If you’re not sure what the fuss is about, I strongly urge you to check out this video. If it doesn’t get you dancing in the street, you’ll at least be tapping your toes (or peeling your jaw from your desk, right where you dropped it) by its end!

Paper Made! author Kayte Terry is on tour! Know how I know? Because I went to the launch event at powerHouse Arena in Brooklyn a couple weeks back to kick off the festivities. So I have proof–photographic proof! She’s already on the road, so check the schedule to see when she’s bringing her scissors to a city near you. And, if you missed her in NYC, don’t worry, she’s coming back to bookend the tour in the weeks ahead (stay tuned for details).

Here are some highlights from the Etsy-partnered (yay Etsy!) event at powerHouse. The crowds eagerly began folding “Do Me a Favor Box” origami keepsakes.

They folded and glued, and folded again…

The walls were decorated with the Paper Made! “Kirigami Wall Flower” decorations (naturally) and the “O Happy Day” banner.

…While folks who weren’t folding flocked to the floors and benches to snip their own Kirigami flowers.

More pretty things on display.

Some party-goers curled up with a copy of the book to determine which project they would make next at home!

But wait, there’s more action upstairs! Folks were invited to play dress-up with the “Paper Party Props” (flapper headbands, oversized neckties, pirate hats, beards, and more made from newspapers and construction paper) at the Workman photo booth.

Because lo and behold, it turns out there were plenty of pirates and flappers just waiting for the right costume accessory to make them feel complete!

And at the end of the evening, when scissor snippings gracefully littered the floors and benches, Kayte signed the last of her books, and…

…we all rushed home to see if the photos by Workman photo star Melissa Lucier had been uploaded yet to the Workman Flickr page or the Workman Facebook! Click through for more, but in the meantime, here’s a sampling of the fun:

Editor and author with the “Broke for Baroque Frames” (see, I can’t stop thinking about the book, even when it’s all finished!).

Distinguished, otherwise clean-shaven fellows in paper beards!

Paper pals…

Paper Pirates…

Paper love…

Paper party…

PAPER MADE!!!

Happy crafting with love from Kayte! We hope you catch up with her on the road! And if you’re just following along from your computers at home, here’s Kayte’s “Modern Fete Silhouette” cardboard chandelier project to get you started.

The last weekend in April saw Workmanites at events of all kinds, from a crafter’s wedding paradise at the Etsy wedding expo to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Sakura Matsuri, a Japanese cultural celebration. But the other big event of the weekend was the USA Science and Engineering Festival, a free event for families and kids to get up close and personal with real examples of science at work. I was lucky enough to represent Workman—and all of our awesome science books—at the two-day celebration, and I’m excited to share the details with you now!

The adventure began on Friday morning, when Maggie, John, and I hit the road in our amazing custom Brain Quest minivan!! This year marks Brain Quest’s 20th anniversary, and we’ve teamed up with Chrysler to give away over $25,000 in scholarship money and other prizes through the Brain Quest College Tuition Sweepstakes. Be sure to enter online!

Maggie and John are ready to hit the road in style.

It’s a long drive from New York City to Washington, D.C., but we came prepared: In addition to Brain Quest for the Car and Natan Last’s crossword puzzle book Word., we also brought a copy of All-American Car-I-Oke—and busted out a car-rocking rendition of “Proud Mary.”

Maggie bringing down the house---er, car.

When we arrived at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, we pulled the van into our booth, which was decked out with some truly amazing signage, made by our great studio team.

Brain Quest has never looked better.

After a good night’s sleep, we got up bright and early to greet the crowds! Thousands of eager science enthusiasts flocked to the convention center to get some hands-on scientific action. As you could probably guess, a huge part of our weekend was about Brain Quest. Lots of kids stopped by the booth to be quizzed on math and science topics from their grade levels. And we unveiled the brand new free Brain Quest app for iPad, iPhone, and Nook!

Jessica quizzes some Girl Scouts/future Marie Curies, while two others play with the new Brain Quest app for iPad (right).

Plus, just in case you think we were too easy on the Brain Questers, Selina fired questions at kids while they hula hooped.

"I'll take the physical challenge!"

We also had the distinct pleasure of hosting not one but two Workman authors in our booth. The first was Sean Connolly, author of The Book of Potentially Catastrophic Science and The Book of Totally Irresponsible Science. Sean performed experiments from those two books as well as from his most recent endeavor, The Book of Perfectly Perilous Math. Below, Sean Connolly demonstrates some of the more surprising principles of sound waves to young science buffs.

Stop, hey, what's that sound?

And did you ever hear the story of the inventor of chess, who asked only that his only reward for inventing such a spectacular game be a piece of rice for the first square of the board, two for the next, four for the next, and so on, doubling the amount for each square? Below, Sean uses a real chess board to show that the reward wasn’t as measly as you might think.

Scientists of all ages are amazed by Sean's math skills.

Also in attendance was Allen Kurzweil, author and inventor of Potato Chip Science, a book and kit that includes everything you need to complete 30 science experiments involving potatoes and potato chips. Allen showed us how to turn an ordinary potato into a mind-blowing display of Boyle’s Law, which states that volume and pressure are inversely related. In other words, as pressure increases, volume decreases (and vice versa). In other other words, load a chunk of raw potato into either end of a patented Potato Propulsion Pipe, apply pressure, and BAM! Potato goes flying! Science!!

A budding rocket scientist loads his Potato Propulsion Pipe.

No one can resist a mad scientist who advocates launching veggies in the air.

The USA Science and Engineering Festival was a truly wonderful experience, and I’m so glad I got to be a part of it. Seeing all those kids learning about the way science affects their everyday lives proved something I’ve been pretty sure of all along: It’s FUN to be smart!

—Avery, who got to stand about 50 yards from her childhood hero Bill Nye the Science Guy. BILL! BILL! BILL! BILL!

In honor of the 2012 South by Southwest festival, which starts today, we’re celebrating with a visit to the Austin, Texas studio of Austin Kleon,  frequent SXSW panelist and attendee, and author of  the new book Steal Like an Artist. Here, we ask him a few questions, speed round style.

Recent book you loved/learned from: 

Jonathan Lethem’s The Ecstasy of Influence. The original piece that book is centered around had a huge influence on Steal Like An Artist, but the book is even richer.

Favorite bookstore:

It’s hard to pick just one! BookPeople and Domy Books are two amazing stores in Austin, Texas.

Hidden talent:

If it’s hidden, it’s hidden for a reason. (Wink.)

Bookmark or dog-ear?:

Dog-eared. And underlined. And scribbled in the margins… 

Book you are most ashamed never to have read:

I have a book out on creativity and I’ve never read Twyla Tharp’s The Creative Habit or Julia Cameron’s The Artist Way. (Whoops!)

Most frequent form of writerly procrastination:

Twitter!

Favorite childhood book:

Ernie’s Big Mess. (A Sesame Street Start-to-Read Book)

Alternate ambition:

Beach bum.

Your perfect meal:

My mom’s fried chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, a slice of cherry pie, and a glass of milk.

Big dream:

To be unemployed and independently wealthy.

Super power of choice:

Flying. I’d be having some Grimaldi’s pizza for dinner. (Like my dachshund, I’m food motivated.)

In Steal, you recommend reaching out to creative heroes who inspire you by writing blog posts, dedicating your work to them, and writing fan letters. What was the last fan letter you wrote?

The last fan letter I wrote was Steal! It’s a public fan letter to all the artists who’ve taught me so much.

What Workman book would you like to receive as compensation for your participation?

I Will Teach You To Be Rich

If you’re in Austin, Texas come by the Austin Convention Center this Saturday from 12:30 – 1:30 to hear Austin Kleon and filmmaker Kirby Ferguson discuss creativity in the digital age, followed by a book signing.

Who: Brooklyn artist and Missed Connections author Sophie Blackall
What: A Love-in-Transit Party
Where: New York Transit Museum
Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn Heights
When: Tuesday, February 14, 6–8 PM
Why: Valentine’s Day!

(Click the flyer below or right here for a larger version.)

Sophie Blackall is an illustrator and author who lives in Brooklyn. Her latest book is Missed Connections, in which she illustrated the most intriguing “missed connections” listings that she found on Craigslist.

P.S. Hey commuters: Have you seen Sophie’s beautiful art in the subways yet?

Who: Brooklyn artist and Missed Connections author Sophie Blackall
What: A Love-in-Transit Party
Where: New York Transit Museum
Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn Heights
When: Tuesday, February 14, 6–8 PM
Why: Valentine’s Day!

(Click the flyer below or right here for a larger version.)

Sophie Blackall is an illustrator and author who lives in Brooklyn. Her latest book is Missed Connections, in which she illustrated the most intriguing “missed connections” listings that she found on Craigslist.

P.S. Hey commuters: Have you seen Sophie’s beautiful art in the subways yet?

As a publicity intern at Workman, my regular work includes putting together press kits and mailings. But every once in awhile, I get a task that’s a little more out of the ordinary! Like when I was recently asked to find a snake piñata for a Splendid Spotted Snake event.

After some brief research, I became determined to make a piñata myself. When I left work that day, I had my mind set on a large, snake-like balloon and papier-mâché piñata, which I would then paint and cover with crepe paper. Once I arrived home and consulted my mother, however, my plan quickly changed after she wisely reminded me that papier-mâché has never been my artistic medium. (To bring you up to speed,  I’ve had some scarring formative papier-mâché experiences: Picture a bespectacled third grader attempting to make a festive paper bowl with just a balloon, newspaper, glue, and a dream. Now imagine a loud balloon pop, a crumpled blob of gluey newspaper, and a newly disillusioned third grader. You get the picture.)  Not to mention, my mother was also careful to point out that the piñatas of my youth were radically unsafe (thanks, Mom), and that newer piñatas are equipped with colorful strings that, when pulled, open a secret trap door in the body of the piñata. The candy is then released into the ecstatic and, most importantly, uninjured group of waiting children. Oh, the wonders of modern piñata technology!

My very splendid, very spotted piñata!

I decided to go to Home Depot to look for a wide pipe of sorts that I could cover with a splendid spotted exterior. Luckily I found one that was lightweight and somewhat flexible. The downside: it was black and ribbed. I bought it anyway, took it home, and cut a hole for the trap door in its “belly.” To cover it, I wrapped it in a taut layer of plaster (the type used to make casts for broken bones — this can actually be found in craft supply stores). This step got rid of the ribs, giving me a splendidly smooth snake body, and covered the black exterior. For the head, I used this same plaster over a balloon (almost too close to the aforementioned bad experience for comfort) and for the tail, I wrapped the plaster over a freehand newspaper cone. Then I waited patiently for these parts to dry and attached it all with yellow duct tape.

Instead of painting it, I decided to give the snake texture by wrapping it in yellow crepe paper. I sprayed the snake with adhesive and then wrapped the snake in strips of the crepe paper.

Lest you think it was ALL about the piñata...there were lots of activities to keep kids entertained!

So now I had a yellow snake with a big hole in its belly! I crafted the spots and face out of felt, and glued them all on with tacky glue. To keep with the theme, I then filled the snake with: gummy worms (like little snakes), gold and red Mardi Gras-type necklaces, and confetti (aka flying spots).

Spots, spots, and more spots! Kids decorated their own spotted snake art.

SPOTTED at the event: Authors Betty Ann Schwartz and Alexander Wilensky!

To seal the great beast’s belly, I sewed one ribbon onto a big sheet of felt, and taped 15 or so ribbons to that same sheet. These were the trick ribbons! Only the magic ribbon would unleash gummy worm joy onto the children. So once the snake’s cavity was stuffed, I fitted the felt into the hole and my snake was complete!

After about 7 hours of crafting, a few haunting childhood memories, and a major glue meltdown, I was done! I  drove my masterpiece into the magical land of New York City, and led it into the magical offices of Workman Publishing, where my efforts were recognized with the  esteemed title of “Intern Extraordinaire”!

The Splendid Spotted Snake piñata made its grand appearance at an event at McNally Jackson in NYC on Saturday, November 5, 2011 where it was a big “hit”–or pull, as the case may be. Thanks again to everyone involved in the success of this event!

Hey, visitors to and residents of New York City! What if I told you that I can get your beautiful mug on TV sets all across the nation? And what if I told you that not only would your face would be adorned with a sweet fake mustache, but that you’d be helping to set a world record?

It’s true! This Thursday, November 10, join Dan Rollman and Corey Henderson, authors of The RecordSetter Book of World Records, plus dozens of other RecordSetters as they set the world record for Most People Wearing a Fake Mustache While Watching the Live Broadcast of a Morning Show. Aspiring RecordSetters should show up at 7 a.m. at the corner of 44th Street and Broadway, outside the set of Good Morning America. We’ll position ourselves behind the big glass windows so people all across America can watch as we make history.

What do you need to participate? Just yourself, a fake mustache, and a camera-grabbing orange T-shirt—so the folks at home are sure to see you. No orange shirt? Just show up and we can provide one. And there’s no need to invest in a fancy ‘stache, either: An eyeliner pencil or even a (non-toxic!) marker can get the job done.

The RecordSetter's toolkit

For inspiration, I offer this related record: Most People Wearing Fake Mustaches in a Book.

Check out lots more World Records at the RecordSetter website, where you can brag about records you’ve set and find others that are just begging to be broken. And follow @RecordSetter on Twitter for up-to-date record-setting info. See you bright and early on Thursday!

Have you ever locked eyes with a handsome stranger while pushing your cart through the produce aisle, but been unable to think of something charming to say? Have you ever ridden next to someone cute on the subway, only to watch her get off at her stop before you could pluck up the courage to ask her name? Have you ever had a moment, but missed the connection?

Join us at the launch party for Brooklyn artist Sophie Blackall’s new book, Missed Connections. Sophie will discuss her art and the inspiration behind the book, and then audience members will be invited to share their own missed connections stories. You can visit WORD’s website for more information, and RSVP on Facebook.

When: Thursday, October 6, at 7 PM
Where: WORD Bookstore: 126 Franklin Street in Brooklyn, NY

Plus: Feeling inspired by Sophie’s project? Share your missed connection story with Time Out New York and enter for a chance to win an original signed illustration by Sophie Blackall—an illustration of your story! The winner will also receive a copy of the book, as will two runners-up. Contest ends today, October 5!!

——————————————————————————————————-

Brooklyn artist Sophie Blackall found inspiration among stories of lost opportunities when she discovered the Missed Connections section on Craigslist. Enthralled by the idea of strangers seeking out strangers based solely on a single shared moment, she decided to illustrate her favorite entries, compiling her beautiful watercolors first on her popular blog and now in a wonderful book, Missed Connections: Love, Lost & Found.

Hey, Tri-Staters– Arielle Eckstut and David Henry Sterry’s popular American Idol for books is coming to Manhattan in two weeks! Get your pitches ready… set… go…to the Bowery Poetry Club on October 12, 2011 at 8:00 pm.

(And, if you’re not in NYC, check the calendar — they may be coming to a venue near you very soon!)

What the heck IS a Pitchapalooza? (And do I get to throw stuff?) Well, in a sense, yes! If you’re one of the lucky writers selected, you’ll have the opportunity to throw that brilliant book idea at a panel of publishing industry experts. And who knows… you may just walk away with some leads toward securing a book deal. (Yes, writers have gotten actual legit publishing deals as a result of participating in Pitchapalooza.) But the way it works is: About twenty writers will be selected at random to pitch their book. Each writer gets one minute—and only one minute!

Who are these so-called “industry experts”? Arielle Eckstut and David Henry Sterry (below), aka The Book Doctors, are co-authors of The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published: How To Write It, Sell It, and Market It… Successfully. Arielle Eckstut has been a literary agent for 18 years at The Levine Greenberg Literary Agency. She is also the author of seven books and the co-founder of the iconic brand, LittleMissMatched. David Henry Sterry is the best-selling author of 12 books, on a wide variety of subject including memoir, sports, YA fiction and reference. They have taught their workshop on how to get published everywhere from Stanford University to Smith College. They have appeared everywhere from The New York Times to NPR’s Morning Edition to USA Today.

But, I’m really just going to leave feeling brokenhearted and criticized, right?: Not a chance. At Pitchapalooza, judges will help you improve your pitch, not tell you how bad it is. The panel critiques everything from idea to style to potential in the marketplace and much, much more. Authors come away with concrete advice as well as a greater understanding of the ins and outs of the publishing industry. Whether potential authors pitch themselves, or simply listen to trained professionals critique each presentation, Pitchapalooza is educational and entertaining for one and all.

So what’s my prize? At the end of Pitchapalooza, the judges pick a winner! And that lucky winner will receive an introduction to an agent or publisher appropriate for his/her book. Not too shabby…

Is there a catch? In order to have the opportunity to pitch, you must purchase a copy of The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published. Oh, but anyone who buys a copy of receives a FREE 20 minute consultation, a $100 value. If you don’t want to pitch, the event is FREE.

Not convinced? Here’s the enthusiastic crowd from a Pitchapalooza event at Anderson’s Bookshop in Illinois:

For your further reading and viewing pleasure, check the links below. Otherwise, hope to see you at the next Pitchapalooza!

—

New York Times article: http://tinyurl.com/3tkp4gl.

Pitchapalooza mini movie: http://tinyurl.com/3jr8zte.

Pitchapalooza on NBC: http://www.thebookdoctors.com/the-book-doctors-pitchapalooza-on-nbc-television