on the shore

Small craters under the dock mark the spots where water recently dripped. Now ice is just beginning to form on the shore, locking leaves and sand in place.

starting small

This small blank book's pages measure 4 1/4 inches by 5 1/2 inches. It has eight 16-page signatures of regular 20 lb. white paper. My next book will have nicer paper. Being away from the graphic design and printing realm for so long, I don't know any local suppliers, so I'll have to go online for a nice 80 lb. text.

Anyway, I enjoyed sewing the binding with some purple thread that I've had for a long time. I believe it is silk.

As for starting small, it's not just the size of my books. It's getting back into being an artist/craftsman on a part-time basis while I continue my full-time job. I love craftsmanship, and it makes me happy to make things. I have collected some beautiful objects from nature over the years that I hope to incorporate into my books as my skill increases.

a sunny columbus day at undergrowth farm

We enjoyed a picnic and a pleasant walk to a nearby stream. We crossed paths with a praying mantis on our way back to the farm.

nature walk

These pictures are from a late afternoon walk in my neighborhood last Sunday.

a foggy morning in cape elizabeth

Ron and I spent some time on Sunday in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. The fog hung on until late in the morning and added some mystery to this beautiful place.

a little more settled

I have hung some of my photographs and paintings in the studio, and it's looking a little more lived-in. Thanks to Susan S. for the beautiful bells that are hanging near the doorway to welcome me (and you) into this space.

beautiful summer afternoon

The gardens at Prescott Park in Portsmouth are a visual feast. Ron and I stalked butterflies and bees while awaiting a Wednesday night concert.

a close look

At the mill, these bricks are part of a windowsill. I love what time does to create beauty on a rough and rustic surface.

a small handmade journal

The recycled paper I made in April finally has a home in this small journal. The cover looks leather-like, but it is painted sumi paper wrapped around paperboard from a cereal box.

These pictures show the sewing of the coptic binding, in process.

I love the beautiful (and real) leaf on the cover. The first page has another leaf embedded into the paper.

flowers for mothers day

Ron and I strolled among some of the prettiest gardens in Portsmouth today.

They aren't blooming yet, but I painted some hydrangeas yesterday. The "underpainting" is a little blue block print (first photo below), and I used oil pastels to create the variations. My mother loved blue hydrangeas.