Mother Nature's Paint Brush

Walk with me up to Alta Vista Viewpoint on Mount Rainier.

 

 

I tried it and liked it!

The internet can be so informative about the most obscure things. I found a reference for a binding I had never heard of before - the Harding Flexible Chain Back Album binding. Originally it was intended for thick cardboard pages that held delicate album prints.  Since I love thick pages this sounded perfect. With some foam core boards, some strong mulberry paper and a stack of old calendars I tried making a example using the instructions provided by Betsy Palmer Eldridge. I really like the way each set of pages opens out flat. Now for some serious scheming with the muse.

Split Rock Book of Hearts

Last week as I continued on my 'outdoor project' I discovered a midden under the blackberry forest of canes. Bare ground exposed the charred ashes, soil and blackened rocks amongst the remnants of a tree stump and blackberry roots. There were little glass bottles of various shapes and sizes dating back to the 50 -60's and a soot encrusted porcelain figure about 2 inches high. The red paint on the English soldier's frock only visible in one spot. It was there in the ruins I found it. A split rock. I know, it is kind of funny for someone to be thrilled over a split rock, but I have thought of them as treasure for as long as I can remember. Immediately a lunch break was called, split rock was brought in for a rinsing. The delightful darkened color of soot and ash sadly rinsed away but the rock was firm and good, fitting in the hand perfectly. Soon split rock was sitting in a place of importance next to highly regarded heart rocks. Well, that is how the story began and this is how it ended:

It almost appears as if Split Rock has snatched up the little Heart book, doesn't it? Split rock makes a perfect easel for display purposes. The book is made of handmade cotton and cattail fluff paper printed with 12 of my photographs of heart rocks in 'situ' (on location). Little beads and heart title were made of the left-over printed handmade paper as was the sit-upon. Gluing the handmade paper together for the sit-upon was great fun for the fibers knitted together so nicely. Crusty leaf... well, he is just a camera ham, but matches split rock so nicely, who could say no.

Under Sail

I have had boats on my mind... I call this "Under Sail." I made the block this morning and printed it on handmade paper made of cattail fluff and recycled paper I made earlier in the week. A perfect way to spend a hot day - dreaming of being aboard a sailing ship.