Tuesday

On Saturday I bumped into a good friend (who is the finest letterpress printer I know) and I remarked while we were talking about our current projects, "you know, I'm just trying not to take myself too seriously right now." And bless her heart, I don't think she believed me. That being said, I am enjoying letterpress printing, making work that I feel combines beauty with utility and clean design. (But things that appear simple aren't always the case in the set-up!) So coming soon are some new card sets which have rose imagery, borders and lines, using all antique type. Also I will be participating in the next Poppytalk Handmade Market "Paper Pops", that opens on Monday. It's been a while since I've been able to be in the market so I'm looking forward to it again.

> Now is a great time to pick up Kerstin's beautiful book From Orchards, Fields, and Gardens as she's having a half-off sale to raise funds for Pinky Leon's emergency surgery.

> I hope to make Rachel's Borracho beans really soon, I'm craving them.

> I got a roll of film back today that is making my day so much brighter. Here's one of the images and the one above, taken in my studio.

> Plus a fun little announcement next week. :)

Now, back to printing for me.

Here's what's happening

I think you readers know when it's quiet here it's simply because life is busy. That's just how it is, right?

Here's a bit of what's happening:

> At school we've been getting ready for the preschool art show which is hanging now and for the 25th anniversary celebration taking place this Saturday. Above are some photos from the grand exhibition which spans three galleries at the arts center that includes work from the current preschool students and work from alumni over the past 25 years.

> Two of the contributing artists I invited to be part of Water Paper Paint are Gracia Haby and Louise Jennison. When I began working on the Gallery section, their collaborations came to mind instantly. I am so appreciative to them for sharing their beautiful work in the book. Get a peek on their blogs by clicking their names above.

> Thank you to Renee and Jena for the post about my garden and its influence in my work at Petals & Pedals on Modish!

> I put two new watercolors in my Gallery Store yesterday.

> Last Saturday at the arts center was the annual art auction. I am pleased that my pinhole piece has a happy new home. It was a great auction!

New prints in the shop

Hand printed wood block card sets. A set of five hand printed wood block cards with envelopes. Sixteen sets printed.

"Cars & Trucks", three-color letterpress print on paper, image size 7.5 in. x 10 in., paper size 10 in. x 12 in. Limited edition of 20.

In my Etsy shop now. :)

For you

We have a little surprise for you today. When friend and fellow artist Shanna Murray asked if I would contribute to her collaborative desktop calendar series, I hopped, skipped, and jumped at the opportunity to work with her. I'm thrilled to be part of her ongoing project, one she's been doing since early 2010.
So, do you want to perk up your desktop with fresh spring color? Download this month's calendar with Shanna's awesome illustration on my watercolor ground here. You may also want some happiness for your walls.

Happy April. :)

In the studio

I'm excited to report I have finished the cars letterpress print. Now I'm working on printing some wood block cards in different colors. Today I printed the blues. This week I hope to list the limited edition letterpress cars print and wood block card sets in my Etsy shop.