I've been doing some experimenting with some different ways to make books this summer. Here's one I just completed!

Beads with some nice big holes are out of the tumbler and will be available at market on Saturday!

Sometimes, I have people tell me, "Oh I could never do anything like that!" or "I just don't have any artistic ability like you do!" or just "Oh, I'm just not creative." Well, here's the secret. Twenty years ago? Ten years ago? I would probably not believe I could eventually make the work that I make now. We all start somewhere, and guess what? With time and practice, we can all get better at what we do, and learn how to do something new. From left to right, the first turtle printing block I ever carved, and on the right the printing block of Aggie the Tortoise I carved this summer. Give yourself permission to make things that are ugly and awkward, but if you want to make something? GO FOR IT!