Weeds or Wildflowers?

It was a beautiful day in Northern Michigan and I just had to journal outside. We have been allowing the natural wildflowers to bloom, or should I say weeds? They look a lot like weeds because they are scattered all over. They are starting to go to seed. I knew I didn't have much time before they would be gone. I wanted to record them in my journal so I could compare them to next years crop. We have more each year.

From the Workshop

One of the students in the bookbinding watercolor journal workshop wanted to use a rough sketch she had done for her fly pages. We were a little worried how it would handle with the glue. I stayed by her side and we hurried. As you see here it came out very nice. I love it.

Students Books from Workshop

Beautiful books from the Workshop. Everyone did a great job on their books. I hope you are all enjoying painting in them also.
The weather here in Northern Michigan has been perfect for getting outside and journaling, gardening, even swimming and it's only June 1. I love it!

Handmade Watercolor Sketchbooks

I made these awhile ago, before I took a class at Hollander's in Ann Arbor, MI. I love making these books but I am a little surprised that I am driven to fill them even more. This, I think may be the one thing to help me improve my art and my mood. It you are an Artist and are not keeping a journal. Do! If you want to improve your art. Do! If you want your attitude changed. Do!

A little like Christmas Morning

Our first Bookbinding/Journal Painting Workshop was completed on May 25. My friend Catherine and I co-taught the workshop. This photo is the girls opening their books after having weight on them overnight. I was a lot like the excitement we felt on Christmas morning when we were kids.

We taught two, two day workshops back to back. We had five students in each workshop. It was hard work completing the books in one day and the girls were good sports to work so hard. It paid off on day two when they could relax and paint in their new journals.

Inspiration from a friend

My friend Katrina sent me a birthday card. It was a watercolor sketch she had done on 300lb paper. She added a loving saying in ink. It inspiraed me to do this little watercolor of Lar and Beck's sunflowers as a thank you to our wounderful friends the Brown's. They gave a very special pre wedding party for our son Patrick and his gal Kyndra.

Obsession with Book Making

These are two of my latest handmade journals. I am loving the process of choosing papers and making my own journal. It is so satisfying to paint in them too. I think this will keep me painting more often and that is my goal. Hopefully, this will help me improve my painting skill. For sure I am having a great time at this.