Hello and Welcome to my new Printmaking Blog

This blog will be about my printmaking endeavors. Printmaking has so many wonderful facets, etchings, woodblock prints, monotypes, silk screen and many mixed media within the field.

I am fortunate to have purchased a Ray Trayle Press. It sits in a tiny room in my 95 year old house, it's kind of like a small car parked indoors. But, it is hand driven and beautifully made.

I am currently working on an artist hand built book. It began with one of my favorite hobbies, baking, and my favorite baker, my grandmother. She and her eight siblings came to this country in 1901, the family brought with them grape vines and hops, and knowledge to run a self ( for the most part) sufficient farm. With seventy five acres, barley, wheat and potatoes were the main crops, but also a full range of berries and fruits. These were preserved and enjoyed in many ways. (In WW2, when there was sugar rationing, they had to apply for extra sugar that was needed to preserve the amount of fruits and berries they grew. Nothing went to waste).

I stuck to Grandma's side as she prepared such delightful treats, and fascinated by her skills. Cream puffs, no problem. Strudel dough so thin you could see the flowers of the table cloth through it, and stuffed with the apples she grew.

At first, I thought I would make a simple booklet with some traditional recipies, but that did not last long. Soon I decided on a cover made with woodblock images. This went through many iditerations.

After many alterations, and there may be more, here is the cover of the book, there is a little more carving before I can 'pull a proof', this is getting to be sort of exciting (there are always trepidations with printmaking, but also such amazing surprises). Peeling that first printed image from the block is so rewarding.

  So, again, welcome. I look forward to sharing more on this woodblock print and the assembly of the book. Thanks so much!