pulp clouds

once there was a way

to get back

to the land

and an incredible woman,

papermaker and steward of the land,

Velma
took us on a journey 

with some tools

some plant stuff from the farm

 some shredding

the pressing of the natural creations

we made paper

it was HOT (90 degrees)

and beautiful.

cold cement kept the belly cool

as we splashed in watery pulp vats.

papers sheets.

like flat mid-summer leaves.

milkweed, cedar bark, day lilly, abaca

and more

pressed to board like noses

to the candy store window

and lo...paper for books or special treasures made.

and from Velma, this dear book.

is available here

don't miss a chance to study with Velma.

and yes, she will be back in 2013

pipe dreams

with a few simple tools,

a few guiding principles,

and her steadfast instruction, Joan Morris

brought the techniques of arashi shibori

[Japanese pole binding] to Long Ridge Farm, 

coupled with

three unique indigo dye vats.

the work was so sweet.

poles were wrapped

manipulated and twisted

then dipped in indigo vats

as so desired.

and left to rest under an indigo moon

only to awaken to woad [isatis tinctoria] dips

individual natural indigo vat creations

all arriving at finished work:

tattersal

woodgrain

twisted on pole

woodgrain variation

time was spent drifting through

raindrops, study, laughter and accomplishment.
magnificent growth.

splendid results.