The Ripple Effect

I recently had the opportunity to letter this wonderful quote:

“To those who have come before us: We are like dwarfs, sitting on the shoulders of giants. We see more, and things that are more distant, than they did — not because our sight is superior or because we are taller than they, but because they raise us up and by their great stature, add to ours.” - John of Salisbury, 1159

We should always endeavor to acknowledge that our “new” discoveries and successes are only possible because of the persistence and steadfast hard work of our predecessors. We are able to build upon their efforts, and thereby, add another ripple to the waters of eternal knowledge, passing on ideas and accomplishments for years to come.

As a calligrapher, a weaver, and even a cook, I tend to favor the ancient arts — and often reflect on the vast gifts of those who practiced these extraordinary activities so very long ago!

Taking Flight

in ,

“Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.” - Leonardo da Vinci

Having just returned from a week-long sojourn to another coast, I am finding myself in the midst of a flurry of activity, trying to wrap up the loose ends of summer and prepare for the season ahead.

But while in flight (which never grows old for me), I relax. It’s a time to reflect on the past, be grateful for the richness of the present, and look ahead to the future.

What’s your favorite travel or adventure quote? How do you want to celebrate the seasons of your life? If you have a special project in mind, reach out for ideas. I’d love to help!

Laughter to Cheer You

When you think about that special person in your life, what do you wish for them? A roof? A cup of tea? A warm fire? Someone who makes them laugh? Loved ones close by? Their heart’s content?

This Irish proverb is one of my favorites, because it gently reaches out, sends loving wish, and defines some of our most basic needs and comforts.

Besides, that extraordinary word — LAUGHTER — is so much fun to write! Find someone who makes you laugh. :)

If you need a special gift for a housewarming, a graduation, or a wedding — or just because — consider this matted print.

The Joy of Abstract Backgrounds

Several years ago, I created this abstract background with every intent of lettering something profound in the smooth space in the center. But days and weeks and months and years went by, and I ultimately found that I liked it unadorned.

What do you think? Is this canvas screaming for a message, or can it stand on its own?

This week, I have been working nonstop on my submission for the Washington Calligraphers Guild 50th Anniversary exhibit. After intuitively painting a lovely backdrop in glorious colors to highlight meaning of the text by John Muir, I hand lettered the quote in white. The end result is a satisfying combination of happy accidents, a few little journeys outside of my comfort zone, a heartfelt tribute to my very special mentor, and finished piece that is exactly the vibe I wanted to contribute to this very important occasion. Here’s a tiny glimpse of the background. Stay tuned!

BREAD AND BUTTER

Last week, a very kind fellow artist reminded me of something I already knew, but had temporarily overlooked: There are two sides to our little slice of creative passion. The authentic work that we intuitively dream up, dream about, pour our souls into, and eventually share with the world, is only one side of our story. Equally important is the other side — the “bread and butter” projects. These are the projects that allow us to continue doing what we love.

3 loaves of sourdough bread

This month, I am focusing on the bread and butter projects, as I transition toward a new way of looking at my daily creative life. Commissions are invaluable, and they are almost always a wonderful journey into something new. They keep me going and keep me happy. I’m always seeking new customers and new custom projects, especially when I can ultimately manage to touch another soul and make someone else happy too.

And yet sometimes, it’s also nice to take a few hours off to simply make some bread. After all, stretching and folding sessions are a perfect time to relax, reflect, and look ahead - and most importantly, to start dreaming about my next few creations!

Our Deepest Thanks

“Sometimes our light goes out but is blown again into flame by an encounter with another human being. Each of us owes our deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this inner light.” (Albert Schweitzer)

These 3.5 inch accordion style (concertina) books are among my favorite tiny treasures to create. I hand letter them individually with gold gouache on a lovely cream artist quality paper. For the covers and embellishments, I use various decorated papers from my stash, many of which I have painted myself. I tuck them into a sheer matching gift bag to provide another element of surprise and to add a special touch. Each book is one of a kind, and they make wonderful gifts!

Ocean's Edge and Cool Change

“My life is like a stroll along the beach, as near the ocean’s edge as I can go.” (Henry David Thoreau)

I have lettered these words many times over the years, and find them to be profound and insightful, but also somewhat amusing. After all, “I was born in the sign of water, and it's there that I feel my best…” (Little River Band) You get the idea.

But back to our friend Thoreau. You may find it interesting to learn that “the stroll along the beach” passage above represents just the first two lines of Thoreau’s much longer poem entitled “The Fisher’s Boy,” featured in Thoreau's collection, Poems of Nature (1895). Enjoy!

"My life is like a stroll upon the beach, ⁠As near the ocean's edge as I can go; My tardy steps its waves sometimes o'erreach, ⁠Sometimes I stay to let them overflow.

My sole employment 'tis, and scrupulous care, ⁠To place my gains beyond the reach of tides, Each smoother pebble, and each shell more rare, ⁠Which Ocean kindly to my hand confides.

I have but few companions on the shore: ⁠They scorn the strand who sail upon the sea; Yet oft I think the ocean they've sailed o'er ⁠Is deeper known upon the strand to me.

The middle sea contains no crimson dulse, ⁠Its deeper waves cast up no pearls to view; Along the shore my hand is on its pulse, ⁠And I converse with many a shipwrecked crew."

A recent

“stroll

upon the

beach”

Early morning, June 2026

What lies within us

What lies behind us? What lies before us? More importantly, what lies within us? (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

A few years ago, I found myself walking — or “ambling” — along the lush New England path that Thoreau and Emerson traversed between Emerson’s house and Walden Pond. I treasure the memory of that day, happily living in the moment and taking some time to think about my own resilience and inner strength.

The words of both Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson often seem to resonate with me. This month, these hand embellished calligraphy prints with Emerson’s quote are available in my shop!

The mountains are calling and I must go!

Have you visited my online Etsy shop? Here’s a sneak peak at a recent addition: custom calligraphy on 8x10 mats, to help you celebrate your visit to one of our glorious National Parks. I hand letter these in gold ink on white or black mats, with or without your photo!

Hand lettered mat for photo with Rocky Mountain National Park in gold calligraphy lettering

National Parks

Custom

calligraphy

on 8x10 mats

(This photo was taken during a trip to Denver with my daughter in the summer of 2025. Our vantage point was breathtaking, pun intended!)

To see various options, follow this link. Then, start packing your bags!