Started work today on a new wood I have never worked with before. This wood is Olive wood imported directly from Bethlehem ,Israel. The wood is amazingly beautiful and such a wonderment to work with. Hardwood but smooths easily. OH and the smell is out of this world!!!!! I opened the box and immediately smelled this marvelous olive oil smell. Like when you first put some fresh olive oil in a hot pan....THAT smell! After working it for awhile I suddenly got a craving for italian food hmmmmmmmmm

This is what it looks like before any work was done to it....

This is while I was working with it.....

This is the cuttings off of it ...the smell OMG!!!mmmmmmmmm

The finished pen...with a certificate of authenticity too Not the best picture tho I am sorry for that....

These are a couple cartridge pens I am making for a commission over the next 2 weeks.These are made with marblewood. The other 13 pens are completely different and I will blog those after I get them done.

Had an occasion to be dressed up tonight. The thought occurred to me to take a pic.....

Just something one can do with some good light, early morning cool hours and some sharp chisels....
Before...

During....


After.... from the right...
After... straight on(sort of)....

After... from the left(and a little blurry.. sorry lol)...


Hope y'all enjoy... Thanks for coming by and having a look

Started by taking my ink stick and started to grind it slowly.
While hand grinding sumi ink it is a time for quiet contemplation. Meditative . Time to think about the painting or writing to be done.

Then with the ink fully saturated in the ink stone time to brush on my painting.

Mostly finished. Little touches here an there.....

And finished... just need a frame. And someone who wants it lol


For those that don't know. The Chinese take soot from burning various woods and oils and collect it all and mix it with essential oils and fillers to make a stick. Using water and a dish made from slate the stick is slowly ground releasing the fine powder and making a fine beautiful ink.

She wants everyone to know that she is temporarily out of NN until her computer can get fixed with whatever problem it is having. She has tried everything she can think of to fix it. NN is the only site that seems to be effected. It is aggravating to no end!!!!
So keep your fingers and toes and whatever else can be crossed,crossed for her and her computer!!

That is all for now.

Mmmmmm Coffee... it does a body good

Has been such beautiful mornings lately . Been inspired to doodle on the front porch the last couple days.


Rather like this one....

Extra credit to anyone who knows what song that is demonstrated in that one

A new thingy I made today. Made from walnut scraps.


In case you don't know what it is.... it is a page holder when you read a book


In case you don't know what a book is.... well your shit out of luck there lol.