natural colours
after soaking for 12 days, simmering for 3 hours
straining and then simmering
handspun tussah silk in young walnut tree bark
warm golden brown
the bombyx silk sample is not as dark and golden
in the garden the colours are a Spring-like pink
cyclamen
rhododendron
nerine
back to preparing kiraku kozo paper for shifu thread
practicing Sumi-e — Japanese ink painting
so much to learn
with the help of two marvelous books
The Art of Sumi-e by Naomi Okamoto
Sumi Workbook by Christine Flint Sato (ordered from Japan)
grinding the ink stick on a grinding stone
“in Japan, students are taught to see the blackness of calligraphy ink as a testament to the strength of mind”
the wonderful pottery water dropper was purchased in Kyoto 20 years ago
all the other tools are inexpensive and purchased on Fisgard Street
Victoria’s “China Town”
learning to breathe with the brush strokes
mark making — a working meditation
www.onesmallstitch.Wordpress.com u 
You’re always growing . . .
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Kerry – as are you. I don’t like the alternative!
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This book is great too, and I think easy to find used.
What you have done so far is beautiful.
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Heather – thanks, like I need encouragement to buy books! I’ll look for it.
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I did a couple of classes in Sumi-e years ago. It was great fun and very satisfying.
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Myra – I did a bit at Kawashima but loving it this time.
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