Artist Bio 

Colorado Renaissance Festival 2008

 Often, I am asked how I started bookbinding.

Here is my story.

I started journaling in the late 80's while stationed in Germany. The only blank book I could find at the time was a generic sketchbook.  Which I wrote all my personal entries in. I also kept a 3 ring binder which I filled with quotes and passages from books I read. I had borrowed an antique typewriter from another soldier and when I read something that moved me I would type it and insert into the binder.

Time went on, and I continued this practice for a few years. In 1990, I was living in Colorado and really wanted a leather bound journal. I could not find one anywhere. That's when I decided to craft my own. I remember making a simple book in 6th grade art class and figured if I could do that then I
surely could craft one in leather.

Here is the book I made in 6th grade art class.

Yes, I did write in it!
It's filled with stories and poems.

 I borrowed several books from the Denver Public Library on bookbinding and for about 8 months studied everything I could get my hands on about bookbinding.

I had a definite vision in my head of what I wanted my journal to look like which was the Medieval Rustic style.

At that time, most of my books were gifts for friends. I did a few small craft shows but mostly it was a hobby.

In 1991 an acquintance suggested selling them at a Renaissance Festival, which I thought was a great idea, so I invested the money to purchase a shop at the CO Renaissance Festival.

Around the fall of 1994 I really wanted to see how far I could take my "hobby". Against the advice of family and friends (except my father, he said "You have my support because if you don't pursue this one day you will wake up and regret not trying.") and he was absolutely correct.
I quit my full time job and purchased booth space at the AZ Renaissance Festival.

Fast forward to 1998, another friend insisted I put up a website. She built the website for me and within weeks orders starting coming in.

Here I am 10 years later!

My journey to get here wasn't easy, but I love books and the whole art involved with binding them. I struggled many times trying to make ends meet. But in the end my passion for what I did was stronger then the fear of failing.

"Follow your bliss and the Universe will open doors for you where there were only walls."  Joseph Campbell

This, of course, is the Reader's Digest version of the last 18 years.

There is so much more involved in getting me to where I am today. I will add more to this over time.

If you have questions please ask!