Hello! Until I started writing, I didn’t realize how much I got done in these past few weeks. We were out and about, from the Columbia River Gorge to the coasts of Northern California. Walks around the neighborhood prompted some impromptu paintings. I finished making a few toys and blankets for the kitties, and also knitted up a couple of things for myself. Working toward another flower block for my wildflower block printing series and another watercolor book cover joined the list too. Last but not least, I painted this Girl and Her Cat book cover last Monday. It is going to be quite the show and tell today!
Fiber Works
My kitties love to play with these toys. They tend to see red and yellow very well on our light-colored carpet, which is why I picked those colors. I made these with fleece and filled them with catnip. They are also flat, so the kitties can easily carry them around in their mouths.
Please click on the image thumbnails to see the photos –
I got a new sewing machine early this year. That was the perfect excuse to make more blankets for them. They love to sleep on them and it keeps the house tidy. I stitched two layers of fleece together with wavy lines as if I was quilting them.
I always hand stitch my bindings. So relaxing! With these new additions, along with the previous set of blankets, they are all set for now.
Knitting is another very calming activity for me. I particularly chose this pattern because it made me think of both architectural details as well as trees.
This one is my favourite set of mitts. The color of the yarn matches my kitty’s blue eyes. I am glad I got these done just in time for our travels.
Out And About
Please click on the image thumbnails to see the photos –
We traveled to the Columbia River Gorge for a few days. If there was ever a Rivendell (from Tolkien’s stories), this has to be the place. Despite the heavy rain, we walked around on the trails a lot. I also got to have my first snow of the season there and walked on it. These are just a few photos taken from my phone. I will write a proper, separate post on our visit there sometime.
Last Sunday we drove out to the coast of Northern California. We had a picnic lunch there and stopped at several places.
Our last stop was at this place where Russian River meets the Pacific Ocean. We stayed there until it got dark. It was a really lovely day.
We went for a walk around our neighborhood and found these Ginkgo trees. I wanted to get a few leaves, but it got dark and we were both still recovering from being sick, so we decided to come home.
The next day we walked back over and I got my leaves. That afternoon I painted them in my nature journal. I only used a couple of colors and a small brush to paint on the details.
In this post I talked about being inspired by brush strokes in the Chinese and Japanese paintings, and about using that technique for painting the water around these leaves. I used a very similar technique to paint the details on the Ginkgo leaves too. I’m getting more familiar with the technique now. Practice makes perfect.
Upcoming Work
I finished drawing the flowers for my next block print in the wildflower series. I always practice a little on a small sample piece before diving into the large carving. Specially useful for all the curves I tend to have in my designs. With newly sharpened tools, I am all set for working on the large piece.
Once I finish, that print will join these – Fairy Lantern and Enduring Thistle. The journals are available in my shop.
I have been working on a book cover with this little owl. I was only going to test the colors on a test piece. Before I knew it, I ended up with this little one.
I need to make a watercolor book anyway, so I will incorporate him on the cover. The book signatures are all done and ready to be stitched. I will start working on them tomorrow.
Book Cover Art
Ever since I painted this picture on the cover of one of my hand bound books, I have been wanting to paint another one like this. It is a little daunting. If I make a mistake, I will have to bind the book again, as I had to do with this book because of a washi tape mishap.
I made this book a couple of years ago, I think. Since then, I have been wondering about what to draw on the cover. I wanted to incorporate the binding ribbons as a part of the cover art.
Then, last week, the idea literally popped into my head. In my sketchbook, I drew the Girl and Her Cat in an old library, leaning against a stone wall, reading. The ribbons became part of the stone wall. I copied the finished drawing on to the book cover and painted it.
Once I finished the front side, the back looked so bland. My husband suggested continuing the stone wall on the back. That was a brilliant idea.
My finished book. I could not be happier with it.
That wraps up everything I have been doing outside and inside and paints a good picture of my winter break. Kitty cuddles, weekend drives, reading by the fireplace and playing in my little atelier. I wish you a wonderful holiday season!
Until next time,
-Soma
The Ink Torrents Graphics shop remains open. I will continue to mail orders, as always. You can also purchase quilting patterns, which you can access immediately via Instant Download. I will also be available via email. Thank you for continuing to shop from my store, so I can support my favorite rescue organizations.
I am linking up with the linky parties on my Events And Links page. Please pay a visit to some of them.
51 thoughts on “Little Stories – Little Dabbles Part II”
Pam January 9, 2025 at 08:32
I am absolutely amazed at all of your talents! I mean it. Your work is all so stunning. I’m so glad you found our TFT link party. I’m sorry that I’ve been lax with my comments back on party days. (A bit overwhelmed by life lately.) But, I hope to do better this new year!
Nikki - Notes of Life December 31, 2024 at 13:27
Wonderful photos and artwork! I especially love the girl and her cat in the old library. :)
Best wishes for 2025!
Life Images by Jill, Western Australia December 23, 2024 at 20:02
I enjoy seeing the art and crafting of others – it’s inspiring. That book binding is a wonderful skill. Wishing you a safe and happy Christmas and 2025. Kitty cuddles, weekend rives and reading by the fireplace sounds perfect. Thankyou for visiting my blog this week.
Brenda @ Songbird Designs December 22, 2024 at 15:01
You’ve had a wonderful and busy week…not to mention productive!! Those kitty blankets look so soft! The kitty toys look fun too. Thanks for sharing with us at Monday Musings!
Michelle Nature Notes December 22, 2024 at 13:53
Wow..you have been very busy…I love all the crafts you can do…..Michelle
Sarah MumofThree World December 20, 2024 at 22:43
What a busy creative time you’ve had! I love the book cover in the library and your cat blankets. Your hat is beautiful and definitely reminds me of trees.
Erika N December 20, 2024 at 17:13
Your post is filled with eye candy. That is a gorgeous journal, especially with that binding. It looks so complicated, but beautiful. Your knitting is also beautiful, and wow, those photos. What scenery. Wishing you a wonderful holiday. hugs-Erika
RachelSwirl December 20, 2024 at 15:49
Your cartoon is stunning! Thanks so much for sharing your snaps and for taking part in #MySundaySnapshot.
Carol December 19, 2024 at 08:31
I love the painting of the girl and her cat on the book cover. So many cute works – I am amazed at your creativity. Merry Christmas!
Marsha Cooper December 18, 2024 at 20:51
You are very talented!! Love the cat nip toys. I should really make some for our kitties.
Debbie Harris December 18, 2024 at 19:33
Hi Soma, these are wonderful pieces of art! I love the owl one but all are fabulous.
Thanks for joining us for Min’s #WWWhimsy linkup. All the best for 2025 x
Deb #TeamWWWhimsy
Esme Slabbert December 18, 2024 at 18:14
Thank you for sharing and participating at SSPS 341 Soma. See you at #342, Jan 6. Merry Christmas/Happy Festive Season.
Denyse Whelan December 17, 2024 at 23:31
Thanks for sharing as part of the Australian based link up called WWWhimsy
Denyse #TeamWWWhimsy
Christie Hawkes December 17, 2024 at 13:30
How talented you are! These are all amazing. Thanks for sharing them with us. I found your blog through the #WWWhimsy link-up. Happy holidays!
Sue from Women Living Well After 50 December 17, 2024 at 13:20
You are so creative and the book cover art is beautiful. Lovely nature shots as well to brighten my morning. Thanks so much for joining us at Min’s #WWWhimsy and wishing you a wonderful Festive Season. See you in 2025! Sue L. #TeamWWWhimsy xx
Lydia C. Lee December 17, 2024 at 12:28
The waterfall shots are stunning and I love the book cover art – what talent. #TravelTuesday
Yogi December 17, 2024 at 09:41
I’m blown away by your art work. You not only have the “eye” you have the skill to carry it off well. You are so creative!
Veronica Lee December 17, 2024 at 01:43
The kitty toys look fantastic!
Your work is incredible, and I really admire your talent.
Traude "Rostrose" December 16, 2024 at 13:23
Oh wonderful, you were so creative, so busy and created and saw so many great things. A fulfilling time. You only mention between the lines that you were ill – when did you have time for that? I like all of your trip pictures and works – but the book with the library cover is truly a masterpiece of yours. Brilliant to visually integrate the ribbons into the brickwork and to also design the back as a wall!
Warm greetings from Austria and a wonderful Advent season, Traude
✨️✨
Kim Carberry December 16, 2024 at 12:57
You have been busy!
The toys for the kitties look fab, I bet they love them and those mitts look so cosy, perfect for this time of year!
What wonderful photos! It sounds like t agreat trip to Columbia River Gorge!
The book cover is beautiful!
image-in-ing December 16, 2024 at 12:38
Gosh your work is stunning. I’m jealous of your talent!
Thank you for sharing at
Angela Webster December 16, 2024 at 10:22
You are so talented! I love the little owl design he looks like a curious fellow. Your Kitties are spoilt for choice with their new toys and blankies. The photos from your walks are stunning, nature is so beautiful this time of year.
Amy Johnson December 15, 2024 at 14:10
You are so multi-talented it amazes me! Your sewing is impeccable. I don’t have the patience for hand sewing my seam bindings. That gorge looks gorgeous, and I love Ginko trees, I wish we had them in Wisconsin.
Mary December 15, 2024 at 13:52
You have really been busy. I LOVE the new book. It’s really a treasure! Your knitting is fabulous too. The cables are all stunning. Those are lucky kitties with their fun toys and cuddly blankets. The Columbia River Gorge is so spectacular. My sister has a place in Astoria right on the Columbia.
Debbie December 15, 2024 at 08:02
you have such a wide range of really beautiful hobbies and crafts. the sewing is beautiful, the book cover is gorgeous…but as a knitter, the knitting stole the show for me!! that is one spectacular hat you made, your stitches are really so pretty!!
Alison Hall December 15, 2024 at 00:49
So many wonderful creations Soma. I love the book with the girl and her cat, when I saw your knitted hat it reminded me of church architecture.
The scenery on your trips looks amazing too, very Rivendell.
Thanks so much for your lovely comment on my blog.
Hugs,
Alison
Connie Griffin December 14, 2024 at 19:22
Wow you have gone to some gorgeous places and have taken beautiful pictures.
Cute gifts for the kitties, I need to do some stitching of our cats favorite toy that is falling apart.
The pattern on the hat and gloves is so cool, I never got that good at knitting.
I will have to say my favorite is the girl in the library, love all the books and that cool stone wall, great idea of your hubby to have it go to the back. I also love your binding of the book, looks like a lot of work but looks so cool!
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
Natalie December 14, 2024 at 16:37
Beautiful creations and trip photos. I really like the knitted hat and the Girl and her cat book cover. Thank you for your weekend coffee share.
Kathleen December 14, 2024 at 12:59
You have been so busy, Soma! Such beautiful work. And that little owl has been a favorite of mine for a very long time :o)
Susan December 14, 2024 at 10:26
My hubby and I love waterfalls, oceans, rivers and streams and other bodies of water, especially in scenic places. They are such nice places to sit and meditate. The flower prints are beautiful and I love the little girl and her cat in the old library. I wish I had all your talent. I hope you have a beautiful and healthy Christmas and New Year.
Eileen December 14, 2024 at 02:15
Hello,
What a lovely post and lovely photos. Congrats on finishing your book, I love the cover for the Girl and her Cat.
Hubby and I love visiting all the waterfalls along the Colombia River. And Northern California is a gorgeous area .
The kitties are happy cats with the toys and blankets. The wildflower art is lovely too.
Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a happy weekend. PS, I appreciate the comment you left for me.
Tammie December 13, 2024 at 17:55
Such a lovely strand of art. Bravo for all you have created. To tell you the truth there is too much to comment on individually.
They are all wonderful. Love how creative you are.
Dixie December 13, 2024 at 08:20
Wonderful Girl and Her Cat cover!
Such an unique way of putting the journal pages together too.
I bet your kittens are loving their catnip toys and cozy blankets.
And beautiful landscape photos. Love the ginko painting too.
A great post, Soma
Vicki in MN December 13, 2024 at 07:24
OMG what a great inspiring post! You draw and paint fantastically! Your trip sounds like the perfect get away, thank you for sharing your pic’s with us. Happy Holidays.
Alycia Quilts December 13, 2024 at 07:19
Wow – you did get a TON done – and those travel photos – oh my – what stunning views you saw… I just love them
jeanie December 13, 2024 at 04:41
Everything here makes me smile, especially the beautiful book cover with the cat! And love those blankets and toys! Lizzie shouldn’t see this post or she’ll realize what a slacker I am! Your photos show some beautiful travels and I’m so impressed with your block prints. Wonderful, all!
Bill December 13, 2024 at 04:26
Brilliant, your work is so amazing, The area in you photos is beautiful and a place I would be drawn back to time and time again
tomthebackroadstraveller December 13, 2024 at 04:23
…this post was a delight to enjoy this morning. Thanks for sharing.
Cat December 13, 2024 at 04:13
You got so much done and all of is so beautiful! I love the kitty blankets, I’m sure my cats would, too (but I can’t sew, so I won’t let them read the post).
Hope you are feeling better!
Happy Holidays,
Cat
(Visiting from Weekend Traffic Jam Reboot)
Kim December 13, 2024 at 03:47
That snow drop lino cut is beautiful, Soma, I can’t wait to see it come to life :) And the gingko leaves are similarly beautiful, the colours are glorious!
mireille December 13, 2024 at 03:15
Wow! you are so creative and thank you for sharing with us! The scenery is beautiful and your work is beautiful. I love the book cover and those mitts are just perfect: the color is my favorite!
Gillena Cox. December 12, 2024 at 22:27
Lovely post.
Happy you linked to Art For Fun Friday
much love
Peppylady (Dora) December 12, 2024 at 15:45
Enjoy your creativity.
The Joyful Quilter December 12, 2024 at 15:17
Happy holidays to you, as well, Soma! This post was certainly filled with creativity. I think your special book cover is magical and those lovely hand knit items. Beautiful!
A ShutterBug Explores December 12, 2024 at 15:07
wow! You have been creatively very busy! Favorite is your book with the young girl and the knitted hat ~ wonderful! ~ thanks,
Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
clm ~ A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Christine December 12, 2024 at 14:45
Lovely work
Debra She Who Seeks December 12, 2024 at 11:30
You have been very, VERY busy indeed! Everything looks terrific! And what lucky, spoiled kitties you have, too.
Joanne December 12, 2024 at 10:23
Such beautiful photos! I love that knitted hat; it does remind me so much of trees and nature. I LOVE the library book cover; that turned out great.
Carol December 12, 2024 at 07:08
Your creativity always amazes me. Merry Christmas!
Karen December 12, 2024 at 06:25
I love the book cover of the girl and the cat – you are very talented. The scenery photos are beautiful you have some very wonderful shots there. Hope you are both recovered now from having been sick.
Linda at Texas Quilt Gal December 12, 2024 at 05:02
What fun to look through your photos. It’s nice to see all the goodness you’ve created and all the good times you’re having in the cooler weather! That gorge looks, well, gorge-ous. ;) Love the girl and her cat cover – it’s brilliant. How sweet to make toys and blankets for your kitties. :D Glad to hear from you – have a wonderful holiday season!