One of the best things about the vast world wide web is that I’ve been able to collect a myriad of creative and cool friends from across the globe. With my budget just about able to stretch for wifi and cell service rather than continent to continent plane fare for the past 20 years, I’ve gladly met some dear friends via social media, custom orders, shared sensibilities and common ground.
A glimpse of a gorgeous loaf of crusty bread coupled with a bold orange logo lured me to follow @hobbshousebakery on Instagram a few years ago, and what has followed is a fabulous kinship.
Becoming penpals and establishing an easy rapport inspired stamped parcels of illustrations and art to travel east across the Atlantic, as well as baking goodies, tea towels and my niftiest cooks apron founding it’s way west across the pond right to my doorstop. I’m always up for a good trade.
It’s a brilliant friendship, with an underlying regard for one another’s craft and creativity, as well as a shared sensibility to respect history, age-old simplistic lifestyles and the quiet pleasures of a good meal and a good book.
And good friends.
So, here’s my latest sketch: and if you look closely, you’ll see the tip top of Sam’s head peering up at his childhood bedroom, above his family’s shop.
I couldn’t resist!
m wood pen 