Another Women for Healthy Rural Living Summer Auction is upon us. Hannah and I both designed wooden step stools for this year’s “Step Up for a Good Cause” Online Silent Auction. 

I’m so proud of Hannah–her submissions are stellar. She did two stools for us. The first is “Ginkgos”

This step stool is created with Ginkgo leaf prints from five hand-carved linoleum blocks that she carved. The top of the stool is decorated with these prints, using Cranfield Bronze oil-based ink. The stool itself is stained with a mixture of watered-down green acrylic paint and black India ink. It is finished with multiple coats of water-based polyurethane.

About this stool Hannah said, “My grandparents have a ginkgo tree in their front yard that I admired every time I visited them. I’ve grown older, my grandma has passed away, and the world has changed – but this tree is still standing.” Ginkgo trees were a feature in my father’s hometown of Punxsutawney, PA. When Mom and Dad moved into their current home, mom planted a Ginkgo for Dad. That tree holds a special place in our hearts. 

When an artist dropped out of the event, Hannah offered to create a second stool for us–”Maine Mussels.” 

This step stool is created with mussel shell prints from four hand-carved linoleum blocks. Mussels are commonplace along Maine’s coast, but each is beautiful and unique.

I continued with my “Navigating Maine” theme, where I decoupaged the stool with a nautical map of our home area printed on tissue paper. I used this same theme in past auction submissions including my Navigating Maine Coffee Table, last year’s Navigating Maine Tray, and a One-of-a-Kind Bedside Table for Hannah.

All three stools are available in a silent auction that runs through Sunday, June 27th. Shipping is an option for those who do not live in the area. Proceeds benefit WHRL’s Incredible Edible Milbridge program and Milbridge Commons Wellness Park.

You can read more about these stools on the auction site here:
https://www.32auctions.com/whrl2025