Melody and Jim Croft live on a 5-acre homestead in the foothills of the Bitterroot Mountains of northern Idaho. Living “off the grid” they have mastered the ecologies, skills and crafts of sustainable living. Jim has also mastered medieval bookbinding technologies and done this in a context of traditional living which lends great authenticity to his book work. Over the years his understanding has deepened with skills of medieval paper making, bone tool making and wood hewing. Jim provides week long, resident courses, but even a brief encounter with this Mountain Man of book crafts is a special learning opportunity.

There are 2 events open to UICB students, colleagues and community members, both this Wednesday December 1st:

11:00am-12noon, Conservation Lab, Main Library

Informal discussion by Jim of his bookbinding, papermaking, and related “Old Ways” summer resident instructional sessions.

3:30-5:00pm Room 29 North Hall, UICB Papermaking Classroom

Jim will have many examples of this bookbindings, bone folders, and other items in bone on display. Questions and discussion will be welcome and warmly encouraged.