Welcome to Tonic of the Woods

Islets off Hurricane Island in Maine

Selfie at the smaller cliffs of Dun Aonghasa before we arrived at the Cliffs of Moher.

Hi, I'm Kay Stephens the author of The Ghost Trap, an award-winning novel about a lobsterman struggling with the grinding responsibilities of a head-injured fiancee and mounting trap wars (Leapfrog Press, 2009).

As someone who needs to retreat from this chaotic and dystopic world sometimes into the woods, I make miniature paper dresses from classic short stories and iconic novels as well as "Wee Folk" Irish fairy dresses  from forest materials. I also make literary shadow boxes featuring scenes from the lives of famous authors and tiny "Room of One's Own" writing nooks for writers.

If you retreat deeply into books, or follow the seasons, the rhythms of the moon, the tides, and can hear the almost imperceptible voices of those whom Mankind has ignored and abandoned, you just might like a little of what this site has to offer. Check out my Journal for the stories behind my creations.