A Resolution

This year, inspired by my very organized and talented friend, Amy Tavern, I made the resolution that I would start keeping meticulous record of all my expenses (and profits) related to letterpress and bookbinding.

To motivate myself, I shopped on Etsy today for a handmade pouch to keep receipts. I love vintage fabrics, especially wools and plaids, and found these lovely examples of using recycled wools.

eyeglass pouch from WoolyBison

the amesbury clutch from infusion

and this one from clothpaperstitches

I went with the last one, although I covet them all.

But what I really covet? A lot? Is one of these.

madebyhank

Katie Henry, from Philly, makes these beautiful one of a kind purses, and if you're real lucky, you'll snag one from her madebyhank etsy shop.

I want one real bad.

That's all for now. It's snowing here, and it looks it will continue to snow through the night. I'm going to go watch V now. Good times.

News and Notes

No not the NPR program. News and notebooks! Slim little notebooks to slip into your purse or coat. With sweet rounded corners and light grey paper inside. They will be on sale in my shop starting tomorrow.

: recycled paper letterpress notebooks :

I really can't believe that it's been two weeks since I've posted and that it's almost February. Mike and I will be going to Philadelphia in a couple weeks to look for an apartment. Apartment shopping in Philadelphia can be a bit..mmmh...interesting. Sometimes the closet door has been punched in and there's cat food on the floor (true story). So we're crossing our fingers. And so should you! I know that dreamy apartment is out there. Just have to find it.

So where have I been for two weeks. I'm not really sure. I've been here and there. And reading this.

And I watched this! So good.

And boy, did I spend a lot of time doing these little beauties.

: a set of handmade recipe cards :

Penland wanted some handmade gifts for their donors, so I made these letterpress recipe cards. Each set includes four Penland recipes and four blank cards for them to share their own favorite recipes. It was by far, the biggest print job I've had to do so far. 2,000 recipe cards. It was a challenge, but I feel like I learned a great deal. Like to how simplify a design for production without compromising what makes it work.

: chocolate banana bread :

And finally...the big news. I got a board shear! A wood top 40" T.W. & C.B. Sheridan Co. board shear, something I've been looking for. You could say wishing for. Mike and I will be picking it up when we go up to Philly.

: see you soon, good lookin' :

I felt it would be really be a great addition to a new studio. I really enjoy making hardcover books, portfolios, and boxes, and this shear will make that much easier.

I'm getting excited, excited to start working on my press and finding a studio space. Excited that we'll be living in a city, and to reconnect with friends. Things will be getting hectic as we get ready to move, but I'll keep you updated. Thanks for reading.

New Books

I've been busy this last week making new books, all of which are available in my shop. Next week, I should have some new hardcover notebooks too. So if you'd like to see more then head on down to the ol etsy and more you shall see. yes.

Blue Pocket Notebook With Drawing Paper

Pocket Rust Red Notebook With Mixed Vintage Papers

Pocket Blue Notebook With Mixed Vintage Papers

Large Burgundy Leather Journal

Large Ochre Leather Journal

Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies for Grown Ups

This is my favorite oatmeal raisin cookie recipe, tweaked over the years to be a little spicier, a little more savory than the Quaker Oats classic for your grown up palette. So good with a strong cup or tea or coffee.

This recipe will make about 3 dozen medium size cookies.

Preheat oven to 375

1/2 lb (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1/2 cup white sugar

3/4 cup brown sugar lightly packed

2 eggs

1/4 cup strong honey (something dark w/ good flavor)

1 tsp vanilla

1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground cardamon

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

1 cup white flour

1/2 cup whole wheat flour

*4 cups rolled old-fashioned rolled oats

1 1/2 cups golden raisins

1/2 cup crystallized ginger

*3 cups if you want a more spread out chewy cookie

Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy

Whisk in eggs, honey, and vanilla

In a separate bowl, combine all dry ingredients except oats, ginger, and honey

Gradually stir the dry into the wet

Stir in the oats, raisins, and ginger

Drop rounded tablespoons onto an ungreased cookie tray

Bake in the center of the oven 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown and no longer shiny on top

The Finest Piece Of Graphic Design In The Last 100 Years

Yes, you make park in thee grass.

Breakfast.

I love breakfast. I have always loved breakfast, especially a slow, lazy breakfast with plenty of coffee and bread and butter and... an egg. Especially a soft boiled one.

Image courtesy of Baking and Books: with a great recipe!

When I was little, my parents read me this book. It's about a little brown bear having his breakfast. Un oeuf tout neuf! I can still see the illustrations in my head. I love this book.

And then of course there's egg cups, in all shapes and colors.

Orange Egg Cup

New Things!

I've added some new letterpress goods to my Etsy shop, including two different Robocop theme cards. As usually everything is printed on 100% recycled paper from French Paper. I'm now also listing more items in sets at lower prices.

*Click on the pictures to purchase them through Etsy*

So why Robocop? This last year I've been watching all the heavy pop culture movies that I somehow managed not to see during my 27 years on earth. These include Die Hard (watched that last night), Top Gun, Terminator, Total Recall, Roadhouse, The Road Warrior, Predator (that's coming on Monday), Wall Street, Robocop, etc. Yeah. I'd never seen any of those movies.

I discovered that I really like Paul Verhoeven movies...SO good!

And this is the Robocop Valentine.

And lastly, a print from the fall. Fall In Love.

Three color linoleum block cut and wood type.

And if you're wondering if I'm ever going to make books again, well I am. Time to switch gears and start binding again. I'm going to have a line of affordable letterpress notebooks to show you soon and more.