:: these are altered from old glass plate photographs ::

Old map colors, bare trees, pinkish dawn, ice, Skadi, the edge of the world...

The Pictorial Webster's

I'm sure you've heard about The Pictorial Webster's and have probably seen it passed around or own a copy yourself. If not, it's a visual dictionary, hundreds of pages of beautiful, antique engravings of animals, gadgets, and other goodies. Really neat.

the edition you may already know

But there's more to this story, which I learned from Kevin Mercer, a fellow printer who makes awesome posters, and that is that Pictorial Webster's started out as a small, handprinted, handbound, handeverything edition by Johnny Carrera of Quercus Press.

(my birthday is may 25th)

(just sayin')

Watch the video below, for an information and amazing description of the process that literally left me mouth agape.

Pictorial Webster's: Inspiration to Completion from John Carrera on Vimeo.

thinking.

:: Anselm Kiefer ::

Thinking about drawing and ideas for a book. Lines and shapes. Grey palettes. The feeling of winter.

:: Anselm Kiefer ::

:: Thea Djordjadze ::

:: Sofia Arnold ::

:: Anette Blaesbjerg Orom ::

:: Anselm Kiefer ::

:: Anni Albers ::

Me, you, and a whole lot of avocado green

Guess what! I've been looking at seventies kitchens. I'm working on opening an Etsy vintage store, and all those earth tones are starting to influence me.

:: me & you mugs ::

I go to the thrift store a lot and am often drawn to items, especially kitchen ones, from this era. And I'm drawn to the objects that you can't tell right away if they're hideous or beautiful.

:: established & sons ::

I think my grandmother had that same double oven. I just ordered a book from Taschen all about advertising in the 70s, which I also love.

:: vintage clock ::

Hmmm...edge painting

Edge painting. So hot right now, and apparently the most highly guarded secret in letterpress. Folks get a little mum about this one.

:: edge painted cards designed by Pickett's Press ::

Well, I'm determined to figure this one out. I haven't tried it yet but I think I have the basic premise and thought I'd share what I've managed to track down so far. These process pictures help.

:: EM letterpress ::

:: from Boxcar Press's Flickr ::

I think the first thing I'll try is a stiff brush and some oil-based ink (fast drying and there's also the benefit being able to easily match the color you used to print). I know some people out there are using an airbrush, but I'm not willing to make that kind of investment just yet, and there' also the possibility of using water-based dyes or inks, or even a stamp.

Hmmm... I'll get back to you on this one. Hope this helps, if like me, you're searching away on the internets for a tip, a lead...anything! Good luck and godspeed, fellow edge painters. I'll let you know how it works out.

Books & Cups

:: natural linen and shells ::

A sampling of the new books in the Etsy shop. I've been really enjoying these simple, classic, one-of-a-kind hardcover journals. Each one has the personalized touch of a vintage illustration. As always, acid-free, recycled, and made to last with the greatest care.

:: blue robin ::

:: yellow dandelion ::

:: mushroom field guide journal ::

And while you're there, take a look at MarkWarrenStudio's beautiful slipcast faceted cups.

I know I want one!

Michigan was very nice.

We went rowing on the lake.

And walked on the shore of the other lake, the very big lake.

and there were interesting mushrooms.

and friendly chickens

chipmunks too!

Then it was time to go home. But thanks for the good time, Michigan. I like you.