Notepads (Midwest)

I forgot to post this photo from several weeks back. My friends, Joanna and Chrissy, aka the dynamic sister duo, were at Broadway Paper and saw my notepads on a shelf. A SHELF!!! Not some skibbly, spinny rack thing tucked in the back of the store. A swanky shelf. Right next to that awesome fox fabric whatchamacallit. Whoohoooooo! Thanks girls for being so stealthy and snapping me a photo.

Those notepads turned out to be a good seller for me. They are tedious to make since I hand trim and bind everything, but I'm working on streamlining that process. In fact, I banged out another batch for a special order the other morning. Check it out.



Well, it's too glorious to sit inside any longer today. I must go have a walk in the sunshine. Tomorrow the temps drop and we will have more snow.

Back to Reality (Midwest)

As I look out my window this morning it's hard to believe that spring is coming. We have 7 new inches of snow and are planning on going sledding. Again.

Last week's trip to Puerto Vallarta seems like weeks ago. It was a wonderful vacation full of laughing, swimming in the ocean (with baby dolphins!!!), margaritas, beach strolls, etc. Joey managed the home front perfectly. I returned to a clean and happy household. Unfortunately, I brought back a stomach virus. I was down two+ days due to that and now poor little Sam is struggling with it. I'm guessing Hannah and Sophie will be next.

I have big plans to work on some fine art prints this week. I'm so inspired. In fact, last night I couldn't sleep because I was designing in my head. If I have time this week I'm going to start the first layer of my print. This is optimistic considering the goings on in the immune systems of our family. I'd better hold my breath AND cross my fingers. We shall see...

Having Fun (Midwest)

This is a photo from a shipping box I got in the mail this week. It made my day for two reasons. First, I love that someone spent the time to draw up a personalized message for me. This particular scene is right up my alley (love the breasts on the woman and the ice cream cone). Second, within the box was my latest Etsy find. I ordered a very interesting art object titled "Stand by your Striped Man" from Minnesota artist, gilhooly. If you have time check out her etsy shop.

Below you see my Man sitting on my mantle next to another art piece by Leslie Dill (some info that here). The pottery is from Madison artist, Gloria Van Dixhorn.



I'm sure my Striped Man will migrate around the house, but right now he has me thinking about displaying a little collection of images of the human form on my mantel. I must go dig out my life drawings...

Well, I'm off to get a jump on my week. I leave for Mexico in two days! Hooray!

Video Letterpress (West Coast)

My latest Esty find was this little card from Anemone Letterpress. My kids and husband like to play video games, and this seemed to sum up both my love for letterpress and their love of games. I thought it would be the perfect valentine. Love it!

Wishful Thinking (West Coast)

I am in the process of looking for a new press. It is time to expand around here. This is one I am close to purchasing, and if all goes smoothly, I will have this baby in my shop sometime next month. Just need to do a bit of coordinating.

I have been struggling with my current press for a while. I think I want it to do more than it is capable of doing. I love it, and it has served me well. But it is time for a bigger machine. I am looking at a 8 x 12 C & P floor model. I think that is a good size for what I want to do, and it will fit into my shop area without feeling cramped. I have been working hard these past few months making space for my workshop in our small garage. I have a nice area carved out, and will probably add a few more improvements before my new press moves in. I am really excited though! This will make my printing life go much smoother!

Pride (Midwest)

Today I am proud.

Happy New Year (West Coast)

It has been a whirlwind of a Holiday Season around hear. My first holiday season as a card printer. I wasn't expecting the rush of sales, and was pleasantly surprised with how much traffic our Etsy sites got. Fun stuff! Between that and my graphic design workload, I don't think I have blogged since November. Time goes quickly.

After a full month away from my press, I am dusting it off and printing today. My plate is on, and the impression is lined up. I thought I would start with some reprints of cards I am low on for letterpress inspiration. Then as the week goes on start to work out some new designs. I have a few ideas, but haven't gotten them down on paper yet.



Pictures from our California winter holiday in Yosemite! Lots of snow! We spent a few days up there right after our big winter storm, it was beautiful and cold!

2009 Awaits (Midwest)

Well, we have about 16 more hours of Christmas vacation. I haven't posted over break so I will line list some of the highlights...

•The rats climbed up the Christmas tree. Tree sap + rat fur = not good.
•I had two cosmos in one evening and wasn't even buzzed. This is remarkable. Trust me.
•I was on my letterpress once for a quick print job.
•Indoor soccer, bowling, and inflatable bouncing sessions were all achieved.
•I had a fun, paid (!) photography gig as a second shooter at a wedding.
•One of us caught a stomach flu and at this point we don't know how many others were exposed.
•Sam cut most of his left eyelashes off.
•We have had 3 family game nights with charades being the most popular game.
•I ate 9 pieces of chocolate fudge on Christmas Eve.
•We had at least one day were we never got out of our pjs.
•We sledded. And, sledded. And, sledded again.
•Hannah became my photo sidekick when she got a digital camera for Christmas.
•Fights happened and were sometimes resolved.

All and all we managed to end break with a trashed house, overtired occupants and an empty fridge. Well done, I must say.

Happy New Year!!!

Almost There (Midwest)

My week has been busy. Trips to the post office = 4. Trips to the mall = 3. Snow shoveled in the driveway = 10 inches. As I sit here and watch another 2-4 inches blanketing the outdoors, I sigh. Christmas is almost here. Hallelujah!





So, on this Christmas Eve day I'd like to wish all of you out there in blogger land a Happy Holiday. May you be warm and surrounded by love. Most of all I wish you all peace. Have a Merry Christmas! - Amy

Thursday (Midwest)

So, yesterday I had a friend come over to chat and learn how to use her Gocco. I hauled out the inks and other crafty stuff and we talked (geeked) out about art, design, crafting, etc. I find myself up early with a head full of ideas about what could be a next project. And, since my desk is clean I'm sketching and thinking. It's a nice way to begin the day. Miss K. thanks for the playdate. I'm so pleased to connect with someone with similar interests. :)

OK. Now I need to gripe about my keyboard. It seems the nine/left parenthesis button has pooched. Argh! I had to go into one of Laurie's posts to copy and paste a parenthesis. And (as you know) I use them all the time. I will try to clean and examine the keyboard today. I have weak McGuyver skills, so I'm fairly confident this will not be fixed. Rats.

I hear kids upstairs. Soon three children and 2 rats will descend and need to be prepared for school so I need to go slam another cup of coffee.

Happy Thursday everyone!