And when I came home for lunch, I saw this on etsy:
Yay!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
seventy degrees + one for the memories
It's a beautiful day in Vermont--the sun is shining, and I'm printing 900 coasters for the new pub in town: Three Penny Taproom.
And when I came home for lunch, I saw this on etsy:
Yay!
And when I came home for lunch, I saw this on etsy:Yay!
Monday, April 27, 2009
a month of threes
Hello, dear neglected blog readers! I haven't forgotten about you...
Things have been a bit crazy at the studio--and in this topsy-turvy economy, I'm glad to be kept busy day-in and -out.
And so, why a month of threes, you ask? Just that! Since my last post, I've taught three workshops:
I've also printed wedding invitations for three outstanding couples, business cards for three local businesses, and have been accepted at three pretty rockin' indie craft fairs:
For which I'm working on over 300 new journals. And sometimes sleeping!
Things have been a bit crazy at the studio--and in this topsy-turvy economy, I'm glad to be kept busy day-in and -out.
And so, why a month of threes, you ask? Just that! Since my last post, I've taught three workshops:
I've also printed wedding invitations for three outstanding couples, business cards for three local businesses, and have been accepted at three pretty rockin' indie craft fairs:
For which I'm working on over 300 new journals. And sometimes sleeping!
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
a quick announcement
Space is still available in this Saturday's workshop at Albertine Press in Somerville, MA. Click here for more information!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
so nice!
Yesterday the fantastic Jeb Wallace-Brodeur at the Times Argus came by the printshop to take photos and learn a bit more about what I do. I'm thrilled with the results!
(and a very nice spread at the front of the local section.)
(a sneak peek on the front page!)
(and a very nice spread at the front of the local section.)Thanks, Jeb!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
spring has sprung!
Sort of. It's mud season here in Vermont...when all the snow starts melting, and uncovers the dirty little things we left out last November.
Also a time for new beginnings, like this:
Visit my table at the latest Poppytalk market, Green Pop! There's a new limited edition letterpress print listed...
Also a time for new beginnings, like this:
Visit my table at the latest Poppytalk market, Green Pop! There's a new limited edition letterpress print listed...
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
a day in the life
On Wednesdays, my day starts at 8am. That may not be early for some of you, but I am most definitely not a morning person. At least until I've had a cup of coffee.
Which means that after I open the studio doors at 8, I sit on my bum and read, or listen to VPR, for an hour or so until the caffeine has kicked in. Today was no exception.
At 9, I put more of that plummy purple ink on the big C&P, and printed the details on the back of save-the-dates for Emily and John.
Then a short break--run home to check email--and back to work.
Sara Grace gave me a stack of posters two weeks ago, and I've been working on them slowly. Since she only needs ten or so for each date--and there were four dates, at four different venues, to be printed in four different colors--I've been doing one set every few days. Today was the last round!
(around the Vandercook's cylinder)
(all finished!)
And then clean up the second press, and run home for a very, very late lunch.
Yay for overprints!
Then Em & John, and Sara Grace stopped by to pick up their goodies, and I...
...get back to work. It's 7:30, and I'm finishing the first side of cards for The Lamb Abbey.
I'm feeling really accomplished today...it's rare that I get a full day in the studio, so it's pretty amazing to see what one person can accomplish. It was also lovely to have visitors (Brian's wife Linda with Baby E., and Ben & Ben & Gordon, and Sara & Lindsay, and Emily & John), and to geek out to two pretty good books on tape--which are a total staple around Fort Can.
Which means that after I open the studio doors at 8, I sit on my bum and read, or listen to VPR, for an hour or so until the caffeine has kicked in. Today was no exception.
At 9, I put more of that plummy purple ink on the big C&P, and printed the details on the back of save-the-dates for Emily and John.
Then a short break--run home to check email--and back to work.
Sara Grace gave me a stack of posters two weeks ago, and I've been working on them slowly. Since she only needs ten or so for each date--and there were four dates, at four different venues, to be printed in four different colors--I've been doing one set every few days. Today was the last round!
(around the Vandercook's cylinder)
(all finished!)And then clean up the second press, and run home for a very, very late lunch.
Yay for overprints!Then Em & John, and Sara Grace stopped by to pick up their goodies, and I...
...get back to work. It's 7:30, and I'm finishing the first side of cards for The Lamb Abbey.I'm feeling really accomplished today...it's rare that I get a full day in the studio, so it's pretty amazing to see what one person can accomplish. It was also lovely to have visitors (Brian's wife Linda with Baby E., and Ben & Ben & Gordon, and Sara & Lindsay, and Emily & John), and to geek out to two pretty good books on tape--which are a total staple around Fort Can.
Friday, February 13, 2009
100!
It's taken two years and five months, but I've finally made it too 100 posts. And to celebrate--a little video.
That's me, today, working in the studio all by my lonesome, listening to Le Tigre really loudly and printing cards for my friend (& rockstar) Anais Mitchell. You'll get a blurry peek at the cards at the end...if you make it all the way through!
And just because:
Thanks for the photos, Mom! That's me in the middle...four years old, with my two sisters, in 1981.
And just because:
Thanks for the photos, Mom! That's me in the middle...four years old, with my two sisters, in 1981.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
in the meantime...
...I've been so busy lately, I don't even know where to start! And I don't have photos of the big projects, but here's the fun stuff I manage to slip in: 
Fun valentine-themed party invites for my friend Esme and her new venture, Venus Tattoos.
More talented friends! Band posters for the incredible Sara Grace & the Suits. Photo by Heather Gray, design & letterpress by me!
And today I'm working on save-the-dates for John & Emily--former housemates, now engaged. Emily designed the save-the-date after this logo because they're getting married on--you guessed it!--7/11.
Fun valentine-themed party invites for my friend Esme and her new venture, Venus Tattoos.
More talented friends! Band posters for the incredible Sara Grace & the Suits. Photo by Heather Gray, design & letterpress by me!
And today I'm working on save-the-dates for John & Emily--former housemates, now engaged. Emily designed the save-the-date after this logo because they're getting married on--you guessed it!--7/11.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
late night
after dark, in my studio in a deserted part of town, listening to War of the Worlds. And taking self-portraits, of course.
Monday, January 19, 2009
harrumph.
Or, more precisely, *sigh.*
Last year, around this time, I was happily shopping at the ReStore and finishing holiday cards. January is a typically slow month in many ways--folks aren't spending money after the holiday glut, etc.--and I usually get a week or so to knit and hang out with friends.
Not so this year.
I shouldn't complain, really, not with all the seriously depressing financial forecasts, but I'm busy. A little too busy.
In the last week alone:
I'm so thrilled to be a part of this month's Poppytalk Handmade: Love Transforms. The market started last Monday, and I've had a fairly large response--sales, inquiries, compliments--all of which need to be responded to.
...which led to a shout-out on etsy's blog, and two etsy front page spots.
All of which involves the internet, which I don't have at the studio--only at home--so making that four mile round-trip a few times a day (posting new items to the shop, photographing new work, packing orders, printing labels, dropping them off at the post office) has me a little turned around.
Did I mention the crazy snow/twenty-below weather we've been having? The May Day mobile doesn't care for the cold, so I've been walking more than my knee wants to allow.
And that doesn't include the print work I have on schedule:
Inaugural Ball posters for the Lamb Abbey--a collaborative project with the Fort Can geniuses. Totally last minute, of course. (P.S. Brian + Tara were just photographed for the local paper--read more here.)
Party invitations for a local literary press:
(Still in progress--so no more details yet!)
Did I mention that I still work two other "day" jobs? Here's to a crazy 2009!
P.S. The workshop schedule is now posted, too. Whew!
Last year, around this time, I was happily shopping at the ReStore and finishing holiday cards. January is a typically slow month in many ways--folks aren't spending money after the holiday glut, etc.--and I usually get a week or so to knit and hang out with friends.
Not so this year.
I shouldn't complain, really, not with all the seriously depressing financial forecasts, but I'm busy. A little too busy.
In the last week alone:
I'm so thrilled to be a part of this month's Poppytalk Handmade: Love Transforms. The market started last Monday, and I've had a fairly large response--sales, inquiries, compliments--all of which need to be responded to.
...which led to a shout-out on etsy's blog, and two etsy front page spots.
All of which involves the internet, which I don't have at the studio--only at home--so making that four mile round-trip a few times a day (posting new items to the shop, photographing new work, packing orders, printing labels, dropping them off at the post office) has me a little turned around.
Did I mention the crazy snow/twenty-below weather we've been having? The May Day mobile doesn't care for the cold, so I've been walking more than my knee wants to allow.
And that doesn't include the print work I have on schedule:
Inaugural Ball posters for the Lamb Abbey--a collaborative project with the Fort Can geniuses. Totally last minute, of course. (P.S. Brian + Tara were just photographed for the local paper--read more here.)Party invitations for a local literary press:
(Still in progress--so no more details yet!)Did I mention that I still work two other "day" jobs? Here's to a crazy 2009!
P.S. The workshop schedule is now posted, too. Whew!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
happy bestest
Here's to you! All you bloggers, commenters, faraway artists, cheerful and kind folk across the globe--thank you. You make my day, and you make May Day that much brighter.Best wishes for health and happiness in the new year!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
one last weekend...
A holiday bazaar weekend, that is.
It's your last chance to get May Day Studio goodies for your friends & family! (Until 2009, anyway.)
Friday, December 19th 11am-7pm
Saturday, December 20 10am-6pm
City Hall, Burlington, VT
It's your last chance to get May Day Studio goodies for your friends & family! (Until 2009, anyway.)Friday, December 19th 11am-7pm
Saturday, December 20 10am-6pm
City Hall, Burlington, VT
Thursday, December 04, 2008
paper + chocolate
Not only two of my most favorite things, but also the name of this weekend's extravaganza.
For those of you that have come for the last two years, you know what a good time it is. Tell your friends, bring someone new, or whatever you have to do to get over to Somerville this Saturday and say "hey"!
the details:
Paper & Chocolate: Albertine Press + Taza Chocolate
featuring May Day Studio, Carta Inc., Beck Wasilewski, Pressbound and more.
Saturday, December 6th, from 10 am until 6 pm<---note extended hours! 561 Windsor Street, Somerville, MA
(between Inman and Union Squares)
and just because I know you're curious...a sneak peek at some new cards:
See you there!
For those of you that have come for the last two years, you know what a good time it is. Tell your friends, bring someone new, or whatever you have to do to get over to Somerville this Saturday and say "hey"!the details:
Paper & Chocolate: Albertine Press + Taza Chocolate
featuring May Day Studio, Carta Inc., Beck Wasilewski, Pressbound and more.
Saturday, December 6th, from 10 am until 6 pm<---note extended hours! 561 Windsor Street, Somerville, MA
(between Inman and Union Squares)
and just because I know you're curious...a sneak peek at some new cards:
See you there!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
your life work
This is the second vintage printing-related film I've seen...and it makes me wish (if only for 10 minutes) that I could've had proper training like them!
Now, if only I could get away with a white dress and white heels in the printshop.
Found via the letpress listserv, i love typography, and archive.org.
(The first film was on typesetting--also good for arcane pointers. Yes, this is really what I do five days a week!)
Now, if only I could get away with a white dress and white heels in the printshop.
Found via the letpress listserv, i love typography, and archive.org.
(The first film was on typesetting--also good for arcane pointers. Yes, this is really what I do five days a week!)
Friday, November 28, 2008
black friday.
Yes, it's black friday. The shops will be mobbed. The weather will be blustery and snowy (in Vermont, anyway).
And what better time to pick up some holiday cards? 100% letterpress, 100% of the time!
This weekend only--November 28-30--I'm running a special on my holiday cheer cards. Buy two, get one free!The scoop: Purchase cards from either my etsy shop or my bigcartel shop. The two sets need not be the same--but the free one should be of equal or lesser value. Indicate which set you'd like for free in the "notes to seller" section of the invoice. As always, contact me with any questions!
Sale ends at midnight on Sunday!
Friday, November 21, 2008
hiding out + working hard
I know I don't have a great track record, posting-wise, but I do feel guilty when it's been too long.
Here's a peek at what's been keeping me away from the computer:
Last night I finished eight new journals--all bound with bookcloth handmade from vintage and retro fabric. They're not in my etsy shop, but these are! (P.S. After much demand for a square journal, I've started making these in 7-1/2" squares. Only available at my winter craft shows!)
And it's taken awhile, but I'm finally ready to send out thank yous--to those few select folks (you know who you are!). These are printed on handmade paper from Langdell from a handcarved linoleum block. I'll have a few extras for sale, too.
Here's a peek at what's been keeping me away from the computer:
Last night I finished eight new journals--all bound with bookcloth handmade from vintage and retro fabric. They're not in my etsy shop, but these are! (P.S. After much demand for a square journal, I've started making these in 7-1/2" squares. Only available at my winter craft shows!)
And it's taken awhile, but I'm finally ready to send out thank yous--to those few select folks (you know who you are!). These are printed on handmade paper from Langdell from a handcarved linoleum block. I'll have a few extras for sale, too.
Friday, November 14, 2008
trying something new
...so, really, I just look for ways to make more work for myself. And make things prettier.
I've been loving headbands lately. Not the head kind--the book kind. Talas sells pretty one like these:
Woven silk, in lovely color combos--just to decorate the tops of your book.
I decided to try it myself, to make my Rebounds look more finished. Here are the steps:
Sew your book as usual, and attach the super. Don't glue above the kettle stitch.
Cut a piece of ribbon slightly wider than your spine, and glue half of it just above the kettle.
Then put a bit of glue on top of the ribbon, to attach the super.
Fold the ribbon over the super, and make sure the loose ends (where you cut) are sealed with a bit of PVA.
Admire your handiwork!
While not totally necessary, I like the way they bring a shock of color to the textblock. Maybe soon I'll splurge on real headband, but I've got a lot of ribbon to get through first!
I've been loving headbands lately. Not the head kind--the book kind. Talas sells pretty one like these:
Woven silk, in lovely color combos--just to decorate the tops of your book.I decided to try it myself, to make my Rebounds look more finished. Here are the steps:
Sew your book as usual, and attach the super. Don't glue above the kettle stitch.
Cut a piece of ribbon slightly wider than your spine, and glue half of it just above the kettle.
Then put a bit of glue on top of the ribbon, to attach the super.
Fold the ribbon over the super, and make sure the loose ends (where you cut) are sealed with a bit of PVA.
Admire your handiwork!While not totally necessary, I like the way they bring a shock of color to the textblock. Maybe soon I'll splurge on real headband, but I've got a lot of ribbon to get through first!
Sunday, November 09, 2008
censorship.
I hope you all know about PostSecret.
Today Frank posted the following on the blog:
******
If you have a myspace account, please add PostSecret as a friend.
Today Frank posted the following on the blog:
******
11/08/2008******MySpace Censorship
Last Monday, the PostSecret Blog on MySpace was the most visited Blog on MySpace. The next day MySpace administrators removed postcards and comments from the Blog and prevented more than 100,000 people from viewing it.
Many people have emailed me concerned about what happened. I am posting a response here because I am unsure if an explanation on the MySpace Blog will go uncensored.
As I write this,the MySpace Blog is unblocked but the latest postcards and comments have been removed completely.MySpace has set my Blog so that only friends can see it. If you friend me now I will add you.
http://www.myspace.com/postsecret
I will try and post more secrets on the MySpace Blog next week (November 15th) and see what happens. I hope you will email your friends about this and encourage MySpace to repost our secrets.
There is a censorship discussion about this now in the PSC.
PostSecret Media Contact: Dan Adams
If you have a myspace account, please add PostSecret as a friend.
Monday, November 03, 2008
my two cents
Life is busier than ever here, but I want to take a few seconds to remind you to vote tomorrow.
Those of you who know me, know that I'm snarky, bitter, and decidedly not patriotic. I regularly refuse to join in political discussions. You couldn't catch me with an "I Voted!" sticker. But I registered to vote when I was eighteen, and have voted in every election since. Even junior year abroad--I lived in Paris--I voted by absentee ballot.
Elections are not just about the president. I know, that's a big one this time around, but in Vermont, we're also voting for governor, state reps, attorney general, and too many more to list. Sure, the prez gets all the glory (and the shame), but the local guys are the ones responsible for snow plowing, road repairs, property taxes, and funding for our public schools.
I'm not crazy about either one of the major candidates--and there are those of you who will be quite upset when I say that.
But I will be standing in line at City Hall to cast my vote tomorrow. Will you?
Letterpress posters by the ever-impressive Amos P. Kennedy Jr. (top) and the awe-inspiring Yee-Haw Industries (bottom).
Those of you who know me, know that I'm snarky, bitter, and decidedly not patriotic. I regularly refuse to join in political discussions. You couldn't catch me with an "I Voted!" sticker. But I registered to vote when I was eighteen, and have voted in every election since. Even junior year abroad--I lived in Paris--I voted by absentee ballot. Elections are not just about the president. I know, that's a big one this time around, but in Vermont, we're also voting for governor, state reps, attorney general, and too many more to list. Sure, the prez gets all the glory (and the shame), but the local guys are the ones responsible for snow plowing, road repairs, property taxes, and funding for our public schools.
I'm not crazy about either one of the major candidates--and there are those of you who will be quite upset when I say that.
But I will be standing in line at City Hall to cast my vote tomorrow. Will you?Letterpress posters by the ever-impressive Amos P. Kennedy Jr. (top) and the awe-inspiring Yee-Haw Industries (bottom).
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