If walls could talk

The Secret Garden | Gary, Indiana

Some photographers have a way of showing the soul of a person in an image. Carey Primeau does it with dilapidated buildings. For the past four years, he’s been working on the Neglected Beauty Project.

“By inspiring dialogue about forgotten historic structures, there is hope that the general public and our politicians will once again learn to appreciate their existence. Historical buildings are crucial for future generations because they not only provide direct connections to our past, but can be focal points for a shared cultural experience in the future,” he says.

Schools Out Forever
School's Out Forever | Jacob Riis Elementary, Chicago

In these buildings covered with dust and grime, he somehow manages to capture every color, each sparkle of sunlight, thereby revealing everything the building ever was to the community. I must agree with him, it would be a terrible shame to let these historic spaces go to waste.

Back Stairs Elegance | Uptown Theater, Chicago
Back Stairs Elegance | Uptown Theater, Chicago
Centrality Amongst Chaos | St. Boniface Church Chicago
Centrality Amongst Chaos | St. Boniface Church Chicago

Shop Local: St. Louis

Full of little shops and restaurants and seemingly very supportive of the handmade scene, St. Louis is on my short list of cities to explore. In the meantime, here are a few of the talented folks who make the city their home.

Wallpaper Patterned Scarf from the Bungaloo
Wallpaper Patterned Scarf from the Bungaloo

The Bungaloo is a screenprinting studio plastering everything from tee shirts to journals with its intricate and beautiful designs. Each piece is screenprinted by hand and totally fantastic!

Rosemary Mint Soap from Bella Luna
Rosemary Mint Soap from Bella Luna

Bella Luna‘s etsy shop boasts a bevy of pampering goods — from candles to lotion and soaps. Owner Shannon began making soap as a gentle cleansing alternative for her children who suffer from eczema and has branched out from there!

Mr Owlie - Brass Owl Pendant Wearing Monocle Steampunk Necklace by INdosteam
Mr Owlie - Brass Owl Pendant Wearing Monocle Steampunk Necklace by INdosteam

INdosteam is full of jewelry made from bits and pieces found at flea markets and vintage shops. The designs are inspired by the steampunk movement with an asian influence. I love this little owl!

Fireworks wedding invitations

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I just finished up these gorgeous invitations for a couple who are renewing their vows on July 3rd. While they wanted to aknowledge the proximity of the holiday, they didn’t want their invitations to be kitchy or overly patriotic. I came up with a design that was abstract yet recognizable while being fun, modern and elegant. Printed with a deep impression and silver ink on a rich red textured paper, they are absolutely stunning!

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MIA

Hey kids, I know I’ve been missing in action lately, but my life has been, to say the least, chaotic. I won’t go into all of it, but the highlights (or low-lights as they were) include my press having a major break (fixed now) and the company I worked for ceasing operations (still working on that one — yes, I am accepting freelance work, letterpress or otherwise).

In other news, here are a few pieces I created before the press cracked, and I’ve been working on custom pieces like crazy to catch up, so there will be lots to come! In the mean time, you can always keep up on local happenings on Hold That Thought, an interim publication for a few of us from the old company. (I’ll be posting about Hair Affair in a day or two!)

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Cocktails & Crafts

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I don’t have much time today, but I wanted to let you all know about a fabulous show happening this weekend that will feature etsy sellers from the Madison area. Here are just a few of the crafters involved:

Bare Tree Apparels Tasty Fish T-shirt — Owner and creator Sauls screenprints are the perfect combination of innovative design and superb craftsmanship.
Bare Tree Apparel's Tasty Fish T-shirt — Owner and creator Saul's screenprints are the perfect combination of innovative design and superb craftsmanship.

Bare Tree Apparel’s etsy shop

Little Dandelion Studios Little Bushel — Jess baskets are perfect for easter and upcoming summer picnics!
Little Dandelion Studio's Little Bushel — Jess' various styles of baskets are perfect for Easter or upcoming summer picnics!

Little Dandelion Studio’s etsy shop

Whimsey Houses Sunshine and Blue Skies — 
Whimsey House's Sunshine and Blue Skies — Whimsey House is chock full of jewelry made from vintage buttons, beads and findings. Every piece is so intricate, you could get lost!

Whimsey House’s etsy shop