I know officially the first day of spring isn’t until next weekend, but for me the day we get to push sunset back an hour is one of the best days of the year. Having sunlight into the evening makes me more productive and more positive!
I’m celebrating by creating paper versions of spring flowers we don’t get here in Bermuda. Is there anything better than seeing the first crocus pushing through the snow? These aren’t available online yet, but if you want some, you know where to find me!
With mixed feelings, I finished up the last poetry broadside for Brain Mill Press. Finishing the fourth print (check out the other three here!) holds such a sense of accomplishment, but it’s bittersweet because it’s been such a fun project!
Each year, a dear friend does a fair amount of her Christmas shopping from my shop. This year was no different, but instead of cards and stationery, she took advantage of one of my new offerings and commissioned several watercolor paintings. Now that the paintings are in the hands of their happy recipients, I can finally share them with you!
It all started with the radish watercolor I sold last year. Brittney asked if I was planning on more vegetables, and when I said yes, she made a special request for beets! I especially love how the leaves turned out on this one—I made sure to keep the painting very wet and loose so the varying colors I added could flow into each other and dry with the natural variations that make watercolor so great!
Next up: something new! That’s Deirdre up there, and she loves flamingos, so Brittney asked if I’d be up for doing a little something different, and of course I was! The texture of the feathers was a bit of a challenge, but I feel like I got it just right.
Don’t worry, I’ve saved the best for last (or maybe it’s just my favorite because it’s the one I finished most recently…). For this piece, Brittney sent a few inspiration images, and they were all sketches and drawings, so I decided to go with a different medium. I created an abstract background with blue, purple and green watercolor, then inked the drawing (which I had already sketched in pencil) over the top. I don’t draw much any more, and this reminded me how much I miss it!
I’d love to do more commissioned work in the future, so if you’re interested in a very special gift, or artwork for yourself, get in touch!
The end is near! Today is the very last day to order anything from my etsy shop until after Christmas. By tomorrow evening I’ll be in Wisconsin! I’m so excited to see friends and family and am very much looking forward to a break from the small-business-owner hustle.
I’m so grateful to have been so busy this last month as I always struggle this time of year. I think it simply comes down to seeing less sunlight, but aside from the holidays, November-March are just not my favorite. One evening last week I decided I needed something to re-energize me, so I bought myself a little present: A bundle of a dozen or so fonts and hundreds of decorative elements and illustrations!
I’m so excited about my new toy and actually stayed up late last Friday night working on some new designs (I know, I’m pretty cool). So stay tuned for lots of new digital downloads in the shop soon—including this one, available here—which actually are available while I’m away!
Men! So hard to shop for, right? How many years in a row is too many when it comes to Gander Mountain/REI/Home Depot gift certificates? Never fear—whether it’s your boyfriend, best friend, brother or dad, I’ve got you covered this year!
Dudes are the worst because they rarely lust after objects like women… and when they really want something, they just go buy it. But you know what dudes need but never buy? Art! The numerals print above is perfect for his office—especially if he’s a numbers guy… your accountants, actuaries, general nerds.
Not so math-oriented? If there’s one thing all men love, it’s beer! This print was made by hand using antique wooden type on my antique printing press. Lots of antique things—hipsters and old souls alike love that shit. Round out your offering with these coasters and voila! A gift made in man cave heaven.
If you’re feeling super fancy, get in touch in the next week or so to commission a set of personalized coasters just for him! Pick a favorite color and I’ll print his name above “BEER goes here”! I can even print them with “scotch” or another favorite cocktail. Last day to order is December 9!
And finally, if your fella is a fashionista (or you just wish he was), here’s a collection that’s sure to please. First up: that skinny tie. Zuzu Wear is a husband and wife team handmaking ties in tons of fun fabrics and colors. Personally, I’m a fan of these floral numbers, but they offer some more traditional striped options as well.
While we’re on the subject of neckwear, I love a dude in a scarf. There’s nothing more manly than admitting it’s f*$#ing cold outside so let’s all bundle up, amiright? This hand-crocheted number will keep him cozy while not being overly full (read: girly).
In my opinion, no stylish person is complete without bespoke stationery. I made this set for my own mister with a lead typeface that’s friendly while remaining quite simple. Order your own set here!
622 press | LETTERPRESS GOODS MADE BY HAND 