Broadhurst

Hi everyone! Here I am, ready to give you another eye-candy report. I am reading this amazing biography. It's called Florence Broadhurst: Her Secret & Extraordinary Lives, by Helen O'Neill. Click the link to see more info on it.
Broadhurst was an Australian Wallpaper designer/icon later in her life. Beautiful, hand-screen-printed papers that were truly works of art. But, she lived many lives in her one lifetime as a performer, a fashion guru, and all sorts of things like that...all up until her tragic murder at age 77. It's a fascinating read so far. Her life (as I read the book) is reminding me so much of the movie "Big Fish." She seems to have done so much and all so thrilling; yet you get the sense that some of her stories in life were exaggerated for dramatic effect. This book is CHOCK FULL of her wallpaper designs. It's another must-have is you love eye candy (like me). Not just a photo here and there...it's full of beautiful imagery. And it's also a good read! Normally biographies can be stuffy, but this reads well for me. (Her life was exciting, so it's hard to be bored with it.) And the outside cover is screenprinted fabric...just so lovely to hold and have out on the coffee table! The Amazon.com entry for this has a "search inside" feature, so you can see more of the book there. Have a great weekend everyone! I will be devouring the new Harry Potter book in hopes I don't hear what happens before I get to read it. (Maybe I will turn off the tv for the weekend?)

My Birthday!

Today is my birthday! (on Bastille Day!) My husband surprised me with breakfast in bed and then gave me my lovely gifts. You can see the birthday card he gave me in the picture; a letterpressed card from Paper-Source. What a great wake-up!! Now I'm up and getting ready to head out the door; we are going into Boston to check out the Edward Hopper exhibit at the M.F.A. Next, it's off to lunch at P.F. Chang's (a favorite of mine), and then to the Museum of Science to check out all the fun there. I'd like to see the 3d sharks movie and then maybe catch an Imax film at the omni theater. Then, we'll head to The Cheesecake Factory for dinner from where I will need to be rolled home and likely have my stomach pumped from all the good food. I hope everyone has a great day! Happy "quatorze julliet" (Fourteenth of July) to France.

Book of Inspiration

Hi everyone! It's almost the weekend, hang in there! In honor of my upcoming birthday, I ordered myself this little gem of a soft-cover book. You can buy it here. It's a Japanese book all about Lotta Jansdotter and her life style. I'm a big fan of her products and an admirer of the "brand" she has created for herself. The book takes you into her studio (when she was in San Francisco) and home and where she likes to travel. It even shows tidbits from her sketchbooks. This book is just chock full of inspirational and lovely photos and bits; I just love it. While much is written in Japanese, there are still little "essays" written in both English and Japanese; so the English-speaking can still follow along with some of her thoughts. It's definitely an inspirational shot in the arm for me whenever I look at it and I instantly feel cheerful as I flip through the pages. Definitely for those who love a little bit of eye candy. Be well!

Crane's

Just wanted to share this book I got...it's got no photos or drawings inside (so, no eye candy). But, it is filled with information on how to properly address all kinds of things as well as how to properly put together different pieces of stationery. It's sort of an Emily Post-ish etiquette book. It's a must-have and acts as a clear reference for me as a graphic designer of stationery. It even tells you how to properly address folks like the President of the United States and all the other members of the Cabinet. Find out more about it here.

Back to it!

Hello everyone! I'm back in action today after a lovely week away. We were up in the Belgrade lakes region in Maine. It was very peaceful and I read several books...nice and relaxing! I've put some of my favorite photos from our time (I always take too many photos, so I have to sort through them to pick the favorites) on my flickr site. Now it's back to the grindstone and today started with getting out several Etsy shipments and getting caught up with email...now I'm working on sketches for different projects. It's never the same thing twice! There's definitely plenty to do; along with plenty of errands to run. It's a "scorch-a" outside; so I'm happy to stay in the air conditioning. I hope everyone is well! I'll be back soon with inspirations and goings-ons.

On vacation!

Hey friends! I'll be taking a bit of a break this upcoming week since we'll be on vacation. Have a great Fourth of July and a great week! I'll be back with lots of posts in the following week. Enjoy!

WOW! I just found out that Paper-Source has worked with Riso overseas to import the Big Daddy version of the Print Gocco machine!(It' prints large prints, but also takes the smaller screens as well). Since all Gocco products had been discontinued, it's been nearly impossible to find supplies. Well...no longer! They are fully stocking the inks and supplies as well all online. Hooray! Looks like we can all stop being pack rats as we snap up all the leftover supplies and enjoy the rebirth! Found via Paper Crave.

Press Alert!

Hey everyone! Woo, it's hot out there! Just a quick note: My new limited edition prints were mentioned today on Poppytalk I'm so honored to be mentioned on her blog in the fresh/affordable art entry. I was also mentioned this past Friday on the ever-amazing blog DesignSponge. So exciting! I'm thrilled to get mentioned by these amazing design sites; and be amongst so many amazing artists and designers out there. It feels good to be making art again and to be making it affordable for everyone. Well, it's a busy day so I'm off. I've got to work on several quotes (this will eat up most of the day), finish printing for a wedding and ship it, and send out shop orders. I'll follow it up with some invoicing and emails and call it a day! (blah). I hope I can squeeze in some sketch and design time today; but sometimes the business side of life takes over, you know? More soon!

Seahorses Abound!

Hey everyone! And now for my next print....I introduce "The Seahorses." This is a limited edition of only 60 prints. For sale on my etsy shop. It's illustrated and letterpressed by me in a turquoise sort of pool blue ink...but light in color. It's printed in soft and pillowy Crane's Lettra letterpress paper. It's very thick and almost feels like fabric; and I got a pretty good impression in the paper with this. This is inspired by the beautiful shapes of the bodies of seahorses amongst the coral. I like the soothing calm that I feel when I look at this print and I think it would look nice in a bathroom or child's room. But it could work anywhere I guess. Now I'm off to get cleaned up and we're off to a barbecue this evening! I hope you're enjoying your weekend as I am!

Leaves and Follows

Hey everyone! I'd like to introduce my limited edition original series of letterpressed prints titled "Leaves and Follows." The total size of the piece is 5 x 7 inches and I've only printed 135 in the edition. What do you think of it? Warm red ink is pressed into Crane's Lettra paper...it's soft, pillowy, and thick. The impression can be felt when you run your hand over the bright white paper. It is so soft it almost feels like fabric. You can purchase it at my etsy shop. The design is an illustration I did...a sort of abstract combination of shapes inspired by nature. It depcits a mother bird and her hatchlings following her through the bushes. I love the organic leaf shapes and I think I'll use similar ones in future prints. I have tons of thicket outside of my house where loads of species of birds live and get visited by squirrels, groundhogs, chipmunks, mice, turkey, deer, and other fine folks. It's fascinating to stare out the windows at the world of activity going on outside and they have no idea I'm spying. Very inspirational! Happy Friday everyone! I hope you all have a great weekend ahead!

Happy Summer!

Happy summer!!! To celebrate, I got a new haircut today. It used to be down to the middle of my back, so this is quite a change! I've finished my first limited edition original prints today; so I plan to put it on Etsy tomorrow (after it is photographed). I'm so happy with how it came out! Be well, and see you tomorrow!

Tuesday Inspiration

Chris and I went for a walk this morning and it was so nice to enjoy the weather and just be outside. There were pretty little blooms falling off the trees everywhere so I grabbed one and put it in a glass to float. I also love this page from the latest issue of Elle Decor magazine...I love the different fabrics on the couch and I also love the grass wallpaper on the wall. You can click on the image to see it larger. I would love to do a small part of a room in that paper... Busy day; I'm off to continue to check items off my "to do" list, including printing my next stationery set design. Happy Tuesday!

Summer Sun

The weather has been amazing lately! So warm yet not humid. Trying to enjoy it while it lasts. I had my first reflexology appointment today and it was amazing. It's the use of foot massage and working certain areas of the feet and ankles (and sometimes hands and ears) to balance the inside of the body and thus treat illness/imbalance. I have tendonitis in my right hip and chronic pressure hives so I thought I'd give this a try since nothing else works to help. My hip felt immediately better when I left; and we'll see how things go with the hives. I have to go back a few more times so we'll see! It felt great and I highly recommend it. I had a follow-up doctor appointment for my other recent issues and the doctor thinks things are going beautifully. I'm finally putting the whole thing behind me and am excited for the future. I'm trying to stay positive to bring positive things into my life. And finally, I got notice that I'll be getting the plates for my new limited edition designs on Wednesday. I can't wait to work with them! But tomorrow I'll work on my new stationery prints for my shop and do some administrative work for my business. And onward we go!

Pinkish

Hi there! Here's my latest creation; the peacock flat notecard. I have several sets ready to go and it's up for sale on my etsy shop. It's printed in a bright magenta pink ink and on really soft thick cotton paper. I'm very happy with how they came out and the letterpress impression is deep for these. It was fun to work on them! In other art news: I've finished up two drawings and am currently having them turned into plates so I can do a limited edition letterpress print run for each. I'm excited to finally be able to offer my own art prints. It feels good to be able to contribute to the affordable art movement. I like the idea that everyone can find artwork that is unique and affordable for their walls rather than mass-marketed items that can be found anywhere. I hope to get the plates next week and also get the printing done next week as well. Of course I'll post them here as soon as they're ready! I'm excited about them if you can't tell. I'm spending other time this weekend gathering inspiration and enjoying the nice weather. I hope you're enjoying your weekends! Be well and stay positive!

Seagulls

Hello all! Feeling pretty bad and in pain, but have managed to print some new stationery to sell on etsy! Living in New England, the beaches in summer are filled with flocking seagulls who bob and dive through the air. I thought it would make the perfect notecard...preppy and unique and very New England. It's printed on my letterpress in Navy Blue ink onto thick cotton bright white paper...Crane's Lettra letterpress paper. I kept the corners on this square, since rounding them didn't seem to go with the look and feel. I had a lot of fun printing them and it's my favorite card set so far. It's a great way to celebrate summer, but feels like it could be used all year long.
I've been brainstorming lots of ideas and have been making plans for limited edition prints that are affordable. My plan is to come up with 2 designs and see how they do. I've spent a lot of time getting inspired and sketching ideas...that's most of the fun!
I'm thinking they will be 5 x 7 letterpressed works. Stay tuned!

We go on...

Hello! I'm sorry I've been gone for so long. Just healing and being. Since my last entry I've had a second methotrexate shot and I go in every 3 days for blood testing. I feel like a pincushion. My hormones are lowering verrrrrrrrry slowly. I still have all my pregnancy symptoms, so it's a bit torturous. I figure this should all be done in another 2 months total (I hope). I wouldn't wish this on anyone, that's for sure! My next blood test is on Monday; and by the looks of things I'll still be going in for the next 3 weeks at least. There's still danger that I'll need surgery so I'm pretty much nervous every day and have nightmares every night. I feel like I've aged 10 years at once. My eyes always look tired and I sort of have to pull myself around the house to get things done. I can't escape myself so I have to learn to adapt and overcome. It's a true lesson in patience. Thanks so much to everyone for the kind comments and emails. It is so great to know I have such support out there rooting for us. We appreciate it!

In other news, I'm slowly getting back into the swing of things with my work, doing little small projects done. I just finished this birth announcement. It's 2 colors, printed on the cottony soft, ultra thick Crane's Lettra letterpress paper. It's a tea-length card with a photo affixed with a brad at the end. If you swing the photo out of the way, it reveals a kitten underneath! The envelope says "special delivery" on the front and has the return address and a little kitten on the back. It was so fun to design and put together. A real joy for me and a nice distraction.




I also finished up some baby thank you notes for my cousin as a baby shower gift. I had done her shower invitations, so I made the letterpressed cards to match. Another fun project! I made some extras for sale on my etsy shop.





My next projects are some new flat stationery card designs...some neat animals to come to go along with the turtle, frog, hummingbird, and penguin. Look for that next week! I promise I am back to writing more frequently now; thanks for sticking with me through my medical delay!

A Great Loss

"Your pregnancy has implanted in a dangerous place." When the doctor said those unexpected words to us, my world came to a freezing halt. Her sympathetic and troubled face told me that there was nothing good to be done. She went on to explain what was happening yet my brain could not keep up with what she was saying. I didn't know to cry and be upset until she handed me the box of tissues. I just stared down at the box and realized what it all meant. I was going to lose my baby. Chris and I both burst into tears as she told us they were waiting for us across the street at the emergency room...that they would run some blood tests and ultimately give me a shot of methotrexate (a small does of this chemotherapy drug designed to dissolve pregnancy tissue and bring pregnancy hormone levels back down to zero over time). She stated this was the safest course of action and had to be right away...my uterus was apparently in danger or rupturing...causing death or the removal of my uterus. She said surgery was not a good option for now because it leaves a scar and can attract an implanting pregnancy the next time around. I was still dealing with losing THIS one, much less thinking of the next time around. She explained that this was a type of ectopic pregnancy, but a rare version of it. 5% of pregnancies can be ectopic, and 2% of THAT is the chances for a "cornual pregnancy" or "interstitial pregnancy" which is what I have. The embryo is developing and implanted in my upper-uterus just outside of the fallopian tube. It's not down in the safe lining "pouch" where it is supposed to be. It is in the muscle of the uterus, bulging up at the top and would soon grow and burst. The baby would never have made it no matter what and we had to save me and my uterus. Anyway, the doctor left the room and we sat crying for a while. Why us?? Why now? We were in our sixth week and we'd already had 2 ultrasounds due to a small hematoma (blood clot) that was causing some bleeding. But everything had been fine...the baby was developing nicely, we saw the heartbeat...all systems were go! We had no idea and were not prepared at all for the fact that this could happen. We shuffled out of the office, defeated as we lurched to the parking lot. I was numb. We went over to the hospital as we continued to sob for the next few hours. The rest is a blur of tests and waiting and the IV in my hand and then that fateful shot. I was flat on my stomach on the bed as 2 nurses came in, one on each side. They each gave me a shot at the same time in my lower back/upper buttocks. As I lay there gripping the pillow I realized how final this moment would be. I felt so sad and guilty for my little heartbeating "Niblet" as we affectionately called it. We had bonded with it and talked to it and joyously made plans; all now to be dissolved away by this damned shot. We went home that night amid blurs of telephone calls and bad news. All I knew was that this shot would take time to work. Up to a month, in fact, and maybe up to 3. They told me my hormones would slowly go down week-to-week and that eventually they would hit zero. The embryo would dissolve back into my body. As for bleeding, they couldn't tell me if or when it would happen. They said once the hormone levels got down enough, I would shed my lining as a heavy period. The doctor at the hospital had me come back a few days later for more tests to see how it was going and to make sure I wasn't going to rupture. I also had to have another ultrasound to see if it had grown or if it had started to shrink yet. It was awful. We'd said our goodbyes to Niblet and I'd asked it to forgive us and told it how sorry I was this was happening. I know it was for the best and to save my life, but it doesn't take away the pain of forcing a life to end no matter WHAT the reason. Chris even did a little baptismal blessing at my stomach...which I can only hope made him feel better in some small way. I am not Catholic so I just sort of sat there and let him do what he needed. It's just as much his sorrow as mine. The radiologist in the ultrasound room said that the heartbeat was not there and that things didn't look to be rupturing or in trouble. So, it was done. I felt a rush of sadness along with a rush of peace and closure for Niblet. No more waiting in torture for the little life to end. 4 days of waiting for that felt like an eternity. The fear for my life was over too...I could finally get started dealing with the loss. I'm going in today for a follow-up blood test. I will be going in every 4 days to make sure my hormones are dropping. If not, they need to give me another shot. I pray that this works. I don't want another shot and I don't want to have to have surgery. The doctor the other day mentioned "if this had implanted 1 cm down it would have been ok." Gee. Wow.
I'm not sure what to feel about that information, and I'm quite certain I would have gotten by without that nugget of knowledge. And I know all the "hey, this happend for a reason" (and what reason could it POSSIBLY be?) and "At least you can get pregnant". I'm grateful for the truths of these things. Yes, I can get pregnant apparently. And it seemed the baby would have been ok in there had it been lower down. But I have to say it doesn't take away the pain or help in any way to know these things. Niblet is gone and that's the fact of the matter. A loss that must be grieved and felt. I am lonely, sad, and isolated. This was not a miscarriage so I don't fit in there; and it wasn't a tubal pregnancy, so I don't fit in there. We are now waiting. Waiting for time to go by, for my hormones to zero out, for the embryo to dissolve. And who knows how long it will take. We'd love to try again as soon as possible, but it all rides on how fast we can get this going. And it's not up to me. It's out of my hands. I wish this was quick and simple so i could at least know it was over and could grieve and try again soon. But I'm left in this sort of suffering limbo...not knowing what I will be told today after my blood test or 4 days after that. I'm angry. I'm frustrated. I think "why can't I have this go smoothly!!!" "I have enough rare shit going on with my body already...can't I have this go right!??" I already have a rare genetic disorder called "Nail patella syndrome" and I already have "Pressure Urticaria" which is a rare situation where I get hives all over my body every day from any pressure on my skin. This causes fatigue, joint pain, and overall severe itchiness. I was kind of hoping I would have a nice normal pregnancy since I'd already paid my "rare shit" toll. But, I guess not. If only we could have won the lottery with these odds instead! Anyway, I am starting to feel hopeful that things will be better and I know we will feel the joy and thrill of a new baby at some point, however it happens. I still haven't gone back to work yet...I just can't seem to make myself move. I have no strength or energy for my normal activities. But soon I will have to bite the bullet and get started. People out there have it far worse than me. FAR worse. I will be ok. We will be ok. I choose to believe it will all work out. And I have thanked Niblet for getting my body ready for the next one. That it's life was not in vain, but here to ready my body for what is to come. In the meantime, I will get through each day one at a time. I will take deep breaths and I will smile even when I don't feel like it. I will move forward and it will get easier. This is a permanent scar on our lives and will one day be a memory like anything else. Until that day comes, please send us good vibes and good thoughts. I can officially say that I can't do this alone. For anyone who wants to understand what happened via a diagram, click here to see all the versions of ectopic pregnancy...mine is the cornual/interstitial one. Mine was on the right side. Thanks for listening!

New Growth

Spring is finally happening here where I live. Things are finally blooming, budding, and growing. I'm so happy about it too! I went around the street taking some photos of new growth; I just love the bright and fresh colors this time of year offers. This week will be a busy one; lots of printing to do and I'm booked for a client off-site for 2 days. I'm so grateful! This weekend my husband and I went into Boston and walked around historic Charles street area looking into all the cute and unique shops. We then wandered Newbury Street until I couldn't stand the crowds anymore. It was a wonderful day and so nice to get out. Chris spend Sunday fixing up the lawn and getting yardwork done. He did a great job! As for me, I've been in a contemplative mood lately and have been enjoying sitting outside in the cool breeze when I can. Just being peaceful. These are the moments I cling to when things get busy...what do YOU do to relax and connect with the moment? Have a great day everyone!

Paris Hilton going to Jail

Here is a quote from Paris Hilton's mother: "[The judge] made up his mind before he even came in today. If it were anyone else, this would've never had happened."

Oh please. If you are repeatedly breaking probation and constantly doing things you aren't supposed to... you get punished!!! It's like this for EVERYONE. I think she's had more than her fair share of warnings and for Kathy Hilton to act like they are somehow special to be "targeted" really makes me angry. People are thrown in jail every day for less. MUCH less. She should realize how lucky they are that they even got this far. But that's the way it is... people who forget how blessed and good they have had it...only complain that they are victims later. Well, it's time for some humble pie for Paris Hilton. News flash: this WOULD happen to anyone else (and it would have been much sooner than this). Now THIS is reality TV.

Sorry for this outburst; I just had to get this out. And now, back to our normal programming....

Letterpress videos

Hello! It's such a rainy day! But it's not getting me down darnit. If you are interested in letterpress like I am; it's fun to see videos of presses in action. This great page from Swayspace Letterpress Printing has several videos showing how the press works. Very useful! Just scroll down the page and a few of the big images are clickable and play movies. Well, I'm off. Tomorrow I'm meeting the the nice letterpress man again who has all kinds of things for sale at his shop. Presses, fonts, tools, etc. He's so nice and the equipment is very great. Other than that; I have some shopping and errands to run. Don't forget Mother's Day is coming soon!! Check out my Etsy Shop for ideas to include in your gift for Mom... (Love you Mom!)