ceramics

Gone Thrifting

:: mikasa plate ::

I went to the thrift store yesterday to look for old books. It was not a particularly good day for books, but I found some things, including a very pretty, large Mikasa plate.

:: wildlife encyclopedia ::

I did find one book, the A's of a wildlife encyclopedia, which I'll use in my books. I also learned some interesting facts about anemones, amphiuma, and the organizational habits of arctic foxes.

:: sweet little cup ::

Lastly, this little cup, made in France, with mushrooms and vegetables all around. A good day, with inspiring objects.

I've been thinking a lot about what I will want to print once the press is running. Postcards? I like designing postcards. I want the first few things I print to be made using the type I have in the shop, no polymer plates. Then again, I want to draw. Mostly though, I've been thinking about color, which will be my jumping off point regardless of what material I choose.

My roller gauge is set to arrive on Thursday, meaning I'll be able to set my rollers by this weekend. Oh, this is so exciting! Everything rests on you, lollipop-shaped tool!



:: picture via letterpress delicacies ::

Gone Thrifting

If I could some how make it my job to go to the thrift store every day, I would. I love it. Looking through row after row of ceramic mugs, books, and sweaters has a calming effect on me. It's also a place where I look for supplies for making my books, old encyclopedias and children's books being a favorite source for illustrations.

books in progress, with letterpress printed page

I'm on the hunt for new materials since I've been working on making more hardcover books with mixed pages, and I think they're looking lovely so far. Every batch is a little different, because the materials are unique and change depending on what I have on hand.

So I went to a couple thrift stores in my neighborhood and came home with these little treasures.

Alaska

A National Geographic book about Alaska bound with sage book cloth and printed cover, which I've been reading. When I'm done, I think I'm going to make a notebook using the cover, though. It's so simple and sweet.

McCoy Mug

I also bought this mug...because I have a weakness for vintage brown mugs.