Trying to stay sane

Well, I've been taking an unintentional break from blogging the last week or two while I try to sort out some problems with my press. Let me just say, that if I could have, I might have thrown it out the window last night, and this morning, and probably tomorrow! I'm not sure I've ever been so frustrated. I guess the bright side is that since I can't print tonight I might actually cook dinner for the first time in a very long time.

For another attempt at calming down I decided to do some online shoe shopping. I love the Toms boots, but I'm torn over which color I prefer, red or olive? I also love every shoe by Marais USA. I think these flats would be perfect for the summer in my studio.

Maybe I need a new business plan...

What do you do guaranteed?

{found here}

My printing arm is huge!

These past few weeks have been so incredibly busy. I printed four weddings this week alone! As soon as school is finished (two weeks!) I know I'll have a bit more free time. To underscore this point, here's a conversation my friend Sara had with her uncle a few weeks ago:

Sara: My letterpress friend is making our invites.
Her uncle: Your friend is a letterpress?
Sara: Practically.

Well, it's safe to say that I actually may be a letterpress one day soon! Yesterday I finished printing Sara's invitations and they turned out amazing! I based the design on one of her recent drawings, which translated unbelievably well to letterpress. The photos above are a few that she took of me while I was printing and some detail shots of her invitations. More new designs will be posted next week!

Goodbye pile of receipts

I forgot to mention that I finally got around to finishing my taxes! Four stuffed folders later, it feels so good to have everything sorted out. A part of me was afraid to find out, mainly for fear of having to pay high self employment taxes. But, my accountant is awesome and patient and still works with me even though I didn't call him until the beginning of April. He even commented on how organized I was this year compared to last year, which I was! I vow never to wait until April again. Maybe late March, though.


{beautiful printed file folders from Nantaka Joy}

Buffalo = presses and art

This coming weekend I'll be in Buffalo again for a Vandercook Workshop and Abbey's thesis exhibition! I can't wait for both of them. If you're in the area you should make it a point to stop by Abbey's show, it's going to be awesome!

1716 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14209
An exhibition of recent work by Abbey Hendrickson, Shelby Baron + Ryan Legassicke
Opening Reception Saturday April 18, 7-10 pm


Some great links:
a few laughs, an inspiring dog, the best modern artists,
life lessons, awesome boots

Spring, I can't wait to see you again

Ok, I officially have spring fever. Even though I didn't really have the time, I changed my outfit at least six times today before settling on my old standby of jeans and a t-shirt. And then I threw a tank top over it so that I could feel like I live somewhere sunny.

On the work front things have been going really well. There are just over three weeks left until the end of the semester. This means that I only have seven more days of teaching! I don't know if I'm more excited or if my students are. And, I've been kicking ass the past few weeks printing, although I wish there were more hours in the day. I have three new designs that I'm super excited about and will post them soon. A big thanks to Etsy for re-posting my article on custom letterpress wedding invitations. If you have questions about custom work, you should check it out!

I was so happy this weekend to see my tulips peeking above ground, although today they were covered with snow. In anticipation of sunny days, flip flops, and flea markets, I'll leave you with this beautiful cotton flower pin made by my friend JoAnn. This totally makes me long for 70-degree days. And a cottage.

This will be the kitchen in my cottage

I've been obsessed lately with owning a cottage. Just a small one, like my grandparents used to have. One that I can track wet feet into and not feel bad. One where we sleep with the windows open during the summer because we don't have air conditioning. One that sits on a tiny lake next to a sweet old couple and a younger couple who play euchre with us. One that I can decorate with all of the chairs I have in the attic. Once that the dogs can lay in the sun in front of the screen door. One that has a fire pit near the dock. One that we can invite our friends to just because we feel like a good pot luck dinner.


{image from Oh So Beautiful Paper and AT}