Spring Fling



I know this is late notice, but I wanted to let you all know that we're having a Spring Fling (open studio and sale) this weekend. There will be many artist's studios that you can tour, plenty of free food, and great mother's day gifts.

I've been cleaning the studio like a mad woman this week, partly in preparation for the event and partly because I feel super antsy while Jake has been working on the press and need to keep my hands busy. The girls have also been helping, mainly by being incredibly cute.

Hours:
Friday, May 1, 5-9pm
Saturday, May 2, 12-4pm

Location:
Anderson Alley, studio #4-7
250 N. Goodman Street
Rochester, NY 14607
http://andersonalleyartists.com/events

Hope to see some of you this weekend.

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.

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}

start writing


Check out these amazing journals from Freshleyblended Press and Lara Cameron. Hand screen-printed by Lara and meticulously bound by Nicole, they are even more gorgeous in person! I used mine all last week while I was in Chicago at the annual SGC Printmaking Conference {more on that later}. You can purchase your very own journal here.

Buffalo = art and books


The third annual Buffalo Small Press Book Fair is almost here and I can't wait! Pistachio Press is on the vendor list and I've been busy printing all week. "The book fair is a one day event that brings booksellers, authors, bookmakers, zinesters, small presses, artists, poets, and regional cultural workers together in a venue where they can share ideas and peddle their wares."

March 21, 2009
noon-6pm
Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum
453 Porter Avenue
Buffalo, NY

The Karpeles Manuscript Library is a beautiful building, the vendor list is awesome, and admission is free! I hope to see you there.

going green?


I've been thinking a lot about the new "green" fad. I'm so completely torn over the issue. On one hand I love that people are talking about sustainability and making responsible choices. On the other, it often seems like a marketing ploy to get people to buy more stuff.

I was in grade school during the first reduce, reuse, recycle push and it truly made an impact on me. From that point on I recycled every scrap of paper I could find, created a "recycling center" in my college dorm room and still pull used water bottles out of the trash if I see them. Obviously, these tendencies have carried over to my press and my choice of materials. I'm trying hard not to jump on the "I use cotton paper because it's responsible and tree free" bandwagon even though I do use cotton paper and it is tree free. I also print on cotton paper because the impression is gorgeous and as a printmaker I have always loved the surface quality. But, cotton does have it's share of issues if it's not properly sourced.

This article is quite interesting and talks a bit about greed and the consumer driven aspect of the green movement. Although I don't buy into all of it, I do think that we need to be much more conscious about what we're buying and why. For me, this directly translates to why I love the handmade movement so much. I know that I may spend more money on handmade items, but that makes me more selective about what I purchase and it makes me appreciate those pieces more than something from Target.

I guess what this all means for me is that I will continue to be as responsible as I can in my life and business practices. And I'm so happy to receive email from clients indicating that environmental practices and paper options are a big factor in their stationery purchases!

Working lunch



Some of the biggest parts of running Pistachio Press have nothing to do with printing. They have to do with organizing receipts for taxes, answering emails, packaging orders, creating new designs, writing more email, talking to clients, printing, fixing broken presses, ordering paper and many other things that don't seem like they should take as much time as they actually do.

This is a busy time of the year for anyone in the wedding business since summer weddings are getting close. I'm so grateful for the work, but sometimes I feel like I'm drowning in email! And since I'm such a hoarder, I have trouble deleting mail from my inbox, which means that I currently have over 4000 email between several accounts (and Etsy convos). I've tried sorting them into folders, but I really prefer to see them all in one place. Just today, I've been answering email for about 5 hours. I have been taking breaks here and there to work on other things and eat lunch (which included a delicious triple-cream that I could eat every day for the rest of my life).

On a brighter side note, I've been reading A Homemade Life every night before I go to bed. It's so good and I've been staying up way too late reading, which feels quite satisfying since I hardly ever make time to read anymore. I always intend to read before bed, but most of the books on my list aren't the type I want to fall asleep with. Molly's book is really beautiful and even though I've been trying to ration it, I know I'll be done this weekend.

Ok, enough break time for me...it's time for more email!

Christopher Baker


I'm helping to organize a workshop series at school about zines, book arts, and digital publication. Christopher Baker's work would be perfect to show. This piece is called Murmur Study: A live Twitter visualization and archive. I love how the feed looks like a sculptural book piece and that it keeps growing. How awesomely overwhelming and fitting for our saturated culture.

{images from Christoper Baker's site}

orange = spring


I can't wait for spring to get here! This is what I'd love to wear on the first day of spring. I even think I could teach in it. But I probably wouldn't print while I was wearing it, unless I had a wicked cute apron to match.

I've been a bit quiet the last week, spending some time reflecting and trying not to be distracted by the internet. It's really crazy how quickly time can pass in so many cases and how some memories from years ago seem like they happened only yesterday. This past week marked two years since Tipper's been gone. The top photo was one of the last pictures I took of him, when we thought he might get better and he wanted to play with his toys again. The memories from that week are always so close to me and I'm glad we had that day of hope. And then the next week we adopted Cassie. She didn't know her name yet and she'd tear around the house like a possessed dog, but I'm so incredibly happy today that we have her, and Susie. Thank you Cassie, for finding us when we most needed you.

Oh, Peter!


New favorites from Peter Som.

super what?



This week I had jury selection, which was quite a bit of sitting in a large holding room with intermittent wi-fi and feeling frustrated that I wasn’t getting any work done. But, I did have time to reflect on a question Jake asked me over the weekend. What super power would I most like to have? We both scoffed at flying - that wouldn’t really help anyone much, would it? My final response was super-speed, which I reasoned would help me multi-task even more than I already do. Maybe then I could make it to the gym and still have time to cook dinner. But now I’m re-thinking my choice. Jake most wanted to be invisible, which might be fun. Maybe the ability to teleport? Then I could go to the beach anytime I wanted. What’s at the top of your super power wish list?

{one of my students showed me the amazing piece above by Blu}

Happy 80th, Oma!


This past weekend we threw my grandmother (Oma) a surprise 80th birthday party. All of my family flew back to my hometown for the big day and boy was she surprised. One of the most touching parts was the slide show my uncle put together - photos of my grandmother and other family members set to music. I cried the whole way through - missing my grandfather and wishing I knew him more and thankful that I had the opportunity to really get to know my amazing grandmother. And the rest of the weekend was spent catching up with loved ones and making plans to see each other more.

Lela Rose

I always love Lela Rose's gorgeous pieces and her spring collection is no exception.

And this is, perhaps, the most perfect wedding gown! I love the simplicity of the cut, the scooped back, and the delicacy of the lace. I had wanted to wear a lace gown to my wedding, but it seemed a bit extravagant for such an outdoor location. But not this dress, it would have been perfect...let me say it again, perfect!

February is looking good

This weekend I was finally able to update my website - hooray! I'm especially glad to have posted several new wedding invitation designs and a special sale - 15% off all wedding orders placed during the month of February!

In other exciting news, Pistachio Press is featured on the Daily Candy today! What an extra special pick-me-up for the start of the month.

more sun!



It's no secret that Rochester has very few sunny days, especially in the winter. Needless to say, I was shocked that we had such a beautiful bright afternoon today. I spent some quality time in the studio {in Jim's space near our giant windows} taking shots of new invitations for the website, which should be updated by tomorrow morning!

for your valentine

I always have the best intentions to send holiday cards. This year I even bought holiday ornament stamps but I never found the time to get them in the mail! So now I'm going to make an extra effort to send out Valentine's to my clearly neglected family.

For those of you who want to send out Valentine's but hate the look of your own writing, check out these lovelies from Hello Handmade. Shanna Murray designed and illustrated these vintage looking cards and Betsy Dunlap will hand write a personal message to your sweetheart with her distinctive style of calligraphy.

a new space

This semester I gave my students the option to keep a paper sketchbook or to keep a blog "sketchbook". Most of them just looked at me like, yeah right. And then I thought maybe I was just giving them this option because I would have wanted it when I was in school. So, I've just started a new blog called a photo and a link. It's mainly a way for me to keep track of great artists so that I don't lose the names I've scribbled on scraps of paper and tucked into my back pocket.

five days a week

Today started out like any normal day. I took my recent orders to the post office, came home, checked the box. I'm awful at sorting the junk mail, but I love checking my mailbox in the hopes of finding an unexpected letter from a friend.

And then I checked my email found out that the Postal Service may be cutting service to only five days a week. On the surface it doesn't seem like this should be a big deal, but image not getting any mail on Tuesdays! This is such a sad prospect, especially for someone who makes stationery. I shudder to think of the day when I can no longer say hi to my mailman, who is so sweet even though Susie barks like a maniac every day at 11:45 at the sound of him opening the mailbox.

{image found here}

mmmmm, chocolate cake


I spent the weekend trying to fight off yet another cold and pre-celebrating my birthday with friends. On Saturday, Sara made me the most delicious triple layer chocolate cake covered with ganache and filled with mascarpone and raspberry goodness - yum! Then we went bowling with a small group at my favorite 8-lane bowling alley/bar. I hope that I can choke down enough Airborne to keep this cold at bay for my actual birthday, so that I can enjoy dinner with my sister at my favorite Ethiopian restaurant.


{image from thePhotoZoo}

Country Road



I wish I could pull off wearing a Country Road ensemble while teaching! I love all of the small details. But, I don't think they're so practical for a charcoal-filled drawing room. And I certainly couldn't wear them while printing. So, if you have some semblance of a desk job, I'd jump on these beautiful pieces.

"A page in American history is turning..."

A PBS commentator just said those fitting words and I couldn't agree more. I'm watching the Inauguration festivities this morning and thinking about how much changed the night we as a nation voted to stand behind Barack Obama. I really do feel as though I'm living in a history book and I can't wait to see what happens next!

Oh, how I wish it were spring! I'd even be willing to layer these great sweaters over something short-sleeved if it were a few degrees warmer. I'm lucky if I can make it out of the house without layers of fleece. It's nine degrees today, but feels like negative eleven. Burrrr!

Love these pieces by Urban Outfitters.

jumping

For the past few weeks we have been taking Susie to jumping class - think hurdles for dogs. Last Saturday was her final day and she was amazing! She even finished the hardest sequence - a triple jump - without Jake handling her at all.

It seems as though I'm back to blogging - nine times already this month! This wasn't a resolution, but it was something that I've been meaning to do a bit more. I really like having a record of my life, so that I can look back every so often and reflect. Until I started this blog I had never been able to keep a journal of any kind. As on this month I have been blogging for two years, and I've lived through many changes - some of them quite devastating and others that changed the direction of my life or made my heart smile. I can't wait to look back next January and see what surprises have taken place.

almost sold out


As a follow up to my last post, I wanted to let you know that our 2009 Collaborative Calendar is almost sold out! There are only three left, so if you've been procrastinating, now is the time to stop by the shop. When Tara and I were planning this year's collaboration, I had been a bit worried about printing 100 more calendars than last year in an unstable economy. But, I was soon relieved and happily surprised by our ever supportive buyers. Many thanks to everyone who purchased a calendar this year!

while you can


I love Megan Auman's work and own a few pieces of her gorgeous jewelry. As of January 31 she will discontinue her fine silver on steel line, so hurry up and buy them while you can! You can check out her Etsy shop here and her blog here. I really can't wait to see what she makes next!

a new floor


I've been obsessed with the idea of a new bathroom floor - a wooden one! A few years ago we had our bathroom floor tiled, and while it looked beautiful for a few months, the grout began to crack and eventually became stained. Our house was built in 1927, so I don't know why I would have expected the sub floor to be stable. Wood may not be the most practical choice, but I'm sure it would be beautiful and warm on my feet.

{images from Door Sixteen}

I'm one of those people who usually get a little down in the winter because Rochester has so many gray days. But this year we've had lots of beautiful snowy days. It just seems fitting that when the days don't get above 20 degrees we should at least be treated to a bright white dusting. Not to mention how much the girls love chasing each other in the snow!

Pasture Gate Gray?

I have the worst time choosing paint colors for our house! Every time I pick the color we repaint the room at least twice {dining room}, sometimes three times {bedroom, office}. I would like to paint our hallway gray after we strip the wallpaper. Jake loves rich, dark colors, but I'm afraid to go too dark. Hmmm...I have a feeling I should just let him pick, then maybe we'll only have to paint once!

Giveaway


Some of you might already know this, but there is a calendar giveaway for Hello Handmade taking place at Creature Comforts. You can check it out here and enter by leaving a comment about your resolutions for the new year. The comments are so inspiring!

{image by Shanna Murray}

resolutions

My {semi-reasonable} list of goals for the new year.
This is probably pretty boring and somewhat lengthy, but I'm putting it out there so that I have more incentive to stick to it.

1. Spend more time at home. Last summer Jake and I instituted a monthly "weekend at home", where we would try to stay home to work on the house or just spend some well-needed time together. During this time we started a few house projects, but really didn't finish anything. I would really love to actually resolve these projects {home office, organize closet, etc} along with a few others this year.

2. Cook 2-3 meals per week. I used to love cooking and I certainly love to eat, so cooking at home only 2-3 times a week seems completely reasonable. There have been weeks in the last year that I don't think I ate a single meal at home, let alone had time to turn on the stove. I'd love to try out some new recipes and some of my favorites {cream-braised brussels sprouts} have been taunting me.

3. Get in shape. I joined the gym months ago, but have only gone to a handful of classes. I hate working out, but I really do love going to a few dance-type classes. My specific reason for this goal is that I'd like to be able to walk up the four flights of stairs to my studio without getting winded. I would like to think I can make 2-3 classes a week - the trick will be to actually schedule it on my iCal.

4. Organize my filing system. This is a biggie. My current system entails switching purses when one fills up with receipts and putting all of our snail-mail in a box for sorting "later". Obviously, this system doesn't work well when I need to file taxes or find our dogs vaccination records. I think I'm going to keep an envelope in my purse for receipts and empty it monthly into a folder. As for the mail, Jake is really good about sorting and shredding, so I'm going to enlist him to help with the filing once a month.

5. Keep in touch with friends and family. It always seems like it's easiest to take for granted the people you are closest to. I know I am quite guilty of forgetting to call friends back or working on my laptop when I should be joking about contestants during Survivor nights. Sometimes there are just too many deadlines, but sometimes it's just that I can't let go of my work. I'd love reinstate knitting night or weekly dog walking {my puppies feel neglected, too}.

I know that most people are making similar resolutions during this time of the year and I have few illusions that I'll be able to maintain all of my goals in the coming months. I can only try my best. I am comforted, though, with the fact that I love my life - I just want to make a few healthy lifestyle improvements. Here's to starting the year with my best foot forward!

a new start


Hello, new year! I love the beginning of a new year. It feels like there is so much potential - time to organize, clean the house, maintain my gym schedule, cook some good meals, reconnect with old friends. I know that all of my grand ideas won't necessarily hold through the year, but I love feeling optimistic about them! I hope this year brings you all much happiness and resolutions to spend time with family and friends.