Last night's snowstorm in Philadelphia provided a great excuse for a banner change. And so: the elegant snow drift outside our front door. The last week of the year is a time when I try to accomplish all of my new year's resolutions all at once, and many of them involve projects I'll simply call "snowflakes." What are you up to this week?
Also: three cheers to Jillian, Kristina and Amanda for 100 Layer Cake's new site. I am honored to be included in their calligraphy vendor a-list.
A sliver of Kate Joyce's "Delivery" from her November portfolio in hopes that you go view the rest.
You remember a while back when I was lamenting how sad it is when my tattoo clients do not send me a photo? Well, chalk it up to the public shaming. Or that this client is extra special (correct answer). I am ecstatic to share these photos with you of Chontichar's tattoo. The words "Life is in the Details" are fit together like puzzle pieces and displayed on Chon's neck for a striking effect. Thanks to Chon for the inspiring design (and is she a designer? But of course. Go check out her site Design and Decor with Chon) and the photos and for restoring my faith.
In the hectic madness of last year, one wedding that I’ll always remember is that of Nina + Jon. Here’s how it would work: Nina would write me the sweetest emails about the most visionary projects for their wedding (silkscreened muslin bags; the entire invitation suite handwritten; tags and twine; table numbers in Spanish) and I would eagerly look forward to making her lovely vision a reality. Then, there would be a harried hand-off in Gramercy and I’d await the next delivery of beautiful pale melon paper. So it is awfully thrilling to see the fruits of Nina and Jon’s labor of love featured on The Brides Guide: Real Weddings.
It is also no surprise that they included all sorts of thoughtful touches like donations to charities in lieu of favors and room upgrades for their guests. Hearty congratulations to Nina + Jon and many thanks to Shira + Martha Stewart Weddings and Kelly Melissa Photography.
I am so excited to announce this greeting card collaboration with Satsuma Press. Lynn Russell designed a pair of striking letter-pressed card with feathers in blue and then we set Neither Snow calligraphy around the edges. The quote: “Birds of a feather flock together.” I love the heartfelt message, and it feels appropriate for the holiday season when we prioritize both flocking and togetherness. You can find the cards in sets of two and four here.
But also: Lynn does some inspiring work for her son Liam who has spinal muscular atrophy, and children like him. You can check out Lynn’s touching blog here, where you purchase a children’s book written by Lynn’s mom about the adventures of her grandson; read Lynn’s beautifully articulated thoughts about being a parent to a delightful six year old boy in a 200 pound mechanical chair; and also donate to the Liam Russell Special Needs Trust. This holiday season, I’m so grateful for collaborators like Lynn.
Lately I have found myself in a number of terrific archives in Philadelphia, from the Library Company to the Historical Society. This image comes from an annual 1913 public health report from Philadelphia which Dona Horowitz-Behren, the city’s historian, unearthed for me. The objective? To illustrate the number of deaths from 15 diseases over the previous decade, and the increase and decrease of each cause. This beautiful chart folds out of a perfectly ordinary printed book. Isn’t it inspiring to think of all of the things like these waiting to be discovered?
On Sunday our dear friend Jack-- eminently knowledgable about the city’s history and architecture -- took me and Andrew on a private tour of housing in North Philadelphia. We drove through neighborhoods that had been redlined; past blocks that were completely abandoned; through streets with boarded up homes and empty lots. And we also meandered through areas of revival with people on their stoops, tending their gardens and walking home from church. I was struck by this door of an old abandoned house. It is remarkable that the delicate etched glass has managed to survive everything else around it.
Many months ago at a Martha Stewart event Carol Cho from BurdaStyle approached my table and introduced herself. We got to talking about fabric and a future collaboration. Burda, as you probably know, is a mecca when it comes to online sewing projects. Each week they feature a heap of totally fantastic, creative ideas for the do-it-yourself-er armed needle and thread. I mean, that with enough determination you can just make this Alexander McQueen show studio jacket?
I had the chance to sit down with Lindsey and Rachel at Burda and brainstorm a project in anticipation of Thanksgiving, my very favorite holiday. They supplied a stunning Obi apron and I calligraphed the word “gratitude” in 6 different languages (English/French, Russian, German, Spanish, Portuguese and Italian). You can print the “pattern” for each word and then, as I did, cut it out in felt and applique it to the apron (or just about anything -- iron ons, signs, etc.). The pattern for the apron is on there too. Go check it out here. And please send photos of your project if you end up using the calligraphy! Happy thanksgiving + here’s to gratitude always + many thanks to the fantastic ladies at BurdaStyle.
This weekend I had the pleasure of grabbing coffee with Colleen of Cleanwash letterpress. I love working with far-flung artists and clients, but I am also so happy to meet people local to Philadelphia. Do you know Colleen’s work? Gosh, you really should. We’ve worked on a a few projects which you can find here and here. Recently I’ve been setting up lots of lunch and coffee dates (hence my blog absence) and the one with Colleen really reaffirmed why I love meeting people in person: the brainstorming, planning for future collaborations, storytelling, spontaneous topics of conversation and laughter. A few weeks ago Colleen printed my new business cards which were urgently needed for the Martha Stewart event. I just love them.
Nole at Oh So Beautiful Paper just posted a slew of photos of Dan and Barbara's invitation suite. It features a stunnig combination of visual elements: wood veneer, black glossy calligraphy, white print on black envelopes, and white foil stamp throughout. It was a pleasure to work on this project and I was so inspired by Dan's vision (any surprise he is an art director?). As always, photos of client work can be found in the portfolio section.