tradesies

One of the many benefits of being a printmaker is the opportunity to trade with other printmakers. Because our images are created in limited editions, we can easily swap prints with each other if we feel so inclined. I have the most amazing collection of artwork from my BFA peers because of trades, but most recently struck up an exchange with a fellow printmaker and twitter friend Elise Towle Snow aka Argyle Whale. I was perusing her etsy shop last month and fell hard for two of her quirky, clever and adorable gocco prints pictured above and below. I was lucky enough to have her take interest in one of my animal call silkscreen prints, and so we traded addresses and the rest is history. I love these new art additions in my home and was thrilled to hear Elise adores the print she received as well. If you are interested in doing some trades, let me know! And to collect some more artistic treats, whether you are a printmaker or not, you should check out this awesome call for submissions from one of my favorite non-profit print studios, Alberta Printmakers aka A/P. Every year they do this “postcard” exchange: send in ten 4 x 6 limited edition prints or ten 4 x 6 one of a kind works of art (just no digital reproductions), and have your work included in an awesome exhibition. When it’s over A/P will keep 2 for fundraising or archives while 8 random postcards from other participants will be mailed back to you. Happy trading!

sick days

I’m so sorry my dear reader, for I am just not well enough to write you an inspiring and creative post today. The above photo pretty much sums up my life right now… but when the Lord of the Rings trilogy is over and the kleenex boxes are empty I am praying my cold will be finished too. In the meantime stay well, keep warm and hopefully I will be back to my regular self very soon.

she can always make me smile

I’m super sick with a cold for the first time in forever and feel especially awful because John’s parents are currently visiting us. I am trying to lay low to forget about my aching body and thus have taken to distracting myself with awesomeness like big pots of green tea, fantastic films, long visits with our company and sorting through some beauties from my gorgeous collection of vintage Canadian stamps inspired by one of my favorite ladies. Queen Elizabeth seems to always be able to put a smile on my face, no matter what.

sketchbook snaps

One of my new year’s resolutions was to pull out my sketchbook more often. I have started to turn over a new leaf and I’d still like to draw in it more often. However it is more than I’ve done in previous years and it has just been great to get doodling, sketching, collaging, collecting and drawing things on a regular basis.

mail art – outgoing

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This week’s outgoing mail art featured a plethora of Valentines sent to some of my Canadian pen pals, a package to China for my friend Hannah Peterson, a decorated envelope for Charlotte Saunders (@Dig_A_Pony) in the UK and a typed letter to Jenny Cutnam on the coast.

mail art – incoming

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I was spoiled this week with the above incoming mail art treats! Sarah Churchill (@scjammycustard) sent a package of favorites, Jessica Mack sent me her last evnvelope from Australia (@brownpaperbunny), the was a lovely valentine from  Jaime Madellena (@sendmoremail), Caren Gibb spoiled me with sweet book pages & heartfelt letter, Nick Oostyen & Olivia Delorme (@0_delorme) sent another double dose of goodness, Marcus Jackson (@luckyjackpress)found me owls, moustaches and a bird book, Jillian Hermansen (@jillianailsa) went cat crazy and Mr. Munk from The Monster Factory (@_monsterfactory) wrote me a love letter. Thanks for all of the rad treats my wonderful pen pals!!!

good advice

I’ve been going through some piles of thrifted books today, altering them and setting aside found paper gems for mail art replies and future projects. I came across this page with some particularly poignant words that any artist or crafter would easily relate to. It’s a definite keeper.