Grey Moggie Press

Woot!

I made it through November and I blogged every day! Yay me!! Now, I'm in full blown final exam hibernation mode. I will come out of hibernation to get a few hours of sleep each day, for well-balanced meals until my appetite devolves into just a desire to eat Doritos and drink Mountain Dew as quickly as possible, for a few hours at the studio tomorrow to finish up some custom orders, for a few minutes each day to update my December book, and to celebrate Mr. Moggie's birthday next Saturday.

Last week, when I was still allowed to procrastinate with fun, silly things, I took a trip to Paper Source with a sweet friend who was visiting. She wanted holiday card supplies; I wanted labels. I walked out with labels, and also a few pretty sheets of paper, some new rubber stamps, and some free note cards they were giving away with purchases. There were 10 note cards and I've used them all to catch up on my correspondence project.

One evening last week, when I was still recovering from the off-and-on cold and was too sick to do homework, but not tired enough for bed, I worked on this Curbly project. It was super easy, but a bit time consuming to cut out all of the teardrops. I think my cutouts could have been a little (or much) larger, therefore requiring fewer to fill up the page, and that would have saved some time. I'm going to pick up some frames when I'm on break in a few weeks and hang these colorful designs on the wall above Mr. Moggie's dresser. There used to be a constant pile of clothes on the dresser hiding the now-blank wall. I'm hoping to put something in place before the pile makes a comeback!

I've got big plans for the few weeks I have off between exams and the start of spring semester (my last!!!).  (1) I'd like to take a look at this book, Printing by Hand, read Outliers, Bridge of Sighs, and Shakespeare's Kitchen. Then, I'm hoping to learn a bit more about our soon-to-be First Lady.  (2) I want to come up with a plan for making the holidays handmade and festive (for next year). These paper ornaments and this leaf garland seem like good places to start. I'll also be working on some goods for a collaborative snark pack of greetings, some new gift tags for the shop, and some custom invitations. (3) And then, I want to peruse these fun etsy shops for rubber stamps, handmade maps, and paper goods. (4) I also want to spend a day wandering around Second Story Books , a few mornings at the farmers' market with Mr. Moggie, and a few hours skating in the sculpture garden.

Thanks for making it through NaBloPoMo with me.  Stay tuned in December for updates on the December book, and the inverse relationship between my stress level as compared to the likelihood I will shower every day. It won't be pretty but it will be fun!

Wallpaper

I saw this Aisle One "rome was not built in a suit" wallpaper on Design for Mankind, and when I went over to check it out, I fell in love with this "i love typography" graphic instead instead. Get your own!

scheDUEL

This post may not make any sense to anyone. Blame it on the turkey and egg nog :)

Still feeling totally inspired by the handmade issue of mankind mag from my favourite design blog.
Q What is the blog author's first name? ANSWER: Erin
use the first letter - LETTER: E

We like to keep lunch casual, I've found some fabulous BBQ recipes for the big day.
Q What type of meat is pictured on the rotisserie? ANSWER: Lamb
use the first letter - LETTER: L

Getting some great ideas for upcycling (my favourite craft) & enjoying the revamp over at this fabulous craft website.
Q They list everyone's favourite Portland based author mama as one of their inspirational sites. Which Portland based author mama is she? ANSWER: Amanda Soule
use the second letter of her last name - LETTER: O

Looking forward to being able to buy handmade at the shopping shindig with the craft book Queen.
Q What type of car is pictured? ANSWER: Volkswagen
use the first letter - LETTER: V

All these letters unscramble to reveal:
WHAT? is all you need. LOVE

Thanks

photo from farmsanctuary.org via CuteOverload

I'm thankful for some fun custom projects that will get me out of the library and into the studio for a few hours next week.

Still looking for ways to cook your heritage breed turkey? Check out Mr. Moggie's recipe!

Now: eat, drink, be merry and thankful, hug your family and your pets, and turn off the computer.

Did you know...

...that the White House employs 3 calligraphers? And that there is a Chief Calligrapher? And that they create script for over 16,000 invitations a year, as well as menus, seating cards, and other such items?

Who wants to be President when you can be Chief Calligrapher?

flowers; flowers on packages

Here's another way to use strands of paper flowers, like those I hung from the ceiling at this engagement party. Tie them with ribbon, along with a gift tag, to sweeten up your next gift wrapped package. Here's a photo of Friday's giveaway prize, all wrapped up and ready to ship.

I also think the folding tree flowers would be great to adorn your holiday packages. I tied a couple to this gift bag to see how it would look. Quite nice :)

Alphabet soup

I was supposed to participate in the ArtHouse scavenger hunt a few weeks ago, but i got the list very late, leaving me with only an already full week in which to snap and print lots of photos for the project. Sadly, i didn't get very far. I did, however, get a great idea for a photo from the prompt Alphabet Soup.

In the bowl are pieces of wood type my mom is giving me as a Christmas gift. The letters you see are from one of two full alphabet sets with which I'll soon be able to create beautiful paper goods. Both sets are here at my apartment, but I've promised not to use the gorgeous wood type until after the holidays. It's not a problem, since I won't get to the studio much between now and the new year. I hope mom doesn't mind that I snapped a photo of the type. It's too gorgeous not to show it off!

Thanks to mom, and also to the lovely lady behind pogotown, the etsy shop where i picked out the type.

Paper flowers and a paper crafts tip

Here are the flowers I made on Wednesday using the tutorial from folding trees.  I have one piece of advice to make the assembly easier. It's a piece of advice I often give regarding paper projects: use Zots. Those little sticky dots have saved my sanity so many times.

When I made each individual petal, I used glue, as suggested. Then, to get the petals to stick together, Zots worked brilliantly. I'm very impatient about holding paper together while waiting for glue to dry.  At $4.30 for a box of 300 Zots and lots of time saved, it's a worthwhile investment if you ever need a good adhesive.

One Liners

I've talked about it before. Here are the pages from my mini-book, One Liners. It's where I keep lines from songs that I hear and love. 

1. The "One Liners" cover
2. "serve me the sky with a big slice of lemon" the geese of beverly road, the national
3. "let's trade this tired home for all it's weight in paper...revolutionary minds never know to draw the line" running out, mates of state
4. "you are my sweetest downfall" samson, regina spektor
5. "maybe i would have been something you'd be good at" call it off, tegan & sara
6. "the butterflies are passive aggressive and put their problems on the shelf but they're beautiful" in other words, ben kweller

Friday Favorites: Winning Edition

It snowed today. I think. I looked out the window while I was making lunch and saw a pile of white stuff falling down. A minute later, I looked out again: nothing, save for some clouds and naked tree branches. Maybe that glimpse of falling snow was just the universe playing a trick on my eyes. Regardless of whether there was, in fact, snowfall in northern Virginia today, it's icicle- igloo-wool sweater-ice skate cold out there.

So here's what's keeping me warm today:

all photos from the charliemotel etsy shop.

I mentioned this shop earlier this week, but I couldn't resist posting about it again. Here are three items that say: "warm me up coffee cup." The shop contains cards, pins, and a writing set. Absoultely darling!

images from french paper, wordle, and uppercase

I wish I could remember where I came across French Paper this week, but I'm glad that I did. If you're looking for a large selection of pretty paper on the web, it's the place for you.  But, if you're looking for something that can turn the words from your website into a pretty graphic, go to Wordle.net. It can be a big time trap for those of us who like type, but I imagine it can captivate lots of other folks as well. And then, if you're looking for a fun package of type-related goodies, Uppercase has got you covered. I saw these delightful little packages featured on Coveiter earlier today.

images from S.Stein, geekologie, and Made By Hank

For now, most days I carry my books around in a backpack. At the top of my list of anticipated life changes post graduation in May is no longer having to be a person who carries a backpack. I have seen cute handbags everywhere lately. For example, the olive and parsley project tote from S. Stein Designs would be perfect for carrying ink and paper to and from the letterpress studio. My iPod, cell phone, magazines, and non-heavy fun books could go anywhere with me in that cute ruffly bag from Made By Hank. Unfortunately handbags have gotten so pricey. Perhaps I could try what one guy did and pay my bills with a drawing of a spider. It didn't work for him; maybe banks would prefer letterpress? Seriously, check out the story here.

images from folding trees, pajiba, and nestprettythings

Folding trees had a 2-part tutorial on creating these sweet paper flowers this week. I tried my hand at it while watching Top Chef on Wednesday night, and they're not super difficult, though somewhat time consuming. If you're not a knitter (and I'm not, though I'd like to be) and you're looking for a relaxing craft to do while watching tv or a movie, these folded flowers might be the way to go.  The Time Traveler's Wife might be a good movie to watch while folding, given the role of paper arts in the book. However, it might be a while before it hits the big screen. I remember seeing the release date as December 2008 some time ago, but I have yet to see a trailer and now there is no official release date listed. Pajiba has a review of the wonderful book here. And if you're not so crafty but want some pretty handmade items, pick up goodies made by Tamar Schechner at NestPrettyThings.

 
images from Design for Mankind, Small Magazine, and Mew Paper Arts

Finally, check out this cool image from Andre Jordan I saw on Design for Mankind this week. If that's not enough, the new issue of Small Magazine is available online. Emily Martin from The Black Apple is a contributor. Then, tell your friends all about it on this sweet farm girl stationery from Mew Paper Arts.

One more thing: The winner of the Grey Moggie EtsyGreetings Carnival package, as chosen by the Random Number Generator is: Go Amie, who had the 24th comment. Amie, I'll be in touch to get your mailing address so I can send your Grey Moggie package to you!!

If you didn't win, fear not. I'm donating a few items to another giveaway taking place in early December. I'll keep you posted.  Or check out the Grey Moggie shop!!

Books to add to my "someday I will read these" list

Now that I have absolutely no time for reading unless I'm reading about Income Tax, Trusts & Estates, Business Associations, or Copyrights, I've found lots of other books I want to read.


All photos from Goodreads.

I just picked up How to be Useful from the library today.  It has some useful tips like: Be smart, but not too smart; Don't say snarky things about your coworkers; Pick up a broom if the janitor calls in sick; and Don't walk in the door with wet hair. It's a pretty fun read for this type of book, and I think it's good for me to be thinking about the workplace since soon I will be booted from my warm academic cocoon and have to fly into a cubicle once again. Le sigh.

I've been hearing lots of buzz about Outliers and really want to grab it for the holiday break. I haven't read any of Gladwell's other books, but they're all on my to-read list. Maybe this will be the one I finally sit down and jump into.I just Gladwell's on the Rachel Maddow show tonight and now his book is even higher on my list.

Finally, I started reading Alone in the Kitchen with an Eggplant last winter and absolutely loved what I was able to read. Eventually, I had to return it to the library. Alone in the Kitchen is a collection of essays by lots of great writers about the wonderful and curious experience of eating alone. I really want to get back to it and read the rest of this charming book.  Perhaps Mr. Moggie will see this post and decide that it should be in my Christmas stocking!

 

Aging? Maybe.

I have a birthday coming up next month, and it's a big one. Perhaps because it looms over my head currently, I think that 29 is bigger than 30. On the other hand, it * is* the last year in my twenties. It seems like the end of an era, right?

The morning after Halloween, I showed up at my local coffee shop pretty close to 8am to get started on the weekend's homework. I ordered my vanilla latte and the barista asked if I had done anything fun for the holiday. I answered with: "Yeah!" Then he asked what I did to celebrate. "I watched a scary movie with my husband and some friends. We had a nice dinner and gave candy to trick-or-treaters." And he said, "That's all?"

My excuse: "I'm old and married." He laughed and handed me my espresso drink (which was delicious, as always).

Yesterday, after a monster Income Tax class session (4 hours to make up for the fact that the prof canceled class the week Thanksgiving week) I walked home to take a nap before my next class (Trusts & Estates) in an attempt to fight off that sore throat (which has improved immensely thanks to Mr. Moggie's soup).  I looked around for a fire because I was convinced the white flakes in the air were ashes. When I didn't see or smell fire or smoke, I wondered what was falling from the sky. And then it hit me: it was snow. I felt so silly for not realizing it earlier, and sad that the childish wonderment at the year's first snow had escaped me this year.

I enjoy Saturday nights at home with Grey Moggie and Mr. Moggie more than the crazy nights from my past, I can't decide if my favorite television channel is MSNBC or the Food Network, I've developed a streak of grey hair in my bangs, and I think about things like tax shelters and annuities. I blame the greying hair and financial planning proclivities on the fact that I'm a law student, but I doubt they would be as pronounced if I were a 22-year old law student instead of a 28-year old law student.

And then, tonight, I started to feel better about it all. On Teen Jeopardy, there was a question (or is it answer?) asking what show Chad Michael Murray won a Teen Choice Award for. None of the high school student contestants rang in, but I knew: One Tree Hill. I feel so youthful!

Don't forget to leave a comment to win your own Grey Moggie greetings.

And just so you know you're not alone: Everyone hates this ad!

Get them while you still can

I just discovered Charlie Motel's etsy shop today. And how sad, because it's closing up after the holidays. Check out the shop now while everything is on sale.

photo from charlie motel etsy shop

I'm retiring early this evening with a sore throat that I'm trying to ward off before it (or something worse) interferes with my exam study schedule. So I'm off, but I leave you with this reminder to leave a comment on my last post if you want a chance to win a pack of Grey Moggie cards, and another reminder to check out all the other etsy carnival giveaways!

Etsy Greetings Carnival and a Giveaway

I recently joined the Etsy Greetings team, and it seems I've done so just in time for the big Etsy Greetings Blog Carnival. As part of the carnival, I'll be giving away some letterpressed goodies from my Etsy shop. 

Leave a comment in this post and on November 21, as part of Friday Favorites, I'll randomlypick a winner from the commenters to win 9 Grey Moggie Greetings items. Eight of the nine items are letterpressed goodies!

Check out the rest of the Carnival giveaways here.

Friday Favorites: Sunday edition

I didn't get a chance to share my favorites from the week on Friday (because I forgot), but they're just as fun on a Sunday.

Looking for a craft fair in the DC/Baltimore area?  Washington City Paper has the scoop.

 
photo from Washington City Paper

I found all sorts of new favorite Etsy shops when I was trying to decide on a favorite holiday greeting. Hammerpress has these great letterpressed holiday cards.

photo from Hammerpress Etsy shop.

Find these letterpressed holiday lovelies at LookyLoo.

photo from LookyLoo Etsy shop.

In non-holiday Etsy favorites, these cards are reminiscent of some of my favorite cards of all time: Squibnocket cards. I'm not sure whatever happened to Squibnocket, but those cards used to make me laugh so hard. And they were super sweet, too. These Thomas Printers cards bring back the witty, sweet messages and beautiful letterpressing I loved about Squibnocket.

photo from kseniya's etsy shop.

And now I'm off to finish this weekend's homework goals. Wish me luck!

Nothing to report

I spent the day divided between the library and my favorite coffee shop, nose in my books. Now I'm settled in at home, watching I'm Not There with Mr. Moggie. I've never really cared for Cate Blanchett, but man, she is amazing as Bob Dylan. I might have to become a fan.

Photo from Murky Coffee MySpace page.

One of my oldest friends is coming to visit tomorrow. I am so excited to see my Mr. Kleenex, even though we'll both be studying most of the weekend.

Steph, me, and Mr. Kleenex during his visit last fall.

Sweetness Abounds

I survived the MPRE on Saturday. Who knows if I passed the exam, but I made it through the test and back home in time to help Mr. Moggie with the engagement party we had been planning (along with some friends) for very good friends of ours. We had decided on a dessert party and for weeks, Mr. Moggie had been baking all manner of sweet treats. I came across this Amy Atlas party theme and we used it as inspiration for our white-themed centerpiece table.

The whole day was very hectic. I was up late studying (cramming) on Friday night, and then was up early for the exam on Saturday. Of course, these things never start on time, so there was a lot of waiting in line, and waiting for test booklets to be distributed. Once finished, I made a quick stop at Paper Source for lokta and ribbon, because of course, I had to do something with paper for the party!

I had time for a quick nap and a quick lunch, and then I packed up lots of project materials and a pretty party dress while Mr. Moggie packed up about a thousand bite sized desserts to head over to our friend Chris's house to set up for the party.

The desserts were such a hit, and I was so proud of my little baker. As for my paper contribution, I letterpressed some menus listing all of the desserts and beverages (including sparkling rose). Unfortunately, the menu project was the one with all the typos I mentioned in an earlier post. I used them anyway, and unless I pointed them out, no one said anything. Also, I made some awesome paper flower chains that went over so well the bride wants to use them in her wedding now.
I was so inspired by the sweetness of Mr. Moggie in wanting to hand make each dessert for the friends he holds so dear, and by the deliciousness of all of the treats, that I tried to capture it in this little layout.

All photos in this post (except for the photo of the scrapbook page) shared courtesy of our friend, Chris Heishman. Thanks, Chris!!

December book pages

Finally. Photos of the pages from my December book. Interspersed with some of my current favorite things.

Arrested Development, the movie? It might actually happen!

Mark your calendars. A craft fair at Rock and Roll Hotel. If you're crafty and want a table, they might still be available.

Deb from Smitten Kitchen shares her tips for cooking large in a space that's small.

Tell a Lie: Cool photos from an artist who "decided to flip this lie on its head and use a camera to mimic common Photoshop effects." Very neat.

Handmade Hellos: what Grey Moggie (the blogger, not the feline) wants for Christmas.

Cast your vote again! This time for your favorite Etsy holiday greeting card.

I've been listening to a lot of Girl Talk lately. Name your own price and download his latest "album" here.

This is all I can handle posting right now

Live. Streaming. Puppies.

I hope you love them as much as I do.

One week later

In an earlier post, I said I might eventually write about the election, but I've decided instead to share my favorite online stories about the President-Elect, his family, and how the White House will change in January.

First, I love this image of Barack Obama made entirely out of cupcakes. For the photos, check out Zilly Rosen's Zillycakes flickr album. I found it first on Serious Eats, and Cupcakes Take the Cake has an interview with the creator here.

Newsweek has a nice piece about Mrs. Obama's plans for her family in Washington. CNN has a post about the fishbowl-like qualities of the White House for First Children, and Jezebel points the Obama daughters in the direction of a well-adjusted former First Daughter if they're looking for advice. 

Gawker rounds up cartoons featuring Abe, Barack, and a fist bump.  Jezebel reports (via NY Post and I also saw it on Huffington Post) that the First Couple Elect went on their first date in a very long time this weekend. The Huffington Post mostly comments on Michelle's style for the date, but if you want to read more about the soon-to-be First Lady's fashion choices, check out Mrs. O. 

The District Domestic, Serious Eats, and the New York Daily News speculate on who might be the next White House Chef. My vote is for Rick Bayless. We visited his Frontera Grill on a visit to Chicago this summer, and ate an absolutely excellent meal. (Check out Mr. Moggie's crazy eyes!) 

For more on the intersection of presidential politics and food check out Michael Pollan's open letter to the President-Elect (from before the election), read what the American Farmland Trust has to say, see how Obama worked Pollan's wisdom into his campaign, and head on over to the Ethicurean for thoughts on what this Presidency will mean for food policy in the U.S.

And just because, here is a fun little election map from the NY Times.