i am so excited that i got one!

i did it! i did layaway with mav of port2port press, and got a balloon print (above) from her levitate/ photographs and drawings project. i love it so much! its great quality of screenprinting (which i'm not surprised, because I believe lena corwin taught her..) and is so beautiful. i still need a frame for it though...

port 2 port press

(photo from port2port)

another huge inspiration of mine, and someone whose life i wouldn't mind having, is mav of port2port press. she prints on a pilot press, like mine, and finds enjoyment in all the small things in life. she shoots film, and is working on a couple book projects. her latest collaboration with lena corwin (another huge inspiration) is ROOTS, spring prints, in her shop here.

port2port press packaging

one of my favorite printers, maria of port2port press in maine, has been showing some lovely snipits of her daily life and packaging of her work. the thing i love about maria is that she sees details in every day that inspire, and she takes great pictures them! check out her texture inspiration here. (above, paper bags from port2port, from todays post.)

port 2 port press + camilla engman

with these two ladies, you can never go wrong. camilla and maria have collaborated on a set of prints every season, this being their fourth and final one. (maria will be collaborating with a new artist in the next season) these are seriously so beautiful and simple. i love maria's use of color, and camilla's illustrations are among my favorites. the pair are for sale on maria's site for $16. check them out.

Craft Inc. aka best book ever for independents

so tomorrow i receive my copy of Craft Inc. Turn Your Creative Hobby into a Business in the mail (i know it's in stores- long story) and i'm so excited! i sneaked a peek of it at powells, and it looks so great- there are interviews with great small business owners (most of which seem to be women... including mav of port2port press!) and great facts from the lovely mateo ilasco. she definantly knows her stuff and has been successful in many ventures, so be sure that she knows what shes talking about! it covers business licensing to cost and markups, etc. very useful!