Sycamore Street Press: 01.2011

sycamore street press ///// A Sycamore Tattoo

This lovely lady got a tattoo based on one of my illustrations. :)

our little life ///// Ingrid's Birth Story, Part 1

Many people have asked how my labor and delivery went. Was it long? Did I take any medications? Were there any complications? Was I able to breastfeed right away? But before I get into all of that, I'd like to talk about this business of becoming pregnant. Although I now love reading peoples' birth stories on blogs, I feel like there aren't enough mentions about the obstacles that are often in the way of having a baby.

Ingrid didn't come easily to me and Kirk. While we were struggling to get pregnant, it felt like a small blow to my heart each time I found out that someone I knew was expecting. Of course I was always happy for them, but it was also a reminder of our own sad situation. It seemed to me like everyone else in the world could get pregnant at the drop of a hat. It didn't seem fair that there were little teenagers running around getting knocked up all over the place, and here we were, a responsible couple in a loving relationship, trying month after month with no luck.

While Kirk and I were going through this, it was so hard for me to talk about it with anyone -- even with my family and closest friends. It felt too private -- and that somehow by keeping it to myself I had more control over it. I really only felt comfortable talking about it with other women who had gone through similar things. It gave me strength and hope to know that I wasn't the only one sitting on the toilet month after month waiting for the pink lines to appear. And that's why I decided to share this part of our family's story with you. To reach out to those who have gone through similar struggles, and to help raise some awareness among those who haven't.

When Kirk and I started trying about 3 1/2 years ago (June 2007), we were 27 years old, and had been married for a few years. I thought getting pregnant would be easy. My mom had never had any trouble, so why should I? For the first 6 months or so, we just went off the pill and thought it would just "happen". No such luck.

So then my mom recommended that I get the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility. I put it off for a couple of months because it was my mom who recommended it to me (maybe you know how that goes). But it ended up being full of really good information. We started getting really technical in our efforts (tracking periods, temperature, etc...). That was in the spring of 2008. We passed the year mark that summer, and people said I should go to the doctor. But I didn't...maybe because I was afraid of what I might find out.

In any case, we kept trying and ended up getting pregnant around Thanksgiving 2008. But I started bleeding heavily on New Year's Day as we were traveling from Utah back to Ohio. We had a layover in Las Vegas, and as I sat in the airport and watched all the people passing by, I just thought: "None of them know that I'm in the middle of losing my baby". That night, I began having labor pains. They came and went for a few hours. When they finally subsided, I knew that our baby was gone. I happened to have scheduled my yearly exam for the following day. When I went in, I told the OB what had happened and she did an interior ultrasound. She said that I had indeed suffered a miscarriage, but that everything looked fine and healthy. The miscarriage was probably just a fluke. I held it together as I spoke with her, but when I checked out with the receptionist a few minutes later, I broke down. She came around the counter and hugged me until I got control of myself.

Kirk and I were heartbroken but also encouraged to know that it was possible for us to get pregnant. We waited a couple of months and decided to start trying again. But we came up against another obstacle. Kirk was graduating from Ohio State, and we were moving back to Utah. We had to switch insurance companies. And they told us that in order for a pregnancy to be covered, we would have to wait. Even though we weren't physically trying, it felt like we were. The waiting wasn't any easier. But several months later, the insurance kicked in, and we began again.

Another year had gone by. I still didn't go to the doctor. Not even for a yearly exam. I should have.... but once again I was afraid of what I might find out and didn't want to be labeled as "infertile". Especially since we are self-employed. I was afraid our insurance would be taken away and then our future family would be worse off. I hated feeling so vulnerable to insurance company policies. So I started reading up on adoption. I felt drawn to it. (I still do, actually. Maybe one day we'll add another member to our family in that way.) We kept trying.

Finally, in February of last year, the second pink line appeared on the pregnancy test. It was over 2 and a half years from the time we originally started trying. I think it might have helped that I was less stressed out after Kirk joined me with SSP and we moved back to Utah. It probably also helped that Kirk and I were exercising more and eating better. Who knows?

But even though I was already pregnant -- and overjoyed -- it still didn't feel real. It felt like we were still "trying". Because I had had a miscarriage at around 7 weeks the first time, I was scared it would happen again. I didn't even realize how frightened I was until my first appointment (at 7 wks) with my midwife. She did an ultrasound and showed me Ingrid's heartbeat. She told me that if you can see the heart beating at less than 8 weeks, you have a less than 1% chance of losing the baby. Once again, all my pent up emotions came rushing out and I burst into tears.... this time with relief.

I know that everyone who struggles to have a baby has a different experience. I know that mine and Kirk's issues weren't nearly as intense as many others'. We were lucky that we didn't have to go on any medications, and that we ended up with a healthy little girl. But I also know that sometimes it just helps to hear someone's story who didn't get pregnant on the first shot.

Find the rest of Ingrid's Birth Story here: Part 2 ///// Part 3 ///// Part 4

giveaway ///// Let Me Bribe You

This blog has been in very capable hands over the past couple of months -- thanks to all my lovely contributors -- but it's time I get back to it, don't you think? As much as I love spending time with the adorable little squish ball that is my baby, I have to admit that I've missed blogging!

But Ingrid and I are still trying to figure out this thing called nursing, I still have a million boxes to unpack from our move, and oh yeah -- I still have a business to run and everything that goes along with that. So although I am back to the blog, I will have to take it slower than before. I will have less time to spend on it, but I want to maintain (and even improve) the quality of my content, which means fewer entries.

And this is where you, my lovely readers, come in.

If I have to cut back on the blog, I need to know what to cut, and what to leave. Part of what I love about blogging, is my interaction with all of you. I don't want to lose that. So please let me know what you love most about this blog, and what you could leave behind. Be kind, but be honest. It's true that this blog is a labor of love, so of course I'll still follow my heart (and my gut) when it comes to deciding what to post. But I really value your input as well!

If you are new to the blog, or need a refresher, click on the below categories to get an idea for the sort of content I've posted in the past. Then, if you are so inclined, please leave a comment with some advice on what you'd like to see more of, and what you'd like to leave less of.

I'd love it if you could go into more detail than just listing category names. Be specific! In fact, maybe something you'd like to see more of doesn't even fit into one of the categories. That's fine! I'd just love your honest opinion. Maybe you'd like to see more of my own photos. Or maybe you prefer photos I curate from around the web. Maybe you'd like to hear more about the behind the scenes of our small letterpress business. Or maybe you're a bit tired of hearing about Sycamore Street Press. Maybe you love the personal entries, or maybe you skip right over them for the interior design related posts. More text? Less text? I could go on and on... Whatever the case, please let me know!

Now, here's where the bribe comes in. I'll draw a name at random from the list of comments next Friday, February 4th, and announce it here on the blog. The winner will get $75 in credit from the Sycamore Street Press shop!

Thanks to everyone for your thoughtful responses. Thank you to all of the fantastic contributors who have been helping out these past couple of months. And thanks to everyone who has ever taken a moment to stop by my little blog!

Five Favorites ///// Art Hound

Hello all! I'm Kate from Art Hound, and I'm thrilled to be guest blogging here and sharing my five favs with you. There isn't really a coherent theme; I just had fun and picked things that continue to inspire me over time.

I am obsessed with dachshunds- real and otherwise. They make me smile no matter what kind of mood I'm in. (left to right: Donald Brun, edart, Urban Outfitters)

I love felt, especially felt baskets and totes. It's such a humble material and has such an amazing tactile quality. (clockwise from top left: Parkhaus, Parkhaus, feel design, Josh Jakus)

I love bold, geometric jewelry and have been pining over these three pieces for quite some time. (clockwise from left: Gabriela Artigas, Giles & Brother, deka ray)

I love Jo Bartels' line of placemats and coasters. The faux wood grain pattern gets me every time!

I love organic ceramic salt and pepper holders. It's all about the little things in life. (left to right: Pigeon Toe Ceramics, Amy Adams, Toast)

sound + vision: Maximum Balloon

Contributor post by Dear Edna.

It's always nice to end the work week and welcome the weekend with new tunes. Something upbeat, energetic and fun. Enter: Maximum Balloon. Described as "not quite a solo album and not quite a side-project," it is a collection of collaborations between David Sitek and several of his favourite artists. David is a member of one of my absolute favourite bands, TV on the Radio, and a producer on several other great albums, including the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Liars, and Foals, so expectations were high. And I must say, he did good. Hopefully the teaser clip below is enough to encourage you to hear more, because the whole album is solid and perfect to carry you from your desk to the dance floor. Happy Friday!

Thanks so much to Eva for having me contribute this week and to everyone that stopped by and read my posts. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did! xo

Between the Lines: Water for Elephants

Contributor post by Dear Edna.

I've had a love affair with books ever since I learned to read. I'm a bookworm. I admit it. In fact, my love for books and reading have pretty much shaped my whole life, from my university major, to my stint teaching English overseas, to my career as a copyeditor. For me, the best books are the ones that really pull you in and make you feel like you are there, literally experiencing the story. So, I've decided to start regularly featuring book-inspired roundups on my blog. The only stipulation: they cannot have been adapted into movies yet. Here is the first. Let me know what you think.

One of my favourite books that I read last year was Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. In short, it's about an old man reminiscing about the 1930s when he lost his parents in a car crash and ended up joining a travelling circus as a veterinarian. It's a definite page-turner full of romance and excitement, but I also loved learning about what everyday life in a circus would have been like. SO, I thought I'd take the opportunity, before the movie gets released and crushes everything I've imagined, to gather some picks inspired by the book. Step right up, ladies and gentlemen!

{left to right: golden peanut necklace by contrary; venetian mini skirt by amoelbarroco; circus slideshow lampshade by SpookyShades; train buttons by addvintage; mini magnolia top hat by TwoBackFlats; lion hat girl printed pillow by minimonos; bow tie by KnowNow; Queen for a day print by FauxKiss; tuxedo jacket by artifactory; ribbon-laced corset by ContrivedtoCharm; Vixen Sequins shoe by taylorsays; Carnivale by gallariedeilluminata; Gladstone bag by TheCottageCheese.

I also came across this amazing circus-inspired outfit from 2treasurehunt and thought it deserved it's very own mention. I'm so impressed with the head-to-toe styling! The black booties, shorts, gloves and top hat highlight and modernize the vintage jacket and bustier set perfectly! Hot stuff.

looking lovely: Nouveau Needlework

I love the recent resurgence of interest in needlepoint and cross-stich. Here are three of my favourite designs. These artists have managed to make the old-fashioned craft their own by stitching simple but unique, original designs that are tiny works of art. I think they would look super cute tucked away in a space you wouldn’t expect. In fact, they’ve inspired me to pick up the needle and thread myself... if I can ever find the time. It’s a new year’s resolution of mine, so we all know that means it’ll get done, right? Don't answer that.

{left to right: MiniatureRhino, thetimeisnow, atlantic tree fox}

Contributor post by Erin of Dear Edna.

looking lovely: The Clean Gene

Contributor post by Erin of Dear Edna

It’s always tough to get back in the swing of things after the holiday break. I started off the year very sluggishly, I must admit. But over the past few weeks, I've been slowly organizing and tidying up and it's done wonders for my motivation and creativity. My boyfriend thinks that it is a female gene that makes a clean house give us the overwhelming feeling that we can take on the world! Haha! He may be right. My advice, take it one space at a time, starting with your desk. Here are some adorable items that will surely help you get your affairs in order.

{left to right: box64studios, MableMae, jennarosehandmade, rerunzvintageshop, dozi, thecontainerstore, ShugabeeLane, Brooklynretro, 1canoe2}

Five Favorites ///// Dear Edna

Hi there and greetings from Canada! My name is Erin and I’m delighted to be a guest on Eva’s blog while she cares for beautiful baby Ingrid. When I’m not copyediting, I design, paint and sew retro accessories for my online shop, Dear Edna, and blog whenever I can over at the Dear Edna Blog.

I was all set to share my five favourite forms of inspiration only to discover that Sharon McMullen already beat me to it here! Apparently we’re two peas in a pod, as all five were nearly identical (honestly – I can show you my notes). Sharon, we should talk. :)

Plan B. To highlight a more specific concept that inspires both Dear Edna and myself, a notion at the root of everything I love most in textiles, art, fashion, interior design, and travel: the art of Mixing Old and Modern. Here are five great examples of each.

1. Textiles

I get really excited about fabric. Really. At the risk of sounding flaky, they speak to me. But I suspect most fabric lovers and sewers can probably attest to this. When I’m drawn to a pattern, I am already envisioning what it could possibly become. I recently discovered Jennifer Paganelli’s line of vintage-inspired textiles and have completely fallen in love. I have a few yards purchased and I can’t wait to get my hands on them and showcase them in some of my new products this year. {image via Free Sprirt Fabric}

2. Art

I discovered Melanie MacDonald’s work at an outdoor art festival in Toronto a few years ago and have been following her ever since. I love her use of vintage objects as subjects and the realism of her technique. They invoke emotions, memories and sometimes even scents and sounds of my childhood, an effect I seem to value most in art these days. {image via Melanie MacDonald}

3. Interior Design

In the last couple years, I’ve found myself reaching for home decor magazines over gossip rags, scouring antique stores instead of the mall, and coveting pieces of furniture rather than... well... a lot of things. In all my research, I’ve discovered my style is some strange mix of “eclectic” and “bohemian”, whatever that means. Basically, my ideal home has a good mix of both modern and vintage, with trendy accents. It’s surprisingly difficult to find a home done to perfection in this style, although Peter Frank’s home is pretty darn close (isn't that green chair amazing?). It’s a delicate balance and one I’ll most likely spend my life trying to achieve. {image via House Beautiful}

4. Fashion

When it comes to mixing and layering pieces, the rules of interiors can easily apply to fashion as well. One or two vintage pieces matched with a trendy pair of shoes and classic coat show personality, warmth, agelessness, and chic style. I am hopelessly in love with this entire ensemble, head to toe! {image via What I Wore}

5. Travel

It feels like a lifetime ago when I lived in Japan, but I will always remember the how new and old lived in harmony there. Literally, you could be on an electronic, singing toilet one minute and walking past a thousand-year-old temple the next. It was bizarre and unsettling at times, but also stunningly beautiful. It has fascinated me ever since, and I take great joy when I encounter anything similar elsewhere in my travels. Perhaps this is taken for granted by the people that live in these places, but to someone from a country not even 150 years old, it is spellbinding.

on the road: An Italian Type Museum

Contributor post by Roxy Columbus

I’ve always thought Italians have a knack for putting the old and new together in order to be seen anew--"una chiave moderna". The Tipoteca type museum, in quiet Cornuda, is a redesign of a deconsecrated church and one time rope factory. It is a brilliant project that has brought together many creative forces where a laboratory for printing, workshops and lectures also exist.

Sandro Berra, Tipoteca's events coordinator chatted about, not only the museum, but Cornuda itself, and a nearby local without a store front sign where you can eat top quality cheese and cured ham. He pointed out the village of Asolo that sits on a hill with its surrounding vinyards (another gem of Veneto) and can be seen from the Tipoteca once inside.

On our way up the circular staircase to continue our visit, we admired a fresco (saved from the old church) hanging just before the entry way onto the second floor. Here glass cases house cast type, printed samples and stories of Italian type designers and foundries.

Going back down the staircase is a softly illuminated open space where there is a collection of Italian presses restored to full capacity. At the end of our visit we were invited into Tipoteca's private collection of books and were shown a personal favorite--a concept book by two artists living in California. It was a collection of photography and poetry based on visits to Venice, Italy by one of the artists who had exiled from Russia. It crossed my mind how type and press had collaborated directly with the person to materialize their sentiments--a preservation of character that Tipoteca has made real.

at the table: Playing Foodsie

Contributor post by Roxy Columbus

It's all about food, food, and more of it as the autumn truffles have been hunted and grapes harvested.

In the North of Italy, where we partake in not only the sense of taste, but in the multi-sensory;
the semiotics behind food and design ultimately guarantee a more fulfilling experience.

Food does more than just fill our bellies up.

There is a network of activities that go into the entire experience.

The primary goal of Slow Food (international movement put forth by Carlo Petrini )

and Peccati di Gola (local food fair in my town, Mondovì) is to showcase and preserve
local and regional gastronomy.

A way to get this message across is with keen attention to the context food and drink are presented.

Design from all aspects (scenographic food stands, neck aprons for wine glasses,

branding--very cool snail logo, print collateral with candid images of farmers cultivating,
cooks preparing, people discovering) are used as signs to emphasize a number of messages;
my favorite one is eat and enjoy...

our little life: Esther at the Oregon Coast

Contributor post by Esther of Paragraph Cove

Yesterday was a beautiful day on the Oregon coast. The sun was shining and birds were singing. I decided to explore Nehalem Bay State Park and the south end of Manzanita Beach. The campground was so quiet and serene. I followed a path over the dunes to the beach. The view was breathtaking!

Wind blowing through the dune grass.

Grass drawing in the sand.

I couldn't resist taking home this perfect pebble.

looking lovely: Esther's Favorite Things

Contributor post by Esther of Paragraph Cove

I love collecting vintage items. I love the sense of nostalgia behind them. These are a few of my favorites.

These frames belonged to my grandmother. The mother of pearl inlay is so delicate.

I've collected piano rolls for a few years now. I use them in collages, as table runners and for covering ugly florescent light fixtures. I purchase this one from Urban Ore in Berkeley.

My family has a running joke about my love of ponies. Since I was a teenager, I've added a "pony" to christmas and grocery lists. Simply as a joke, of course. Nowadays, my family grants my wish by giving me little horse figures for Christmas. I've also started buying little horses for myself. Not all of them are vintage, but I love them just the same.

I like glass bottles. I love little glass bottles. The two on the right where acquired while I was visiting shops for my five faves post. The brown bottle was purchased from Found in Cannon Beach. The other bottle was purchased from Vintage Living in Manzanita.

What makes your heart go pitter patter? What do you collect?

looking lovely: Web-Based Magazines

Photography by Emily Anderson, Styling by Crystal Gentilello

Contributor post by Esther of Paragraph Cove

I can't get enough of web-based magazines! The current issue of Rue is chock-full of beautiful interiors. I'm obsessed with these photographs of the home of lingerie designer Jessie Zinke. In the article, Julie Holloway describes Zinke's abode as "a land full of art, light, warmth and femininity."

Photography by Bob Frame, Interior Design by Elsa Soyars

Adorn Home is another incredible web-based magazine. I'm eager for warmer weather after looking at pictures of this home in the Hamptons. I love the pops of color amongst the white washed walls and grey furniture. It's so fresh and welcoming!

looking lovely: Thank You Notes

Thank you by IRONSIDE

Contributor post by Esther Stanford of Paragraph Cove.

It's that time of year again. Time to sit down and write those dreaded thank you notes. Don't get me wrong I love writing letters. I guess I'm suffering from childhood flashbacks. I've never gotten over being forced as a child to send thank you cards to family and friends.

Here are my tips for defeating this beast:

1. Buy awesome stationery. My theory is the cuter the card the less you have to write.

2. Give yourself a deadline. If you don't send them out within the next two weeks it's never gonna happen.

3. Fill in the blanks. Example: "Thank you so much for the ____________ I used it to ____________."

4. Divide and conquer. If you have a lengthy list, divide it over the course of a few days.

5. Reward yourself. Snacks are a fabulous motivator. Eat a couple of your fave treats after finishing each letter. After you've dropped all the cards in the mail buy yourself a hot fudge sundae.

Good luck!

Word find by Pooch D

Thank you postcard by spellyourname

Five Favorite Antiques Shops from the Oregon Coast ///// Paragraph Cove

Hello there! My name is Esther. I live two hours west of Portland, OR in the tiny coastal town of Wheeler. I'm the woman behind the upcycled stationery company, Paragraph Cove. Check out my Etsy shop and blog. I'd like to share five of my fave antique stores on the coast.

Trash & Treasure

180 Highway 101

Rockaway Beach, OR

From the street this lil shop doesn't look like much. Inside you'll find loads of beautiful dishes and housewares. The owner records sales by hand in a ledger that sits on the counter. It's so charming.

Wheeler Station Antique Mall

425 Highway 101

Wheeler, OR

There are many nooks and crannies to explore at Wheeler Station. Vendors offer a wide variety of items ranging from manual hand drills to starched linens, fine china to primitive furniture. Allow yourself at least an hour to peruse the entire store.

Vintage Living

310 Laneda Ave

Manzanita, OR

Vintage Living has a great vibe. Every item looks unique and special. My current obsession is the figure above. The owner, April, recently expanded the store to sell delicious sweet treats. Can you say green gummi army men?

Found

1287 S Hemlock St

Cannon Beach, OR

Found has a nice mix of vintage goods and found objects. I've always been a fan of the juxtaposition of clean lines and rustic textures.

Seaside Antiques

1005 Broadway

Seaside, OR

My heart flutters every time I walk in the door of Seaside Antiques. The store is jam packed with treasures. Posters and magazines hang from the rafters. There is a method to the madness. Everything is divided by themes such as military, photography, housewares, etc.