The Unknown

The Unknown, original collage on book cover

School Desk Graffiti

We spent some time wandering around the KSU campus while my parents were visiting last week and peeked into the classroom where Patrick is teaching this summer. The room is filled with old school wooden desks like the one I brought home a couple years ago.

Since I had my trusty iPhone with me I snapped some pictures of the desktops to share with you. It is pretty fun to peruse the graffiti etched onto the surfaces by generations of (bored?) students.

Don't look too closely or you'll read a student's confession: I hate this class. Hope it's not one of Patrick's students. Hah!

Some have profound words: Every dog has its day.

Eyeballs 'n roses.

There were several Pac-Man doodles 'round the classroom but this one was my fav 'cuz it also proclaims 'Love Stinks!'.

I promise I didn't document every desktop in the room. Just a couple more...

Did you know that doodling helps you pay attention?



I wonder if JB drew that smiley face too?

I saved the best for last. The 'lil umbrella with all the raindrops takes the cake. Or maybe that small cry for 'help' in the top left hand corner?

More July Art Blocks

And...I'm back with another batch of collage blocks for you! They will all be listed in the shop tonight. I promise. Check out all available blocks right here.

Block Collection In Uppercase

I've been eagerly awaiting the arrival of issue #14 of Uppercase Magazine. When I glimpsed the familiar envelope in the mailman's hands this afternoon I zipped out the door to retrieve it immediately.

Yes, I've expressed my undying love for this magazine in the past but this issue is special indeed. I was thrilled when Janine contacted me to put together a grouping of my vintage block images for the Collection spread (see pages 58 & 59 of your issue or you can preview a digital copy here).

Lizzie was just as excited to see the feature as she has arranged many of these block designs for me to photograph. The theme of this issue is all about PLAY and I must say it looks chock-full 'o fun. Now I just need to settle down with a cuppa and leisurely enjoy its pages!

If these vintage block images are making you itch to get your hands on a set of your own I do have some available in the shop right here. Or....you can pick up a set of reproduction color cubes by Froebel right here.

We also love the old-school pennant with the Uppercase slogan of "Creative & Curious" that was tucked inside our package. It will be proudly displayed here at the Sushipot headquarters! And now....I'm going to take a bit of time off to PLAY (and clean up the house a smidgen!) as my parents are headed this way for a visit (Yay for grandparents!!). See you back here next week.

Parquetry Tiles

Poppin' in to share these vintage parquetry tiles with you. They've been in the shop for a few days but I realized I hadn't shared them here and they are way too fun to be missed! The set was manufactured by Tofa of the Czech Republic.

July Art Blocks

These July art blocks have been snipped, glued, stitched, pressed, sanded, photographed and varnished and they'll be in the shop tonight!

Capuchon

Capuchon, mixed media assemblage

In case you were wondering, the tall 'n pointy dunce-like cap is called a capuchon. A reference to this Mardi Gras tradition.

The Juggler

The Juggler, mixed media assemblage

He's a bit on the scruffy side this juggler. If you look closely there's a five o' clock shadow under that goofy grin.

Not sure exactly how he manages his juggling act with just the one hand but as a hand it can come in quite useful...holding rings 'n objects or maybe his new proprietor will find him another ball to juggle.

I put one of these old croquet mallets to use for his body. It makes for a fun clown suit dontcha think?

Flag By Ethel

Embroidered with care by Ethel, this hand stitched flag has been patiently waiting to fly free 'n proud here in this space. I think I love the tidy backside of this piece just as much as the front. Ethel was one meticulous lady. A happy & safe 4th of July to all you American readers!

Circus Elephant

Circus Elephant, mixed media assemblage

Last but not least today...this 'lil elephant is determined to make a stand (hah!). More circus acts are coming together behind the scenes. Hopefully I'll have 'em ready to share before the week's end.

Clown Plaque

Clown Plaque, mixed media assemblage

Another circus act for you today. He's a cool clown with a skateboard. Don't forget you can click on the image to enlarge it. I don't wantcha to miss any of the details!

Blue Clown

Blue Clown, mixed media assemblage

And....another circus fellow in a very blue suit this time. More to come later on today :)

Round Clown

Round Clown, mixed media assemblage

A happy July to you! I've been puttering around in the studio concocting more circus-y goodness. This little fellow is on the rotund side and he kinda reminds me of this little roly-poly guy although he does tend to stay in one place.