Hello Reader,
I've been doing a lot of visioning for the year ahead.
As a publisher, I'm used to planning about four months out for an issue of UPPERCASE magazine and nine to twelve months for a book project. Those are the practical in-production months once the project officially starts, but in fact, they have often been in the dreaming and ideation stage for years! I've got many more book ideas than time, which keeps me motivated and moving forward.
I've been teasing the next *brand-new* volume in the UPPERCASE Encyclopedia of Inspiration for quite a while—and this one has been on my wish list for many years—but at last, it is ready for its official announcement:
Volume G: Glue
Pre-orders and auditions are now open!
Volume G: Glue will feature artists, designers and craftspeople who use collage and assemblage in their work. Beyond traditional collage, we will feature an eclectic variety of interpretations, mediums and methods that artists use to hold it all together.
If you want to audition to be profiled within the book, please visit the entry form page and review all the details. The audition entry fee is $100 (USD), which includes a copy of the book. Auditions close on February 5.
To preorder a copy of Volume G: Glue, the price is $65 CAD / $50 USD. The book will be released later in 2025 (probably around September)—the production schedule will be posted in the new year.
For my readers in Canada and the USA, I am offering you a pre-order special of free postage on Glue (ends Dec 20 at midnight). Use the code "gluefreeship" at checkout. (For overseas folks, shipping will be calculated based on your location.)
The Feed Sacks crowdfunding campaign has been 10% funded. What a great start! Thank you! The first 100 supporters will receive a vintage feed sack swatch. And I'll soon have an update on the dress print bags, too, which look promising.
A Year of New Beginnings
I've upgraded the hosting platform for the UPPERCASE Circle, our online community, and am working on new features and additions. (Membership to the Circle is complimentary with a print subscription and will continue as such.) This new idea would introduce a monthly membership tier:
In “A Year of New Beginnings,” each month would offer a new theme and set of custom creative prompts, a guest speaker or other virtual event, plus the kinship of group accountability. Each month would be a different creative topic or introduction to a new craft, artwork or way of thinking. Each new month is an opportunity to learn and begin anew—while following through on what’s important to you.
If you're interested in "A Year of New Beginnings," please let me know here. (Membership to the Circle is complimentary with a print subscription and will continue to be so.)
Subscriptions & Renewals pricing updates
(and Trump tariff threats)
In 2025, my 2-year subscription and renewal offerings will be priced differently. Since I started selling subscriptions over a decade ago, I have offered $30 off when customers purchase a 2-year option. However, this has become financially unwise, so I must reduce this offer in January.
I am very concerned about the impact Trump's 25% tariff threat "on ALL products coming into the United States" will have on us, on both sides of the border. From Export Development Canada: "Buyers are usually responsible for paying tariffs. Tariffs are a tax on imported goods, paid by the person or company that imported them. Many importers pass these costs down to consumers by charging higher prices. While tariffs are collected by the government that imposes them, tariffs aren’t paid by one government to another." For my business, does a 25% tariff apply to US shoppers purchasing online from a Canadian shop? Does it apply to magazines and books printed in Canada and sent to customers in the USA who are, in effect, importing the books? Would I have to tax my customers 25% extra on everything and then remit that amount to the US government? I don't have any answers. And I don't think anyone will until Trump takes office. Hopefully, he's bluffing to see how quickly everyone will jump at his bidding. Advice welcome.
The code 'butterfly' gives CAD$15 off subscriptions and renewals. (If you already have an active subscription for the years ahead, thank you. This message is not segmented based on past purchases.)
The new issue is in the mail for USA and overseas subscribers (those with active subscriptions as of Dec 1) and is being shipped out from my fulfillment partner for new subscribers.
For Canadians, Canada Post has been mandated to go back to work. I'm compiling mailing data tomorrow morning, and subscriptions will be posted after Christmas. Expect delays.
Thank you for your ongoing support. I am so grateful for all of you.
I keep going because of my dear readers. There is literally no other way! Thank you!!!
Shipping deadlines have passed, but if you can wait for items to arrive after Christmas, my shop is open:
Do you love surface pattern?
Do you dream of having your own fabric collection?
Through the UPPERCASE Surface Pattern Design Guide, you have a chance to win the opportunity of a fabric collection collaboration with Windham Fabrics. There are also other great prizes from Halfpenny Postage, Bonnie Christine Immersion, Lilla Rogers and Sarah Watts!
Entries are open until January 20!
The entry fee is $40 USD, but if this is prohibitive, please email me for a discount code. In the subject line, put 'SPDG6 Discount Request'.
