Hello Reader,
The UPPERCASE Encyclopedia of Inspiration is a book series I dreamed up nearly a decade ago. With Volume F: Feed Sacks being reprinted right now, and Volume G: Glue on my computer in the design stage, I've been reminiscing about how this series came about and how it has evolved.
I found my original description of the project from April 2016:
When I'm working on UPPERCASE magazine, there are always topics that I come across that I wish I could dedicate more time and pages to. Ideas that are larger than what a magazine can hold. People and projects that I know UPPERCASE readers would love. Ideas that percolate in my head and grow into something bigger, broader and better... until I can't help but admit that I've got another book idea on my hands! The Encyclopedia concept is a framework for unifying seemingly unrelated topics into a cohesive editorial vision.
As avid readers of my magazine and previous books will know, I have a soft spot for outdated, analogue artifacts like typewriters and vintage textiles. Good old-fashioned encyclopedias are steeped in a similar nostalgia for me. Can you imagine the fun and excitement of a salesman coming to your home to sell you a set of books? Or of cutting out a coupon in a magazine and sending away via mail order for your first volume?
This project is a new take on the notion of an Encyclopedia. Each volume will be a full creative exploration of a particular topic, released in whimsical order. (You can arrange them alphabetically on your bookshelf if you're so inclined!) They'll be beautifully produced and printed and each book will be designed to fit within the set. I know how much you love collecting UPPERCASE magazines for their beautiful shelf presence and timeless content—the volumes in this Encyclopedia will be similarly covetable. So who commits to printing a multi-volume Encyclopedia these days? UPPERCASE does!
It's also open-ended. There is no shortage of inspiring topics to be explored and I look forward to adding more volumes to the project over the years. For the launch edition, I'm working on three volumes: FEED SACKS, a pattern sourcebook written by Linzee Kull McCray; BOTANICA, a fascination of all things floral through art, craft and lifestyle; and STITCH•ILLO, artists and illustrators telling stories through stitching and textiles.
The UPPERCASE Encyclopedia of Inspiration was a concept that had everything I needed to suit my creativity, design sensibilities and entrepreneurial spirit. The Encyclopedia parameters offered structure (a container or format) but with lots of room for exploration (26 letters open to interpretation!) It was a long-term commitment, just like my magazine. The collectible series format—gorgeous books that are inspiring just as objects in themselves—helps to motivate the completists among us to get all the titles.
Each volume is also designed to have multi-disciplinary appeal. The series contains interconnected themes, artistic techniques and crossover content connecting one volume to another, often purposely, sometimes serendipitously.
With a dozen books published in the series now (Notions, Rag & Pulp, Art Supplies, Yarn-Thread-String, Ceramics, Quilted, Vintage Life, Ephemera, Print/Maker, Botanica, Stitch*illo and Feed Sacks), it is very satisfying to see my vision come to life so beautifully.
Once Volume G is printed in a few months, I'll have met the halfway point of this project. While I have specific ideas for some of the future volumes (Volume M: Miniature, for example), it is exciting to see what topics will inspire us in future years and how I'll fit that into the remaining letters!
I am grateful to the various authors Linzee Kull McCray, Carole Epp, Julia Krueger, Jane Audas and Correy Baldwin, and the dozens of artists who have contributed their work to these volumes.
None of these books would have reached the printer without the support of my readers—your pre-orders and enthusiasm have kept this series going with new titles while encouraging reprints of beloved volumes, too.
And so, while I work on completing the design of Volume G: Glue in the month ahead, I will remind myself of what's possible with determination, hard work and the support of kind and generous people.
Thank you!
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UPPERCASE ISSUE 66 update
Issue #66 (July-Aug-Sept) is printed, and mailing prep is in progress. If everything stays on track, it will be in postal systems by Monday. Readers in North America can expect it to arrive in the first couple of weeks of July as long as postal systems cooperate. Overseas, it will take many weeks longer, depending on location.
Please subscribe or renew with the code keepgoing for Can$10 off subscriptions and renewals. Subscriptions and renewals placed since June 11 are being dispatched from my fulfillment partner when inventory arrives later this month.
FEED SACKS update
Production continues! At 544 pages, it's a big book to print, bind and then the dust jackets and belly bands are all applied by hand. We're looking at mailing beginning early next month.
GLUE update
Progress is being made. I will share more in a separate message soon. Editing and proofing are upcoming, but dependent on others' schedules, so I don't have a ship date yet. Aiming for September, but we shall see.
GET PUBLISHED IN ISSUE #67
Stencils in Craft, Art & Design Submit artwork (craft, art, graphic design, typography) and other creative projects that use stencils in some way.
Black & White Share your black & white artwork, projects and designs, where the lack of colour is a specific design feature.
Other ongoing calls: Studios, Fresh, Creative Careers and more.
