above: Here's a stamping exploration in my sketchbook—at the end of March, I'll be able to share more about what I've created for the 2026 Sketchbook Revival.
Dear Reader,
I've been working on the next, next issue.
Not the very next issue, #69 (April-May-June), because for my part, that one's done! Today, the printer is preparing subscribers' mailing labels.* Look for #69 to start arriving in April.
I'm working on the next issue after that... issue #70 (July-Aug-Sept). I've decided on the themes and have been corresponding with my wonderfully talented core contributors about their assignments. It is amazing that we're reaching the seventieth issue of UPPERCASE magazine. Seventeen years! Wow, that's a long time to do something over and over.
There is some satisfaction and ease in the repetition. It's the same, yet different, every time. It is certainly never boring to publish an independent print magazine.
Looking through back issues, I can see repeated motifs and themes but also how much the magazine has changed over the arc of time—and how much I've changed with it. (Over 17 years, has the magazine changed me, or have I changed the magazine? hmmm....)
So that's how the theme of "practice makes perfect" came about for issue #70. And I'm being very loose with the interpretation.
What is "perfect" anyway?
Striving for perfection makes me think of repetition and circularity... and so the circle is another theme for #70.
Keep reading below for the details of the two open calls!
Special offer when you purchase a 2-year subscription or renewal:
Get a free back issue ($24 value).
When you add a 2-year subscription or renewal to UPPERCASE magazine to your cart, you'll get a pop-up message to select either issue #61 (inspiration and landscapes) or issue #63 (creative senses and stationery) as a free gift**. Start your subscription or renewal with the current or next issue. The necessary fine print: **The offer applies to new North American orders only and cannot be applied retroactively. Free shipping is not included. If you don't want the free issue, you can ignore the offer or remove it from your cart and continue with your purchase. The offer cannot be combined with any discounts or renewal codes. (I'm testing out a new app to run this gift offer, so if anything appears amiss, let me know at shop@uppercasemagazine.com.)
*The kraft mailer company has had supply issues with the recycled pulp for making the mailers so I was only able to order enough for Canadian and international subscribers. Those copies of #69 will be dispatched by late this week in the usual kraft mailers. For USA subscribers: your copy of #69 will be dispatched about a week later in white mailers (still made of 100% recycled materials), but the earliest I can get inventory is next week. I will provide an update in next week's newsletter.
Quilted is shipping!!!
My fulfillment partner in Toronto is working their way through the preorders and has started shipping the book as of yesterday. If you've preordered this book, please be patient—there were over 500 orders (thank you so much!) We are using various carriers: Canada Post, FedEx, local couriers and USPS. You will receive a shipping notice when they've prepared your order—please pay attention to your tracking details. Managing incoming deliveries is the customer's responsibility. International orders will open once they've shipped the preordered copies.
TRANSIT EPHEMERA for Finley
So much great mail! It's his birthday this weekend, and we're looking forward to seeing what's inside these amazing envelopes. We'll be sure to share some images with you, too! ❤️
Open Calls for UPPERCASE #70
Projects of repetition and the search for perfection
Is there any truth to the saying, "practice makes perfect"? Do you often repeat an idea, a motif or a creative process? How does repetition inform your creative practice? Does repeating something over and over change you or your work? Deadline: April 1st at 5pm MDT → Submission details and form
Circles: concept, symbol & motif
Share your creative projects—artwork, crafts and designs—where the circle is a primary feature, concept, symbol or motif. Deadline: April 1st at 5pm MDT → Submission details and form → view all open calls
Comments & replies to Janine
I am happy to hear from you and welcome your comments!
March is Long COVID Awareness Month From my colleagues at WHN, who based the above graphics on my designs:
"Every COVID infection adds risk, not protection. The more times someone is infected, the higher their risk of developing Long COVID. Reducing infections is one of the most important ways to protect long-term health. The Five Pillars of Protection help lower risk by layering prevention strategies: clean indoor air through ventilation and filtration, high-quality masks, testing, vaccination, and staying home when sick. When these protections are used together, they help reduce transmission and protect both individuals and communities." Wear a respirator to protect yourself and others. LOCAL RECOMMENDATION: Thank you to the Gentlemen Pros Martin and Andre who came to my office today, wearing their respirators, to do electrical and plumbing work. (Hello, new water heater.) It should always be so easy: ask someone to wear a respirator, and they simply do! Canada Covid Hazard Index Pandemic Mitigation Collaborative World Health Network