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new article – nov/dec somerset studio

It's a beautiful Fall day and it's hard to imagine that two months from today it will be Christmas. In July I felt like I was in a time warp as my mornings in the studio were spent making these ornaments, then by afternoon I was floating around the in pool. It was weird to channel the holidays while wearing my flip flops. That's the nature of working for a publication. This week I'm in the middle of a project that you won't see until February. In case you haven't heard, Somerset Studio is moving to quarterly for 2019. In a time where we've learned that Stampington has retired a number of publications, and that Cloth, Paper, Scissors has closed it's doors, I am grateful to still have this creative platform. I've been a fan and reader of Somerset since the inaugural issue in 1997.

With a handful of inexpensive supplies, you are poised to make a host of ornaments. Spend and afternoon with a friend, sharing your materials, and you'll have plenty of glittering globes to give away.

Here's a sneak peek of my article that appears in the November/December Somerset Studio:

Do you remember making similar pinned-sequin-ornaments as a kid? Chime in and tell us about it.

October 25, 2018
Colors

Do you follow the annual Pantone Color of the Year? This year is Ultra Violet. You can read more about it HERE. It's very close to the color they announced earlier this year in collaboration with Prince's estate. Read about that HERE.

While waiting for the unveiling of 2018, we were speculating which direction it might go. I was hoping for something in the yellow family – like a handsome rich mustard. Below is a chart of selections from 2000 to 2018. Out of curiosity I created an approximate color wheel placement of past colors and confirmed that there have been several similar shades, and yellow is under-represented.

If you had to pick a color for the upcoming year, what would you choose?

December 8, 2017
Got spoons?

Many of you already know this – I collect souvenir spoons. Gathered from places we've visited, it's a fun ritual to pull out each year and reminisce as we hang on our Christmas tree. One of my self-imposed assignments, on a long list of things I've been wanting to do, was to start journaling Christmas. I've been wanting to capture the stories, the traditions, and document the history of our decorations and ornaments. The easiest way to begin was to document the spoon collection. There are so many, nearly 70, that they get their own journal. The pages are a hybrid of handwriting and digital compositions. There's still a long way to go before I'm finished, but it feels good to have finally launched the project. You can read more about it in the current Somerset Studio – November/December 2017.

Telling the stories behind our spoons makes the collection even more special. It's an untraditional practice that has become a tradition for us.

What unusual thing do you do during the holidays? They are approaching quickly! Ack!!!

November 8, 2017
pattern seekers

Day 20: I'm not sure exactly why the search for manhole covers appeals to me so much. The foundation of the quest came from the experience I shared on Day 1, when a friend pointed out Neenah Foundry on a storm grate. As I mentioned, ever since then I not only look for patterns and style, but I also look for the manufacturer. Over the years I've been impressed by highly decorative covers, but I also love the ordinary variety, and comparing how they differ depending on the year of issue. In addition to the pattern search, I think it is just as compelling that we regard these items as relics of history. Worn by time, weather, and traffic, these trusty covers serve and protect. I also love how every photo you see reveals a little bit about the environment of its location. Fancy stonework or crumbling pavement, protruding weeds or covered in gravel – it's all so interesting, am I right?

When you are wearing manhole glasses (always on the search) you get excited by any dip in the blacktop, thinking there may be a find just ahead. You also start to look at everything and think "that looks like a manhole cover". For instance:

My silver locket, an embossed metal trivet, a silicone coaster, an ornamental drawing, a sink drain, an Oreo, a waffle, or a hub cap – all common sightings that may catch the attention of a manhole enthusiast. Many other unrelated items make you think "that could be a manhole cover". Am I right?

There are patterns everywhere. Just last week I was emailing with Janet and she brought up shoe sole designs. She's right -so many different treads on shoes….and tires! My friend Mary Beth Shaw has a mantra, "I see stencils everywhere". I'm sure you're nodding along with her. As visual artists we are easily amused by the observation and mental-note-taking of patterns we encounter. The repetitive combination of shapes that form a pattern is pleasing – which is why we like stencils and stamps as tools for art-making. This week I was using embossing folders to make some decorative paper when I decided to punch out into circles. Ha! Do you see what I see? I also got to use my new foam stamp by my friend Nathalie Kalbach, found in her shop HERE.

A few more words about pattern: In an article last March, and for parts of 2015, I shared with you my interest in security envelopes. Another overlooked source of repetitive texture. Maybe not as fascinating as manhole covers, but finding and collecting these hidden patterns is a cheap thrill . Just this week I received an invoice with an envelope that had a new-to-me pattern. I can't tell you how excited I got and right away clipped a strip for my catalog of patterns. Everyday there is something to get excited about, am I right?

See my previous postings about security envelopes: Inside Out, Happy 4th of July, More Envelope Cutting, Someone Call Security, Painting on a Grid

Don't forget to enter the GIVEWAY. Drop your name in the comment section on the post from Day 15 HERE. Drawing is 10/22.

What other patterns are you seeing showing up in your daily observations?

October 20, 2016
giveaway!

Day 15: We are half way through the month – I think it's time to post a giveaway. Up for grabs are two of the stencils I've designed for The Ink Pad – manhole covers, of course. We launched the series earlier this year. When I was approached to collaborate with The Ink Pad my first idea is what you see below. I gave my most enthusiastic pitch – and they went for it. So cool we were all on the same page. Visit their online shop for the full collection of New York City themes stencils and masks, HERE. Scroll down to the comments section and leave your name to be entered in the drawing.

Here is the full set of the first collection – each stencil is 8-1/2" x 11". Order HERE.

Visit the Ink Pad when you're in the city because they have everything! Including wonderful classes. Or stop by their new online store HERE.

Leave your name in the comments section below to be entered for the drawing.

I will pick a name on October 22 at 9:00 pm Eastern time. Good luck!!

October 15, 2016
there’s a book for that

Day 4: If you're like me, whenever you're at the beginning of a new infatuation you look for books on the subject. There's not a lot of publications covering manholes but here are a few. I have the three, and the bright one is on the way from England. I have to say while I appreciate the colored covers from Japan, they don't really interest me. (We will talk about those another day). I'm sure I'd flip out if I came across one, but I tend to prefer the rusty, corroded covers found on streets and sidewalks plus the surrounding environment like gravel, cobblestone, or pavement.

I wish the top two were in color. The black and white photos don't take away from the content as we are mainly looking at patterns and shapes, but the colored versions would so much more interesting, as in the cover above.

There is a book "Manhole Covers of Los Angeles", a rare find, and out of my budget, but was one of the first to glorify street hardware. Text/Photos by Robert and Mimi Melnick, it was a limited edition print run and is now a collectors's item. In 1994 Mimi Melnick released the follow-up, Manhole Covers. I love this book. Nice big photos, in black and white, and the story behind their crusade to find a lid to hang over their sofa, which started their obsession. The cover is embossed – a clever detail for a wonderful book and the story of the Melnicks.

Designs Underfoot is another great resource. It separates the different style covers and provides locations of where to find them in New York City. The photos are small, in black and white, but it offers the opportunity to compare similar styles with the choice of chapters.

Mandalas from the Streets, by Kim Christiansen is a ninety page book, single sided images as they are intended as a coloring book. I would never! I just like seeing how his selection of covers appear as rubbings. Check out his website for more wonderful examples of his art.

Just this week I found this: Overlooked by Marina Willer. It features twenty-two rubbings in neon colors. In addition to the book there are posters (swoon!! GO SEE THEM – two different shaped covers silk screened together). These were featured at the London Design Festival last month. From the shop page: Overlooked is the 45th Pentagram Paper, the self-published series shining a spotlight on quirky or vernacular design, produced by design studio Pentagram. In it, London partner Marina Willer wanted to “celebrate the gatekeepers” to the subterranean world beneath London’s streets – the street or ‘manhole’ cover.

Gatekeepers. Cool description.

And host of other books I don't have but found on Amazon. Love the title: Drainspotting. There are two of them – one from Japan, one from Sheffield. Several more volumes on the colored Japanese hatches, one is ebook only. And how about the one that takes the Japanese covers to a new level, turning them into quilts? Who knew.

I'm finding that there are so many online resources if you just want to look at manhole covers. Some really wonderful and dedicated photographers who have put together specific albums. One connection leads to another and all you keep thinking is "I wish all of these were in a book – like all of them from everyone around the world". I will share links soon – still compiling as I find more every day. Warning: it becomes addictive.

This is only day four of Manhole Madness, and I can't tell you how exciting it has been. I've met so many generous folks. You write an email, asking a question or seeking permission, and you get one back. That doesn't always happen. And the enthusiasm multiplies. Can't wait to introduce you to some of my new friends. Stay tuned.

October 4, 2016
Manhole Madness Month is here!

Welcome to Manhole Madness Month. I’ve been collecting images, links and stories to share with you every day in October. Lots of real covers, some art, + some other fun finds and a giveaway later in the month. I have something planned for each day and will add to it if you find something you want to share on the topic.

Background: I’ve been interested in manhole covers for exactly 34 years. How do I know that? I clearly recall the circumstance that directed my attention to these remarkable often-overlooked objects of heavy metal. September 1982, my first month of college at the University of Minnesota, I met a girl names Kari. She said she arrived from Neenah, Wisconsin. I am familiar with a lot of places in that state but not her hometown.

ME: “Where is Neenah? I’ve never heard of it.”

Kari: “Yes you have. Come here.” She walks me to the corner. There on the storm grate was the hard-to-miss impression: NEENAH FOUNDRY.

Then she walks me into the street. On the manhole cover was a similar large and proud NEENAH, WI stamped around the perimeter. (photo by Nick Sherman)

As I walked the streets and sidewalks of campus I observed many more claims from Neenah. Hopping on a bus to visit downtown Minneapolis, first step off was onto a street drain, Neenah. I’d never know how many grates and covers I had stepped over without ever noticing their significance much less their signature. The encounter with Kari left me permanently impacted and I’ve been a keen observer of what’s underfoot since then. (Be sure to come back as I will talking about commissioned art covers of Minneapolis).

Fast forward to 2016: I haven’t been too diligent about keeping track of manhole sighting with photos, but in the last year I’ve been on a deliberate mission to document manhole covers in NJ and NY. Each chance I have to visit a new town I search for intersections on quiet streets to see what they have to offer. It's actually been painful to drive over a cover that I know I don't have on record but there are so many in locations you cannot photograph safely. Admittedly, I’m a bit bummed that I haven’t come across any from Neenah on the east coast, but I have seen many Made in USA, some from PA, but most surprising, I found some that are marked Made in India. I get it that we’ve become a country of outsourcing, but do we need to have manhole covers made beyond our shores when there are many floundering foundries here? Ok, off my soapbox.

I hope that you’ll continue to visit here this month while I celebrate my fascination with manhole covers. I’ve started a Pinterest board on the subject, and finally fired up my Instagram where I’m learning the art of the hashtag – can’t believe how many users I’ve found who are fellow enthusiasts. It's a daily thrill to see the generous postings and to continue browsing sites where there are so many treasures to see. I’d love it if you want to share your own photos here – send me an email and I’ll add them to my posts, or present a link to your own collection. They can be anything from the humble cover on your street to the fancier ones you’ve spied while traveling. This is going to be fun!

Many thanks to Nick Sherman who provided the photo of the Neenah manhole cover. He is not only generous, he's a prolific collector and has an amazing photo album with over 800 covers. I really appreciate his permission to access his Neenah cover, and nearly fainted when he pointed me to his handsome flickr album – go see! HERE More from Nick this month.

EDIT (8:38pm): I am so excited! My lovely friend Erika Mock has shared a Neenah photo. She said it's from the shore of Lake Superior. She also said she used pass near the foundry on her way to work several moons ago. How cool is that? Visit her site for amazing textile art you can wear. I have two of her creations!! ErikaMock.com + her ETSY.

Have a manhole story or want to share your enthusiasm? Chime in below.

See you tomorrow!

October 1, 2016
giveaway

Stampington is offering a copy of the May/June Somerset Studio, and I am combining that with supplies I used for my article in the issue. You can win both the magazine and the fabric journal + embellishments. Leave a comment below to be eligible, drawing will be noon on Friday (EDT – east coast time). NOW CLOSED – We have a winner! Scroll to bottom.

In the latest issue of Somerset Studio: explore the Artist Portfolio of Jeanne Oliver, art inspired by the movie “Amelie,” and quirky vintage photos adorned with colorful handmade hats. Find tutorials for altered birdhouses that are perfect for spring, experimenting with encaustics, and weathered collages by Amy Wilcutt, see some fun washi tape ideas with Mary Beth Shaw, learn how Lynne Perrella interprets the Ballet Russe with alphabet letters, and my own article – Simple Stitch + Stash (using studio scraps, in peril of being discarded, to build collages on canvas pages).

Sneak preview of my article in previous blog post HERE.

With scraps of lace, miniature starfish, and bits of mica, I began using my stash on the pages of a pre-made fabric journal. I had so much fun stitching that I carried on playing with thread in different ways. I found the practice to be very relaxing and addictive and before I knew it I was moving on to a second book. I have quite a stash of these – maybe we could meet somewhere and have a class? Would be fun!

Enter a comment just below to be entered for the drawing. Good luck!

We have a winner! Ozge Basagac!!

Thanks to all who came over here to enter. I appreciate all your kind words.

Hope you'll stop by again! I also hope if you take up simple stitching you will

share your work – would love to see.

June 7, 2016
song books

May is nearly here so that means the rose buds are starting to form, and the new Somerset Studio is showing up on shelves and in mailboxes. My column is about making your own songbooks, celebrating favorite lyrics to beloved tunes. I will be teaching Bohemian Rhapsody at The Ink Pad in NYC on Saturday, June 20th. To learn more see HERE, and to reserve a spot, call 212·463·9876 I'll provide the music, the lyrics, and the accordion book. Hope to see you there!

Consider making a song book as a gift – this one was made for Graham.

Don't you love that reading the lyrics makes the tune pop in your head? What song will you illustrate?

April 26, 2015
The Gates – 10th Anniversary, day two

Ten years ago today would have been a Sunday. All the newspapers came out, reporting on the unfurling event. HEADLINES! Art on the front pages!

I was so happy to see that the anniversary got covered yesterday. See The Daily News revisit HERE. I was kinda hoping Google Doodle would have celebrated it. I'll continue tossing the confetti over here.

Did you experience The Gates?

February 13, 2015