Just My Type

While it's no secret that I love 'older' equipment (my two printing presses are older than your grandparents), it almost pains me to think of the typewriter as an older device.

When I was growing up, my parents had a trusty manual typewriter. Not only was it lovely to look at, it instantly created something tangible. Like, right in front of your eyes. We had a desk and in it, all of the typing paper (thinner than what we know now as copier paper), white-out, the very curious extra ribbons (both red and black), envelopes, and stamps you could want. There was a gum eraser for keeping the keys clean, and little brushes for keeping the dust away. Letter writing was important to us, and this was the tool that helped us to do it neatly. I know I've mentioned my Grandmother's fancy typewriter before, and I've just found evidence of it here:

Perhaps I'm shallow, but I consider this typewritten example to be a part of the very fiber that makes up who I am and what I do today. My Grandmother was distinctive and stylish, and 40 years later, I still associate this mark as hers.

Later, my family 'upgraded' and bought an electric typewriter. My Mother was working as a Secretary then, and she needed it to translate her Short Hand. Talk about obsolete! Her form of Short Hand was a small blip in the history of Secretarial Language, and she had special pads filled with it. Only clear to her what was being said, she would translate her writing using—of course—the typewriter.

When she wasn't using it, I would spend hours practicing my time and seeing how quickly I could type out a page. I'm not ashamed to admit this, but I am still somewhat of a Savant when it comes to typing speed. Ask anyone that has worked with me—I'm wicked-fast on a keyboard, and I know it's because of the hours spent knocking out these self-imposed tests. To make it more of a challenge, I would then type for perfection—trying to see how long I could go without making an error.  No "X's" over my letters, no Sir-ee. This was OCD-Paradise! FDSAJKL: The Quick Brown Fox Jumps Over the Lazy Dog. I'd even type out my thoughts and sentences for fun. At some point, my parents brought in the 'correction tape', and I made it almost a point of pride that I never broke that stuff out.

Here we are, decades later, and I'm still loving the typewriter. I bought one a few years ago for my daughter, and it almost brought me to tears to see her working on her alphabet:

Which brings me to the video up above. The good folks at Uppercase (click) are creating a book titled, The Typewriter: A Graphic History of the Beloved Machine, and they need orders to be able to publish it. This is where we come in! Perhaps you would also love a book about typewriters? Let's keep the conversation about them alive, and click here to pre-order yours. xo Victoria

Thank You For Smoking

Say what you will about smoking (personally not for me), but typographically-speaking, I'd be remiss if I didn't talk about my absolute love of packaging when it comes to all-things-smoking. What? You don't know what I'm talking about? I know people tend to simply liken cigarette rolling papers to potheads, but there is a rich history in regards to design, packaging and frankly—fantastic marketing. Perhaps its the addictive qualities of cigarettes themselves that keeps one coming back, but why do we choose the brands we do? For me, it would be simple. I would choose the prettiest package and go from there. And I know what some of you may be thinking— that's why it's wrong that the companies produce such pretty packaging. But for me, the lure is also a hallmark (no pun intended) of great design and marketing. I myself wouldn't blame the tobacco companies for this. Great Art simply cannot go along without Politics, right?

All of that aside, I'm approaching this from more of a crafts/design perspective. Years ago I had a friend who would send me Cigarette (Trading/Advertising) Cards—a perfect example of conscious, clever marketing. And fun. The W.D. and H.O. Wills Company (later to found Britain's Imperial Tobacco Company) were one of the first companies to include these sets of cards with their cigarettes. Six years later, in 1893, John Player and Sons produced one of the first general interest sets: "Castles and Abbeys". Like a cracker-jack prize for Adults, or perhaps the children that live with them. I cannot deny the fact that I would probably would have bought a pack of cigarettes, just to get the card:

I'm reminded as I type this that John Player and Sons also produced my Dear Friend's very favorite cigarettes—Player's Navy Cut. I still, to this day, want the box every time he finishes them. I fully admit here to a sentimental and nostalgic, warmfuzzy-feeling every time I see their logo:

I'm not alone in this; there are quite a few articles online about who exactly the man on the box may have been. From what I can gather, more fingers point towards a Sailor named Thomas Huntley, but without confirmation, I can just adore the lore (click) that goes along with this. Certainly not all packaging provides this type of contemplation. I think part of my sentiment stems from a time where creative spirit relied on one's imagination. An image on a box now becomes the simple embodiment of adventure and spirit. Tangible. Something one hopes for, but for now or until then, can simply be held in the palm of your hand. Back to the Advertising Cards—Wills Co. followed up a year or so later with their, "Ships and Sailors", followed by "Cricketers" and so on. Popular themes were "Beauties" (what my friend used to send), "Sporters" (uniforms, team colors, etc.), "Heraldry" (very popular) and "Air Raid Precautions" (in 1938 Great Britain—what I'm guessing to be a more sobering/educational series geared to help the citizens cope with the war).

Below is an example of what is called, "The Holy Grail" of Cigarette Trading Cards—The Honus Wagner Card (from the American Tobacco Company's Minor League/T206 Set):

The example above sold for over $2 Million. Theories as to the rarity of the card are tied. It was produced in a fairly small edition and my favorite story as to why is that the plate used in the printing process simply broke, and the printer did not make another. This doesn't make any sense, but I appreciate that Historians give Printers such power (!). Some claim a copyright dispute between the original artist and the American Tobacco Company turned sour, and the thought being than Wagner didn't want to be associated with cigarette smoking (though he loved chewing tobacco and his image was depicted on cigar boxes). Most likely is that he wanted better $ compensation. And now the card is worth millions. Oh, irony, you never cease to amuse me.

Perhaps you've seen them around, but have you ever opened up a package of Zig Zag (click) rolling papers? The design, die-cutting and attention to detail is impeccable. A perfect use of materials, in my opinion. Having just written this, I popped around the internet and would be an absolute jerk if I didn't mention Zig Zag's (seriously fantastic) website (click). Have a look to learn more about the process and history of their papers. See? I know what I speak of! As a bookbinder and printer, I can't help but love the the cross-overs in both of our crafts (just turn down the music—it's not helping that jazzy-pot-thing). Worlds Collide, indeed.

On that note, I will leave you this last website to swoon over: the Catalogue of Cigarette Rolling Papers (click). I could honestly spend hours poring over the beauty, detail and craft that is used to create such simple, everyday items. Happy Friday! xo Victoria

Love It or Hate It… Today is the Day

Well My Friends, today is the day — St. Valentine's Day (see my Ode, above).

In my travels I've found that there are generally two schools of thought regarding this strange-but-here-we-are Holiday. People either adore it and look forward to it, or they despise it. It seems to draw a hard line between the camps and while I don't consider myself a wishy-washy person in general, I have to admit it: I'm a waffler on this one.

In my late teens and early twenties, I would not have been caught dead admitting that it is a fun, playful holiday. Long-stemmed, red roses and baby's breath would have had me running in the other direction. Admittedly, I'm still a little arrested regarding that poor baby's breath in the bouquet.

Of course later in life, I came to love Love. Heartfelt sentiment—no matter what the date—is always appreciated. Having spent the weekend helping my daughter with her Valentine's Day cards, it's sent me back to a time when Valentine's Day (in the States) was, for me, all cut-out paper doilies, red construction-paper hearts and glue. My husband and I were reminiscing about how as kids, we'd make these veryimportant decisions as to who gets what, and spend great amounts of energy and time choosing the perfect Valentine for your favorite people and friends. The Heart-Pockets hanging along the wall with your

classmates' names, and your own bounty at the end of the day was pure joy. And as I deep-down have always felt, it's always more fun as a "Friends Day". And personally, that seems to be where I am at today.

I was somewhat (darkly) amused to look into who Saint Valentine was, and it's remarkable that we've come to this current place. A quick search on Wikipedia pulls up this:

"... The first representation of Saint Valentine appeared in the Nuremberg Chronicle (1493); alongside the woodcut portrait of Valentine, the text states that he was a Roman priest martyred during the reign of Claudius II. He was arrested and imprisoned upon being caught marrying Christian couples and otherwise aiding Christians who were at the time being persecuted by Claudius in Rome. Helping Christians at this time was considered a crime. Claudius took a liking to this prisoner—until Valentinus tried to convert the Emporer—whereupon this priest was condemned to death. He was beaten with clubs and stoned; when that failed to kill him, he was beheaded outside the Flaminian Gate. Various dates are given for the martyrdoms. The official Roman Martyrology for February 14 mentions only one Saint Valentine."

I'm sorry—beheaded? Just an early example of religion, politics and love, I suppose.

One legend says, while awaiting his execution, "Valentinus restored the sight of his jailer's blind daughter." Another legend says, "On the eve of his death, he penned a farewell note to the jailer's daughter, signing it, "From your Valentine"." Okay, now we're getting a little closer to the "Be Mine" sentiments.

It was also found that in England and France of the Middle Ages, February 14 was believed to be the beginning of birds' mating season. This led to a tradition that romance should be celebrated in the middle of February. Valentine's Day began to flourish in England to the point where, by the 1700s, it was commonplace for people of all classes to exchange small gifts or handwritten notes to each other. During the Victorian era, mass-produced cards were popular forms of expressing love as direct expressions of one's feelings were discouraged.

Aha! Now it's coming together for me. The part about the feelings from the Fabulous Necco Candy Co.:

One of America's oldest candy companies, Necco, was founded in 1847 in Boston by Englishman Oliver Chase, who got the business off to a good start by inventing devices that cut candy lozenges and pulverized sugar. Necco first sold confections similar to Sweethearts, but in the shape of a scallop. Messages written on colored paper were tucked inside the fortune cookie-style candy. The lengthy, old-fashioned sayings included such wistful thoughts as, "Please send a lock of your hair by return mail.". Can you imagine that little message today?

Fourteen years later, Oliver's brother, Daniel, designed a machine that stamped words directly on to the candies with red vegetable dye. Hey! It's sort of like letterpress printing only in this case, the genius-that-is-Daniel designed a machine that can print and die-cut at the same time.

So, I'm not sure if all of the above helps or hurts your position but I will say that I hope that wherever you are and whomever you are with, that you have a lovely, heartfelt day.

xo Victoria

Lexicos

Scrabble (verb): to scratch, claw or grope about clumsily or frantically.

I have a confession—I love Scrabble. Worse yet is to confess that I haven't played the board game with real life friends for quite a while now. I have been playing it—gasp—on my phone. It's so not cool to admit, but there you have it.

Growing up, we always had the standard Scrabble game in our house. The intriguing tile letters, the game board with the center-star and random-seeming colors in the squares. Even the silver bag (where you'd reach in to pick your tiles) seemed exciting. I am easy like that. Currently, I've been bringing the (real) game out for my daughter. She's not quite four yet and has a great time recognizing the letters and making up her own games with it.

I did some research and learned about the original inventor, Mr. Albert Butts. It's a perfect combination of vocabulary, math and strategy, and it's no wonder that the game has stood the test of time. More about the history right here.

I was interested to read that the original letters were silkscreened onto the wooden tiles. While there's a plethora (see?) of information regarding how to play Scrabble, how to make Scrabble-tile art (which, like glued-wood-type collage and typewriter key jewelry, kind of disturbs me), the best two-letter words, strategy, etc., I didn't really find much on the actual making and manufacturing of the game. A "What the font?" question posted (in regards to the san serif tiles) on some type forums popped up, with, "A narrow version News Gothic" as the closest match on the letters, fyi.

One charming anecdote reads, "Mrs. Butts was better at the game than her inventor spouse. Once she scored 234 for 'quixotic'." He admitted that she, "beat me at my own game", literally.

Another letter game that visually struck me as a kid was the Talking Board Game. If you've ever been to a Junior High slumber party, perhaps you've tried it before? Shown above is the first 'modern' version of the Ouija Board. Never before has a simp

le looking game evoked so much opinion and passion from people—still. Ask someone about it, and note their reaction. The origins of the game date back further than I can care to write, but this version was patented in 1891 to Mr. Elijah Bond. Some interesting history regarding the use of the planchette (click here for great pictures) led me to read about the ancient practice of Fuji/Automatic Writing. It was in use during the Ming Dynasty and required a planchette (usually made of willow or peach branch) to receive mysterious messages. There's something about the very-Victorian Design that still makes me oh so happy. Another sidenote was the fact that in 1907 (pre-war), Mr. Bond moved his toy production company to West Virginia, and produced another version of the game called, Nirvana. Similar to the Ouija, this version featured the word, Nirvana placed on top of a swastika (oh the power of symbols) and he even called his company, The Swastika Novelty Company. Of course back then it was still considered a symbol of luck, but coincidence? It never took off…

Concrete Poetry

Being a Letterpress printer, I really do find the act of printing to be a tactile, sensual and beautiful thing. The way the letter or art forms are set up, the mixing of the ink, and the paper (in my case) hand-fed into the press is all just part of the process. There are so many factors that lead in to learning to print and THEN taking the next giant leap and deciding that youmustdothis for the rest of your life. I can certainly attest that it's not for the faint of heart— running such a business can certainly build some character (politely put on a rough day). Ideas, design, caring for your equipment, knowing your equipment like a part of your family are all another part of this everyday equation. A minor part, really. You can't really have a business at all without your clients.

With all of this being said, it's impossible for me to turn this part of my brain off in my down-time. Texture, letters, graphics and now, "hey—couldn't these sidewalk stamps be considered 'relief' printing?"— can all swim through my thoughts while I'm out and about.

While I'm certainly not the first person to consider the existence of Sidewalk Contractor Stamps, I do want to share a little of my daily environment with you. The above images were taken on a regular two-block walk in my neighborhood. We moved to Alameda, Calif. about a year ago, and I have to say, I have never, ever seen so many sidewalk stamps in my life. I absolutely love the one by L. J. Lorenzetti. While a quick google search told me that this business doesn't exist anymore, I love the fact that their business card lives on. I took a few liberties and added some of the civic stamps as well. My friend, Hannah, has a great blog featuring the stamps she has come across in and around Albany. She was recently contacted by a family member of one of the stampers and they sent her picture of the actual stamp here.

I poked around a little bit and found a company that still sells the current (polyurethane) stamps. About $150 here. I might just have to get one.

Take a look around. I'd love to see some pictures of stamps in your neck of the woods. xo Victoria

I've never seen a Bodoni Party Bus.

I saw this on the freeway yesterday, and had to share.

Aside from its size, what caught my eye was the fact that it falls under my, "Hey—let's name our business after the font we use" category. Hobo font? Meet Hobo Limo!

Memory Lane

I recently found a box filled with some things my Dad had saved for me. In it were a few odds and ends and alas—some items from our family's desk! I had completely forgotten about this box of rubber letters, and am completely amused to find that I've not strayed too far from the 5- year-old kid who loved to stamp stars (exhibit B) and decorate envelopes. Along with the box of rubber letters, was a box containing wax sticks and a seal. I lit up the probably-30-year-old wax stick and enjoyed stamping the big "D" (my maiden name). Letter-writing was serious business in my family. My Grandmother had a typewriter that would type in script and it was always so exciting when her letters showed up. I think that has always stuck with me and I am grateful for the inspiration.

Self-Explanatory

Okay, I'm not really that superstitious of a person, but I'm also a fan of covering all of my bases.

Above is a table number from a set that I printed this week for the sweetest bride-to-be.

I think the wood will add a really nice, organic texture to the deep red roses and dahlias that she'll be using for her table settings.

Happy 8-8-8!

Cooper Black

My friend Hannah sent this picture over to me. It's another fine example of a business who went the distance, and incorporated the font into their business name (in this case, "Cooper Tires" is using the fine Cooper Black as their font). I can't get enough of this and thanks, Hannah (ps. please start blogging again because I love yours), for adding this to my collection!

Signs

One of my favorite things to find as I'm out and about is the sometimes clever use of fonts in a sign. Not only is "Park Avenue" the name of this restaurant, but it's also the name of the font that they used. Brilliant. 

V is for Victory

Like many graphic designers, I'm a freak for hand-painted signs. This one, located in sunny downtown Oakland, truly delivers.  I've always wanted to create a line of cards based on the alphabet and you can bet this is the inspiration for the letter "V". If anyone knows anything about the creator of this sign, please drop me a line!

Wood Type

I have a small collection of wood type that I absolutely adore. With the popularity of Ebay, it has become more difficult and very expensive to find. In addition to this are the folks whom I really get upset with who will sell a single letter or—the even more (I'm sorry) offending—wood-type collage.

Here is a small broadside that I printed after Astrid (my baby) was born. With all of the above being said, I don't always have a full alphabet to work from, and it's fun to make it work with what I do have. Setting type while standing at the press is a rare luxury for me these days and I like the creative aspect of it. Sounds strange but sometimes working on a computer (with its endless possibilities) can be a little daunting and I still like to see what comes from my hands.