Hasta La Ideas

Photo by Jeremy Hood

It has been nearly six years since I first moved my design business into Art Central in downtown Calgary. At the time, my plan was to have a nice design studio and, as a side business, I would also have a small shop selling design-related books and stationery. Thus UPPERCASE was born. I mused that someday I’d like to publish books under the same name, so I designed a logo that would look good on a book spine. I didn’t think I’d delve into publishing so quickly nor so thoroughly, but I love it.

Alas, I had to close the physical retail aspect of UPPERCASE one year ago. Expecting a baby was a big factor in the decision, but also the cost of maintaining store inventory plus paying magazine print bills was just too much to take on. Customers through the building had begun to dwindle and Art Central didn’t have the buzz of activity and energy that it once had. I had far more web traffic and online orders than actual people coming through the door and the need to focus my business to an online model was very clear.

I still love my studio space in Art Central and plan on revamping it to meet my current needs (baby-proofing?) I hope to be able to work downtown on a more regular basis now that Finley is approaching his first birthday. I have lots of ideas for events, workshops and the like to best make use of the space… it is just a matter of finding time!

I am dedicated to staying in Art Central; I think the place still has loads of potential as a focal point for creativity and community in Calgary. However, over the past two years, tenants have come and gone and it has definitely been seeing some tough times. We could blame this on the economy but that’s an easy excuse. I would like to hear your opinion on Art Central. What can we do to make it better? What would you like to see happening in the building? What sort of tenants would be a good fit? What would you like to see and do in UPPERCASE?

Please leave your comments below or if you have something lengthy to say, please email me.

As a book lover, designer and publisher, I am always on the lookout for books that inspire. With review copies, keeping up with the blogs, my magazine and books in progress, it seems that I look at so many things these days that it takes something extra special to grab my full attention. Crafting a Meaningful Home is such a book. Written by Meg Mateo Ilasco (I’ve blogged about her recent book collaboration with Joy Cho, Creative Inc) with gorgeous photography by Thayer Allyson Gowdy, the book goes beyond the typical craft how-to and really does live up to its title: each of the crafts in the book is made by a different artist or family. Sharing meaningful stories on how culture, family and personal histories inform their crafts and home environment, the book is a very interesting read.

The book arrived at just the right time; Glen and I have been redoing our house: putting down new floors, painting the walls, new furniture and bookshelves… With this clean slate, I am inspired to feature more personal items, crafts and collections. (In the photo above you can see a bit of a lovely crochet blanket that Tif made for Finley, and below the amazing colour combination so-awful-it’s-great throw I bought at Value Village.) With all of the activity and work I have to do, I have not had time to sew or crochet… but I remind myself that am crafting a home in the larger sense: Glen and I are creating a wonderful place for all of us to grow as a family.

The book features many of my favourite creative people: Rae Dunn, Joy Cho, Lauren & Derek from The Curiosity Shoppe, Lorena Siminovich and many other fine crafters. Lisa Congdon is also a contributor and her decoupage plates are featured on the cover. Below is a sweet video of Lisa that Meg shares with us:

Crafting a Meaningful Home – Lisa Congdon from Meg Mateo Ilasco on Vimeo.

The book is available through Rare Device and The Curiosity Shoppe as well as other fine booksellers.

Finley Elliot Dresser
March 15, 4:11pm
8lbs 4oz

A very long labour (40 hours) followed by a c-section ended with quite a surprise: it’s a boy! Finley is a healthy, cuddly and very cute baby with whom we immediately fell in love. We came home on Friday afternoon and look forward to settling into our new lives as a family. Thank you for your well-wishes!

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Obviously, I am happily occupied with this little bundle and recovering, but rest assured that UPPERCASE magazine continues in full swing: in fact the next issue is printed and will be shipping soon. We’re expecting that big delivery within the next week. Please address any questions about your subscriptions or wholesale inquiries to Jenny (jenny@uppercasemagazine.com). many thanks.

I’m transforming my home office into a nursery, so a few things need to find new homes. These filing cabinets, for example! I spent a lot of time sanding them down and then collaging old newspaper clippings on the faces… back in the day when I had time for such crafty things! Anyway, the pair are free so if you’re in Calgary and willing to pick them up from my home please email me at info@uppercasegallery.ca. More photos on flickr.

I’ve also a Billy bookcase (also free if you come get it) and matching cd/dvd/trinket tower.

Back to painting the walls!

THANKS FOR ALL YOUR INQUIRIES! everything has been spoken for.

For those of you who drop by my store in Calgary, you may have already figured this out: Glen and I are expecting a baby in March! I am expanding, literally.

I don’t normally share such personal information on my blog, but this is such momentous news that it merits a special announcement. With this life-changing event in my near future, I have been thinking about the future of UPPERCASE. My passion lies in publishing and creating: the magazine, our books and making unique products is where I would like to dedicate my time. The next issues of the magazine are already in progress and I’m planning two books that will be published in the fall of 2010. It is truly exhilarating and fulfilling to conceptualize, design, write, and edit the magazine and our books and I look forward to spending more time focussed on these pursuits.

There will be some changes in the new year, specifically to the physical storefront in Art Central. I will be closing the store in Art Central, beginning in January for a hiatus/maternity leave. We will no longer be stocking the products and books from other companies, but customers will still be able to purchase our publications and products. I love my space in Art Central and UPPERCASE will be there for a long time; the space will just be evolving over the next while. I will continue to host exhibitions, special events and participate in First Thursdays, although perhaps on a more limited basis for the first while.

The blog and online shop will continue as usual and I have some new ideas that I look forward to implementing online early in the new year.
 
It has been an exciting year; the magazine is doing really well (nearly 900 subscribers!) and UPPERCASE published two books: Jen11 and the brand new Camilla Engman book.
 
For those in Calgary, I invite you to join us this Thursday for the launch of Camilla’s book. The store is also fully-stocked with great (and affordable) Christmas gifts so I hope to see you soon.
 
Thank you for your continued support and encouragement. It is gratifying to know that UPPERCASE has such an appreciative audience.
 
-Janine