Your Secret Admiral's Library

Join Me on Tumblr

2011-06-20T09:13:00.000-04:00

Hi all,

I'm taking a vacation from Blogger. In the meantime, I invite you to follow my blogs on Tumblr:

Tiny Palace -- centered around the concept of home & adventures in small spaces

Your Secret Admiral -- a continuation of this blog with my art and inspirations.

Cheers,
Julie

Charles Takes New York

2010-11-08T21:40:00.003-05:00

This little guy was sewn up by Alisa Baer at a Craft Night led by mummysam at the Etsy Labs recently. What an adventure he has been on!

P.S. You can learn how to make your own Charles plushie here.

Happy Halloween!

2010-11-01T22:40:00.004-04:00

Photo by Zhi-Da Zhong

Photo by Justin Sheckler

From Business Ins ider

I like Halloween with all of its DIY, creative glory. I like how a good costume is a free pass for a conversation, which isn't always the easiest to extract from strangers in this busy, plugged-in New York City. Despite this, I've never really jumped head first into costume preparation like I did this year, with several late, late nights alone with my glue gun, a pot of tea, and memories of art school.
I went at Mr. Grit, who is a cardboard being who guards the front door of Etsy's office, and is a beloved mascot of the space.

Daily Notes: I love you.

2010-07-09T23:58:00.002-04:00

Daily Notes: Heat Wave

2010-07-09T01:07:00.007-04:00

Wednesday, July 7, 2010.

New Listing: Flying Tomato Notebooks

2010-06-20T16:17:00.003-04:00

To celebrate a summer full of homegrown tomatoes, here some juicy new books in my shop! Find them here.

Tools of the Trade: Gimbels Sewing Machine

2010-04-03T11:53:00.009-04:00

Update: Ever since I wrote this post, I've gotten many emails from people with similar machines, but no manual. So, for all of you out there who have a similar machine, but are in need of a manual to show you the ropes, I have made copies of the original manual. I'm selling them right here just to cover the printing and shipping costs, as I'd like to share the sewing love.

A few months ago, I came upon this vintage gem in perfect working order, with a tag that aptly read "The hot rod of sewing machines," at a shop in my neighborhood called Kill Devil Hill. My friend actually spotted it first, but after a little debate, I emerged victorious, as she already had a good machine.

I haven't found much information about the background of Gimbels though. If anyone knows anything more about the company, I could be curious to know! Wikipedia has this entry about Gimbels, an iconic American department store, open from 1887-1987, so perhaps there is a connection there. My machine has the model number 3346 printed on it, and my guess is that it was made in the 1950s. The sewing machine is made from all metal components and is incredibly heavy. The manual is still intact, and details the special zig-zag features.

I have finally made a special spot for this machine in my new apartment, and I look forward to many sewing adventures!http://www.etsy.com/listing/82349036/gimbels-sewing-machine-manual

Another Little Stop Motion Gem

2010-03-20T15:29:00.003-04:00

(via Extreme Craft)

Favorite Thing of the Day

2010-03-19T18:35:00.002-04:00

Goodbye Sorrow from Katie Armstrong on Vimeo.

This video, Goodbye Sorrow, really made my day. I won't say more than that. Just watch it for yourself.

Have a lovely, sunny weekend!

Love,
Your Secret Admiral

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T16:32:00.002-04:00

Your Secret Admiral on Modish

2009-10-14T19:48:00.005-04:00

Yesterday afternoon, a little bird (aka Google Alerts) delivered the nicest surprise to my inbox... a feature about my handmade books on the fabulous design and style blog, Modish. The Eco-Friendly Finds piece is penned by Liz Grotyohann from Cosa Verde, with whom I had the pleasure of chatting at the Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts fair recently, which, by the way, has won a spot in my heart as best craft fair in the land. So, if you have a moment, hop on over to Modish and have a look the write-up here!

My photo on This American Life's Facebook!

2009-08-08T10:19:00.005-04:00

Yesterday I made the exciting discovery that This American Life posted my photo on their Facebook page!! You can see it here, along with many a comment and thumbs-up. As a devoted fan of NPR and This American Life, this nerdy tidbit made my day!

My friend gave me the lovely little Ira Glass felt finger-puppet for a birthday present earlier this year. If you'd like to make salad with Ira Glass too, you can buy your own handmade puppet from AbbeyChristine's shop on Etsy!

Make a Do-Si-Do Book

2009-05-14T23:50:00.017-04:00

A do-si-do book, like the partner square dancing move, swings between 2 signatures. These books are like two books in one and are excellent for dual purposes, like drawings and notes, or double themes like opposites or pairs. Read on and you’ll be whipping up your own fine books in no time!

Materials & Tools:

paper
scissors
linen thread
needle
bone folder
awl
pencil

Step 1:

Prepare two signatures and the covers. To make each signature, fold 5-10 sheets of paper in half and trim to size. Choose a sturdy paper or lightweight board to use as the cover. Cut the cover to be the same size as the height of the signatures and as wide as three times the width of one signature. Fold the cover into thirds using a bone folder, so it forms a Z shape.

Step 2:

Make a sample signature that is the same height and width as your signatures out of a single sheet of paper. Measure and mark the placement for 3 holes on the sample signature. You’ll use this as a guide for making holes in your signatures and covers. Put one signature into one of the folds of the Z shaped cover. Using a bookbinder’s awl and your sample signature as a guide, punch 3 holes through each signature and cover.

Step 3:

Pull the threaded needle through the center of the first signature, leaving a tail of thread a couple inches long inside the signature.

Step 4:

Push the needle through the top hole on the spine of your book.

Step 5:

Pull the needle through the bottom hole on the inside of your book, skipping over the center hole and thread tail.

Step 6:

Pull the needle through the center hole on the outside of the book.

Step 7:

When you pull the needle into the center of the book again, make sure that the needle and thread is on one side of the long center stitch and the thread tail is on the other. Remove the needle and trim the threads. Pull each thread taut to even out the tension of the stitching.

Step 8:

Tie a simple knot over the long center stitch.

Steps 9-16:
Repeat steps 1-8 on the second signature.

Step 17:

Ta da! Do a little dance and away you go! Fill you book with notes, drawings, secrets.

Tools of the Trade: Thermal Printer

2009-05-13T11:30:00.001-04:00

After coming to terms with the demise of Gocco, I decided to save my pennies up and invest in a thermal imager from Welsh Products! These machines have been around for decades and are still used for creating thermal silkscreens, tattoo stencils, and transparencies. I first started experimenting with screenprinting with screens created with a Thermalfax machine back in art school. I am excited to incorporate this printing technique into my bookmaking and artmaking processes!

With the thermal imager, you can expose a thermal mesh screen by running the screen and a carbon photocopy through the imager. The resulting screen can then be stretched across a plastic frame and printed with screenprinting ink and a squeegee. (That's the process in a nutshell.)

Be sure to check out this blog post on Vitreosity, if you're interested in more of the ins and outs of various thermal screenprinting process and equipment. It's chockful of information and how-to videos (including my Gocco video!).

Here are some notebooks I made with covers printed with thermal screens. If you're interested, they're for sale in my shop.

My latest project in-progress. These will soon become notebooks.

New Handmade Book: The Ultimate Chalkboard Book

2009-04-07T00:23:00.004-04:00

I present to you the first in my new line of Chalkboard Books... I don't know about you, but the sight of a chalkboard book sends a wave of nostalgia straight through me and back to elementary school days.

So, I decided to combine nostalgia and ultimate usefulness into one classy, chunky volume. The front cover of this chunky sketchbook is, you guessed it, a chalkboard!

You can peruse my newest book further, if you'd like, in my shop!

Wrap-up: News from Your Secret Admiral

2009-03-16T00:21:00.017-04:00

Hello there my virtual friends,
I know it has been awhile since I've made a peep in the ol' blogosphere, but I wanted to share some highlights from the past month from Your Secret Admiral Land.

in the press:

(Click the image above to see the article at a readable size.)

In the February 19-25th issue of Time Out New York magazine, there was a segment honoring Martha Stewart's appearance at the 92nd Street Y. They highlighted three local crafters, including my pal Danielle Maveal and me! You can see the article online here.

on the road:

I spent 3 days in Baltimore at the American Craft Council show in the "AltCraft" section earlier this month, selling my wares, seeing old friends, and meeting fellow makers.

I had the great pleasure to see and meet Annie from Imogene, Rania from goshdarnknit, Linda from Little Flower Designs, Caitlyn from Re-Bound Designs, Josh and Margaret from Dovetail Ceramics, Nicole from Astulabee, Alison of Tigerlilly, the ladies behind Hello Craft, and so many wonderful others! The weekend was a whirlwind of activity, a buzzing beehive, and an overall success. I have spend the time since relaxing and scheming...

This was my booth.

Here are some of my day planners and other books.

Annie + Danielle + me

Buds! Angelica, Nathan, Aaron, Annalise, Richena.

I send a special shout out to Danielle, Nathan, and my mother for all their much appreciated help making this show go smoothly. Much love to you each!

in the galleries:

If you live in Brooklyn or Minneapolis, be sure to pay a visit to Your Secret Admiral products now stocked in two new brick-and-mortar galleries! In Brooklyn, my handmade books can be found at the lovely New York Design Room on Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg. In Minneapolis, a selection of books can be found at Gal lery 360. Check it out!

Till Next Time,
Julie

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T18:59:00.003-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day from me to you!

This is how I spent my Valentine's Day so far:

1. Volunteering with Citymeals-on-Wheels delivering food and Etsy Valentines.
2. Perusing the vast offerings of the Union Square Greenmarket. (I returned home with many treats! Maybe another cooking post is on the horizon.)
3. Being a human bookmaking machine in preparation for the ACC Show in Baltimore that is sneaking up on me...

What did you do for Valentine's Day?

Tools of the Trade: Antique Embosser

2009-02-10T22:31:00.002-05:00

Drumroll, please... I present you my brand new/antique embosser. I have been using this to emboss all of my handmade books. I think the embossed seal takes my books to the next level! This is definitely my new favorite tool.

Wintery Potage Recipe

2009-02-01T21:37:00.007-05:00

As you may know, I am a devout farmer's market goer. Every Saturday morning, I religiously pore of the week's offerings from the fine local farmers at the green market at McCarren Park. This time of year, the vegetable pickings are a bit sparse and I am always craving a piping hot bowl of soup. So, inspired by a recipe in Deborah Madison's cookbook, Local Flavors, I have been making this potage a winter staple.

Here's the recipe:

-3 small potatoes
-6 small turnips with tender skin
-5 1/2 cups vegetable stock (or water)
-3 large leeks
-sprigs of fresh thyme
-a bit of cream
-salt and pepper to taste

Add all the vegetables and a few sprigs of thyme to a large pot. Simmer for 5 minutes in a cup of vegetable stock. Add the remaining stock (or water). Bring to a boil. Turn down the heat and simmer gently for 25-30 minutes. Remove from heat and mix in a few spoonfuls of cream. Garnish with thyme (or parsley). Serve with good warm bread. Enjoy!

P.S. This is one of those soups that tastes even better the day after!

How-Tuesday: Make a Weekly Planner Book with Your Secret Admiral

2008-12-23T12:20:00.012-05:00

Check out my latest how-to video made with wonderful Etsy admin Michelle and Eric!

------
"This week, Etsy How-Tuesday helps you get organized for the New Year with Etsy admin Julie aka YourSecretAdmiral / julieincharge. Julie shows you how to make a weekly planner, which you an give as a handmade stocking stuffer or keep for all that organizing you'll be doing in the New Year. You can use your own design or download our pdf template."

Don't want to make your own? Buy one here and I'll ship it off to you post haste!
------

The video also got a nice mention on Whip Up today!

Congrats to KnitKnit!

2008-12-12T13:59:00.004-05:00

I just want to send a big ol' congratulations to my pal, KnitKnit! She will be Etsy's Featured Seller for the next couple of days. I am a proud owner of one her her eyeball ornaments. In fact, after my first excursion to the Acme Smoke Fish Co, Annalise and I picked up a Christmas tree. So, far the only decoration on said tree is a crowning KnitKnit eyeball ornament in place of a star. (Photos of that to come.)

Thanksgiving Feast

2008-11-30T20:56:00.004-05:00

Dinner setting.

Homemade cranberry sauce.

The feast, in all its glory.

The pie parade.

A delicious Thanksgiving feast full of homemade treats! A 6 desserts to 7 person ratio always is a recipe for success in my book.

Scientist Dance-off

2008-11-23T17:55:00.009-05:00

Of all the news I heard on NPR this weekend, there is one tidbit that stood out from all the rest... I venture to say that there is something very memorable about this equation: scientists + interpretive dancing= Dance Your PhD competition. Yes, competitive interpretive dancing for astrophysicists, molecular biologists, and the gang.

John Bohannon started this contest earlier this year and results were announced this past week. The rules of the competition are as follows: using no words or images, interpret your Ph.D. thesis in dance form. The grand prize awarded to the winners was a year's subscription to Science. If you'd like, you can listen to the whole NPR story here.

Although not voted as a winner, this video (above) by Christin Murphy about hydrodynamic trail detection in marine organisms, is one of my favorite entries. I'm not sure if the hula hooping or music selection or lobster outfits won my heart first.

Portrait Gallery Treasury

2008-11-15T15:39:00.006-05:00

I was just perusing the Treasury, one of my favorite ways to browse on Etsy, when I was greeted with a pleasant surprise. My linocut self-portrait is featured among these fine portraits. Thanks for including me, imadeyouabeard! This treasury will only be up for a few more hours, so check it out while you can.

Love,
Your Secret Admiral

It's the Great Waffle, Charlie Brown

2008-11-12T21:30:00.016-05:00

Is this what a giant squid eats for breakfast? As seen in the Metrotech Center in Brooklyn, NY.

This sculpture by Martha Friedman is part of the Public Art Fund's new exhibit entitled Trapdoor. Despite the Public Art Fund's excessive use of quotation marks used in the description of this piece, I have to say that it makes me smile every day when I pass this looming waffle on my way to work.

A Great Tutorial: How to Blockprint

2008-11-08T19:46:00.008-05:00

Hello, world! I wanted to share this excellent blockprinting tutorial with you. Last week I led a craft night project at the Etsy Labs was carving your own stamp, and this tutorial is one of the resources I recommended on the handout.

There are many wonderful resources out there on blockprinting, and I have to say that this one created by LizzyHouse is one of my favorites. I was seem to return to this tutorial and recommend it to others. It's very detailed, full of great tips, and interspersed with lovely, clear photos. If this doesn't make you reach for your carving tools (or dash to the art store to get some), I don't know what will! Check out the tutorial here and be sure to scroll to the bottom to download the PDF.

Here are a few further resources that I'd recommend as well:

Books:
Linoleum Block Printing by Francis J. Kafka

Lotta Prints: How to Print Anything, from Potatoes to Linoleum by Lotta Jansdotter

Lino-Cuts by Claude Flight

Hand Block Printing on Fabrics by T.J. Corbin

The Craft of Woodcuts by John R. Biggs

Groups:
Printsy (Etsy's printmaking team)

Block Prints Flickr group

Suppliers:
New York Central (my favorite!)

Daniel Smith

Dick Blick

Also, be sure to support your local art supply store!

My New Website!

2008-11-02T12:27:00.000-05:00

Drumroll please... I am very happy to announce the launch of my brand new website! You can find it at yoursecretadmiral.com. It is a continual work-in-progress, as I will be adding new info to it all the time.

I'd love feedback, if anyone would like to share their thoughts!

Love,
Your Secret Admiral

Print Party at Fact & Fancy Gallery

2008-11-02T09:23:00.003-05:00

Over 100 prints from up-and-coming local & international artists!
$5 from each sale will be donated to the Rabbit House Society

When: November 7, 8, 9 from 12-7pm. Opening 11/7 from 6-7:30pm.
Where: Fact & Fancy Gallery. 75B Hoyt St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

More details here.

Hello, Sock Monkey

2008-11-01T12:15:00.000-04:00

Last weekend, I learned how to make sock monkeys. This is my first one! He'll be donated to fresh art to benefit their wonderful programming. Learn all about fresh art's sock monkey program here.

Hello, Pikaland!

2008-10-18T23:00:00.001-04:00

If Pikaland was a person and not a blog, she would probably be my best friend. But, as a blog with the most exquisite taste, it has led me to many wonderful gems, including my new favorite artists, Bombo (see: Whaleless) and Katey Jean Harvey.

Pikaland is also home to the PikaPackage, a monthly collection of treats from illustrators and artists who sell their wares online. I am very excited to announce that you can find some of my goodies (see below) among the ranks of October's PikaPackage. Read all about this month's package and enter win one right here.

Hello, Pincushions

2008-10-17T20:21:00.001-04:00

I have been making pincushions like crazy. These are my first ones! This project has reminded me how much I love hand sewing and working with fabric. My pincushion frenzy was inspired this tutorial I found on Purl Bee. You can check out the rest of my pincushion family in my shop as well.

P.S. I haven't fallen of the face of the blogosphere, I promise. I am back and I am in action. I have more regular blog posts up my sleeve, so please stay tuned.

Hello, Fact & Fancy. Hello, Brooklyn Flea.

2008-07-08T00:42:00.000-04:00

This Sunday, I had the good fortune of joining several wonderful artists at the Fact & Fancy booth at Brooklyn Flea. What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon!

Here are some of my books at the booth!

I like like knitknit's knitted delights. I remember hearting her knitted powercords way back when I first was learning how to use Etsy. Her shop will always hold a special place in my heart (so to speak).

Bailey Doesn't Bark's meticulous and humorous hand-painted porcelain also graced the tables of the Fact & Fancy booth this weekend. I love the cross-section of finery and uncomfortable (such as rats) that she explores in her work.

Oh, astulabee. I am in love with these gorgeous creations, so gorgeous and charming and impeccably crafted. I am particularly charmed by that critter with the twig antlers and her lucky paw keychains. I look forward to seeing what she creates next!

Hello, Summer Salad

2008-06-19T01:12:00.001-04:00

I look forward to the farmer's market every Saturday morning. I made this salad for dinner the other night, mainly out of ingredients from the farmer's market at McCarren Park. I like salads that combine fruits and vegetables, as well as salads that combine raw and steamed vegetables. This one does both!

Ingredients:
-snow peas
-lettuce
-fresh cilantro
-fresh dill
-goat cheese
-apple
-toasted chopped almonds
-steamed broccoli
-strawberries
-olives
-cannellini beans

For the dressing, I made a berry vinaigrette.
Recipe for Berry Vinaigrette:
-1 Tbl jam (Choose a good quality jam or preserves)
-1 Tbl balsamic vinegar
-3 Tbl olive oil

Whisk together or shake it up in a jar.

Hello, Renegade Brooklyn

2008-06-14T17:35:00.000-04:00

Today is the first day of Renegade Brooklyn. As ever, the craft fair is chockful of wonderful artists. I will have to go back tomorrow to take a closer look at the booths that I missed today. I went to Renegade Chicago last year, and had the best time. Renegade always feels like a crafty reunion to me, with rows upon rows of my favorite Etsy sellers and other crafters all in one place for one fabulous weekend. I leave feeling so inspired, ready to run home and start making things!

To the left is a shot of CallieCo's table, full of zippered delights. I have a wallet made by her and I love it!

Hello, Telectroscope

2008-06-13T19:59:00.000-04:00

Do you believe in the Telectroscope? I have paid homage to this marvel twice and it has colored the my summer with a shade of delight each visit. The story goes that artist Paul St. George
discovered his great-grandfather's notes for a transatlantic tunnel connecting London and Brooklyn, a project which ended tragically...until Paul St. George picked up the reigns and finished the amazing Telectroscope! The telectroscope visually connects London and New York, like an apparatus straight out of City of Lost Children.

Are you are looking for the ultimate Brooklyn date? Well, here is the plan for you: First, go to Grimaldi's and eat the tastiest pizza in town and swill some Brooklyn Lagers. Then, stroll down to the water just under the Brooklyn Bridge. Grab some homemade ice cream from the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory. Savor it while peering into London through the Telectroscope, watching the tourists, and gazing at the lights of Manhattan across the river.

Catch the Telectroscope while you can! It closes on Sunday, June 15 at 6 pm in Brooklyn and 11 pm in London.

Hello, Fact & Fancy

2008-06-02T22:09:00.000-04:00

Fact & Fancy is my new favorite shop. If you're in Brooklyn, be sure to stop by. The walls are filled with wonderful and inspiring handmade delights. I visited the shop on Saturday, the afternoon before their opening day, and I love every aspect of the space, from the hand-painted faux bois floor to the impeccable choices of artwork.

Check it out!

75B Hoyt St.
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Fri & Sat 12- 7
Sun 12-6

Hello, New Dress

2008-06-01T22:59:00.000-04:00

I put the finishing touches on this handmade dress today. Hurray for summer styles! I learned how to sew this little number and all about beginning dressmaking at the Make a Sundress class taught by the wonderful Cal Patch at the Etsy Labs.

Hello, Readymade magazine!

2008-05-31T23:55:00.000-04:00

Last weekend I was waiting in line at the grocery store, when I glimpsed the new issue of Readymade magazine (June/July 2008) in the rack. I snatched it up and found my airmail envelopes featured in the spread on page 26. I got my first subscription to Readymade right around the time they launched the magazine a few years ago. It is so amazing to find my humble little Etsy shop within Readymade's pages. This is the first time my books have appeared in any magazine, so, needless to say, I am thrilled!

Hello, Blogosphere!

2008-05-10T23:43:00.000-04:00

This is my first ever blog! Will I sink or swim? Only time will tell. Stay tuned...