Tuesday, April 7, 2009

New Handmade Book: The Ultimate Chalkboard Book


Link




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!

Monday, March 16, 2009

Wrap-up: News from Your Secret Admiral

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 Gallery 360. Check it out!

Till Next Time,
Julie

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Happy Valentine's Day!



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?

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Tools of the Trade: Antique Embosser



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.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Wintery Potage Recipe




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!

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

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



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

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

Friday, December 12, 2008

Congrats to KnitKnit!


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.)