Marble Humming Bird by Barb Skoog

My Aunt Sylvia had a wonderful phrase to describe bright people—the kind who are focused, radiate positive energy and are the very opposite of scatterbrain. Lunching today with South Pas marble artist Barb Skoog Aunt Sylvia’s words easily came to mind:

“She’s got all her marbles in one pocket.”

Nevermind that she’s smart (start college in math and science and end up with a writing degree) she’s a person who is open to trying anything that looks interesting. A few years ago the interesting thing was a marble paper show in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Since then she’s learned from the best and her papers are gorgeous. Barb is eager to pass on her knowledge. See a marbling demo on her website. Please overlook the pun, Barb’s definitely got her marbles in one pocket! Now, excuse me while I go gather mine up—they’re rolling all over the floor.

A letterpress printed sonnet—steeped in the history of cast iron presses printing words composed by poets in attics scratching away with feather fountain pens. Hot off of De Milo’s antique presses are two verse cards fitted with marble mats. They’re ready to declare your ardor in customary red-enveloped fashion. Or, if you are humorously inclined, add a whimsical frame or sneak it into an unexpected place where your love is sure to discover it next Tuesday.

FROSTING on the fridge for your sweetheart.

DRY ERASE MARKER on the mirror, windshield, refrigerator, etc...

IPAD SURPRISE: Trim down bottom and top just a bit, use just enough tape to hold it down.

I wanted to letterpress a love poem…and that’s as far as I got. Reflecting on what words are right for my love after 20+ years my original Rilke favorite with its “pale twilit meadows” felt a little impractical. How to weave reality with love? Just ask Edna St. Vincent Millay. Valentine verse cards available in the studio or online at De Milo Design. Sign up for De Milo’s newsletter and receive a promo code for free shipping.

Thanks, Kate, for planting the seed of another good idea.  Dual color Party Coasters are cut from fair trade certified handmade marble paper. Now available online in gift boxes (shown) and refill packs. Sign up for our email newsletter and receive a coupon code for free shipping.

A few months ago I printed some sweet business cards for Wenzlau Vineyard. They’re not only crafting artisanal wines but olive oil, too. Some lucky friends received this holiday limited edition. Labels were letterpress printed with soy ink on 30% post consumer waste recycled stock from Green Paper Company.

Photo by Bill Wenzlau

Made from fair trade handmade marble paper, these cute pillow boxes are sized to hold jewelry, gift cards, candy, etc… Come on over to the studio! Open today until 7pm and December 21 1-6pm.

Fair trade marble bookplate cards are complimented with quotes by beloved authors.

“A book reads the better which is our own, and has been so long known to us that we know the topography of its blots, and dog’s ears, and can trace the dirt in it to having read it at tea with buttered muffins.” —Charles Lamb

I couldn’t have said it better, myself, Charles! A sweet eco and fair trade gift for readers, this little card comes with an archival quality letterpressed bookplate ready for mounting in a favorite book. The fair trade marble card includes words of beloved authors waxing eloquent about books. Letterpress printed on 50% post consumer waste paper. 20% off through December 21. Order online or come to the studio in South Pasadena and see all the other holiday goodies De Milo has this year.

Denise’s friends were ushered into their holiday with style this year. I felt warm and fuzzy just printing it. Happy holiday, Everyone!

Letterpress printed with soy ink on sustainably farmed Aspen wood

This Labor Day I am celebrating the work of fair trade artisans in Bangladesh. Last Thursday De Milo received a large shipment of marble paper. Against the odds of rainy season (3/4 of their subtropical rainfall is June through September) and primitive jungle surroundings in rural Bangladesh they pulled it off beautifully. Marble paper can be purchased online at De Milo Design. Or drop by the studio in South Pasadena, CA.