I thought this might be a bit of fun, it isn’t suppose to encourage you to spend lots of money and I certainly hope that this isn’t feeding the big capitalist machine, but hopefully a short selection of small, clever, unusual or interesting gifts designed and created with love and more than a little talent.
Also, I know that by the time many of you open this special edition newsletter, either the sellers will have closed up shop or you’ll have run out of time to get these things shipped, but I know that there’s always a little self-order that you do in the new year, just one or two things that you wished you’d received but probably didn’t drop hard hints hard enough for anyone to notice. Your secret is safe with me.
There are NO affiliate links here, fill your boots!
I love Hannah Forward’s prints, they are brilliant, especially cassette tape screen linocuts and photo camera screen prints.
This list from Drawn and Quarterly should have something for you, I love the time you spend with graphic novels, it’s a different type of reading, search each image for meaning and immerse yourself in a new world. My particular favorite this year was Ducks by Kate Beaton, it is brilliant and vivid, a wonderful book.
Last year I received a blank sketchbook from the Brooklyn Art Library, and when I finally fill it up I’ll send it back and it can join the thousands of others in the library.
Talking of books, here are the lists, from the NY Public Library, NY Times, and The Guardian.
If you need to buy warm and hardy clothing this year, then Howies in Cardigan (just up the road from my in-laws) or Rapanui on the Isle of Wight have what you need.
Just to get you in the mood…
The Climate Book by Greta Thunberg is on sale at Guardian Books, with a review here. If you like the cover, then you can fly it as a flag from FlagsforGood.
I think we all deserve a can of chutzpa from the Super Hero Supply Store, anything you buy here, including capes, helps to support after school reading and writing classes for school kids.
Go back in time, but just for a few moments in Before the coffee gets cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi.
Guitar players, drone conductors, keyboard and electronic enthusiasts should treat themselves to a unique effects pedal created by Lullaby Machines out of kids toys and metal boxes, these are very special.
I try to get something every year from BombaBird, here in Pittsburgh, these beautiful ceramics, tender and delicate, cups and containers and more.
Second Hand Vinyl in the UK have Led Zep II in great condition, and if you’re in the US, then our own Mt.Lebanon Vinyl Remains have this copy of Television’s Marqee Moon, ready for a spin on your turntable.
Richard Ward’s lino prints, are carefully created, like a climber choosing where to place their hands and feet as they find a path up a rock face.
Oxfam in the UK still do unwrapped gifts which are essentially donations that you can dedicate to someone, a gift card that supports the building of a school or supports a women’s support organization, or provides clean water. If you live in the US you can still make a donation.
We woke up to snow this morning, so it’s feeling particularly seasonal here, I scraped and salted, and now the path is clear.
Whatever you choose, enjoy your break and try not to fall asleep too early when you’re watching Goonies or drift away looking out of the window with a cup of hot chocolate keeping your hands warm.
See you in the New Year, take care!