THE UPPERCASE ENCYCLOPEDIAS OF INSPIRATION
Beautiful Books to Inspire, Inform and Delight
At one time, encyclopedias were venerated as ultimate sources of knowledge. People saw the value in investing in these massive multi-volume sets, ordered through the post or from a door-to-door salesman, and they enjoyed the convenience and status of having a reference section in the comfort of their living room. Acquiring an encyclopedia was a commitment to education and learning.
These days, we have an overload of information at our fingertips. Certainly, with Pinterest and Instagram and blog posts and podcasts, there is no shortage of visual inspiration for creatives. But as makers, we appreciate—we yearn—for the tangible. And we crave high-quality content that is lovingly curated instead of coming to us in random or algorithmic bits.
Coveting, owning and holding a beautiful and informative ink-on-paper inspiring tome… now that’s something that can’t be experienced virtually.
The following Encyclopedias of Inspiration by Canadian Magazine Uppercase are now available:
Ceramics
Ceramics highlights the work, studio, processes and inspirations of an interesting variety of artists who work in the field of ceramics, pottery and related creative endeavours.
The focus is on independent, working artists and with a diversity of objects, styles, backgrounds and cultures—curated with the optimistic and eclectic eye that makes UPPERCASE publications so unique.
With profiles of 46 contemporary studio potters and ceramicists, illustrated with beautiful photography of their work and studio, Volume C: Ceramics is a gorgeous and informative addition to your Encyclopedia of Inspiration library.
Botanica
Botanica (reprint) is Volume B in the UPPERCASE Encyclopedia of Inspiration. Originally published in 2017, the first print run sold out quickly. Due to popular request, we've released a reprint of this beautiful volume!
Flowers and plants have long been a muse of artists and craftspeople. Botanica collects a veritable mixed bouquet of art, illustration and stories of botanically inclined lifestyles. Perhaps they will help sow the seeds for your own creativity!
448 pages ✿ 1000 images
The reprint is exactly the same as the original edition and includes the removable dust jacket and belly band.
Ephemera
Ephemera is Volume E in the UPPERCASE Encyclopedia of Inspiration. This 448-page book features gorgeous and inspiring collections of vintage ephemera along with profiles of 30 creatives who make art and business through their collections. Collage artists, illustrators, type designers, graphic designers, creative entrepreneurs and more!
This Encyclopedia of Inspiration series is inspired by an old-fashioned way of looking at books. Ephemera is about indulging in the tactile and emotional quality of print and paper—and appreciating that even the smallest example of print on paper can last, so long as someone loves it.
Quilted
Quilted is Volume Q in the UPPERCASE Encyclopedia of Inspiration, an ongoing series of books released in whimsical (non-alphabetical) order on all manner of creative and curious topics.
The world of quilting is vast, with an infinite range of aesthetics, influences, heritage, and culture. Quilting reminds us of the artistry and ingenuity of our ancestors and allows us to explore our natural creativity. The craft slows us down in an ever-busy world and connects us to a welcoming community of kindred spirits.
With in-depth profiles and stories of individual quilts (384 pages!), this book pieces together quilters from professional connections and friendships that I've made over my years of publishing UPPERCASE magazine and designing three fabric collections for Windham Fabrics.
Vintage Life (featuring The Crafty Squirrel!)
Vintage Life is Volume V in the UPPERCASE Encyclopedia of Inspiration. The profiled people and businesses have immersed themselves in the aesthetics, technologies, and trends of bygone eras. Vintage sellers and dealers, collectors, interior decorators, stylists, writers, musicians, and creative souls. When living in the past is the only way to be!
448 pages of gorgeous, exuberant inspiration. A must-have for lovers of vintage aesthetics.
Yarn-Thread-String
So much of what we make is created by using various fibres. Knitting, crochet, weaving, sewing, embroidery, rug-making, macramé and many more crafts are made possible with yarn, thread and string.
This book gets up close and personal with fibre, telling the stories and processes from fibre farmers, thread and yarn companies to individual artisans. It looks at natural fibres and how they are made, and how design plays a part in the visual appeal of fibre brands. It also explores innovative fibres that repurpose and recycle our valuable resources.
Yarn-Thread-String highlights artists, craftspeople and creative entrepreneurs who use these fibres in unique and inspiring ways. You'll gain a new and exciting perspective on what fibre is—and how we can use it to express our individuality, creativity and humanity.
Use code: LOCALPICKUP if you would like to order online and pick up at our Ballarat store.
