Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Flooding and Flat Files

Hello Readers,

Here at the H&M headquarters we've had 3 DAYS STRAIGHT of rain. You know what this means: lots of water. Luckily we are situated in the attic and our roof did not leak. Here is a photo of the little brook that passes by our gentle abode.



In other news, we have recently acquired a set of Flat Files (grey ones).


This is a big improvement for the studio and will help keep our important papers flat. We have purchased several big items for the new studio, and I never miss an opportunity to have buyer's remorse.

The purchase of these particular Flat Files involved a Long Drive to a Remote Place, Stopping to Withdraw cash at an ATM, realizing that our ATM card was No Longer in Our Wallet, buying the weasels a Bag of Cheezits, and Convincing a Total Stranger to let us pay with a check. Naturally when it came time to inspect these Flat Files, I was not in the calm and detached state which is ideal for inspecting New Purchases.

When I got them home, I looked them over and thought, "What Have I Done? They are much too heavy and are probably not meant for storing paper at all!"


Do you have Any Idea how much they weigh? Thirty pounds per drawer! That's at least twice as much as I weigh. This was the onset of my buyer's remorse, which I have since recovered from. A local steelworker helped me carry them up to the attic, and so far the floor has not caved in.

In any event, they give the studio a very professional air, which is Much Needed.

I leave you here, cherished blogworm,
safe in the knowledge that our papers are flat,
and,
our roof doesn't leak.

Your good friend,
Mickey

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

New Studio

Hello again readers!

You know Hector told me that some bloggers post daily to their blogs. But we all know that he is filled with all sorts of misconceptions about how the world actually works.

Today, in my second consecutive week of blogging, I am going to talk about our company's new headquarters. Did you know that this is our fourth location? First we were in the Fenway, then in Charlestown, then in West Newton, and now in Milton, Massachusetts. Harriet says pray God this is our last move. (I don't know what she's talking about. She didn't lift a finger during the move.)

Well. It's taken us quite a while to get settled, but the studio is beginning to shape up. Have a look.



This is my computer desk, where I am right now, writing to you!

These boxes hold paper and envelopes. For correspondence.

Here is our drawing table where Annie makes things by hand, the old-fashioned way.



This is our work table for framing and other projects, like printmaking.


And this is our new chaise for reading and company research. It's not quite in its finished state as Annie is going to screen print a cover for it.

I hope you've enjoyed your brief tour. Please know that you are always welcome to come visit us.

Your good friends,

Mickey and Harriet

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Abashed

Hello Readers,

I'm feeling a little abashed, which is what happens when you combine bashful and ashamed.

It's been a terribly long time since I last posted, and I know how much my multitudes of readers count on me for practical tips and general wisdom.

I was going to stage a photo and tell you that I was stuck between the mattress and the headboard for all this time, but you deserve better than that, devoted reader. The truth of the matter is that I was enjoying my new house. It's so lovely here! And generally hanging out with Bernice and Big Mickey.


"Where is Harriet?" you ask. Well, don't worry: she has a chair all to herself where she is less jostled. You know her condition.

Business at Harriet and Mickey has been somewhat slow, as a result, but we hope to pick up the pace here. Annie is at work on a shower curtain design that's based on the weasels' artwork. Here is the overall pattern:



And here is the first block print, carved out of rubber. They are very fun and easy to carve. It feels like carving cheese, really.


And that is all, devoted reader, for now.

Until next week,
I remain,
your friend,
Mickey