Modish Guest Blog

she's got book :: meg rooks of pixiegenne

as it happens, some of the coolest people in my life are either librarians or librarians-in training. today it's my pleasure to introduce you to meg rooks: artist, crafty blogger, inspired vintage collector + childrens librarian living here in portland, maine with her husband and two children. {{in the spirit of full disclosure, she also happens to be my best pal.}}

meg has many crafty + creative talents. perhaps her signature item, she has made many decoupaged suitcases and pails (sold on etsy and at mahar dry goods) - all done with vintage childrens book ilustrations.

she also makes buttons, cosmetic bags, pin cushions (you can see her pincushions in this recently released book,) vintage ornament wreaths, tissue holders, sock monkeys + other fun plushies, and pretty much anything else that strikes her fancy.

she has an extensive collection (i think of it as treasure trove) of art/craft supplies: a super-huge stash of childrens books -most collected at yard sales or on ebay - and lots of vintage fabric.

her house is has wonderful collection of largely thrifted antiques and vintage finds, with warm paint colors and cozy corners.

i asked meg for some of her favorite book recommendations, and for some other favorite librarian-ish goodies. here's what she had to say:

favorite picture book authors:

1. william steig - all-time favorite. wonderful read-alouds
2. ruth krauss - poetic and quirky and sweet
3. leo lionni - magical, love his artwork
4. brian wildsmith - beautiful, beautiful
5. arnold lobel - simple and sweet stories and illustrations. frog and toad are the best.

close runners-up include maurice sendak, kevin henkes, russell and lillian hoban, lois lenski, and trina schart hyman.
(and astrid lindgren)
(and margaret wise brown and tasha tudor)

favorite chapter book authors for kids:

1. roald dahl: i love his kid vs. mean rotten adult style.
2. katherine patterson: really beautiful stories. her books have stuck with me more than anyone elses.
3. madeline l'engle:  i've never been super into fantasy books but i love her "wrinkle in time" trilogy.
4. e.b. white: you can't go wrong with any of his books. all classics.
5. laura ingalls wilder: it kills me that my daughter has no interest in these books. kills me.

(those are all older authors because i'm a nostalgic freak. some newer authors i love include sharon creech, karen cushman, philip pullman. ok. i'll stop there.)

adult authors i'm into lately:
miranda july, jonathan safron foer, kazuo ishiguro (which you recommended. i loved "never let me go" and an earlier book of his, "when we were orphans" is next on my list). i'm just finishing "what is the what" by dave eggers and "the history of love" by nicole krauss; both are great.

fun book-geek websites:
good reads
bookcrossing
library elf
library thing

other artsy/crafty library geekery:
matryoshka book plates by corabelle
catalog cards by elfrida
hidden book belt buckle by maxine dear
library card journals by lollipoopdesigns
public library by suchandsuch

thanks, meg!

ferdinand ::: portland maine

when jena asked me to guest blog this week, i immediately started thinking about all of the local portland talent that i wanted to share here. perhaps one of the best-known local indie/handmade pioneers (plus an all-around excellent gal,) diane toepfer of ferdinand is one of my favorite people and a wonderful artist and craftsperson to boot. at her storefront on munjoy hill in portland's east end, she makes a wide range of fun and eclectic handmade goodies - pretty much anything that strikes her fancy.

she carries a terrific selection of new + refashioned vintage items, such as these fabulous feather barrettes:

and vintage clothing and shoes, too.

many of you may recognize her famous drum-playing squirrel, which adorns adult and childrens tees.

she also makes a wide selection of gocco and screenprinted cards, totebags, notebooks and journals, jewelery, patches, potholders and accessories,   and features many other local and nationally known crafters as well.

here are some diane's own hot-off-the-press screenprinted valentines - aren't they great?

some of diane's favorite art-y/crafty peeps:
local maine stuff:
pinecone and chickadee
(here are some p+c valentine cards i spied at ferdinand today):

morris + essex
strong arm bindery

and goodies from elsewhere:
dog and pony show
lisa jones cards
nineteen seventy three
motel deluxe

ferdinand is located at 243 congress street, portland, me 04101, and is a must-visit next time you're in town.