New Motherhood - Diana
Not going to lie: I’ve been procrastinating writing this. Hard. My update comes to you amidst an untethered stream of making-it-work punctuated by 4-hour stretches of sleep and unbridled pinpricks of joy. Since Chloe arrived 11 weeks ago, we’ve been bowled over with a new perspective. That comes with new priorities and making everything work a little smarter. Even my text thread with Ben has become tactical…
“10:32am 100ml fed 🍼” — Diana
“Formula. Feta. Rotisserie chicken. Wipes.” — Ben
“BOPP is all done and packed. 143qty total deliverables. Also quote out that R.A. card. Thanks! 🧸” — Diana
Above: To anyone who is making non-paid parental leave work as well, a shout out! I’m also in wrist braces during all waking and sleeping hours. I hear carpal tunnel is a thing for postpartum mothers. The kiddo is growing so rapidly that my body is struggling to keep up with holding, feeding, snuggling and changing her without getting tingly fingers.
I’m keeping my message today short because our studio is bumping! The holiday ramp-up is an exciting time but judging by how slow sales have been this entire year — both online and in person at festivals, even at the historically gangbuster established ones — we are very, very, cautiously realistic.
Chloe has learned to smile but is still gurgling and squeaking her way to finding her laugh. We’ve never been so smitten.
Second Hand Heroes - Ben
Running a small press has taught us about the importance of finding things second-hand. Being able to revitalize an item that you found at a second hand price really allows you to expand your capabilities. We have used the ‘holy trinity’ of craigslist, ebay and facebook marketplace to help us obtain the majority of equipment that we use in our space and in our home. A few examples of savings we’ve found in our lives:
For the small press readers:
MBM B2000 Stitch N Fold Booklet Maker: New $10,000(?) / Bought Used $1,000
A booklet maker that stitches and folds your booklet in one pass. Potentially a huge time saver for zine-making depending on the project. One of the most confusing things about shopping for second hand press equipment, in my opinion, is comparing new vs. used prices. I found one of these B2000 booklet makers for $1000 on Facebook marketplace from someone in Indianapolis. I talked them down to $1000 but we both agreed that we actually don’t know who was getting the better end of the deal. I’ve heard folks have found these for both less and more. They seem to be a niche item for small businesses, and even more niche as there are more modern options for this kind of machinery. The one I bought isn’t new… built in 2004 according to the manufacturing plate on it. It’s condition was good but not great, all of the rubber rollers needed to be replaced which isn’t fun, but still doable. I think it is similar to buying a car in the “will you still get good mileage out of it?” kind of way. To be determined!
For the lifestyle readers:
Moccamaster Coffee Maker: New: $359 / Bought Used $85
Sure, even $85 still sounds steep for a dang coffee maker. Moccamasters are made so parts are easy to replace if something breaks and… it makes very good coffee. Part of the enjoyment of this one was that I actually frankensteined our coffee maker from parts from different sellers on ebay. It’s been working great for two years already.
For the parent readers:
Uppababy VISTA Stroller: New: $999 / Used $400
After a full inspection before completing the purchase, we acquired one of these tanks. Diana convinced me that a swappable bassinet stroller would be great, and it is. I don’t think Chloe cares about the hot pink color that we got off of craigslist, it’s the smooth daily walks around the park while she’s napping that makes it well worth it. She has slept comfortably through these warm and birdsong filled rambles.
Even bears are voting.
We are a few months away from the USA general + presidential election. If you can’t donate, please at least start telling others to vote. We’ll be writing letters on October 5th. Join us at this free, non-partisan event to help increase voter turn out. Every vote counts… why else are recounts so contested?
Something Snakey...
This way comes. Our 2025 Risograph Calendar is in the hopper and will be available for preorder soon! Every preorder comes with this limited edition “Snakey Snack” sticker by Milwaukee’s own Ingrid Dixon.