A New Crop of Favorites

In an age when print media seems to be disappearing before our eyes, a new crop of "magazines" are gracing the landscape.  They are far and beyond what we have come to know as magazines....the paper is matte with a lovely degree of body rather than glossy and flimsy, there are no ads, no stinky perfume pull opens, no subscription cards that fall all over the floor, and blessedly no photos or references to the Kardashians.  Also on the "not like before magazines" is the cost and the frequency.  Most range in price from $18-$24 per issue (lower pricing for subscriptions) and are published only 4 times per year.  The odds you can find these in just any store are slim to none.  Many are carried at Anthropologie and Terrain although you can go to the websites and peruse the listing of their "stockists".  These magazines are NOT intended to be mindlessly leafed through and tossed....or better yet....recycled.  No, these are more along the line of books which are kept, treasured, and pulled down from the shelf on a rainy Sunday afternoon to enjoy again and again.

 KINFOLK

For months this magazine has been popping up in my web surfing, but I never took the time to research it.  Finally, after seeing it carried by retail boutiques I thought were amazing, I went to KINFOLK's website and fell in love.  The issue that clinched the deal was Volume 2 with a cover photo of a woman sitting in a simple wooden chair holding a coffee mug.  The magazine is, quite simply, a work of art and is promoted as "a guide for small gatherings".  The first essay in Volume 2 was a lyrical musing of the transition from autumn to winter in San Francisco by Heidi Swanson.  Need I say more? 

PURE GREEN MAGAZINE

When I saw PURE GREEN's second volume was The Urban Farm Issue, there wasn't a doubt in my mind that it wouldn't be coming home with me.  The quarterly Canadian publication is printed on 100% post-comsumer recycled, cholorine-free paper using vegetable-based inks.  While KINFOLK's focus is entertaining/cooking, PURE GREEN's scope for stylish green living extends to gardening, fashion, homesteading, travel, cooking, and handmade culture.  Alison Westlake owner and creative force behind the fabulously adorable Toronto floral design shop, Coriander Girl, and blog of the same name is a contributor.

 sweet paul magazine

First established in Spring 2010, sweet paul is based on Paul Lowes' blog of the same name which was ranked 22nd in the London Times Top 50 Best Design Blogs.  Lowes, a native of Oslo who now resides in New York, showcases his background as a food and prop stylist in the publication that is all about "chasing the sweet things in life".  I especially loved "Spring" in the current issue (volume 13) which incoprorates recipes, prop styling, and watercolor sketches by Alicia Buszczak.     

 UPPERCASE MAGAZINE

Who would have thought we would be so fortunate to have such creative neighbors to the North.  UPPERCASE, another Canadian publication, tagged "a magazine for the creative and curious" has an index broken into categories such as snippets, fine print, art & design, places/spaces, craft, and style.  When I first saw the magazine at Antropologie, I assumed it was going to be heavy in branding, graphics, and typography.  Imagine my surprise when I opened it and found it far more grounded in fashion, fabric, and printmaking.  As a designer, I especially loved the overview of Hywell Davies' book Fashion Designers' Sketchbooks which highlights the creative process.... sketchbooks, mood boards, and line ups....of 50 designers.

So whatever your interest....cooking, interior design, crafting, gardening, or entertaining... one or more of the above will surely captivate and enthrall.  Check them out online or in the store.  I guarantee they won't disappoint!