7. Gather and Create my Own Found Typeface

I have many collections. That's no secret. Well, here I am trying to start another one. The goal is find or create 26 letters (A-Z) at flea markets, garage sales, other stores, etc. and then compile them all into one found typeface. The idea started when creating the "e" (seen below) for my typography class. I cut out an "e" from an entire 1500 hardcover book. Talk about tedious. I went through 5 exacto knife blades. I think this will be an interesting project that will develop over time and travels. So far I have collected the Y, O, D, E, T, F, & R. I found the T & F at a flea market in Seattle, the Y & O in an antique shop in Seattle, the R & D at Urban Outfitters and created the E myself.

Being drawn to antiques and anything old I think most of my letters will be thrifted. A 12 year old once told me, "Marisa, you like really ancient things." I had a good laugh and told her I think she meant to use the word antique. I'm not quite sure I have anything that would qualify as ancient. Not yet at least. :)

Here are a sample of a few of the found letters:

3. Make My Own Wallpaper & 3a. Make Street Art

I'm dreaming of one day filling my entire bedroom walls full of hand drawn type and collages. I can't think of anything else I'd rather be surrounded in other than all my maps and you can't forget the spoon collection. I'm extremely fascinated and inspired by the quality and care of all hand-rendered typography. Everyone has their own unique and distinct way of defining themselves or their message when they hand write.

I don't think I'll want to start this little (or-not-so-little) project for awhile, because being a renter doesn't put me in the best situation. I'll want to be in a bit more permanent space to be able to enjoy it and keep working over the years. A year or so in a house isn't enough time I believe. I love the idea of having every person that ever walks into your home or room sign one of the walls, or write a little snippet. Perhaps I'd come up with a certain theme or question and ask for their response. It would then be permanent and among all the other visitor's responses. It's like a community journal. A large and visible community journal on my walls.

And the colors? I could dream forever about the color palettes and the medium used. Would it be paint? Pens? Markers? Chalk on chalkboard paint? Oh the possibilities just keep growing.

Here's an image to get you excited about the future walls of my future home.

+ seen here

Oh and graffiti also gets me excited. And not the first image of graffiti that pops into your head.  I'm talking about the simple and complex messages and images people display. The creativity and thought that goes into these things are so great.

If I could just add a 3a I would add this: 3a. Make Street Art. 

Here are few examples I've found while I'm at it.

seen at RISD

banksy: seen here