THE UPPERCASE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF INSPIRATION
Beautiful Books to Inspire, Inform and Delight
At one time, encyclopedias were venerated as ultimate sources of knowledge. People saw the value in investing in these massive multi-volume sets, ordered through the post or from a door-to-door salesman, and they enjoyed the convenience and status of having a reference section in the comfort of their living room. Acquiring an encyclopedia was a commitment to education and learning.
These days, we have an overload of information at our fingertips. Certainly, with Pinterest and Instagram and blogs, there is no shortage of visual inspiration for creatives. But as makers, we appreciate—we yearn—for the tangible. And we crave high-quality content that is lovingly curated instead of coming to us in random or algorithmic bits.
Coveting, owning and holding a beautiful and informative ink-on-paper inspiring tome… now that’s something that can’t be experienced virtually!
Since 2016, UPPERCASE has produced
12 gorgeous volumes, totalling 5,248 pages.
Save 20% when you purchase a bundle.
A growing encyclopedia
Upcoming Volumes
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Volume G: Glue is next book in the UPPERCASE Encyclopedia of Inspiration
TO BE PUBLISHED IN 2025
Volume G: Glue will feature artists, designers and craftspeople who use collage and assemblage in their work. Beyond traditional collage, we will feature an eclectic variety of interpretations, mediums and methods that artists use to hold it all together.
Let's reprint the the very first volume in the UPPERCASE Encyclopedia of Inspiration, Volume F: Feed Sacks.
Feed Sacks: The Colourful History of a Frugal Fabric
A perfect example of a utilitarian product turned into something beautiful, author Linzee Kull McCray explores the history of the humble feed sack, from a plain burlap or cotton sack to exuberantly patterned and colourful bags that were repurposed into frocks, aprons and quilts by thrifty housewives in the first half of the 20th century.
CREATIVE AND CURIOUS
The ethos of the Encyclopedia of Inspiration series is that all volumes are of interest to creative and curious people—we are multi-passionate and find inspiration in all variety of topics, artistic mediums and creative expressions. It is precisely this diversity of topics, eclectic content and interesting juxtapositions that make the series so inspiring!
Quality
Books in the Encyclopedia of Inspiration are beautifully printed in Canada on 100% post-consumer recycled paper stock (interior pages). They come with a belly band and a dust jacket that can be folded to reveal one of four different designs—a feature that has become a signature of this book series.
Independent
UPPERCASE is an independent publisher. Our books are not available in big box stores or on Amazon. We do not have a book distributor in North America and the majority of our book sales are made directly via our online shop.
Stages
When you order a book, you're supporting the many months (years, sometimes!) of work required to make these books: curating, writing, editing, designing, prepress, printing—each of these stages is a vital part of the process. Pre-ordering forthcoming books helps fund these stages along the way and ensures that the book has an appreciative audience waiting for its release. Sign up for my newsletter for information about upcoming volumes.
Proven
UPPERCASE (Janine Vangool) is known for creating quality books and magazines. The magazine has been published consistently every quarter since 2009. UPPERCASE has a proven track record of getting things done, beautifully and as promised!
perennial favourite!
Volume B: Botanica
Botanica is Volume B in the UPPERCASE Encyclopedia of Inspiration. Originally published in 2017, the first print run sold out quickly. A reprint in 2020 sold out and we're bringing back this perennial favourite for November 2024.
448 pages ✿ 1000 images
The reprint is exactly the same as the original edition and includes the removable dust jacket and belly band.
This is UPPERCASE's most beloved book!
Look inside Botanica here.
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We can ship internationally to the UK, Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand and parts of Asia. If you're in the UK, though, please consider ordering from Central Books in London.
Reprinted November 2023
Volume E: Ephemera
A beloved volume is back!
Ephemera is Volume E in the UPPERCASE Encyclopedia of Inspiration. This 448-page book features gorgeous and inspiring collections of vintage ephemera along with profiles of 30 creatives who make art and business through their collections. Collage artists, illustrators, type designers, graphic designers, creative entrepreneurs and more! It has a dust jacket that can be folded to reveal one of four designs. Or you can use the dust jacket as gift wrap, collage or for another creative project.
newest release, october 2024
Volume N: Notions
The 12th volume in the UPPERCASE Encyclopedia of Inspiration is Notions.
Notions will celebrate the remarkable, practical and nostalgic tools and accessories of sewing. With sewing stories and miscellany from textile artists, fabric designers, quilt pattern makers, quilt shop owners, haberdashers, inventors and entrepreneurs, Volume N in the UPPERCASE Encyclopedia of Inspiration will be an entertaining and illuminating A to Z of sewing miscellany.
We can ship internationally to the UK, Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand and parts of Asia. If you're in the UK, though, please consider ordering from Central Books in London.
Previous volumes in the Encyclopedia of inspiration
Feed Sacks (2016, reissued through Martingale 2019), Botanica (2017, reprinted 2020, 2024), Stitchillo (2017, reprinted 2021), Print/Maker (2018, reprinted October 2022), Ephemera (2019, reprinted 2023), Vintage Life (2019), Quilted (2019), Ceramics (2020), Yarn-Thread-String (2021), Art Supplies (June 2022), Rag & Pulp (June 2023), Notions (October 2024).