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 11 gorgeous volumes, totalling 4,800 pages.
Reprinting due to popular request! November 2024
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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Reprinted: November 2023
Volume E: Ephemera
A beloved volume is back!
Another volume is in progress!
Volume N: Notions
Notions will be shipping in late October/early November 2024.
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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.
By pre-ordering Notions, you are supporting the production of the book: editorial costs, paper stock and print production. The pre-order price also includes free shipping in North America and to destinations around the world. We can ship internationally to the UK, Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand and parts of Asia.
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! You'll definitely want them all in your creative library!
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 bellyband 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!
Previous volumes in the Encyclopedia:
Feed Sacks (2016, reissued through Martingale 2019), Botanica (2017, reprinted 2020), 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).