Ode to a typewriter

This one is dear to my heart. My mom has a clunky, old Underwood that is gorgeous and taught me that writing words had weight, literally. That’s not to be cheesy, but instead that writing was less banging out letters into words into sentences, but something to be crafted, created, and molded into a story. The fact that typewriter-ing takes so long and requires a lot of finger strength makes you consider every word more carefully, and pick each letter with precision, less you jam up the keys and spill the ribbon off the spool.


My devotion, brought to you by tattoo maven, Su Houston

I have one tattooed on my forearm, one pewter toy made into a necklace, and one at my apartment right now, and in the fight against clutter I can’t really keep any more than that with me at the moment, but someday I plan on having a library complete with one typewriter per shelf, color-coded of course for aesthetics.

A note: I have avoided listing a number of typewriter keys jewelry and items because, for one, it’s easy and expected, and for two, the thought of a naked typewriter bereft of its keys makes me horribly sad.


    I need this pillow by Track and Field Designs. It looks so soft and squishy and it’s bright pink. They also carry one in brown if you prefer.


    Although I generally dislike book tags because of their weight, this one by Ala Mode Stuff warrants an exception. It could also easily translate to a necklace or bracelet charm, which might be even cuter. [edit: Linda from Ala Mode Stuff informed me that the bookmarks are made from super lightweight wood, so it looks like they won't make your books heavy!]


    I like how abstract this typewriter cuff from Project Transaction is. The red makes it stand out and the muted stencil is typewriter-ly without taking over the cuff.


    I never played with dolls much as a child, but I love miniatures. There’s something about how teensy and delicate they are that makes me want to squeal like a little girl. Crumpet Cake re-purposes the genre well, and this necklace is on sale too!


    Tilly Bloom’s pins might be a tad bold for everyday use, but when you want to ace that secretary look, these are a perfect touch.


    For something a little more permanent (but not as extreme as my arm), try these sew on buttons made by The Ephemeral Mailbox Museum. I don’t think the paper in them is big enough to write on, but if it is, they would make wonderful additions to cardigans reading “blue” or “yes” or however you felt for the day.


    Just a hint of typewriter, but a sexy secretary makes up for it. The brown against blue is great, and it’s also on sale! By Three Dog Party who incidentally have an awesome logo with a dog on a typewriter.


    Chicago locals, Circa Ceramics make beautifully crafted and highly use-able ceramic plates, mugs and buttons with awesome themes. See my Chicagoist interview with them here. Their typewriter series includes this mug in blue plus multiple colors in tab and magnet form.


    He’s just so cute. A great little magnet by Vozamer, who purveys several monster-themed goods.


    I know I said I wasn’t going to post typewriter key jewelry, but this one from Vintage Inspiration is an exception. I love the circus-y font and the decor around the letter.


    I am enamored with every piece Paraphernalia comes out with, and of course, this giant Remington is no different.


    I don’t write a lot of correspondence by hand, but these note cards from Treatzone were too cute to leave out. The stamp on the card reads “From the desk of” and the envelope says “Please send to.”


    I love the stylistic line drawing, the phrase, and the simple black on white. In short, this t-shirt by Branded is perfection.


    The Rabbit Hole’s necklaces are tiny pieces of art, reflecting fairy tales and myths in their carnival bottles. The fabric roses with the hammers make this wonderfully romantic and eccentric.


    Thank you cards are an elegant and classy way to remind yourself to be thankful for everyday kindnesses and the generosity of friends and family. And writing them in an interesting card, care of Cracked Designs, makes it all the more worth it.


    I’m not really sure if you can open Fearless Freak’s pendant or if it’s just for show, but either way it’s definitely unique. I could spend a lot of time rolling it over and reading it while riding the train or bored at work.


    Mrowr rowr. Look at those legs and that body. Hehe, okay, sorry. Made by Glowing Doll, they also carry a typewriter tote with wings.

All good for getting your creativity bounding. What are you writing in your novel today?

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