One of the lines of paper products we've been carrying in the store since we opened is Little Otsu. Little Otsu started as the publishing division of the San Francisco store Otsu, founded and run by Jeremy and Yvonne since 2002. They had already been working with artists through hosting art shows, carrying their handmade goods, and making their exclusive artist t-shirt series. LO began in 2004 as an extension of that, serving as a way to collaborate with like-minded artists to make unique and useful print products using alternative materials like soy-based inks, recycled, and tree-free papers.
Both Yvonne and Jeremy made zines in their "youth" on opposite coasts and had considered making a magazine before they decided to open a store. LO was a new outlet for their dormant love of publishing and as they worked on more projects, it became obvious to them that it was the direction they needed to move in. With their new focus, they moved to a new space and re-launched their operations as Little Otsu. LO headquarters still has a retail component where they carry all their paper goods along with a selection from some of their favorite small companies.
We thought this was a perfect match for Headquarters. We're carrying quite a few products from Little Otsu, but check out the pics below for 3 of my favorites, along with descriptions by Yvonne and Jeremy to give you the low-down on each one.
Lart Cognac Berliner 3-in-1 Book
"Hot off the presses, our newest release is a multi-function work of art by our good pal Lart. Combining our collective love of lists, drawing, note-taking, and origami, we came up with this paperback book that addresses it all! We've divided the book into 3 sections: the first is two sets of mini to-do lists with original origami patterns on the back so you can cut out your lists when you're done and have folding fun; the 2nd is intricately framed sketch pages where you can note the date of your drawings or ideas; the 3rd is four different note page designs (3 lined, 1 graph) with Lart's spin of course.
This perfect-bound book was printed with vegetable-based inks on 100% post-consumer recycled paper across the Bay in Oakland and has a total of 96 pages of 70# text. The cover is full-color and the interior is an alternating brown and aqua. Measures approximately 6" wide x 5.75" tall."
Lart Cognac Berliner Directory
"Look out world! It's the wildest address book you've seen, brought to you by Little Otsu, and drawn by our friend Lart Cognac Berliner. Our pal and t-shirt artist Lart put her imagination on paper and it was made into a repository for all your most favored contacts. It was printed with soy-based ink on tree-free kenaf and recycled papers at an environmentally-friendly printshop in Portland, OR. The convenient size fits in a pocket or bag and 5 color-coded lettered sections (A-E, F-J, K-O, P-T, and U-Z) allow you flexibility of entry and ease of use. Each entry has lines for Name, Address, Phone, Mobile, E-mail, and Birthday. There are even 3 notes pages for any extra info. Measures 4" x 5", 36 pages. Limited edition of 2000."
Little Otsu Annual Vol. 1 Weekly Planner
"With almost a year in the making and a resultant 128 pages, the Little Otsu Annual Vol. 1 weekly planner is the most elaborate project we’ve ever worked on! Collaborating with our good friend, the amazing artist and graphic designer Martine Workman, we set a goal of making a dream planner that could provide plenty of space and function while showcasing different art on every page.
Incorporating a series of pattern drawings—among them abstract flowers, clouds, and many different shaped knots—we give each week, 54 in all, a two-page spread with lots of features and a unique look. Starting with our dateless format, which allows you to begin your planner whenever you want, we give you a shortcut by allowing you to check off the month you’re in. Then each day is given plenty of alternating lines which make for easy list-making. We’ve also added structured room below the days to write lists, notes, and to-dos for the week. To top it off, each week has a different non sequitur question at the bottom for a laugh or just a break from organizing. Who said planning had to be so serious?
Besides our great weekly pages, we built in other sections to organize aspects of your life that don’t happen on a daily basis. There are easy reference pages for personal information, your important dates (like appointments, events, travel), special occasions, gifts, and entertainment interests (books, movies, music). We’ve also included mini reference calendars for 2007-2009, address book entries, and notes pages. We’ve even made a bookmark that doubles as a list of dates to remember so that your important days are always at hand. The 8” x 5.5” book is perfect-bound and printed locally by a family-owned press with vegetable-based inks on 100% post-consumer recycled paper."
www.littleotsu.com
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