Babies of Knowledge

Pictures

2011-10-24T15:38:00.001-07:00

I think Instagram might end my blog eventually...

The Curative

2011-10-24T12:53:00.000-07:00

Hey I have piece in this show. See it live. On view until Nov 2.

There is a blog

2011-09-05T14:05:00.000-07:00

That is driving me crazy. I'm not going to say which one. I'm sure they get their imagery from lots of different sources and I can image it must be difficult to make some kind of cohesive style. But come on now!

United Kingdom

2011-07-29T11:08:00.000-07:00

I trip over the sea to visit dearest Ally Haigh.

I could say the picture on the left was her front door, but I would be lying. The one on the right is... Classic.

Gradient blue skies. Brighton was gorgeous. Floating seagulls. Hold on to your babies or they might drift away.

A minnesotan in the UK

When people asked me where I was from, almost everyone had no clue where Minnesota was in the US. Which didn't bother me much. Once in San Fran a waiter thought MN was a city in Wisconsin (close, I guess). However, in London 3 very distinct people did.

Response number one was from an intoxicated guy in Shorditch, who after hearing my accent grabbed my arm and escorted me down the street. "Kevin Garnett!" was his very enthusiastic response.. obviously our conversation didn't last long after that.
Response number two was from a very bubbly waiter at E.Pellici. He was really into the vikings, for reasons I definitely don't understand.
The last person was a guy on the tube who reeked of Jägermeister. He heard my accent while trying to shove Jelley Bellies down my throat. Twins...Baseball....Monroe... unfortunately he had to get off at the next shop.

Thanks for the convo guys. I'm so glad that your connection with my home state is something I really know nothing about.

A fellow Minnesotan in the UK

While on the train to Windsor--doing the touristy thing (hanging my head in shame, I admit that I was a major tourist--with a headset-walking-tour and everything). We were seated behind two girls from MN. Eavesdropping is a fabulous thing. The English boy they were traveling with asked how different MN is from England. The talkative one very loudly explained that "MN is much more laid back then England. You don't have to dress-up. I mean, it's ok to wear sweatpants everyday." I sank a little lower in my seat. I'm sorry, but who told you it was ever acceptable to swear sweatpants everyday, or in public at all. I guess I did the pj's in high school thing and some ridiculous outfits even after, but definitely didn't wear sweatpants everyday. I'm assuming she was a freshman/sophmore, so I shouldn't be too harsh. But, Hunny wherever you are in the world, I hope you grow out of it. I cringed as she declared this as an MN norm to the British. Does this make us relaxed or just lazy? I'm thinking lazy.

Overall, great time. Do it again? In a heartbeat.

Home

2011-06-08T15:15:00.000-07:00

I have a kitchen table--It's a sweet little thing. It has very good internet reception. I finally feel like I'm completely moved in and at home. It only takes a year.

I've also turned into a catsitter. for anyone who's interested.

Birthday Gift

2011-06-04T11:17:00.000-07:00

The most bazaar gift this year. All the way from Amsterdam. Thanks Dad.

A birthday conversation

2011-06-01T08:10:00.000-07:00

R: Sami … anyone else you want me to invite?
S: Jesus Christ, Madonna, and Suzanne Summers.
A: I invited chad. He asked what we were doing for lunch.
R: Is he okay sitting between Jesus and Madonna?
A: I told him he would be sitting on Susanne Summer’s lap.
S: This is going to be the best birthday ever!

insight.

2011-05-26T13:02:00.000-07:00

Now that I'm a bigshot business woman, I'll shine a little light on work.

Most of my lunch hour is spend playing Uno with some coworkers. It's quite entertaining screaming Uno in a crowded cafeteria/restaurant surrounded by people trying to have a business conversation... Just keeping myself young.

Unfortunately this week was a little crazy, no Uno.

Coworker quote of the day:
"Fact: I had 1 1/2 leftover donuts for lunch, when sitting at my desk today. I eat 80% less healthy without UNO lunches."

Today

2011-03-25T09:09:00.000-07:00

My current obsession with BBB/Masterpiece theater has now been defeated.

Lost

2011-03-25T07:53:00.000-07:00

Hello.

These past several months seem some what empty. But c'est la vie. Some years are filled with more red letter days then others. Here are some recent screen grabs to keep everyone entertained.

Rogue

2010-09-17T13:22:00.000-07:00

Wow it's been awhile. Let's just talk about red glitter and bullseyes
Here is a poster I made at work.A blog of sorts

Art For Sale.

2010-05-31T13:02:00.000-07:00

The first ever Sucka Free Art Sale featuring work from over 15 local artists. Come mingle, buy, and look at some fantastic art.

Artists Include:
Dirty Inks, Pixie Girl Studios, Karen O, RM Hanson, Todd Townley, Jared Chubbybones Martin, AJ Ragland, Hannah Kleese, Raychel Steinbach, Buttermilk, Tim Monsters, Kelly Brown, Eric Schuster, Aaron Poliwoda, Josh Murray Photography, Allison Vallant, Emma Brown Trithart, Hello Ladies Vintage, and myself.

Carleton Artist Lofts
2285 University Ave
Friday, June 11th: 5pm - 11pm
Saturday, June 12th: 10am - 8pm

Park on the street yo.

Paper & String

2010-04-23T10:48:00.000-07:00

Last day of freedom before I start working like a normal person. Loving the colorful books that I picked up at Savers. Sketchbook time.

Barf.

2010-04-06T18:21:00.000-07:00

I'm from a small town, meaning there is a lot of 'sale parties.' It's as if they need a reason to get together by buying shitty things at very high prices. Yes, I've been invited to them all, and have refused to RSVP. Everything from candle, tupperware, jewelry, knickknack, pure-romance, and the newest one is called Uppercase Living, they sell decorative "expressions." But when I saw this invitation I died a little inside. WHY, oh why do suburban mom's think it's so stylish to have their living room say "live, laugh, love"? gross. gross.

This bush one is probably my favorite. WTF. HAHA. Oh get a real plant.
Sorry Cousin but there is absolutely no way I would go to this.

New Craft

2010-03-24T21:31:00.000-07:00

Helped my friend Chris make some sweet skinny ties. Fun little project. Would love to make more...perhaps with some illustrations? New project?-hmmm.

The Curious Garden

2010-03-21T14:05:00.000-07:00

I'm in love with this book by Peter Brown. He has some other amazing work, but this makes me melt.

Spotted

2010-03-02T19:31:00.000-08:00

My website has been posted on MNIMAL. Interesting. Wondering by who?

Could be grapes

2010-02-28T16:48:00.000-08:00

Craft Day

2010-02-28T13:35:00.000-08:00

Today is a lovely day for sewing, folding, and documenting. Watching Coco avant Chanel. Making some skirts. Playing with black paper and shadows. Undecided what these little folded bits will be yet. But something. Yeay.

Mitten Lost & Found

2010-02-28T13:08:00.000-08:00

My roommate lost her mitten. It was found on the street. Flat and frozen. I have never laughed so hard.

Justin Gabbard

2010-02-21T21:43:00.000-08:00

Great stuff justingabbard.com, saw it on the the New York Times site.

Foot in the Door 4

2010-02-21T09:25:00.000-08:00

Here's the piece that I submitted to the Foot in the Door 4 at the MIA. Viewed the show today, it's insane. I missed the opening reception, but I've heard that maybe that's a good thing because the line to see the art was longer then the line to submit work, which is scary because I waited in line for two hours.

I think their shoes in the door was kind of clever. Makes me want to go shopping, a very rare occasion.

Love Hurts

2010-02-15T09:44:00.000-08:00

Dear my sweet car,

Thank you so much for saving my life, and being the strong little bugger that I knew you were. I'm sorry you had to go like this. You held up your side of our bargain. No car will ever live up to your standards in personality and charm. I will always remember how you loved weather so much and refused me heat and air conditioning. It's fitting that you should end in the snow upside-down, rolling over like a little puppy. And who will ever forget your one red mirror that I always felt was winking at me, that's now missing in the great pile of snow. I know your still alive in there somewhere. Maybe if you're fixed you will become just a summer car.

Love You.

It's ironic that the first song I hear when I get in the new car is obviously Stayin' Alive. I dedicate it now to you old buddy.

About Time

2010-02-01T16:36:00.000-08:00

samifoust.com has been updated. It has been tweaked and loved a little more then before. I am very content. Hello job searching.

Perspective

2010-02-01T12:25:00.000-08:00

My Uncle is currently in Haiti, contributing as a anesthesiologist. He has been emailing us (other doctors') blog excerpts to show a little perspective of what he and many others have been experiencing. It's very painful to read some of them, I can't even imagine what it would be like to be there witnessing some of these stories.

One group, including my uncle, before heading to Haiti.

Date: 01.30.2010 09.13 PM

At the General Hospital our cardiology and medicine residents went and worked in the ICU treating patients with wounds, heart failure and kidney failure. One was a 15 year old boy in heart failure who in the end was flown to the USS Comfort medical ship. Our vascular surgeons, Drs McCarthy and Lind performed surgery all day, mainly debridement of infected wounds.

Our anesthesia and ortho teams went to a former private hospital now treating earthquake victims. Drs Fernandez and Van Thiel rounded on wounded patients and performed 7 surgeries, including debridement of the leg wound of the 4 year old we saw yesterday. The boy did well and was discharged.

Our team went to a makeshift urgent care center and worked alongside physicians and nurses from around the world. A group from the Dominican Republic set up at the Main Police Station directly in front of the destroyed National Palace. Our group alone saw over 400 children today. We had some very sick children with respiratory infections, dehydration and malnutrition. We had to stabilize a basically unresponsive little 11 month old whose mother and 2 of 3 siblings died and who has likely developed sepsis (blood poisoning) from infected wounds. Luckily Dr Ansell was at the General Hospital - we transported the girl, he received her and took her to the pediatric tent.

Many sad stories today. A pregnant mother who lost her husband and two of her children in the quake. Her 2 year old was stuck under the rubble for 4 days - she ended up having to pay someone 1000 Haitian dollars to dig him out. She has nothing - not even a sheet to sleep on in the tent city. A 10 year old boy who lost both parents and his siblings when their house collapsed. Only he and his 8 year old brother survived, now living on the street. To add misery to the situation, he got separated from his brother yesterday. Now both are completely alone. It is so heartwrenching to see this and be able to do so little. Although I hope I am making at least a small contribution, the scope of all this is so immense it is overwhelming.

That is all for now - we are all exhausted and need to try and get some rest.

Jeff

Bits & Things

2010-01-28T11:58:00.000-08:00

Little tidbits from my internships... I am indeed working.

So Sad

2010-01-25T12:38:00.000-08:00

Sorry Guys. You tried. And then I hear a glimmer of Queen "But life still goes on..." instead of "we are the champions."

Mouse

2010-01-14T23:51:00.000-08:00

Dear Mouse,

You are super cute and chubby. But the way that you jump out at me all the time does not make me like you so much. Let us talk about today, and how I opened the pantry and you freakishly leaped at my pants in search of a hiding place. The bouncing towards me thing is just not right. You've got to go. I'm sorry.

PS thanks google image search for making me feel horrid.

Interiors

2010-01-06T00:53:00.000-08:00

I wanted to be an interior designer for about a year of my life. I'm glad that I didn't for many reasons. However, I will always miss amazing wallpaper. List: a John Bessler Photograph, Ribbon as wallpaper by Studio Ditte, and the amazing patterns from Designers Guild

A Single Man

2010-01-03T11:35:00.000-08:00

I saw A Single Man last night. It will probably be one of the best movies I'll see all year. All I can say is "oh my god it's gorgeous," which is lame but there is no way to describe it. Oh Tom Ford. Oh the 60's. I want orange trees in my house.

snowflakes

2009-12-30T15:30:00.000-08:00

This season's cards. First designed by the lovely Ally Haigh. Second from my aunt who's hair stylist has some pretty neat illustrations: Simply Simkin. I hope everyone's holidays were fantastic. Thanks for the awesome gifts. Top of this year is the long awaited light box I've been in great need of.

Patterns

2009-12-30T14:50:00.000-08:00

From my grandparents farm. New patterns come and go, but these will always be classic Foust.

Primary Needs

2009-12-18T12:35:00.000-08:00

New Christmas List. Maybe too Late. Matt & Nat Bags, Ige Mobil Owl, Miller Goodman

Toys and Things

2009-12-18T12:03:00.001-08:00

The family that I nanny for has some pretty sweet toys. The girls play-kitchen is stocked with many wooden pieces of food that velcro together so you can "cut" it (top image). They are from Nest Organics. It's all so delicious.
Another favorite, Ink and Wit Everything Counts Poster. I've seen her stuff around before, never gets old.

Some More

2009-12-10T19:10:00.000-08:00

The rest of my Hamilton photo's from the Wayzgoose Event. Bottom Typeface by Mathew Carter.

Post

2009-12-01T18:17:00.001-08:00

Sassy Letters

2009-11-29T09:23:00.000-08:00

If you love typography or design or printing or anything good and wonderful you need to go to Hamilton Wood Type Museum. This was my second trip and there is so many little treasures that no matter how long you spend there you will always find something you didn't see the first time.

A little sea air

2009-11-28T09:04:00.000-08:00

A refreshing vacation. Ray and I spent last weekend at Hamilton Wood Type Museum. We took a break by Lake Michigan to grab some shells and bones. The Hamilton pictures will come soon.

Working

2009-11-17T13:04:00.000-08:00

What am I doing. I don't know. Here's some stuff. I don't know. Am I even designing anymore.. If that means anything. hmph.

Nanny

2009-11-09T18:31:00.000-08:00

One of my many new jobs. I introduced them to photobooth. They didn't quite understand at first. Now I can't get them away. Plus some awesome drawings from Jesus, my student that I mentor on Thursdays.

Turtles & Ghosts

2009-10-31T09:52:00.000-07:00

The princess among all the boys.

Student Ad Summit

2009-10-27T12:02:00.000-07:00

Sunny Day

2009-10-18T16:20:00.000-07:00

My new desk situation. My small collection of blocks. The new additions to my library.

Who?

2009-10-17T10:28:00.000-07:00

Wow maybe I'm late in seeing this but it's real neat.

Something

2009-10-14T16:04:00.000-07:00

Conjunction

2009-10-12T15:36:00.000-07:00

My blog as been slowly dwindling into nothingness. This will have to change starting now. See you later.

Getting back to buisness

2009-10-07T18:33:00.000-07:00

A first sketch for the Student Advertising Summit poster. We'll see.

Apple Cider

2009-09-28T11:24:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Foust Family Apple Time. This year we made about 17 gallons of cider--that's 34 of those bottles. All the leftover bits go to the pigs and cows.

And the Kittens are taking over the world. Here's five of the millions that run around. Any one want some kittens?

Son of Bitch

2009-09-23T11:34:00.000-07:00

Found at the MCAD Library.

This came from a dinosaur

2009-08-23T21:05:00.000-07:00

August is the end of summer. Our house has dogsit five puppers this month. I've been taking portraits of them. My mom wants me to design her identity for this dogsitting craziness that she does just for fun. I also have some sketches for a story that I could possibly be doing some serious illustrations. We'll see soon.

The neighbors kids have kept me pretty entertained this summer. The youngest, Caleb 5, is convinced everything was once a part of a dinosaur. Everything from a rock to a lawnmower. So, Yes your computer was once a Longneck...I believe.

Psst...

2009-08-13T09:54:00.000-07:00

hello darling,
would you like to go out. circle yes or no. xx

circa 1976

St. Bonifacius

2009-08-04T09:57:00.000-07:00

I moved back home for a month awaiting my new roommates. Long days of biking, picking raspberries and chasing snakes. This is St. Boni back when it was lovelier. Click here to see the current sign.

I wish my parents quality PC/scanner didn't make pictures look horrid. I apologize, but my post for this month might look like crap.

Over & Out

2009-07-29T13:06:00.000-07:00

Packing and moving. Found some polaroid film. Super old, thought it wouldn't work. Used it up on kitten... I'll miss her. She is dear.

They've Been Sent

2009-07-29T12:44:00.000-07:00

Letterpress (ish) on found material. thanks freeshelf. samifoust.com promotional material 2009. help me find a job please, thank you.

DTV romancin'

2009-07-26T19:12:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I found this. It's Disney's 1986 TV Special DTV Romancin' Featuring some absolute classics. My parent's taped it on our beta machine when I was very little. I use to watch it all the time. Especially when I was sick. It probably messed up any vision I have on love and romance. Ha. It's been so long since i've seen it..oh the memories.

Meat & Potatoes

2009-07-13T17:01:00.000-07:00

Foust cabin 2009

hummingbirds

2009-07-10T08:45:00.000-07:00

I have always loved my aunt Marcia's handwriting. This is a note she gave me for my birthday. Talk about growing up in the 70's. Look at the g.

This Summer

2009-06-24T17:46:00.000-07:00

So far this summer has been filled with a lot of reading, sun and watching things grow. I started an internship at an environmental signage company. It's neat. I am now the owner of this gorgeous sign textbook from 1906.

American Graphite

2009-06-24T17:24:00.000-07:00

I spent all day making an extensive list of contacts. I also stared at this lovely box of pencils. I am afraid to use them..they are just too precious.

Tea :: Party

2009-06-14T08:33:00.001-07:00

A::Maze

2009-06-04T16:17:00.000-07:00

Found in a play area. delish.

Chicago

2009-06-04T15:59:00.001-07:00

some pictures from my trip to chicago during spring break for my mom's 50th

Dude :: Day

2009-05-26T09:48:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday Dadio!

Bath::Suit

2009-05-20T08:43:00.001-07:00

Waiting on jobs. It's nice out, time to have a little fun.
Hello beach. Hello summer.

I think one of the boys is my grandpa.

Type::Final

2009-05-07T12:05:00.000-07:00

Done::Done::Check::Check

2009-05-06T17:12:00.001-07:00

Come see my senior show. Now on view in the mcad concourse gallery. For more info Click Here!

Type::Food

2009-05-03T18:39:00.001-07:00

A sketch for a book i'm making for a class on food at family gatherings. Includes initial letter sketches as well as a family tree of the people that usually go.

Dum.Dum.De.Dum

2009-04-24T09:41:00.000-07:00

The back of the photo reads: "Dennis and Julie getting in the firebird for the big drive, just married. April 24th 1982." Happy anniversary parents!

Sun::Love

2009-04-21T16:39:00.000-07:00

The story of a very odd kitten.

Hello::Form

2009-04-18T18:39:00.000-07:00

I'll be graduating soon. What a big event. I don't even know what to think of it yet. I did realize one thing. I will cry. No more access to the beautiful printshop. I just learned how to letterpress and now I have to leave it. Hopefully to work with in the future but that won't be for many many years i'm afraid. I made these promotional dealies for fun. Thanks Erik for highlighting it on GEOTYPOGRAFIKA << Visit the link to see more fun Hello Form greatness.

Elementary::Pillows

2009-04-16T18:41:00.000-07:00

I want this from Deseta

Know::Series

2009-04-09T11:35:00.000-07:00

Finally got around to documenting more of my work.

new::website

2009-04-04T16:58:00.001-07:00

Check it! SAMIFOUST.COM & let me know what you think. I don't know about the typeface, but i love the f. Crit appreciated! xx

Eglė Vertelkaitė

2009-04-04T07:48:00.000-07:00

Eglė Vertelkaitė is a Lithuanian Printmaker. I saw her work when I was in Chicago and fell in love. I wish she had a website, but you can find images of her work scattered around the internet.

1 . 2 . 3 . 4

2009-04-01T20:37:00.000-07:00

Yousuf Karsh

2009-03-30T14:50:00.000-07:00

I went to the Art Institute of Chicago today saw a gorgeous collection of portraits by Yousuf Karsh. Defiantly want the Catalogue. During his career he held 15,312 sittings, produced over 150,000 negatives, and left an indelible artistic and historic record of the men and women who shaped the twentieth century. He was lucky to photograph so many amazing people. Some of my favorites were: Frank Lloyd Wright, Audrey Hepburn (both above), Helen Keller, Andy Warhol, Picasso, Albert Einstein.... so good. see more of them here.

SPRING BREAK

2009-03-25T20:32:00.000-07:00

My friend Chris sent me a link to these awesome old beer cans that were posted on Kempt. Look at the entire set HERE! This post is for all you losers going to cancun for spring break.

Graphics::Merit

2009-03-19T14:20:00.000-07:00

Looking at merit badges for senior project, I ran into the GRAPHIC ARTS BADGE for Boy Scouts. Pretty Sweet! See the requirements to earn this badge HERE

Naps & Tiny Whiskers

2009-03-16T18:51:00.000-07:00

I puppysat a cutie today. we cuddled.

Visual::Geometry

2009-03-15T22:53:00.000-07:00

A small folded book I created for class. Reverse side folds out into a small poster. Text inspired by Tlön, Uqbar, Orbis Tertius by Jorge Luis Borges.

Info Graphics

2009-03-11T13:16:00.000-07:00

I was doing a little research for senior project on info graphics and came across the lovely world of motion graphics. Here's some that I liked... They have been posted around a million places but they were new to me. If you've seen them before sorry.

50 & Fabulous

2009-03-08T23:08:00.000-07:00

Forms and Fiction

2009-03-05T16:35:00.000-08:00

Some sketches for my typographic fiction.

See them all (well most) on My New Flickr

Bitter::Tastebuds

2009-03-04T16:54:00.000-08:00

I went to have lunch today and the bread of my sandwich had fennel seeds in it. Ugh... shiver. Whoever thought to add fennel seeds into a perfectly good sandwich has forgotten how to use their tastebuds. Yuck!

one :: down

2009-03-01T15:12:00.000-08:00

Goodness from the design presentations number one. I thought I might die, but I gave my presentation and it was good. I did ok, got a direction. It was good. Good stuff. Time to work. Working hard.

MCBA

2009-02-26T19:04:00.001-08:00

For class today we went to MCBA to experiment with type. This is the layer I put together in its unfinished stage. I was going for labyrinthish...(yea if that's a word!)

This is the final collaboration with Ben Wood and myself. Turned out pretty neat I must say. See the entire adventure at Erik Brandt's Flickr Sight

and so on....

2009-02-24T18:53:00.000-08:00

All the talk of ampersands today urged me to draw some

pizza::pizza

2009-02-24T13:28:00.000-08:00

- olives- mushrooms - red onion - pinneapple - artichoke -

mmmmm homemade pizza

One of the first memories I have is making felt pizza in preschool

Look at these super cute pizzas for sale on etsey......

sun::light

2009-02-19T16:26:00.000-08:00

The cold has chased us all inside once more. When I got home today the sun was hitting my windows and I saw hope for spring. With a room full of windows I found the perfect spot for the new Insights poster. Kitten enjoyed the sun too.

Mono::Traced

2009-02-15T12:51:00.001-08:00

Little playful tests for my books and broadsides class. A small collaboration with Jody Williams in the center

A dozen

2009-02-09T19:06:00.000-08:00

Symmetry

2009-02-09T09:47:00.000-08:00

Fun with type! Here's a look at some of my work from adv. type class.
Thanks Erik for making the class o so interesting!

found::photo

2009-02-05T21:37:00.000-08:00

Hannah and I spent much of the day at Magers & Quinn book store researching for our senior projects. Hannah pulled out this awesome find! It was slipped into the pages of a book, perhaps the previous owner? This picture is the only thing settling my stomach from the large amount of acid that has been churning from the stress that is The Senior Project.

Desk::Desk

2009-02-04T10:59:00.000-08:00

So this is the little game we play. Thanks for the tag Aimee. I now tag Emma. Welcome to the world of where I work. At school: it won't stay clean for much longer. At home: I don't have a desk being I only just got my computer and never really worked at home. He just hangs out in this little corner.

Peepshow

2009-02-01T15:34:00.000-08:00

Fun stuff, I got this drawing out of the glory hole yesterday. Wish I could find the photo booth pictures on flickr... J/K found them!!

Amazing Folded Book

2009-01-31T11:47:00.000-08:00

HA..Get directions Here

water::warmth

2009-01-25T21:12:00.000-08:00

onto the ice

2009-01-24T20:14:00.000-08:00

The girls and I ventured out in the cold today to the art shanties. Aimee's dog found a little friend. xx

beginning and the end

2009-01-19T16:51:00.000-08:00

Today marks the end of winter break and the beginning of my last semester at MCAD. I went through old photographs of previous winter holidays and I noticed a pattern in gifts I've received: stickers, decorating kits, marker sets, cameras..... it seems as if my family knew where I would end up. Only I've grown out of Lisa Frank, Crayola, and Barbie.

ps. Tomorrow marks the beginning of Pres. Obama
oh and the sixth puzzle (underwater themed...thanks hannah)
oooo and lost (wed)
so many beginnings...

Layers of Grime

2009-01-09T16:57:00.001-08:00

Welcome to my grandparents farm, where they tend to use things way past sanitary. The layers on this deck of cards feel like wax. You can pretty much scrape it off with your fingernail. The pot has sat on their wood burning stove for god knows how long, they use it as a humidifier. Gorgeous.