Page from a 1967 Shell Fertilizer Calendar illustrated by Lowell Herrero.

Page from a 1967 Shell Fertilizer Calendar illustrated by Lowell Herrero.

pe·cu·liar ☜

Hello. I’m a graphic designer and ephemera collector in Seattle whose favorite pastime is rummaging through second-hand shops for books and other printed paper artifacts from the 1960s and 70s. I’ve decided to archive and share some of my favorite finds here. I hope they amuse and inspire you as much as they do me.

I have a particularly soft spot for the unique style of pop art-infused psychedelia created by Hallmark and American Greetings in the late 1960s and early 70s. Behind these mod pieces’ smooth edges and sugary sentiments are some expertly executed (and wonderfully weird) examples of late mid-century design and illustration.

I’ll also be posting items from my growing collections of books and magazines, typography catalogs, paper toys, album covers, gumball machine display cards, studio greeting cards, and miscellaneous ephemera. Enjoy!

Note: Vintage items in the galleries are not available to purchase. I may be listing duplicates and other pieces for sale in the future. In the meantime, I’m always interested in buying or trading unusual paper items from the 1960s and ’70s. If you have something you think I might like, you can reach me using the contact button below.

Man·i·cule ☜

NOUN. 1. A symbol in the shape of a pointing hand, used in printing and graphics to draw attention to or indicate something. Origin: from Latin manicula, diminutive of manus or ‘little hand’. Visit the Peculiar Manicule’s Museum of Mod Manicules.