May Madness

There's something about Spring that gets people moving. I guess that's why this month is our busiest yet. Helena just won the poster contest for the Sawtooth Music Festival--check it out--->
Ain't she a beauty? But that's not all. We also went and got ourselves a shiny new press. We still have our old press, but the new one is portable. What does that mean for you, you might ask? I'm about to tell you.

It means you'll find us printing up our tasty designs live and in person at local events. That's right--now you can see the magic happen right before your eyes. When can I get a glimpse of this awe-inspiring spectacle, you're probably wondering? Patience, grasshopper...I'm getting there.

Our first live event will be Boise's Community Progressive on May 21st outside the Linen Building. The event is being organized by United Vision for Idaho and we'll have several designs for you to choose from. I'll even let you have a go at printing your own shirt (if you can handle the pressure). We'll be there from noon till four, but other events throughout town will be going on all day, including live music and more. 

As if that wasn't enough, our shirt for the Afghan Womens Justice Project will be back in Marie Claire on May 15th. This time it will be worn be the lovely Sophia Bush. Now I've got to stop writing and get back to work!

Style is Everywhere

I find myself being inspired by all sorts of objects, from natural forms to product design. In this case I came across some examples of lamp designs that are bursting with originality. With all these superb designs out there it makes me wonder why we see so few variations on the "standard" lamp design in most homes and other buildings. Some of these are definitely over my decorating budget, but surely an object that provides such a crucial element as light deserves more consideration. Here they are as posted on indeziner. And just a couple of my favorites:

I love the play on scale in this one from Anglepoise

A very clever take on a hanging lamp from das-rote-paket

What I'm Reading: Chew

I don't get to buy many comics these days. Diapers and printing ink take priority. But, thanks to one of the best Christmas gifts I received, I have a new obsession: Chew. It's been praised high and low, and it's already won an Eisner award, but I thought I'd add my voice to the chorus. Chew, written by John Layman and drawn by Rob Guillory, is quite simply one of the most original, best drawn comics I've EVER come across. I won't even attempt to describe the storyline, as it would ruin the fun. If you really want to know more before reading, go to the website here. Or just go out and buy the book! Even if you don't normally read comics, you will love this. 

Not Guilty

Just before Christmas we received an email from journalist Karen Day about designing something for her charity, the Afghan Womens Justice Project. After reading her article, now out in February's Marie Claire, there was no question that we wanted to be a part of this very deserving cause. The biggest challenge was getting a design finished in one day before the magazine went to print! We knew the design would feature the text "Not Guilty", but beyond that we had free reign. Using a font straight out of the box was out of the question. So, using some ink brushstrokes, we tried to evoke the feelings of desperation, violence, and emotional distress with the situation described in Karen's article. We printed up the design on a t-shirt, sent a photo to Karen, and before we knew it, there it was in the pages of Marie Claire! Sometimes ones best work is created under tight deadlines, and while there is certainly room for improvement, we are pleased with the results. We hope everyone will consider buying one of the shirts. Your donations go directly to literacy training teachers and defense attorneys.

Window Designs

We've recently finished screen printing some custom Christmas designs on the windows at Le Cafe de Paris in downtown Boise, on Capitol Blvd. It was great fun, albeit very cold at times! The windows are part of the Winter Window Gallery Stroll which kicks off on First Thursday, Dec. 2. They will be on display all month so make sure to check them out. Here are some pictures and a bit more official info from the Downtown Boise Association website.

"Local artists and businesses have teamed up to create fantastic holiday window art for the 5th Annual Winter Window Gallery Stroll, beginning on First Thursday, December 2nd. The Winter Window Gallery Stroll features the work of many local artists who have loaned their creative talent to dress downtown Boise in holiday style. Visit www.downtownboise.org for more information."

 Getting Crafty

It's that time of year when I like to get a bit crafty. One of my fondest Christmas memories is making paper Christmas Tree ornaments with my Polish Grandmother. Last year I decided to share my tradition and would love to again. Although now I like to hunt for gorgeous fabrics to use. You can find my 'Feliksa Stars' at Twigs and Twist, North End Organic Nursery and BAM Store.  Helena Kruczynska

Wesołych Świąt!

Christmas Patterns

With Halloween over there's no time to waste preparing for the holidays. We started off by designing some snowflake patterns for a Marks & Spencer competition. Who knows, maybe someone will be wrapping or opening a present with our wrapping paper!