Product Release: DIY Embroidery Kit In The Woods

I am thrilled to share my latest DIY Embroidery Kit with the world. This kit is great for beginners who have never tried embroidery or for more advanced folks who want a quick/fun project. 

The design was inspired by the wonderful feeling of being emmersed in nature. The front of the notebook features original illustrations of a geometirc bear and abstract sunset. I grew up in the piney woods of East Texas and we get some awesome sun sets there. The notebook holes are laser cut to make it easier to sew (like connect the dots). 

EACH KIT CONTAINS:

• 1 tree and sun laser cut notebook

• 1 geometric bear laser cut notebook 

• Quality red and teal thread

• 1 needle

NOTEBOOK DETIALS:

• Notebook size: 3.5" x 5"

• Cover- Kraft paper 100% recycled

• Inside- Blank white paper 100% recycled

• 32 pages

One feature I really like about this kit is that there are lines connecting the laser cut holes, so there is no confusion of where to stitch. It's so nice to stitch these up without referring to pattern.

Upcycled Chandelier Lighting Inspiration

The clever Sarah Turner created this beautiful lighting solution out of sand blasted plastic bottle bottoms. Simple shapes in repeition have a gorgeous effect that reminds me of some kind of sea creature. More on Sarah and her eco art here.



via inhabit

CuriousDoodles is on Kaboodle

My geometric card pack is featured in an artical on kaboodle right now! Click here for the article.

2011 Screen Printed Calendar "Hooray Hands"

The story of translating my sketches and ideas into a tangible product is a long journey. And I'm learning more and more every year I make a calendar. I started sketching all the way back in May. I had my first prototype made in July and now I'm in production mode trying to get them stocked into boutiques and into your hands. Check out the previous post for more on the process of getting these babies printed.
I knew I wanted to have a calendar with a more cohesive theme this year and after a lot of brainstorming and sketching I decided on "Hooray Hands", which is a celebration of using your hands creatively. Each of my hand printed illustrations show a person making/doing with their hands, something I find very rewarding. In fact, I'm usually the happiest when I'm using my hands. That's why I felt it was important to make this calendar.
Sometimes the process leads us down unexpected paths. I had really never thought too much about printing front and back on the paper, but 12 sheets of chipboard don't fit into the jewel case. So I decided to print front and back which is a wonderful way to save materials and keep the cost low.

The process of screen printing lets the ink sit above of the paper giving the finished product a much more tactile feel. Each calendar is lovingly silk screened at The Pull, an independent silk screen shop in Portland, Or operated by Diskgrunt. I reduced environmental impact by printing on both sides of the paper. The calendar measures 4.6in x 5.25 and fits perfectly into the jewel case that folds back to make a stand.
Photo by MichalGarcia.com

You can purchase calendars in my shop. They make awesome gifts that keep giving all year long.

You Fill-In Screen Printed Party Invitations

These invitations are great for a variety of parties such as bridal shower, baby shower, summer bbq, etc. You fill in the details of the occasion. Check them out in the shop.






They are printed with water based inks on 97% post consumer waste chipboard (one of my favorite materials) at The Pull, an independent screenprinting shop.

Fun packaging

I saw this fab packaging over at Kris's color stripes. I love the playfulness of the patterned paper on the kraft paper. This is one of those packages that makes a lasting impression. In fact, I think I would hang it on my wall.

During our black friday event, we had a printing tutorial and ended up making kraft paper wrapping paper. After seeing how well the prints turned out and seeing examples like Kris's, I was excited about offering custom wrapping for items in my shop. Now you can have your orders wrapped for the holidays and tagged with handmade silkscreen gift tags.

Handmade Eco Envelopes

I've been an envelope making fool lately! They are very addicting because they are quick and require very little brain power. I've been very scatter brained lately, unable to focus on anything. I guess they are a meditative craft for me. The other thing thats cool about these envelopes, is seeing how the compositions change as you fold the paper. Most of the time it ends up more interesting than it started out. Here are a few I made out of a paper sample book laying around.

Eco Laptop Sleeve

This is one of my latest custom creations for a customer in Germany. I like the way it turned out so I wanted to share.

Harvest Mary Jane

I'm uber excited about this shoe!!!

This shoe, Harvest Mary Jane , is an eco conscious shoe made out of reclaimed rice paper. I love it!

Last Minute Eco Gift Wrap Ideas

Go to Future Present to get 20 ideas for environmentally conscious gift wrapping solutions that are really fresh. I'm feeling inspired to finally get around to wrapping my gifts!