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.

Sneak Peak: Prototypes For New Embroidery Notebook Kits

I have some new ideas for pocket notebooks that I'm trying out. My process usually works out where I try out several ideas and then pick the best. For this prototype, I print out the design on paper, tape in place, and then poke holes with a needle (it's kind of hard on my fingers, but its worth it). After the holes are made, I stitch it up, which is by far my favorite part. I love the satisfaction of seeing a design come to life. 

Product Release: 2012 Screen Printed Desk Calendar

Introducing my 2012 paper cut botanical paper cut! This calendar is an homage to all the beautiful flora I saw while backpacking through Southeast Asia this past year. When I got home, I translated my best photographs into graphic paper cuts for each month. The back of each calendar is a postcard, so they each serve a dual purpose.

The chipboard packaging doubles a stand for the calendar (see below). You just have to put the tabs through the outer slits to create a shelf for the print. This feature of the calendar is very important to me because I have been using plastic cases in the past that were cheaply made. This solution is completely compostable/recyclable.



The back of each print doubles as a postcard. So once the month is over you can send a quick note to a friend.

The process of screen printing lets the ink sit above of the paper, giving the finished product a richer tactile feel.

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.

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.