ALL WRAPPED UP

I have a brand new obsession.  It all started a couple of weeks ago when I (finally) gave in to my desire to tempt to figure out repeat printing once and for all.  Repeat printing allows for one continuous pattern, with no visible beginning or end.  I had played around with it some, but only on a very small scale.  I won't bore you with the details, but it required a lot of head scratching, calculations, and trail and error.  In the end, it wasn't as hard as I had made it out to be - isn't that always the case with items of procrastination?  And the result is that I am now obsessed with screenprinting wrapping paper.

All wrapping papers are now available for purchase in my shop.  And if you need me, I'll be hiding behind yards and yards of kraft paper, in my studio printing more.

THE BEST BRAINSTORMERS I KNOW

The New Hampshire duo behind the print studio Brainstorm must seriously be some of the best brainstormers I know.  They design and screen-print highly creative AND informational prints, and if anyone is looking for a gift for me, I'll take any of them.  As an avid traveler, I can't help but love their American Atlas Collection, and their new Garden Bed print has me scampering off to get my hands dirty.  I mean, they even have a print for improving your Knife Skills in the kitchen.  Most prints come in a larger screen-print version and a smaller digital version - both as standard sizes for easy framing.

Briana and Jason, your work is truly delightful.  I can't wait to see what you brainstorm next.

Images via the Brainstorm website

FRAME-WORTHY CARDS FOR SPRING

I stumbled upon these delightful block-printed cards yesterday and I'm so excited to share them.  Designs are carved and printed by Vermont-based artist Katharine Watson.  I've been working with a lot of florals lately in the studio (plus I love cards + stationary) so perhaps that explains my strong attraction toward them.  Not to mention, I cannot wait for spring!  There's nothing like getting a card in the mail, especially one that's frameable art.  Grab them from Katherine's etsy shop, either individually or in sets of 6.

Images via Katherine Watson's Etsy Shop

RAD MAPS BY ABIGAIL DAKER

This week, I've been doing some research on maps for an upcoming design project.  I have kept my eyes peeled for creative and playful map inspiration - particularly images that have been carved by hand and relief printed.  Check out these rad maps that I discovered by Cyprus-based artist Abigail Daker!  I just love them.  As if I wasn't already blown away by these block-prints, then I saw that she is a master of drawing maps, too.  That's some hardcore detail-oriented talent.

Maps via Abigail Daker's Etsy Shop

WORDS FOR A FRESH START

 Spring is here, finally.  Technically.  It's always nice to have a fresh start, whether it's a new day, new year, or a new season.  I am so ready to pull off my bitter winter layers (full of complaining, over-eating, and too many colds to count) and spring into action (full of optimism, healthy habits, and creativity).  It is time.

These gorgeously hand-lettered quotes, designed by Nashville-based Oh My Deer, are just what I need to reflect upon today and this fresh, new season to come.

Images via Oh My Deer

It's a new season - and things are about to get a whole lot better.

RIFLE PAPER CO. GOES LETTERPRESS

My favorite go-to paper shop, Rifle Paper Co., just released six lovely letterpress cards last week.  Welcome to the world of letterpress, Rifle.  This is so exciting!  They look so pretty -- and I bet they feel even better.  

In case you live in a printmaking hole, letterpress is a relief printing method that inks the surface of an image on a flat bed, then presses the paper onto the inked design.  The pressure of the printing allows for the print to be embossed.  This video by Naomie Ross sums up the old school process in a beautiful way.   

Letterpress from Naomie Ross on Vimeo

It's a pretty sexy way of printing, with some pretty seductive results.  I wish I had done more letterpress in grad school, but it's never too late, right?  Until then, I'll grab some of these Rifle cards.  

MYTHICAL MAGIC OF DENNIS MCNETT

I first met Dennis McNett in 2008 on my first day of grad school at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn.  From that day forward, we've been good friends.  And thanks to him, I can carve a block like champ.  He is one badass printmaker.  Dennis (aka Wolfbat Studios) creates work that stems out of mythology and narrative - mostly print and performative - and it transforms viewers and participants into heroes.  

 Images via Wolfbat Studios

This past month, I sweet talked him into coming to Philadelphia for a month to work with me in the Art Education department of The Mural Arts Program.  So he decided to come to build a viking ship.  That's right.  Built it and and covered it with screen-prints of his block prints.  And it looks soooooo good.  Not sure if I can unveil the ship's final destiny as of yet, but I know that it will be on view at our Spring Exhibition at the Crane Arts Building which opens Thursday, May 8th.

Ship photos by Steve Weinik

Having him here was a warmed welcome reminder of the importance of artist mentors.  Well, everyone needs a mentor regardless of their field or passion - but I can mainly speak as an artist.  It's not always easy to be creative or to make money doing it.  I often struggle with so many questions or distractions that keep me unproductive and unfocused.  It's important to have someone who will tell you (ideally, over ice cream) that it's going to be ok - keep working hard.  Thanks for the inspiration and lending an ear, Dennis.  You keep doing what you do, too.

And just like that, he has set sail.

DONNA RUFF'S PAPER CUT

I am completely in love with these works by artist Donna Ruff.  They are cut by hand.  That's right, you heard me.  In a technological world of laser and die-cutting, I truly appreciate anything done the good ole fashioned way.  I discovered her work a while ago, and to me, these intricate patterns reveal the beauty and humanity of an often too trouble world.  They also create a contrast between the zen quality of the designs and the harsh reality of news.  I could stare at these for hours. A true meditation on the written word.  Beautiful.

Images via Donna Ruff's website