I’m not even really sure if it qualifies as a “read” when all you’re doing is looking at gorgeous pictures of organized “things”, but it’s definitely some real eye candy.
See lots and lots more things organized neatly here.
A friend and I were discussing months ago about submitting a design to this website (I won’t lie, haven’t gotten around to it yet) and she sent me the illustrated recipes that she had been working on – I love how bold and graphic they are! Plus they look delicious.
Thanks to my friend Laura for letting me share her awesome designs here!
I’ll admit that I’m still using my old nalgene – I’ve got one so old the plastic is soft, so I think that it doesn’t leech out any BPA. I wouldn’t trust me on that, but it does really make water taste like plastic if it’s been in there for too long.
I’ve tried to be a good consumer and go with the stainless steel water bottles that have lately seemed ubiquitous but I’ll admit to being a bit of a water snob and I think that the bottles give whatever liquid is in them a slightly metallic taste. I’ve settled for the plastic because, well, it’s got a taste, but at least it’s got a taste that I’m familiar with.
And then, enter the Lifefactory Water Bottle.
Made of glass, it’s completely chemical-free, and covered in a silicone sleeve, it’s almost impossible to break. I mean, you could break it if you try, but if it falls onto the sidewalk you’re going to be ok.
They come in a variety of colors and sizes, and are really just a genius well-designed solution to a common problem. Also, I know this isn’t a consideration for everyone, but they have kid’s cups and baby bottles as well, all with the same chemical-free unbreakable properties. Would be a great gift idea for the new parents in your life!
I’m a little sad that I didn’t get the chance to actually witness the winter solstice lunar eclipse last week (it was way overcast here) but I did find this terrific video for anyone else who missed it, or even anyone who saw it but would like to see it again!
Winter Solstice Lunar Eclipse from William Castleman on Vimeo.
Can you imagine what it must have been like in prehistoric times to see something like this happen? No wonder people thought there was a constant threat of the world ending. It’s a pretty creepy phenomenon (especially when it turns red).
These small compositions are so thoughtful and well placed, and the fact that they’re created from bits of trash picked up off of the beach makes them even more compelling in my opinion.
find more of anke paap’s beach collections here (the site is in german, fyi)
Anna Atkins is considered to be the first woman photographer in the world. She produced a series of books that were cyanotypes of different types of British Algae. There’s something about their simplicity that is just absolutely beautiful.
Did you ever make sun prints when you were a kid? This is the same process, only she was one of the first people to actually utilize the technology. I’ve been interested in starting to play with this process again, and I was amazed to discover Anna Atkins while doing a little digging.
Only a few of the books she produced remain, and they are of course difficult to get your hands on. Luckily for the world, you can see a set of many of her images here (which is where the above photos were found).
One of my friends requested several designs for her boyfriend for christmas, and I was happy to oblige – sometimes I feel like I need a kick in the pants (as well as a purpose) to devote time to any design work anymore. Seem to be a lot of other things going on that take precedence. She wanted to highlight the places that he’s lived in his life – Washington DC, New York, New Orleans, and London. Obviously very iconic cities so it was a bit of a challenge to do it justice. These prints are very specific to the jobs and activities he was doing in the various cities but I think they speak to an overall feeling as well.
I know that I’ve disappeared from the blog world for quite some time now. There is a reason – I’m usually hesitant to reveal too many personal details or stories here but I did have some friends in the blog world that helped me with this scenario by being honest about their experiences, and they were really generous and helpful getting me through it.
Over the last few months I’ve been going through a divorce. It’s not pretty, it’s not pleasant, but it’s going to end up being better for everyone in the end, so that’s something worth considering. You never get into a marriage thinking it’s going to end, but there are certain things that you just can’t control for. Sometimes life takes you for a ride, and this has been one of them! I’m not telling you this because I’m looking for sympathy – I’m doing well, and happy at the direction that my life has started to head. I tell you this because it’s an important part of what’s been going on in my life for the last few months and I know it’s something a lot of you can (unfortunately) relate to.
So. I’m trying to get back into the blogging mode of things, but between work and everything else going on it’s going to be a bit of an uphill climb, so I hope that you will all bear with me! I’ve really missed finding cool things and being able to share them with you, and having a conversation with so many of you that I’ve never had a chance to meet (and some of those who I have!). I’ll be doing my best.
Hope you’re all doing well in your own adventures!
(because I’m incapable of posting without putting up a picture as well, one of my favorite photos from a wedding I shot a few months ago)
Though there are many objective reasons why I could say that I love this music video from Sigur Ros (the costuming, the music itself, the setting) there is something about this video that just absolutely touches my soul.
Sigur Ros – Glosoli from David Kabot on Vimeo.
Do you have any videos that do the same for you?
Have you always wanted to design shirts or other screen printed items, but not sure you want to take on the cost of production and marketing? The company I’m currently working for is looking to expand their screen printed line and we’re looking for new designers. If you’ve always wanted to design shirts, bags, or who knows what, now is your chance!
Here’s the lowdown: we take on the challenge and cost of producing samples, making the shirts, marketing and selling everything. In exchange for using your artwork, we’ll pay you royalties per shirt actually sold. Though we can’t guarantee anything, it’s a great opportunity to get your work out on a national stage without having any risk or cost to you. We’re a big screen-printing shop so we’re able to utilize a lot of different techniques and styles to achieve what you’re looking for. We’ll work with you on shirt choices and all of the good stuff so the end product is exactly what you’ve envisioned.
We typically only sell to wholesale accounts which means if your designs sell, they’ll be decent size orders. We’re hoping to expand into an online retail presence, but that’s at least a year out. For the time being, it will just be wholesale orders. This provides an added benefit if someone contacts you about possibly selling your designs, as you’ll have a built-in production facility at the ready.
So, what do you need to do? Just send me some designs! We’re looking for fairly cohesive collections that we can market as a whole line. I can’t guarantee that we’ll produce for everyone who submits designs, but it won’t hurt to try, and you’ll never know what will happen! I can send you shirt blanks in any format you need (.ai, .pdf, .psd) if you need them, however sending just the design itself is fine as well. If you have any questions or problems, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can email me at bri@ragdeli.com with any questions or to submit your designs.
I’m looking forward to seeing what this great creative community has to offer – so send some designs, and tell your friends!
