This week we decided to spend 10 bucks each at a dollar store and make something in a few hours.

I won’t call it art, but we each did spend a large hunk of our budget on frames to make our pieces look fanciful.

At the end of the day, I can’t say I loved my pink bubba looking at money mountain range, I personally benefit from parameters and purpose on a project. Oh, and the glass broke on my frame to boot. Maybe it’s allegory.

Tom was a bit frustrated that his puzzle was 500 pieces instead of 50.

Essentially we’d get in this morning and print something by the end of the day. There weren’t really any other rules. I kept asking questions because I like parameters and Tom said I was thinking too hard.

By 11am we had files ready for screen production and printed out tests this afternoon.

We feel accomplished and deserving of beer. Good times.

Tom’s print – “This Is How It Feels”

(Above) The scene Tom set up and snapped on his phone that he used for the poster.

Chris’ print –  “Get Wood”

(Above) A little bit of process and concepts not used.

Aside from all this stuff, if you come down you’ll find a whole host of local artists and makers, kids activities, music, food, and beer! Oh, and there’s the 5K Run and Walk too. View the line-up of events or catch us tomorrow (Saturday May 21) from 10-4 at the corner of Vine and 12th street (map).

Oh, and if you’re looking for a bargain, we’re going to have $5.00 bins of misprints.

Tom’s been at it, again using his design skills again to delight on a poster. This one is for the Oxford Kinetics Festival that is happening in our fine town this weekend. What is this festival you ask? It’s a few things wrapped up in one. First there’s an exhibition “where regional artists and makers show off their mad skills. Sculptures, Robots, Devices and more.” After that there’s a “Scramble” where self-powered vehicles will zoom around uptown in a madcap race of sorts.

There’ll be music, activities for kids and we’re hoping some fine weather.

If you happen to stop down to the event, say howdy!

More info: Oxford Kinetics Festival

Tom joined in by designing this most excellent poster, and I know I work with him and all, but I think it’s pretty awesome.

We printed ‘em up this week and learned a bit more about ink hitting paper.

To find out more about all the event, check RRING.US for dates and the line-ups or follow The Buddha Den for more information.

January is always a regrouping month for us as we clean up from the holidays, do inventory and carve out plans for the year.

And this year we’re trying something a little different. Though we’ll still make t-shirts, we’re hoping to add more and diverse products to our store. We want to make things that encourage folks to get together, get into a good mindset or get out of the house. It’s a lofty goal but we’ve got a few ideas that might work to that end. Thing is? They’re different things that we’ve never made before, so we’re experimenting as winter winds down.

So yes, we’re still going to make t-shirts, but we also want to make some sawdust and things that brighten a day, even if they’re not on your torso.

I’ve got an approach though, and I’m going to make this announcement before anyone opens gifts, “Okay everyone, this is how this is going to work. We’re going to each open up gifts one at a time and you’re going to love them. If you don’t, I’ve brought along these Gift Complaint Forms for you to fill out if you are unhappy with what you’ve received.”

I have no idea if it’ll work, but it’s worth a shot, and my nerves already feel better since I have a plan.

Even though kids are struggling with new emotions and probably quite anxious themselves, it’s good to be reminded to enjoy the moment, even if you really, really dislike your present.

Download the Gift Complaint Forms for your kids or friends (PDF)

Download the Gift Complaint Forms for your kids or friends (PDF)

Now if you’re anything like us, you might have some last minute shopping to do. If you’re looking for an item from us the best bet is to visit one of these locations in Cincinnati that carry many of our shirts:

MiCA 12V
1201 Vine Street, Cincinnati OH 45202
website | google map

Park + Vine
1202 Main Street Cincinnati Ohio 45202
website | google map

Fabricate
4037 Hamilton Ave., Northside
website | google map

Even if you aren’t looking for a shirt though, you will find incredibly great gifts at every single one of these stores. It’s impossible to walk in without smiling and thinking “This would be perfect for someone” (And sometimes, that someone is you.)

So now’s your chance to pick up some great deals for yourself or for gifts.

If it’s on sale, it’s probably going to be retired soon to make way for new things in the next year!

Check out the sale at Wire & Twine.

We should mention these are all made from old wool or cashmere sweaters (see individual product pages to see which). They’re felted, designed, and sewn by Kelley. Then she uses the old typewriter in our studio to make custom tags and signs each and every one.

These make excellent one-of-a-kind, handmade gifts (but they’re awesome to keep for yourself too.)

Visit our store to see all of Kelley’s items for sale.