I just found this video posted by Scout Books, showing their process in today’s most common fashion: well-shot video of the machines dancing around to a delightful indie soundtrack. I love these videos, but I love this video especially because I’ve used this company before! Story time…
Back in May of 2011, when my best-friend/design-comrade Kyle Koch and I were gathering the final touches on our joint thesis, we knew we want to make a little thank-you/swag item for those who came to see and critique our work. Being designers who both take a lot of notes, and Field Notes fans to the core, we wanted to make our own little notebooks.
Our main criteria was that the books be “as environmentally friendly and American-made as possible.” So we were delighted when we found Scout Books. Scout fit both of our criteria, being that they are printed in Portland and are 100% recycled. They also had a really streamlined process for getting our design on the books. Not to mention, Scout had an affordable price for our modest collegiate budget.
In the end, the books not only looked great (see photo below), but we had plenty to pass out to critics, potential employers, and friends. In fact, I think we both still have some left over. But they’re durable little guys full of grid paper, so we’re glad to have a few still in need of some use! Should the chance arise, I’d order from Scout again, so be sure to check them out if you’re in the market.
Winter approaches; and with the cold of winter comes the need for heartier breakfast fare. Sure, a weekend 2-egg veggie omelet is good in the summer, but as the temperature drops below freezing, a man (or woman) wants some carbs. Pancakes, belgian waffles, and french toast… all are valid winter breakfast items. But they alone are not enough. For on top of every good waffle, falls a good syrup.
Where else to get that syrup than from The Best Made Co? Certified organic, Grade A medium amber, glass bottled in half gallon jugs. As always, Best Made Co. products come from the U.S. of A. and this particular item is harvested and bottled in New Hampshire. At $68 for a half-gallon, it’s clearly a purchase for those wanting a premium syrup experience this winter, but knowing Best Made Co. it will not disappoint.
…and don’t forget, Christmas is also on its way, so if you have a resident foodie friend or hearty woodsman who enjoys pancake accoutrement, this could make a great gift!
Made by Hand is quickly becoming one of my favorite sites. This episode highlights Joel Bukiewicz, a craftsman of cutlery. If you haven’t already, go back and watch episode one about Breuckelen Distillery, a must see.
If there’s one thing I love about these videos, it’s their spirit. There may be nothing more American than crafting your own livelihood. I would be lying if I didn’t say that one of my life goals is to one day quit a job and craft something for a living. I’d rather go to bed tired from a day of hard work, answering to myself and the quality of the physical thing I’ve created than potentially be pushing pixels around for the rest of my life.
It’s never too early to start your Xmas wishlist.
Man, this leather holder makes me want an axe… and I don’t even need an axe.
Speaking of, the axe comes from a great little shop, The Best Made Co. Straight outta NYC, they make quality goods here in America. The style is classic, evocative of a bit simpler time, when everything was made well and made to last. Check out their site for all the cool digs, but below I thought I’d highlight some of their products I particularly enjoy.
Such a great poster for “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.” Lots of fun details and a great color pallet. It’s also a wonderful reminder that it’s that time of the year for Charlie Brown specials.
Pantone Christmas ornaments for an extra-designy holiday.
Must resist designer purchase… although, the somewhat surgical color precision here is a bit unsettling… reminds me of a certain quote from a certain cartoon:
“Gee, I didn’t know they still made wooden Christmas trees.” - Linus, from A Charlie Brown Christmas
via curiositycounts
A cool iPad app to try out today is the Refract App by Swarovski. Plug in your headphones and start drawing triangles in the minimal interface. The size, placement, and I think even overlapping determines music created by the triangles. It’s just a lot of good fun, and I love these freeform creation apps on the iPad. It’s free, so give it a shot. Also, props to Swarovski for getting behind a cool app and memorable experience that’s not just a sales ad for their product.
(Source: mocoloco.com)
This is genius. Eraser + Mini Brush. Sadly it’s not being sold right now in the U.S. Think I’m just gonna go make one myself. I’ll keep you all posted on the process.
(via Eraser Brush — ACCESSORIES — Better Living Through Design)
House Industries Typography + Herman Miller Furniture = Tables I’d lay down some cash for.
Wish I had a link, but the blog post I got this photo from was removed off the House Industries blog. Maybe they jumped the gun and this is some early news?
UPDATE: Now there’s a link on the House Industries Blog right here with a slew of pictures. Still no price that I can see, but considering the scarcity, I suspect they won’t be cheap. Maybe I’ll use my I.D. skills and make my own?! Also, how cool is it that the crate is designed too? I certainly wouldn’t throw that away!
I figure I might as well give a preview of the upcoming look for… well, everything coming in the next month (website, portfolio, new blog). I’m particularly pleased with that little logo, as it uses the “B” and “L” without being obnoxious and wide. Also before you say anything… Yes I know, it’s a logo. Pretentious, self-important, and not that helpful… indulge me on this one, okay? I’m trying to make something here!
It seems all I do is long form writing and learning web design these days, but it’s a nice change. When the new blog debuts, I’ll have some solid pieces of writing I’m proud of as well as a new look and feel that I’m really happy with.
I’m falling in love again with texture, noise, and old signage. I’m going all-in with highlighting my love for the vintage in our modern day (See: Mad Men, Field Notes, and my Jazz & Blues collection to name a few).
Took me long enough right? Ha, and by day 2 I’ll probably hate it… that’s how it is I guess. Anyways, the pdf portfolio will be following the website’s lead. After 5 years of making pdf portfolios and feeling that they never quite do the work justice, I’m excited to use the web to share deeper aspects of my design work. The web portfolio is what matters to me, so it comes first.
Well, more to come later… see you then.
