Illustrator Adrian Johnson

A friend of mine owns a pizza place in the UK (Clever Wally's) and introduced me to the work of London illustrator Adrian Johnson, who does work for his pizza business. I love these illustrations, kind of retro but modern. Especially love this witch, I guess because Halloween is on the brain. I am fascinated when someone takes something you've seen drawn a million times (a tree, a bird) and draws it in a way you would not expect. There is lots to see on his site, and tees for sale here so you can order your own little piece colorful, funky art, right here in the U.S. of A.

Photographer Dick Garvey

On a recent trip to San Juan Island, we stopped in Scott Milo Gallery in Anacortes, WA, and discovered these beautiful large-format prints by local photographer Dick Garvey. Generally a city girl, I was surprised how drawn I was to his agricultural shots -- instead of what could be a cliche shot of a farm in the hills, his versions are graphic, modern, and seem to be taken when the light is at its most interesting. The prints we saw were huge - so much more impactful than these small, on-screen versions. I hope they don't all sell out while I debate which is my favorite!

An Occasion We Hadn't Thought Of

The greeting card industry doesn't get profiled much on TV shows (the only exception we can think of is 90's sitcom Caroline in the City, which we never watched), so we cracked up recently while catching up on the Flight of the Conchords on DVD. John Hodgman makes a cameo as a greeting card exec, agreeing to use one of the Conchords' songs in a musical greeting card. Predictably, it's not a big money-maker, especially since it gets used on a card for an occasion with not much mass appeal: HAPPY 80th BIRTHDAY, SON.

BOO.

With just over a month until Halloween, it's time to load up on mini candy bars and contemplate what you (or your kids) will be this year. Too bad they don't make these anymore - problem solved! And if you are throwing a party, you are going to need invitations! This is our first year offering Halloween imprintables -- there are two designs, jack-o-lanterns and not-so-spooky spider. Both come in boxes of ten, with orange envelopes, and can be easily customized at home with your laser or ink jet printer. Available on our online shop!

Lucky Deals in Seattle

Pinkerton thank you notes are featured in September's Lucky Magazine. Seattlites -- visit Paper Delights in Wallingford, one of our favorite local shops, and get 20% off everything, including Pinkerton products! Paper Delights, 2205 N. 45th Street, 206.547.1002

First Things First

It's a little intimidating writing the first post in a blog, so let's get this one over with. Done. Moving on.