Earthquakes are simply a part of life for Alaskans; tremors and quakes are commonplace when your home is on the edge of what is known as the Ring of Fire. But that doesn’t make the 7.0 quake on November 30th of 2018 any less intense – it just means that communities who brave the tectonic activity become more prepared and more resilient every year. Blaine’s Art Supply was one of the many businesses impacted by the recent earthquake; despite about $10,000 worth of damage (and mess to clean up) owner Dave Haag and his store crew had the 9,000 sq.…
-
-
Art Dog of the Month: Faithful Copper
Introducing Copper, the ambassador of Blaine’s Art Supply! Her human Dave and his wife Renee rescued her from death row when she was just a puppy. “There are people who come here just to pet her. Little kids are eye to eye with her, she won’t lick their face, steal their food… she’ll come up and lean against someone until they decide to pet her,” Dave explains affectionately. Since Alaska’s state sport is mushing (dog-sledding), dog-friendly establishments are much appreciated; Copper greets customers at the door, pokes her head into the classroom to say hello and stands obediently at the…
-
Demo Day With Excel: Floral Wall Decoration
Excel Blades is excited to share a new video made by artist and influencer Maria Marinoni for Paper Crafting Month. Maria shows you a very simple floral project and papercutting technique with a few tools. You do have the option to add the colored background however, it is not necessary. Free your imagination and doodle as you want. When you’re done, follow the contours with your blade and poke the paper out to give it a 3D effect. Whether you want to use the white paper or a color, the outcome will be beautiful! Materials Excel Blades K1 Aluminum Knife…
-
Venerable Vintages: All About Paper
“Everyday and everywhere, paper is used as a medium. It passes from hand to hand, eyes to eyes. We often touch it, almost always read it, but is is rarely contemplated…it is a medium with nearly inexhaustible resources…[Paper] is one of the most modest materials, but one that can be shaped in the most complex ways.” Mademoiselle Maurice, Artist, Savoy, France (1) In honor of Papercrafting Month, we’ve delved into the history of paper. While the digital age has eliminated a lot of paper trails, paper still influences our everyday life. It is arguably one of the most important inventions…
-
Engage Community Via Instagram Live: Flax Art’s Maybe Mondays
Flax Art & Design is a Bay Area institution and a local art supply staple for over 80 years. Flax Art has two stores, one in Oakland, California and the other San Francisco. In addition to a broad selection of art supplies and a framing station, they also specialize in fine art papers, pens and gifts, with a comprehensive e-commerce site as well. Their San Francisco store recently relocated to a space in historic Fort Mason, right on the water between the city’s famous Fisherman’s Wharf and a neighborhood known as “The Marina.” Social media can grow business, foster relationships…
-
Erase for More: Introducing Sakura of America’s New SumoGrip Electric Eraser
Compact, Cordless and Capable: The SumoGrip (SKEE3000) is the electric eraser of choice for many professional illustrators, animators, and architects alike. It has been redesigned to a rounder and more ergonomic body for longer periods of use while maintaining precise pinpoint accuracy. As part of the SumoGrip family line, the pocket-sized eraser provides a firm grip and is best known for its high eraser capability and durability. Unlike bulky AC electric erasers, the AAA battery-powered motor ditches the cord and weighs only 2.9 ounces. With over 10,000 RPM, the strong torque makes it easy to remove graphite marks and create…
-
Happy Holidays from MacPherson’s!
In celebration of the holiday season, the Atlanta PM shift had an ugly Christmas sweater contest last week! Strutting their stuff from left to right: Kehinde, Mo, Angie, Marianna, Symone, Steven and Camesha.
-
Venerable Vintages: History of Sign Painting
The historical trade of sign-painting and a recent comeback that has talented sign-painters transforming the store fronts of cities and towns all over the country calls for a three part feature! Read on for Venerable Vintages, our monthly feature that examines the art supply industry through an historical lens; then check out our Artist Feature exploring the sign-painting work of Christian Shaknaitis of Brush and Pounce. Top off your sign-painting education with in store practices that incorporate sign-painting and boost your business. Sign-painting is an ancient trade that dates back as early as 300 B.C. Merchants, pub owners, innkeepers and…
