Printing Mania - Monkey Mind Style

I've got the printing bug and couldn't be happier!

I am really getting this whole printing thing down. So many ideas, just need more hours in the day. It's been a true family affair. My super fab mom trims and sews each towel. My sweet hubby is my right hand man when it comes to ink and squeegee. Some good tunes and a couple of beers and we become Monkey Mind's Dynamic-Duo. My daughter even gets in there to pull a print on an extra t-shirt or two.

Keep a look out for new stuff coming this summer.
New printed products on Etsy!

Summer Fun...under the stars!

Let's Party Lantern Invitations

This time of year, I can't wait for the pool to open and fire up the grill. It's party time! Funny thing though, I am headed to the mountains in a week for two more days of spring skiing. So no flip flops just yet. Well, just for the walk to the hot tub.

Every time I am in Santa Fe, I go to Design Warehouse and drool over their window display. They have about ten stars lights hung from one end to the other. Bright and beautiful! So I thought I'd share my love for those super fab lights and feature them in my latest invitation design. So fun!

New Cards Coming Your Way...

March is typically the slowest month of the year. Everyone enjoying their spring break, I'm guessing. So that's when I get movin' and groovin'! My days are filled with many hours behind the computer trying out new ideas and creating new illustrations. New tea towels and totes are in the works as well. So fun! I love March. I get to do what I love for hours on end. Although, the doggies sure wish I would break for more afternoon walks.

2013 Modern Patterns Series II - Mini Calendar

It's finally here! The next pattern series. Oh boy, designing these are fun. I might just make a new each year. They were a big hit last year. Excited to see how these do this holiday season. If only I had more hours in a day...I'd make tons more. So many ideas, so little time.

Ride On!

Bicycle Art Print 8x10

As my sister would say, "having fun with fonts and colors" well maybe one font and a few colors. I'm really digging this new print. Love when I sit down to create something and I end up in a different direction. A fun surprise to discover you had a little something else in the tank. Hope you like it! And...ride on!

Colorful Colorado!

Just a quick post to share my new "I Heart Colorado" print. Seriously, I love living in Colorado. First of all, love Denver and within just one to three hours, you can be nestled away in the most majestic mountains. So to all my Colorado peeps... Go play! Your mountain is waiting.

I Did It! Added Screen Printing to my shop, sweet!

NEW Screen Prints - Tea Towels and Totes!

 

So excited to share my first round of screen printed products!

Many years back (college days), I had an awesome screen printing class and it was love at first pull. I was hooked! I spent many late nights printing and experimenting. So fun! Two colors, three colors, gloss, I was ready try it all. Funny, I still have some of those first prints. Love looking back at work from school. Tried to keep it up with a small printing kit at home but life moved too fast in the Ad Agency world. So my little kit was put away. Knowing I would use it again, I kept my little screen printing kit for about 15 years. Needless to say, when I pulled it out from under the bed and dusted it off, it did not survive the years. With a warped screen frame and dried up emulsion, it was time to come up with a plan.

1) Take a class to refresh and get back up to speed.
2) Set up home studio.
3) Screen print!

To my surprise, two screen printing classes were being offered right in my time frame. So, I was in! With a long list of questions...I was like a sponge, ready to take it all in. They did not disappoint. Fabulous classes with great instruction. Ok, check that off the list. Now, make it happen! Went to RockStar Screen Supplies and they hooked me up with everything I needed. Great shop with above and beyond customer service. Sweet, my corner in the basement was ready to go! Just need something to print on.

I thought why not handmade all around. My mom is a master behind a sewing machine so naturally the light bulb went on. Have her make my towels and totes. What a trooper, she cranked out tons of towels and eight totes in four days. Now it was all up to me. The pressure was all mine, not to mess up any of her perfectly hand-sewn pieces. Guess I work well under pressure or maybe it was beginner's luck. There I was, printing. Totally flying solo without instruction. Just me and my tunes. Such a happy girl! I did it! 

My take away... if you want something bad enough, make it happen!