Oh hey there pretty Steven Alan dress.
The other day Erin asked if I had any ideas for some sale signs for her shop, and after a few messages back and forth we decided that we would make potato prints. We had both seen this tutorial by Caitlin Mociun on Refinery 29 (pretty amazing, hey?) and since I already had all the supplies at home (except potatoes!) I loaded up my bike basket on Friday morning and went over to Robber.
Earlier in the week I had been reading this lovely blog and came across a post where Chelsea mentioned a book called Textiles of the Wiener Workstätte. I thought it would be great for inspiration -- and since I'm lucky enough to work for a university library system that is North America's third largest (after Harvard and Yale), I was able to go upstairs and sign it out in an instant. Sometimes I forget about how awesome it is to have all that access.
Earlier in the week I had been reading this lovely blog and came across a post where Chelsea mentioned a book called Textiles of the Wiener Workstätte. I thought it would be great for inspiration -- and since I'm lucky enough to work for a university library system that is North America's third largest (after Harvard and Yale), I was able to go upstairs and sign it out in an instant. Sometimes I forget about how awesome it is to have all that access.
With the help of Erin's friend Julie, we settled on a feather pattern because it seemed simple and straightforward. And it was! I had brought jicamas with me because they were large, but they were too juicy for carving. We ended up using nice and starchy baking potatoes.
We messed up the floor a bit -- we had tried lying cardboard underneath but it left funny cardboard imprints on the fabric. Luckily the inks were water-soluble! I cannot emphasize enough how handy that paper towel was.
The finished banners. We added eyelets at the top and hung the banners with rope.
I snuck in a photo of Erin. Nice t-shirt, Erin!
Such a sweet shop!
I took this picture kind of as a joke.
Success! So make sure you go by 863 Queen Street West to check out the sale, but don't laugh at all the tiny mistakes on the banners, please!
Oh and I couldn't help but pick up a new outfit. It's this one here, dress and leggings. That is going to be my official SUMMER OF '09 dress. It's beautiful!
That is the sweetest sale sign ever! I must try potato printing(one of these days).......
ReplyDeletei've been fascinated with that refinery 29 tutorial as well. what a great idea-- i love the feather print!
ReplyDeletestill looks awesome today! thank you SOOOOOOOOO much!!
ReplyDeleteI was just saying on my blog how I want to have a potato print party! I want to make something so bad.
ReplyDeleteFabulous sign! I'll have to check out this sale fo sho. And maybe I'll take a stab @ that potato printing too.
ReplyDeleteLove the sign and love your dress!
ReplyDeleteI need it to cool down just a smidgen so I can face a day gallivanting on Queen!
i love this potato printing business. so nice. and you are lucky to have such great library access. i've again become such a library addict, continually amazed by them.
ReplyDeleteI am so in love with this sign!!! You are genius.
ReplyDeleteso pretty! i think i will make one for my wall. yours will be ten times better of course!
ReplyDeleteso sweet and easy!
Oh what a fun idea! I'm sad that I cannot visit the shop <3!
ReplyDeleteI saw it in person today - it looks fantastic! Great job!
ReplyDeleteI love-love-love the banners (and your new dress, too). I always try projects like this and they never work out quite right.
ReplyDeletewhoa! i love love love that banner! you ladies did a great job.
ReplyDeleteand i'm totally envious of your new outfit, that is my kind of dress, lady.
Ohh! That is super cute, haha! The internet is FULL of wonderful ideas :)
ReplyDeleteLibrary access is a godsend. This looks so fun, Anabela! I love the feathers, and I love the walk-by shot.
ReplyDeleteThanks, everyone! I'm so glad you like the banners! Hooray for arts & crafts!
ReplyDeleteOh, how I miss printmaking! The banners turned out lovely! It will be fun when my son is a bit older and has the patience to work on a project such as potato printing. :)
ReplyDeletevery cute, what a fun shop window!
ReplyDeletewe love potato printing, so easy to do and the results look terrific.
I saw it today when I walked to work! I really like it! And the party sounded like super fun!
ReplyDeleteMy favourite part is how you did the SALE letters.
Thanks!
ReplyDeleteCeline, I'm actually a bit proud of that... it just popped into my head! I tested it out at home the night before and I liked how it looked.
that tutorial was great! i remember when i used to do potato printing when i was a kid...so simple and fun!
ReplyDeletethe sign came out so well, i love the feather pattern!
anabela, the banners look great! kudos to you and potato printing. I tried potato printing last summer and it was a bit of a disaster. I guess the potatoes weren't dry enough because the shapes didn't take at all. suppose I should try again — supplies are cheap after all :)
ReplyDeletewhat an amazing sign and cute looking store! Will definitely check it out when I get back to Toronto (sign + store). The mighty potato seems to have so many craft possibilities. Thanks for passing on such a great idea.
ReplyDeletesuch a good book! i found your blog through wiksten, and was flattered to see the mention! thanks. potato printing rocks- and your feathers are great.
ReplyDelete