Inside Gocco Printing

For most of us, screen printing sparks some kind of interest- partly because it's not something anyone can do. It requires a certain amount of time, dedication and technical skill- requiring more than a paintbrush, and not to mention a modest investment (expect to spend about $200.00 for a machine.) I'll admit, I've never thought it was something I would find myself getting involved with. I don't even know much about screen printing except that everyone who does it usually has stained fingernails and wears dirty converse. However, I've always wondered how it's done. Now that handcrafted items are all over the marketplace (like Etsy and Pikaland,) I've noticed how many artists are actually using screen printing processes in their work. The more I see it, the more I think I might be able to figure out the mysterious processes myself. That said, I don't think its by any means easy... or something I could ever make a successful career of- but who knows? I may end up really enjoying it...

So after researching  a little bit more, I came across a popular and relatively accessible form of screen printing- it's a Japanese technique developed in the 1970's called Gocco. It's simple compact system works using flash bulbs, a carbon based image, and a special screen. The carbon burns into the screen when the bulb is flashed. Multiple colors can be applied to the screen at once for printing, making the process quick and simple and one of the most popular methods of at-home screen printing today. The finished product can be applied to different materials (as shown below) for numerous projects. Etsy has a great How-To video as well, worth checking out...

 There are several websites out there that have endless amounts of information about Gocco screen printing. Save Gocco is a wonderful one to check out- with a complete guide on how and where to buy equipment, and links to talented Gocco artists all over the world.

Pika Land has great links to Gocco artists and sells packages of their work HERE. Take a look at their online zine to see whats artists their featuring this season.

1. Emily Glaubinger | 2. Denise Holmes | 3. Cindy Tomczyk 

4. Moira Millman | 5. Haunted House Projects

I Believe I Can Fly...

If I get these super hero shoe strings, I'm pretty sure I'll be the coolest kid in school...

Super Hero Shoe Strings found at Small Fly.

The Selby : I Could Live Here

I recently found a wonderful blog called The Selby that I frequent pretty often now. It takes you into the interesting homes and lives of people all over the world... The home of Lyndsay and Fitzhugh particularly caught my attention. Maybe because I could see myself living in a place like this one day... With lots of exposed wood and a natural- bright feel that has a really relaxing vibe. What do you think?

Lego : Letterpress

I see. I like. I want... These designers were really thinking outside the lego box...

 Letterpress by Physical Fiction

Fear No Pattern!

Although I may not be able to pronounce the name, Svenskt Tenn is one of my favorite new design shops. I absolutely LOVE all of the bold beautiful textiles they have designed for their products! The colors, illustrations, textures everything... it's a place I'll certainly keep my on, especially when I need a little color inspiration for the future!

Ceramic & Pottery Design

 I've been really interested in ceramics for a long time. I even took a class in college briefly. Unfortunately I could only stay for a few weeks because of scheduling issues, but in that short time I found a deep appreciation for the skill and craftsmanship it takes to create quality pieces. Ceramics is one of the oldest industries in the world- so it's no suprise that the pieces really are timeless... They're usually quite versatile, most commonly used as tableware, but you'll see how designers have expanded the uses of this beautiful artform! Take a look at some of these designers who are examples of the great ceramic artists that are products of our generation. Mind you, this is just the tip of the iceburg! There are so many more lovely designers I would love to show- but I had to limit myself to just a few today.

Online Design Zines

As much as I love magazines and printed catalogues- the world of design is shifting to new online platforms. Blogs and web-zines are becoming important parts of the design world- for inspiration, marketing and resource outlets. I've always been interested in dablling in the online- zine world, but haven't quite gotten there yet... but my blog has definitely been a great place for me share my love for design with you all thus far! Sweet Paul, Adore,  Bak, Blanket, Design & Life, and ArtzMania are some great ones worth checking out. Today I'm going to share with you a wonderful online magazine called Covet Garden... it's a fantastic interior lifestyle magazine that takes the readers into the homes of real people. I really love this idea- seeing people just linving in their cool homes. It's a lot more inspirational then looking at rooms you might be too afraid to touch in real life!

Fall Tables

Fall is a really popular time of the year for event planning to take place. It's the beginning of the holiday season- which means, food, friends and family come together to celebrate! Amy Atlas is a well-known event planner who has amazing ideas to get you ready for your party-planning endeavors. Here are are some of her beautiful table-scapes to get you inspired. 

You Wear What You Read

Littlefly has an amazing line of jewelry made from paper... but not just any paper. They use the pages from books, then insert the finished jewelry back in to it's "excavated space." They'll even create custom pieces, extracting pages from your very own books. It's a wonderful, unique process where they laminate the paper with a high-gloss- only showing faint imagery from the actual pages. I'm so excited to be sharing this with you today...

Typeface Memory Game

For all you type lovers or lovers of type lovers out there- here is an awesome game thats sure to get your knowledge of fonts kerned up! It trains your memory to help find fonts from different type families. It can be found HERE. Love it.