paperfinger workshops : love letters & valentines

We hosted a couple wonderful workshops last week and here are some of the delicious scenes. The space was provided by Poppies & Posies, such a perfect atmosphere for Paperfinger calligraphy vibes.

For updates on all upcoming workshops (and there will be more!), sign up here for my notifications!

(And thanks to Margaret and Nicki for a couple of these shots.)

dargelos : bags for bicycling

Dargelos is a small company based in the Brooklyn Navy Yards who makes some really elegant solutions for city cyclists. I especially love the waterproof waxed canvas tote, which doubles as a backpack. ($95-210 in a few colors)

The belt pouch ($78) is also great and seems super handy. For high design reflectivity, check out the Tufts and Lightning Vest, both pictured below.

Shop online at Dargelos.cc.

(*via Cool Hunting)

scenes from : the brooklyn flea

It was such a fun weekend at the Brooklyn Flea. The Paperfinger table was a set up with a backdrop of white paper, and we offered some of our favorite holiday gifts and wrapping. Great to see all of you who came by!

paperfinger : at the brooklyn flea this weekend!

Come visit us Saturday or Sunday at the Brooklyn Flea at One Hanson. So much fun shopping and snacking to do at the Flea — plus Paperfinger will have some major discounts on holiday gifts, custom items (there’s still time!) plus yummy gift wrapping materials.

Hope to see you there — stop by and say hi!

Brooklyn Flea
1 Hanson Place #708
Brooklyn, NY 11243

(For all you regulars, walk down the left aisle on the main entry floor of One Hanson and you’ll find the Paperfinger table at the end of the left aisle.)

paperfinger retreat : fresh baked vision

Had another fantastic day yesterday on the official Paperfinger retreat. We hopped from one cozy cafe or eatery to another. Apparently the smell of fresh baked goods does wonders for the process of contemplating our vision and goals.

Above, our spread of papers and Margaret, contented, at Bakeri.

Tomorrow I’ll share the retreat agenda that I encourage you to use! No matter how small you are, I can’t tell you how hugely worthwhile and energizing it is to make this kind of time for your business.

Contemplating our mission (and lunch) at the Williamsburg waterfront.

Appreciating the handwritten menus at Saltie.

At Paperfinger, we take our dreams seriously. Margaret lives out one of hers at the Mast Brothers Chocolate Factory.

amy : draws things

My friend Amy is a wonderful painter and yesterday I came across her blog, Amy Draws Things, which is chock full of so much good stuff, I had to share some with you. Follow her for a regular flow of great work.

Above and below, part of the Melted Soul series.

(Immigrant)

(Rome For Nat)

(Meg); (Lila)

(Chin Chin); (Shopping Woman)

(Dad Gets Plaid)

All images courtesy of Amy Draws Things.

ny times : a history of new york in 50 objects

The New York Times invited historians and museum creators to produce A History of New York in 50 Objects, as inspired by The British Museum and BBC Radio‘s A History of the World in 100 Objects. They’re inviting comments/submissions as well, with full understanding that this is a history, not the history. It’s a wonderful collection and a fun way to brush up on the city’s history.

Above:

• Leonard Bernstein’s conductor baton;
• a stump section from the long-gone famous elm tree believed to grant performers good luck on stage at The Apollo Theater;
• a letter from Dutchman Pieter Schaghen in 1626 about the purchase of Manhattan for $24 from Native Americans;
• a lox bagel;
• and an audio track from Johnny Carson’s ‘Tonight Show’ in 1962.

Excavated beads from the African Burial Ground by what is now City Hall, dated to the 1700s:

The manuscript of the poem, ‘The New Colossus,’ by Emma Lazarus in 1883, commissioned to raise money for the building of the Statue of Liberty’s pedestal, with the famous words “give me your tired, your poor”:

A classic checkered taxi cab:

In honor of 80′s New York City, the boombox:

And a reference to the  now “global brand” of Brooklyn, with Mast Brothers chocolate bars:

Explore the rest of the collection where you can read more details on each object.

paperfinger for sunday suppers : with la tartine gourmande and nicolette camille

I always love working with Karen of Sunday Suppers and it’s a real pleasure to see the final results after providing her with calligraphy goods for one of her special Sunday gatherings.

For this supper, she hosted Béa Peltre of La Tartine Gourmande, who led the group in preparation of a summer dinner: Verrines of Fresh Crab, Apple, and Avocado with Lime and Ginger; Pea Risotto with Grilled Prosciutto, and Basil Oil; and Strawberry Blanc Manger en Verrines with its Strawberry Salad & Brown Butter Pistachio Financier.

The gorgeous floral arrangements were done by Nicolette Camille. I really like how she used cherries or garlic scapes as a part of the place setting.

I used soft white Arturo paper for its luxurious texture and torn edges. I wrote in black ink the place cards and thank you notes that were tucked inside vintage berry baskets holding some beautiful market treats.

All photos by Karen Mordechai. Recipes for that menu at La Tartine Gourmande.

amira : woven jewelry

I popped by the Renegade Craft Fair at the Williamsburg waterfront this past weekend and Amira’s woven jewelry really stood out. Earrings, necklaces, rings. Shop on Etsy or find local retailers.

www.amiramednick.com

made in brooklyn : the violin maker

Photographer/filmmaker Dustin Cohen started a video series entitled Made in Brooklyn, documenting different Brooklyn makers and creators. This is one of my favorites, documenting Sam Zygmuntowicz and his hand-crafted violin shop. Dustin invited me to be a part of this series as well, which I’ll be sure to share when it’s finished!