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Sublimation Equipment has Arrived! :D

Just got everything off the truck and will spend the day making space in my studio for the heat press and converting my old Epson 4800 printer to the sublimation inks. This will allow me to do my own in-house printing of the ceramic tile coasters, mouse-pads, cutting boards and some t-shirts*. So I hope to get caught up on outstanding orders of these items in the next few days 🙂

* My current t-shirt designs (Brushy Truck, vw Bug, Old International Pickup, Mean Green Ford, and Salida Chevy are screen-printed on 100% ring-spun garment-dyed cotton and I intend to continue to having most of my tees screen printed. However, I will have the ability to do ‘one-offs’ and small quantities on a microfiber blend white t-shirts until I’m ready for the larger orders for each new design. 

In contrast to printing with archival inks directly to my limited-edition canvas and fine art paper prints, the sublimation inks are printed on a roll of transfer medium then heat pressed directly into the target material (coated ceramic tile, rubber mouse pad, glass cutting board, t-shirt, etc.). The inks go directly from a solid to gas – staining the material for a durable image for use: wear, water and so on.

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Armadillo Christmas Bazaar 2010 – Recap

Well, today is the first time I’ve had the truck out since returning home in the wee hours of the morning from the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar. Had a whole crew (mom, dad, sister Lee Ann and her partner Beth, my lady Marcela and Jen) for the 11pm breakdown on x-mas eve – finishing load-out at 1:38am Christmas day! A special thanks to Julia, Jen & Ashley who also assisted me on shifts during the 10 day show.

This was my first year and was absolutely fantastic! Not only were the staff awesome, but also great people coming through to share my work with. Customers went home with matted prints, tile coasters & cutting boards, some pendants, new ‘old truck’ tee shirts (debuting at the show) and a few large canvases! 😀

If you noticed the stage, I printed the graphics, built frames and stretched the new panels which were arranged wonderfully by the staff. The music was good and not overpowering most of the time where I was. Just a great atmosphere there in our new home at the Palmer Events Center.

Being there with good friends, especially Collin Welsch (also freshman year) and sophomore Heather Harris made it even more special. We have grown together as artists in some ways over the last few years and being part of the Armadillo is an important milestone for all of us. Also enjoyed hanging out with Christopher, David & Ray, Greg and Darrell and more…

Thanks Bruce, Annie, Anne, Elia, Mellisa and everyone for this experience – look forward to next year! 😀