Documenting the Work of a NW Social Service Agency and Its Clients



photo by Kristin Zwiers.

 In recent weeks we've visited day shelters for the homeless and transitional housing for families working their way out of homelessness.  We've been privileged to meet women with strength and goals... and the kids who are benefiting from their determination, grit and grace.  It's amazing to be involved in capturing their stories.

Creative Team at Crowded Coop Gets Cozy: Beer Cozy Selling Online at Urban Outfitters

We're excited to be collaborating with A Crowded Coop... a clever team of pros with a Monroe, WA headquarters tucked behind the funky Modern Mercantile storefront on Main Street.  The store and its artful displays of "collective of unexpected" merch is a good indication of the kind of fun products this Northwest company creates and produces.

Back in their secret Bat Cave of offices behind the store is where A Crowded Coop’s product design takes place.  Their creations satisfy consumers globally in the categories of toys/pop-culture, pet products, baby products and more. Since 1998 principals Mary Olson and Brandy Tanner have been responsible for over 28 million custom products hitting retail shelves all over the world. In 2010 Olson and Tanner formed A Crowded Coop which serves clients such as Valve Software with its Portal 2 game.  

This month A Crowded Coop's Beer Sweater was picked by the buying team of Urban Outfitters.  Retailing there nationally for $10 it has a simple message.  I©Beer. 

Couldn't have said it better myself.

The Sunday Seattle Times Features Mulberry West's Bedding in a Story: "Silk-filled Comforter a Functional Luxury"

Photo by Kristin Zwiers. Styled by Janna Lufkin.

Thanks to Ali Brownrigg-Roth for today's story on the eco-comfy comforters by fellow Starbucks alum Lana Abrams of Mulberry West. Touted for its natural anti-allergy attributes, and ability to regulate a body's temp (whether hot or cold), Lana's line is selling swiftly at Bellevue's The Sleep Store and at Bedrooms & More in Wallingford.  With national accounts as well, we're thrilled to see this NW brand taking off!  Thank you to Ali and check out the Mulberry West line here.

Three-Dozen Artists Featured in Annual Madison Park Art Walk

A new tradition in Madison Park brings local businesses and neighbors together to highlight the work of local artists. Thanks Madison Park Times Vera Chan-Pool for the front-page story!

Interior Designer Sarah Littlefield: the Genius of Junk



photo of Salt & Straw by bright designlab

 So excited to read this write-up of designer/picker Sarah who has done the design for Salt & Straw ice cream shops along with a SUPER cool upcoming collaboration we're working on with her plus Hammer & Hand. If you don't know Hammer & Hand, you should.  Their blog is great-- their work?  Even better. 

And Sarah?  Well we just loved reading this article on her.  She's a true talent.  Want to learn more about her after reading the story? Check out her stuff at Seattle Junk Love.