With the advent of the digital age, has the art of putting pen to paper gone the way of the dodo? For the sake of spelling and social graces, let's hope not.
Instead of the ubiquitous "sent from my iPhone" message, consider sending your next communiqué on stationery from Running Rhino & Co. [1], a decidedly more decorative and personal form of communication.
From their studio on Capitol Hill, Ian Challis and David Roos [2], the artists and designers behind Running Rhino, have been making paper look pretty since 1988. HW, their newest collection, was released this past spring.
Adorning the HW cards and journal covers are vivid little tapestries with exuberant, intricate designs that seem to draw inspiration from Americana and world folk art, but are thoroughly modern and fanciful.
For example, graceful swallows soar above an archtop guitar that sprouts cocoa-colored chrysanthemums and other finely detailed embellishments.
"We want the art to really be art you can live with, that becomes part of your life," says Challis. "Think back to your favorite fabric pattern as a child, or maybe the design of a nightlight or book jacket. That's the kind of art that touches you on a deep comforting level and stays with you throughout your life."
Included in the collection are blank cards with hand-mounted lithographs, which are suitable for framing. The recycled card stock is thick and textured, and comes in colors like olive, plum and soft navy, with cream writing-paper inserts.
The new collection of individual greeting cards and boxed notes are charming. Simple greetings peek through a half-moon, die-cut window. The artwork is printed with soy-based ink on 30 percent recycled paper, and the cards are sturdy enough to sit on your desk, look delightful and not fall over.
Running Rhino cards and journals are available in Seattle at FriendShop [2], Swansons Nursery Gift Shop [2], City People's Garden Store [2], Communique Cards & Gifts [2], City People's Mercantile [2] or online from Parkside Papers [3].
If you have a shop, sale, event or great product tip you'd like to share, e-mail seattleshopping@nwsource.com.
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