When the bombing happened in Boston, I was just leaving Fenway after a great Patriots Day win. After making it through the crowds, me and my friends were crossing the street. A giant fleet of undercover cars where speeding towards Boylston Street. I immediately knew something was just not right. We reached a bar close to the MFA to see thie surprise and tragedy unfolding. It was almost not real.

As soon as the sites launched for victims and their families, people just opened their hearts and wallets, giving anything they could. We think "I want to help, I need to do something." As creative folks, we can help by making art, music, poems etc. So this was my way of needing to do something.

I am donating all of my profits to the families affected by this event. Please share.

To purchase please go to my Etsy page

All images from Poketo & The Working Proof

A while back I was asked by The Working Proof if I wanted to collaborate with them and Poketo. I've done some limited edition prints for The Working Proof and fully support their mission: donating proftis from art to charities.

Poketo, founded by husband-and-wife team Ted Vadakan and Angie Myung, are known for their limited-edition vinyl artist wallets. Thier site is very design driven and recently they opened a retail store in LA. I've been following them for a while, So of course, my immediate answer was yes.

My city? Brooklyn. One of my favorite places to visit and I knew it would be really fun to illustrate. The inside is a type pattern of popular Brooklyn neighborhoods.

I'm pretty stoked with the results. And to be part of a series with Dan Funderburgh, James Gulliver Hancock and Linda KIm is pretty rad. The best part? The Working Proof will donate 10% of each wallet sold to 826 National. Poketo will be donating 10% of proceeds from the City wallet sales to their local 826 chapter, 826LA, from March 11th through June 1st.

Poketo will be posting Q&A's later this month. But for now, check out the designs.

1. Breakers Beach Bag
2. Golden nuggets polish
3. Bon Apetit print by Edu Barba
4. Leopard print top
5. Lemon Pillow
6. The Monopoly in Gun & Gold
7. Tegan and Sara: Hearthrob
8. Vintage Lace bandeau and pantie
9. iPad case by Rabbitdream
10. Glasses bangle
11. Reversible Diamond necklace  by Gold & silver linings

images: top left, top right, bottom

Ok I'm officially back to blogging. Sorry, its been so long. But I figured there was no better way to come back then to do a music post about Aesop Rock. Aesop put out his latest album last year after a very long five year hiatus. He's been touring promoting his new album, Skelethon. He's got some tough critics out there, but I'm still a fan. He impressed me much more live then his albums, like most good artsists do. We even got to meet him after the show where I got him to smooch my cheek. Not bad :)

Check out cantstopuploading's video from the show a few weeks ago:

I have to be honest. 2012 was definitely not my favorite year for music. I managed to put together a top 10. No honorable mentions this year. Here's my list of top 10 albums:

1. Tarantino XX 8-film collection
2. Repp Stripe Thermos
3. Whiskey Stones
4. Camo Swiss Army Knife
5. Ruckus Hooded Flannel
6. The Cannon Watch by Nixon
7. Jameson Select Reserve Black
8. Shave Starter Kit
9. Natural Wool Slippers by Elijana
10. iPhone Alarm Dock

I had such an amazing weekend in Brooklyn at Renegade. So many talented people. I learned more than I ever thought I would and got some really fantastic responses to my work.

Everyones question is would I do it again?
Answer: hell yes

To all my NY friends and fans. Come to Renegade this Saturday and Sunday in Williamsburg's East River State Park. Tons of indie crafters, music and food. Start you Christmas shopping early and shop handmade!

1. Leather Dress
2. Citronella flats
3. Blak and Blu by Gary Clark Jr.
4. Doily Coasters
5. NARS mini lip gloss kit
6. African Crowned Crane print by Anna See
7. Pocket mirrors by Seventy Tree
8. Mars Curiousity Circle Scarf by ShadowplayNYC

top image; bottom right image

On Friday, I went to see the XX at the House of Blues. For those of you who aren't familiar with them, they can easily be described as indie pop. They are from the UK; their harmonies are beautiful and their sound is unique and sexy. To be 100% honest, I thought seeing them live would be a bit fabricated. I was completely wrong. Her voice (Romy Madley) is just as beautiful as on the album. Because they only have 2 albums and many of the songs are short, they only played for an hour. Which was slightly disappointing given the hefty price I paid on StubHub. Not sure how often they travel to the US, so I was glad I didnt miss them this time around.

Check out this video from yczleon's channel:
 

1. The Howler Pullover hoodie
2. Polka Dot Trouser socks
3. Leather Bow gloves
4. Dare Mighty Things print by Jump Off the Page
5. NARS Debby Harry Eye and Cheek Palette
6. Lepoard Darcie flats
7. Paris: An Inspiring Tour of the City's Creative Heart
8. Pink stripe Paper Straws
9. White Bird Curtain Finials

top image; bottom left image

Last weekend, I checked out Alabama Shakes at the House of Blues. Quite honestly, it's been one of the top albums to be realeased this year. I'd descirbe them as blues-rock for those of you who aren't familiar; and the 24 year old singer; Brittany Howard has similar vocals to Janis Joplin (in my opinion). Amazing stage presence, lots of energy and that girl can sing her god damn face off (excuse my language).

Glad I got to see them now cause this band is the next big thing.

Not many videos on YouTube from that night. Heres one from Imogence's channel

1. Taxi Me with You Coat
2. Obey Night Owl Bag
3. Matt & Kim: Lightning
4. Grey Chevron Rug
5. Licorice Pumps
6. Bike Travel Mug by Lenny Mud
7. Pencil Holder by Carriage Oak Cottage
8. Invictus Typography print by Evajuliet
9. Happy Hour temporary tattoos

Happy Friday! Here are some links for your weeekend.

DIY: Neon and Wood Magnets
EAT IT: Pumpkin Cupcake recipes
SHOP: Camp brand
ETSY: Handy Maiden 
MUSIC: Jay-Z's Brooklyn 
JUST FOR FUN: Carson Cares

VIDEO:

"partir" from joanna lurie on Vimeo.

It's October, it's thursday. Sounds like 2 good reasons to do a giveaway. this week you can win a copy of "A Frightful Night" AND a set of my Halloween cards (includes 3 designs). So how can you win? It's easy..see the rules below.

You have until SUNDAY ( October 7, 2012 ) to enter. US Residents only please.

To be entered to win you'll need to do AT LEAST ONE of these things:

1. Comment on this blog entry and answer the following question: 
What do you love most about Halloween?

2. Follow me on twitter (@flwrsinmay) and tweet about this giveaway. (be sure to include @flwrsinmay so i know)

3. "Like" my Facebook page and share the post with your friends.
You need to share it, otherwise it doesnt count.

Good luck! Winners will be announced Monday. Stay tuned next Thursday for another giveaway.

1. Sheer Dotted Swiss Dress
2. Bandolini Master boots in tan
3. Set of 3 Pocket Graph Moleskine notebooks
4. Navy Deer Print by Amy Nelson
5. Typoholic
6. No Doubt: Push and Shove
7. Desk Organizer by Less & More
8. Benefit's She's So Jetset!
9. Lettuce Turnip The Beet tank top 

Happy Friday! Here are some links for your weekend.

MUST SEE: The hat exhibit at the Peabody Essex Museum
ETSY: Vanilla Skies & Design 
JUST FOR FUN: Does Papyrus Belong Here? (thanks Nicole)
SHOPPING: Awesome tees by the Unrefinery 
DIY: Paint splattered boxes
EYE CANDY: Tellegramme Studio (prints & illustration)

VIDEO:

Bob Dylan Subterranean Homesick Blues - A HAND LETTERING EXPERIENCE from Leandro Senna on Vimeo.

And this year we have some adorable new card designs! "A Frightful Night" print is also back. And we've made it into a card along with 2 other designs. I love the monster dressed up as a hipster. So head on over to my shop to get em before they're gone.

1. Penfield Wayland Denim Trail Shirt
2. Pink Pig Pillow
3. Mermaid necklace by JoMarie Jewelry
4. Owl Tassel Bowler Bag
5. Maple Pancake Mix from Stonewall Kitchen
6. Boscia B.B. Cream
7. MidCentury Birds print by Habit Goods
8. Rodale Whole Foods cookbook
9. Mumford and Sons: Babel
10. Suede Era Vans

Credits: top image; bottom image

From DCRANGERFAN's channel

The Avett Brothers. If I were forced to listen to one band for the rest of my life, It would be them. So much energy, so much harmony, so much fun. I've had the pleasure of seeing them 3 times now in the past 2 years. And while this wasn't my favorite show, the setlist was the most unique. With old favorites like "colorshow" and "love the like the movies" to their newest single "live and die", the consistentcy of this band is unbelievable. Nothing I hear from them is just ok, they never disappoint. They even had G.Love (one of my favorites) join them on stage for 2 songs. One of which was his own "milk and sugar" The Avett Brothers prodcued his latest album; Fixin' to Die. 2 hours later and 29 songs, we left happy people. I wish I could relive it all over again, but I'll just have to wait for them to return next year.