Laura Brown of Minnesota Center for Book Arts

In places like Twin Cities, where the winters are often filled with negative temperatures, it’s the perfect time to cozy up in the studio and create. That’s Laura Brown’s mentality. She’s been a part of the Artist Co-op at Minnesota Center for Book Arts since 2011. It’s a wonderland of printmaking and bookbinding. What drew Laura in was the community aspect of the craft. The machinery and equipment is large, expensive, and meant to be shared. In the photos above you can watch Laura’s process as she prints a calendar for the new year. How cool is that? Can you see how she sets the template and runs an inked up roller across it? You can purchase one of these handmade beauties here. There is so much personality in printmaking. It opens up a world of surprises and problem solving. The beautiful letters, rich inks, and the hand-touched nature of each impression (that’s what you call an individual print). Check out more of what Laura’s up to at laurabrownart.com

Laura’s winter workwear: Carhartt Women’s Annapolis Long-Sleeve Shirt, Slim Fit Nyona Jean, & Women’s Skokie Pull Over Sweater

A Simpler, More Sustainable Life

This is the time of year for recollecting and being with loved ones. It’s the season for taking a look at your life and feeling grateful. Perhaps it’s just the right time to rethink your approach to everyday. Maybe we don’t need all the odds and ends we wrap up and give to each other. Maybe we just need to take a deep breath, enjoy the nature around us, and connect with the people that mean the most to us.

Last week, I drove through snow and ice to meet up with Suzy Clark at her winter paradise. She and her husband run a 10 acre plot of field and forest called Sterling Homestead. They grow organic fruits and veggies, which they sell through CSA and local markets, and preserve their harvest during the winter months. Suzy and Joseph live almost entirely off the grid with solar power, wood heat, and no running water in their charming cabin.

Without the distractions of television, internet, and cell phones, there is a sense of peace that exudes from warmth of their home. Over a cup of coffee and the smell of baking bread, Suzy and I chatted about the ins and outs of leading a more sustainable life. Their interest in permaculture practices (that’s environmental design that develops sustainable agriculture modeled after natural ecosystems) has taught them so much. What can you learn from taking a peak into Suzy’s everyday? Maybe we all could take some time to disconnect with technology for a bit and really link in to the immediate world around us.

Check out the winter work outfit that keeps Suzy warm during the bone chilling Wisconsin winter: Carhartt Women’s Sandstone Kenai Parka, Women’s Series 1989 Slim Double Front Dungaree, Force Performance Quarter-Zip Shirt, & Women’s Quilt’s Glove. 

Ranchers Jenny and Lisa Boswell

It might be chilly out there, especially with all the snow and ice this past week, but life goes on.
If you have land or animals to care for, you know working cold or shine is a necessity.
Why not get those chores done with Carhartt on your side.
Designed with work in mind, you’ll be able to keep warm and move around.
Both of the jackets pictured above are lined with sherpa, filled with pockets, and constructed from Carhartt’s classic sandstone duck material.
Jenny’s outfit: Sandstone Kenai Parka, Women’s Hamilton Flannel Shirt II & Women’s Original-Fit Canvas 
Lisa’s outfit: Women’s Sandstone Berkley Jacket & Original-Fit Denim Jasper Jeanan

 

The Women of Canine to Five

Dog’s are not just a man’s best friend. They can be a woman’s too. They generally don’t talk back or interrupt. They love a good cuddle. And they lift up the day say the women at  Canine to Five who take care of other people’s dogs during the day and go home to spend time with their own canines during their off hours.  Is this a sign of pet obsession gone too far? No way. They just love dogs and hanging out with your furry friends or their own, keeps them contented and healthy. These girls like to share everything with dogs,and they are not afraid of showing real affection for any four-legged friends under their care. They are not alone. According to a 2007 study, about two-thirds of households in the US  have at least one pet,  and 45 per cent of those families have more than one animal. With humor, soul and a deep knowledge of what it takes to lead, women have long been a part of a dog’s life and training, just like their menfolk.

check out their work gear: Clarksburg Quarter-Zip Sweatshirt, Bergland T-Shirt, & Jasper Jean and Carhartt Women’s Stockbridge Sweatshirt, Women’s Force Performance T-Shirt, & Straight-Fit Jean