about the issues

After hanging out at the bottom of our to-do lists for months, we have finally posted a web page for each of the issues. This will give readers direct links to the resources on the web. So if there is something that you have been meaning to look up, but left your idea card at home, no fears. Just go to Merri-mail.com and you will be able to find the link on that issue's page.

We haven't included the full articles. In a few instances we have included more information than we were able to fit into the idea card.

Let us know what you think and what some of your favorite resources are.

Past and Single Issues Now for Sale

We are now offering back issues and single issues for sale, along with year-long subscriptions. So please be sure to share the great news with all of your friends. We have sold out of the first issue, but we are excited to offer Issue #2. If you subscribe now, you will receive Issue #3. Be sure to order both today so that you can have the complete collection - well, almost.

What Inspires You?

Nature seems to be the overriding them in what inspires the artists featured in our Branching Out Issue. Lisa Thomas and Kim West, members of the Create.Ink design team, as well, as artist Patrick Dougherty site their love for flora and branches. For me, it's paper. (And flowers, too!)

What inspires you?

Wallcandy Dottilicious Wall Decals

This is a fabulous collection of vinyl art that I found on This Next, a social shopping web site. The circles are so fun and playful. Great for a kids room or an art studio.

Check out these other lists on This Next:
Beyond a Can of Paint by AuntBeep
Blik recommendations
Wall Decals

Love the vinyl art concept?

For more vinyl art and other decorative concepts try...

Wallpaper menagerie by Romp

Wall tattoos by Rockett St. George

Window decals by Avery (Label 3276) and create your own design
Know of any other fabulous vinyl art? Add them to the list using the comments below!

Where are you using your vinyl art?

When playing around with Issue Two's gift, we found several interesting places to add the art around our homes. The ideas seemed to be endless - a mirror, a platter, a lampshade, on the wall above the bed, or even a laptop. So we wanted to see where our readers placed it. Or have you put it anywhere yet? We can't wait to hear what you think about it. Plus we are happy to give any tips that you might help with your application.

Issue No. 2 is on the way

Eris had a 9:30 appointment with the Post Office today. Your packages are on the way! Take a quick sneak peek at the Issue Two letter included in the card. Above you will find a picture of two of your three gifts this issue.

Be sure to check back to the blog for updates and more resources associated with this issues idea card. We can't wait to hear more about our experiences with Branching Out.

Branching Out with Patrick Dougherty

Jug or Naught, Fredric Meijer Gardens, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1999.
Photographer: David Ferris.

I just had an excellent interview with Patrick Dougherty, a world-renown sculptor from North Carolina. The interview will be featured in the upcoming issue of MerriMail, due out in January. Fly through Twisted Logic to get a sense of the depth of his work.