The Front Page of Issue Two

Email Newsletter - February 2007

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MerriMail Issue Two Sneak Peek

Branching Out

Your Gift - custom vinyl art by Create.Ink + a lovely green vase + postcard of artwork by Patrick Dougherty

Outside the branches are bare. Winter is here. The holidays have passed, and the beginning of 2007 reminds us of the promises that we make to ourselves each year. We vow to stop doing certain things like slouching in our seats and biting our nails. We also say we're going to try new things-maybe a salsa class or a new gourmet sauce. Like the bare trees outside, in this issue we invite you to branch out. Stretch into something different and learn something new. To inspire you, we've included the perfect tools-a piece of custom vinyl art designed by Create.Ink, a lovely green vase and a beautiful postcard. The idea card contains articles about artist Patrick Dougherty, forcing branches to bloom, decorating tips and a brief history about the versatile plastic called vinyl.

Start today. Think about ways to have new encounters and different experiences. In just a few short months, spring will be here and perhaps your efforts to branch out will help you bloom into a brigther you.

Be Merri,

In This Issue

A brief synopsis of this issue's articles.

Where will you apply your vinyl art?

About Your Gifts

At the Atlanta Gift Show, we were captivated by the intriguing designs from Create.Ink. Founded by entrepreneur Lisa Thomas and artist Kim West, Create.Ink is a great company featuring a line of stationery, t-shirts and best of all - vinyl art, which we are happy to share with you.

Along with the vinyl art in this issue, we're also treating you to an opaque glass vase - the perfect canvas for the vinyl art.

Get Inspired

Photographing natural elements and foliage inspires Lisa and Kim of Create.Ink to design their many creations.

Branch Out

Do you ever branch out of your usual routine to experience something different?

Spruce It Up

Eris spruces up her living room with a bunch of branches.

Plant A Tree

We feature American Forests, a non-profit organization whose mission is to protect, restore and enhance trees and forests.

Patrick Doughtery's Stickwork

Caroline interviews Patrick Doughtery while on site of Just for Looks at the Max Azria Store on Melrose Ave in Los Angeles.

Dream Nests by Kate Farrell

Writer Kate Farrell writes about her brother, Patrick Dougherty's artwork, which are natural shelters for the imagination.

Forcing Spring to Bloom

Detailed instructions on how to force winter's bare branches into beautiful spring blossoms.

a brief evolution of vinyl

Starting in the 1920s, explore the story of vinyl.

Pick This Up: Real Simple Vinyl Adhesive Pockets

Discover the handy little kits created by these vinyl adhesive pockets.

Journal Jot: Branch Out & Try Something New

Brainstorm ideas for trying new things this year.

Resources

Blog Updates for Issue Two

Check out the latest updates and join our online conversations related to topics covered in Issue Two.