Northwest Til Death

One of my favorite things to do no matter what city I’m in is go to local boutiques/shops. I love checking out local artist/merchant merchandise. One company that I have fallen hard for and want to share with all is Paper Diamond Clothing. I’m a sucker for all things PNW...as you all know. So as soon as I saw the brands slogan Northwest Til Death I was hooked & wanted to know more about this local creator.

Instagram: justin.newman

Created by Curtis Ashby Curtisashbyart.com in 2008, As a way to display & sell drawings he had created. The concept...create something out of nothing. Starting all of his designs by drawing them on paper, scanning onto a computer then with a little work it becomes a diamond.  

I asked the meaning behind the brand. Curtis responded.

“Northwest Til Death” was coined a proclamation of pride for the region that we live in here in the Pacifc Northwest. The Northwest is such a unique area to live. I wanted to make a line of apparel that reflected that uniqueness.  

Instagram: kmat_

Instagram: PaperdiamondsNW

Painting throughout middle school and high school, taking multiple art classes per day, paved the way for the artist he is today.  A friend wanting to purchase a painting only if he had a place/funds for it, got Curtis thinking about how he could create affordable art. The idea of a clothing company was born.  

Instagram: zackkcore

Curtis is currently working on the winter collection for the Northwest Til Death line. With a few new shirts, sweatshirts and more to look forward to. Also keep in mind beanie weather is upon us. Curtis hand sews the patches on to these trendy beanies he sells. So keep an out...they are my favorite!!!! 

You can snag Northwest Til Death goods at local Tacoma stores such as:

Compass Rose... also the Olympia location

Bleach 

Nearsighted Narwhal

Tacoma Art Muesum 

Or check out their online shop...

Northwesttildeath.com

Instagram: minnesxwtan

If you haven’t yet we are doing a giveaway so make sure to head over to my Instagram to participate

Brit_PNW

Look out for the next Postcard From The PNW You  

Brittney

Tacoma Needs Love- Michael Johnson

Anyone who has Instagram or really any social media account will understand what I’m about to share....

About a month ago I went on Instagram, like any other hour of my day checking my notifications haha per usual I had a message notification and went to it... it was a comment on my story from someone who I’ve been following for awhile now, someone who I double tapped every photo posted, may have even commented on a few....haha So I did what any normal girl would do, screamed and jumped around!!!! I showed Anthony who has no social media accounts what so ever and had no clue what I was even showing him...haha he doesn’t get it.  

So...

I wrote back and I’m glad I did. Yet again the blog has opened doors or opportunities, ones I couldn’t even imagine a few months ago.  

Let me introduce to you local Tacoma Photographer Michael Johnson ... he has an eye for capturing beauty in anything he points and shoots at.   

1. Lets start off with why so much love for Tacoma?

Well I was born here and its just home to me. Tacoma gets a bad rap from our neighbors to the north. Oddly enough it is now them that are coming down here and buying all the locals out of housing options. Now they finally realize how cool Tacoma is and figure by gentrifying all of the neighborhoods then it will be a livable place for them. Aside from that some of the best people I know are from here, and Tacomas diversity is part of what molded them into awesome individuals. That also reflects in the art that is created here which often times reflects an adoration for the city. I love the fact that you can get lost in a forest, put your toes in some sand, and admire modest sky scrapers in one city.  

2. How did you get into photography?

Music lead to my interest in photography. I used to be in a band and always appreciated the cool pictures some of our friends would take of us, as well as other bands pictures I saw. Also getting my own place gave me some motivation to take some photos. When you get a place you naturally want to decorate it. IKEA and Burlington do have some nice pictures to hang on the wall but its all hotel art and has no connection to me. I wanted to take pictures that I could hang on our walls and know they have a meaning to us, as well as reflect my personality. 

3. What inspires you?

My family. And telling me I cant do something. I want my kids to experience all the cool things I got to experience as a kid and didn't appreciate until I was older. In 1st grade we hopped in our Vanagon and drove across the county. I want to do that with my family. Maybe sans vanagon because they are wild expensive but in some type of car. I wan't to create those memories with my family because beyond toys a kid never forgets adventures like that. That being said my parents took me to Disneyland when I was like 2 and I didn't remember shit... so that doesn't count.  

4. Favorite Tacoma location to shoot?...and photo!

I love hidden beach in Titlow. Great sunsets, beach, bridge, quiet, close! Easy to go there with the family and snap a few pictures. I don't think I have a favorite Tacoma photo but I do love the daytime long exposure I took from the Convention center of downtown Tacoma. and any pictures of or at the Murray Morgan Bridge

5. What do you want your viewers to take from your work?

How I see things around here and abroad. You can find a little personality in the way people edit their pictures... maybe some of that can leak through. 

6. Your dream place to photograph...?

Yellowknife

7. One question nobody has ever asked you about your photography?

Why do you do it?

If you know me, once I saw the answer to the last question I immediately wrote back asking why...

-I do it because it's peacful and provides an artistic outlet that I no longer get from music. There is an awesome feeling that comes from making a normal scene turn into something magical as well.-

Michael doesn’t just take photos of beautiful cities he also takes portrait photos go check out his work on his Instagram pages you will feel inspired and fall in love with cities you have or have not visited.

Michaelweldonphoto

Michaelweldonprotraits

Look Out For The Next Postcard From The PNW 

Brittney

Creativity Takes Courage- Henri Matisse

With over 30 stores opened across the United States, Artist and Craftsman Supply is a employee owned business that has brought color to Tacoma, Located on St Helens Ave. 

Staffed with knowledgeable, experienced local artists, or enthusiasts, who can guide you through this quirky, tie dyed art shop! 

This store caters to all, whether your a professional artist, crafter or kid. I walked in not knowing what to expect, with crafts for every type of art to trinkets and goodies. This shop is brightly colored and makes your imagination wander, with how much inventory they have I wouldn't be surprised when I go back if I see new things ever time.  

My faves...

Colored Changing Pencils 

Big Foot Air Freshener

Colored Pencils In Every Shade Imaginable 

A Beautiful Wall of Handmade Paper

So if your an artist, a DIYer, or looking for a funky shop to peruse. I definitely recommend Artist and Craftsman Supply 

Look out for the next Postcard From The PNW!

Brittney 

Lost In A World Of Books

Probably the coolest part about being a parent I've discovered is taking your kids to places you loved as a child.  It's summer time now, besides lounging on the sofa or running around outside tossing water balloons, jumping in pools and enjoy popsicicles, we  as parents have to keep the learning going. For Fallyn her lessons for the summer consists of a work book page from the grade she will be entering -you can find good ones at Costco, as well as reading 20 minutes each day! 

Sometimes reading can be a challenge for some kids, from lack of interest.  There are incentives across the internet for summer reading challenges.  Fallyn loves to read, finding her genre helped in motivating her to want to read.  This year her school sent home a brochure from Real Dawgs Read! A University of Washington reading incentive for kids to read all summer. At the end they will be rewarded with a official UW hat! Fallyn has future plans on attending UW so she was all over this challenge!

To kick off this challenge I decided to take her to one of my favorite childhood memory spots the Tacoma Book Center. My mom use to take my brother and I there when we were younger. We would run around and get lost in the floor to ceiling shelves of books.  They have everything!!! From Gardening to Travel, old childerens book series to New York Times recent bestsellers. All for a great price plus your supporting a local business that has been around for at least 20 years! Fallyn picked out her book and once she has read it. We will go back for another.  If your trying to track down a book, you must check out this gem located Downtown Tacoma!

Look Out For The Next Postcard From The PNW!

Brittney

Subculture

Around Tacoma Tuesday!

Subculture Salon

The reason I started around Tacoma Tuesday was to show all of my favorite local Tacoma places that I love to frequent, which there is a ton! One question I'm always asked -Where do you get your hair done? Easy! Subculture Salon. Located downtown Tacoma nestled in between Meconis and The Matador -Best Location!!! You will find this industrial chic salon. Bringing you old Tacoma charm with a polished finish. 

It's been a few weeks since celebrating their One Year Anniversary Event. -They know how to celebrate, any events I highly recommend attending!!! This salon is booming with talent. I should know I have worked with majority of the staff. Today I met with Myleah, the Director of Education/Master Level Stylist at Subculture. She is full of energy and a great time!!!

We sat in the lobby which is open and welcoming. The first question I had was about the beautiful brick wall. The exposed brick is part of the original building that they had distressed and stamped with their name and est. placing Subculture Salon in Tacoma history forever.  

The owners, Reese and Burke Mullins have 10 stylist and growing.  They have a lot to offer.  I don't know about you but it's nice to have all of your pampering needs in one place. Services range from Balayage to Brazilian Blowouts, cuts to extensions and everything in between, and that's just hair.  They have the most talented lash extension experts, and a great skincare menu. Go check out their website for all services and prices  LINK While chatting with Myleah a guest walked in, she greeted and checked her in offering any coffee, tea, water and even a mimosa or beer. Now that's service!!! 

If your in the Tacoma area and your looking for a salon check out Subculture. You will leave feeling gorgeous, as well as that you deserve a night out on the town. Lucky for you The Matador is right next door! 

Look out for the next Postcard From The PNW

Brittney