Hi Friends,
Read our newest email here to find out about our shop closing temporarily for 3 weeks. In the email I explain it all so click the link to read more.
​We can't wait to get back to work soon! 

Photo via Pixabay

Are you interested in moving your art studio to a different location? Patreon can help you leave your current studio behind. Maybe you’ve found a new home or a beautiful downtown loft that will help you focus on your work. Or maybe life has taken you in a completely different direction. Whatever the case, you have your work cut out for you.

Artists spend a good portion of their lives collecting, perfecting, and storing high-grade equipment for their ongoing projects. A move involves packing, shipping, and unpacking these supplies - in addition to any expensive or sentimental artwork that has been made. Pinterest offers some great tips on moving your art studio, in addition to Modern Cave Paintings.

Moving your artwork can be stressful and scary, if not done correctly. Familiarize yourself with the four methods below. Each one can help you safely move your art studio, whether you purchased a new place across town, in a different state, or in another country altogether.

     1. Movers

The safest route if you’re moving your art studio across town (or even across the state) is to hire a professional moving company to handle your equipment. The company can be held liable for any unnecessary damage done to your belongings, and you’ll be able to view your packages while they’re being transferred. When the day comes to move your artwork and equipment, make sure each box is clearly labeled and all movers have been instructed against handling fragile pieces in a rough manner. You’ll need to take charge and give instructions for a successful move.

    2. Professional Shipment

You may consider professional shipping to move expensive artwork or equipment. Some companies will provide a container, packaging, postage, and shipment for a reasonable price. You should keep in mind, however, that shipment will prohibit you from seeing your equipment moved in person. You’ll need to completely trust the system. If this makes you uncomfortable, you may want to consider another option. You can also request shipment information as the package is processed. Professional shipment is best for long distance moves - such as across country or international.

    3. Friends and Family

Running low on funds? Do you have trouble trusting strangers? If either of these are true, you should contact friends or extended family members to help you move your artwork and equipment. Not only will you be working closely with individuals that you trust, but you’ll know each person truly cares about your work. For large moves, ask someone to rent a vehicle (or rent one yourself) to help transfer boxes and supplies. You’ll be surprised at how quickly the process goes when several dozen of your friends show up to help.

     4. DIY

If you have trouble trusting anyone around your art studio, or you’d rather take a hands-on approach to moving, consider the do-it-yourself route. This route involves serious labor and research. You don’t want to go in blind. A do-it-yourself move is bittersweet, because you won’t have anyone else to hold responsible for damage. Artwork has been found to be among the top 10 items most likely to get damaged during a move, so take your time and pack carefully. And, don’t try to make the entire move in a single day without any breaks.

Is this a temporary move? Consider tips from Celebrating Color to help you along the way.

Whatever option you choose, remember that you are in charge of your equipment. Feel free to make special requests, write labels, or ask for help. There is no limit to the amount of protection that your belongings should have during your move. Take a deep breath, conduct more research, and make a decision that fits your situation and needs. You’ll be on your way to a new and bright art studio in no time.

​--Aimee Lyons

Every year we put together one of a kind gift sets to make your holiday shopping a breeze. 
Our elves have been thoughtfully piecing together and embellishing sets to fit all of your gifting needs. 

The variety is endless, so you are sure to find something for every kind of artist!
 Painting, drawing, child sets, adult coloring sets, crafting sets, collage sets... you name it! We've got it. And if we don't have it, we'd love to help you put together a custom set in whatever price range you prefer. 

All of our sets are reasonably priced with minimal packaging, so you get way more bang for your buck.
  Prices range anywhere from
$4.99-$50+ 
Whatever your budget may be, we'll help you out and hook you up! 

The elves have really put in some effort to make sure we have plenty of sets ready for you during the Little Boxes weekend. So make those lists and check them twice!

    Little Boxes, Sales & Fun!         

     Hey IBF friends,

     We are thrilled to be a part of Little Boxes this year! If you have not had the pleasure of participating in previous years, or if you've never heard of Little Boxes, you'll definitely want to check out their website and Facebook
       event page for all the details.

Little boxes takes place on the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving. If you are someone that enjoys the hustle&bustle and extra savings that is Black Friday but have always wanted to do it in a way that supports your local Portland businesses, this is the best way to do that! There are over 200 participating shopsthis year, so chances are, you may even discover a new favorite store that you never knew existed, as well as score some great deals from shops you already know and love. There will be so many crazy discounts, coupons and some amazing chances at some stellar raffle prizes.

Getting started is as easy as....
1. Visit the website to see how to play! https://pdx.shoplittleboxes.com/
2. Stop into our shop (or any participating shop) to pick up your Little Boxes passport book. 
3. Download the app on your iphone or android! (Or learn how to play without using a smart phone.)
 https://pdx.shoplittleboxes.com/apps/

If you've done all three, you should be ready to go! If you have any other questions, please shoot us an email, call, or ask an IBF friendly face when you pickup your passport at the store. 

Pssstt! There's some great coupons that you'll want to print out at the bottom of this email that are going to be good only during the event. Don't miss out!

IBF Event hours: 9am-6pm Friday and Saturday (25th & 26th)

We can't wait to see you there! And as always, thank you for choosing to shop local. 

A while back our manager Prairie downloaded a new app created by Faber-Castell on one of our store iPads thinking that it would be useful in the way of product knowledge. Once downloaded we realized that it was created for children and upon giving it a go, we realized that it was actually really really cool. The next time I visited the store with my kids, my 5 year old Gabriel, being as drawn to electronics like kids his age seem to be these days, quickly discovered the app for himself. This is now a favorite of his and what he looks forward to each time he gets to accompany mom to work, besides getting to talk to customers and hangout with his favorite IBF employees of course! 


Have you ever wished that your creation could be brought to life? 
With this app, your child's imagination is stimulated and their creativity is encouraged as they trace and color little creatures that are brought to life and become interactive. What I love is that it actually incorporates the use of actual paper and pens!

• Lovingly hand-crafted app with colour pencil illustrations
• Self-explanatory step by step drawing tutorials
• Intuitive handling
• Four user profiles
• Developed with child development experts, tested, and further developed
• Ideas which are age-appropriate and further your child‘s development: exercises fine motor skills, creativity, and imagination

I would definitely recommend this app for children 5+ years (possibly younger with assistance of an adult) Gabriel is able to easily navigate and use this app on his own and gives it a solid 5/5 stars. Thumbs up guys!

Download it today!