Two Different Artists Paint The Same Unusual Subject: Rubber Band Balls.

It may seem like an odd subject to you, but clearly not to artists Canadian Joanna Strong and Sandy Wilcox of the U.S., both of whom were separately inspired to paint a series of the same exact subject: Rubber band balls.


above left: Joanna Strong, A Joyous Voyage; above right: Sandy Wilcox, RBB#9

Painting them as a singular subject in the style of contemporary realism, Strong's paintings are slightly more photo-realistic with dramatic lighting and on a black background, making the bright colors pop. Wilcox's images of the same subject are painted in a smaller format, a little softer in execution and color and are featured on pale neutral backgrounds with soft shadows.

I have chosen to feature 14 paintings by each artist. I find both equally appealing and would love to own one of each.

Joanna Strong's Entanglement Series (sizes range from 16"x 16" to 48" x 48"):

A Joyous Voyage:

Birthday Party:

Climbing Trees At Sunset:

Gone Shopping, Back Soon:

Halleluia:

It's A Beautiful Evening:

Picking Wild Strawberries at The Beach:

Sail Away:

The News:

Undiscovered Country:

Up In The Airy Mountain:

We Could Be So Happy:

Wrapped Up:

all of the above paintings by Joanna Strong have been sold, to see more of her work, visit her site

Sandy Wilcox's Rubber Band Balls (sizes range from 10" x 10" to 20" x 16.5":

RBB #5:

RBB #6:

RBB #7:

RBB #8:

Rubber Band Ball #1 (sold):

Rubber Band Ball #2:

Rubber Band Ball #3:

Rubber Band Ball #4:

Rubber Band Ball #5:

Rubber Band Ball #10:

Rubber Band Ball #14:

Rubber Band Ball #15:

Rubber Band Ball #16:

To purchase one of Sandy Wilcox's Rubber band ball paintings, visit her site.

Custom Tailored Mermaid Tails Make A Splash!

3 Fins designs custom tailored mermaid tails in various shimmery colors and textures for anyone who can swim.



These are not costumes, but instead are durable and comfortable tails that actually enhance the swimming experience.





The Mono Fin tails are constructed of top quality swimming grade materials and suitable for swimming pools, lakes and oceans all over the world. Extremely durable and comfortable, they are constructed of the highest quality materials and give you remarkable speed and agility under water. Not to mention, would put huge smiles on any little girl- or adult- who ever wanted to be Ariel.




Buy 3 Fins Mermaid Tails here

Here's a bunch of links to Mermaid tails that can be purchased or rented, ranging from spandex to silicone.

WOODCHUCKcase. Real Locally Sourced Wood Adhesive Cases For Apple Products.

University of Minnesota students Kevin Groenjes and Benjamin VandenWymelenberg put their academic (and clearly, creative) heads together and came up with a way to add a bit of nature to high tech.



above: real Mahogany and Walnut add both protection and good looks to the Apple MacBook and Apple Air.

During an all nighter in the University of Minnesota Architecture studio, Ben came up with a prototype for the 'Woodchuck' and his friend Kevin became his partner. Eventually they found a third Minnesotan, Bob Feyereisen to make the products and WOODCHUCKcase was born.


above: Kevin Groenjes, Bob Feyereisen and Benjamin VandenWymelenberg work on the design of the Woodchuck products

The WOODCHUCKcases are really beautiful. The 100% real wood self-adhesive veneers come in mahogany, walnut and birch, sourced from local lumberyards and designed to perfectly fit Apple iPhones, iPads, MacBooks and the Mac Air.




Because they are made from 100% real wood each case varies slightly in color and texture so no two are exactly alike.

iPhone WOODCHUCKcases:
Birch:

Mahogany:

Walnut:

iPad WOODCHUCKcases:
Birch:

Mahogany:

Walnut:

MacBook and MacAir WOODCHUCKcases:



The cases can easily be removed without leaving a sticky residue, using a special 3M adhesive.

The Woodchuck Team is passionately and energetically changing the way people interact with technology and has partnered with local company Midwest Special Services, a facility giving life opportunities to adults with disabilities, to create the packaging.



They began by selling the products, which are 100% made in the United States, in the University of Minnesota bookstores and now the products can be bought through their online store at the Mall of America and four gift stores, including one in Milwaukee. And beginning today, 18th of July, the cases can be purchased at Best Buy.

SPECIAL FREE SHIPPING OFFER for If It's Hip, It's Here Readers. Use code IIHIH at check out.


Buy your WOODCHUCKcase

New York Yankees Pitch Their New Fragrance With A Mobile Truck Experience.

The New York Yankees are pitching their new fragrance line with a mobile truck decked out in pinstripes by Scheck Outdoor.




Driving around New York to build awareness for the fragrance, which is being sold at Yankee Stadium, Macy’s and Lord and Taylor, the truck stops to engage consumers and invite them to try the fragrance along with the New York Yankee baseball 'experience.'




The interior of the truck was designed to emulate a locker room featuring memorabilia from Yankee Greats Yogi Berra to Derek Jeter, courtesy of Steiner Sports Memorabilia. The truck provides a mobile "kodak moment" for passers-by who can pose inside wearing a helmet and yielding a bat.




Passing out samples and loaded with NY Yankees imagery, the truck is both a traveling showroom experience and billboard for the new fragrance line.





About The Fragrances
New York Yankees™ fragrance:

above: This fresh, woody scent introduces an invigorating blend of sparkling Bergamot, Coriander and cool Blue Sage. As it evolves, the fragrance reveals a fusion of crisp Ivy leaves, Orange Flower and Geranium enhanced with rich earthy Patchouli, smooth Sandalwood and Suede to create a classic, timeless scent.

New York Yankees™ For Her:

above: This fruity gourmand scent introduces a vibrant blend of juicy Guava, succulent Plum and sun-kissed Apricot nectar, providing a mouth watering lift to the top. Drenched Strawberry Blossom and rich Tiare Flower enhances the femininity of the fragrance while creamy Sandalwood, delicious Vanilla and sensuous Musk create an instantly addictive quality that lingers on skin throughout wear.

When the truck is not being used for the experience, it is on the road in the NY area marketing the fragrance. Curtis Granderson and Mariano Rivera are the official spokespeople for the new scent.


photos courtesy of Thomas Iannaccone and Scheck Outdoor.


Buy the fragrances here