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What does a blank canvas, a beach full of sand, a lump of clay have in common? They each represent possibility, which means the answer is yes to being a super power. The only limitation is the mind. A fashion designer uses a bolt of fabric to transform a sheet material into a form that fits the contours of our body- with so many directions to explore for the final design. Creatives love exploring ideas and combinations of texture, color, and shape to create vibrant designs. Similar to a clothing designer, a quilter uses bolts of fabric, repurposed scraps & thread to make functional quilts. The repetition within their artistry becomes either an interesting wearable or a displayable art form. In other words, fabric & thread are yet another canvas for expression. We don't have any quilters on our team, but through collaboration we formulate custom products for your purpose, distribution and audience. It's exciting to consider how simply using paper, thread, adhesive & plastic can fancy something a new product that resonates with recipients simply through clever design. When we apply our imagination, product knowledge, and creative power into design & marketing strategy, magic happens! Smart marketing is about engagement, not about the product itself. Here's a story with some collaborative imagination at work. Cary Quilting was seeking a useful item to sell in their quilting store, which became this quilter's grid ruler. Additionally they wanted something unique to sell at their quilting convention booth. Stickers are a hot collectible, why not inspire conversation, incorporate a dose of fun and align the values of those that love to stitch up fabrics? These custom cards with embroidered stickers were the perfect solution for the challenge. We were able to design in their logo into the background of the card, as well as design these punny images. We love how these turned out! You might say, the result left us in stitches! This story is also a woman-owned partnership! Perhaps you saw our pearl with Julianne? Make your partners raving fans! We love crafting legendary stories and making memories last- that's brand power.

Is your refrigerator door full of memories every summer? The key to any successful promotion is providing functional items that also engage your recipient and solve a challenge. Today's challenge? Keeping summer fun going year round. The key starts with creating memories that will be enjoyed over & over! Keep your brand message front & center this summer with this handy little item. It sticks to many different types of surfaces! Safe for walls, making it easy to change out photos as little ones grow or new save the date cards arrive in the mail. Keeping your name front & center to your key accounts or inserting some fun employee inspiration! Crafting a smart summer promotion is more fun when we layer in cherished moments utilizing fun & functional products that also create time with recipient's family or friends to play together. As long as you are planning a summer basket of goodies- put everything in a pail. We will add a tea towel the family can color! Imagine the possibilities- welcome home, ew family member, new pet or upcoming family day event. By promoting a fun activity together, your recipient makes memories. Would you rather insert something for the beach? Sure, make it a towel, ask us to design something fun and make sure to put those towel clips in the pail. We love helping your brand story remain in sight, keeping you top of mind. Let us help you tell your story- in color, creating memories with your valued relationships! Is your recipient a party of one- maybe the memory they want to create is how easy you made their summer fun, with this Lily Pulitzer beach kit.

Make an impression by not leaving footprints. Instead of using paper- considering blast off, as if out of the future, only in your daily routine, seamlessly recording your thoughts with a Rocket in hand. Besides your choice adds more value in 3 ways. How? We've been sharing this brand with you for a while. Perhaps you read one of our previous posts? Earth Day seems an appropriate day to remind you why this brand will never become brand fill. Now that we've outlined how the brand is making a difference environmentally, what about discovering how it works? Read more in this previous blog post Embrace a new way of working! Smarter, not harder!

When sketching, writing or dreaming, make your marks matter. A line can form letters, shapes, words and so many images. A pencil is an adaptable medium for expression. Make the WRITE Touch- consider being Tree Free! Today is Earth Day- so let's explore some brands we sharing for years. When a product enhances your daily routine and is purpose driven, well, that's a partnership that matters. We strive to add more value, make a difference in our community. We love brands that use their brand power to be a force for good & create meaningful partnerships that effect change. Besides, K'arst offers sleek modern styles & high quality products that solve everyday solutions. By offering value, these will never become brand fill. What's special about this pencil set? The K'arst Woodless Graphite Pencils come as a set of five (5) solid graphite pencils. Made of 100% pure graphite with 2B hardness, it’s the best lead grade for K'arst paper products. Features a matte coating to keep your fingers clean. Includes retail gift box. Through a partnership with 1% For The Planet, one percent of sales of all EcoSmart® products are donated to environmental nonprofits. The innovation, sleek design and commitment a better tomorrow for our planet is exactly why we've been sharing about the benefits of the K'arst brand since 2022. Our partners that have tried stone paper can't stop raving about the feel. Read more in this earlier post. As an art major, I loved the feel of high quality graphite pencils for sketching out ideas and recording my thoughts. Besides, these pencils provide seamless movement and the ease of shading or drawing simply with the tilt of your wrist. Their innovation does not stop with pencils. In their search for a better tomorrow the company began to consider if paper needed to be made from trees. The answer is no, it can be made from stone and a journal cam become waterproof. Besides, the paper feels amazing. By challenging themselves to adhere to high standards for design & for respect to the environment their products are creating solutions and forming strong partnerships. Karst is one of our many B-Corp Partnerships- you might recall from our focus last month on these types of partners. Seeking purpose driven partnerships? Ask us for more suggestions and make sure to visit our showroom to compare options.

When my oldest son was young, anytime we tried something new I called it an adventure. We would explore places we'd never been, try new foods and always enjoy the day. I loved those adventures and hope to one day to repeat them with grandkids, which relies on a healthy planet. Today is Earth Day, which puts annual spotlight on environmental issues & the choices we make that will effect the long term health of our planet. Increasingly our partners are responding & adapting their products & operations. There are products made from sustainable materials and recycled plastics. Partnerships with manufacturing that diverts plastics from our oceans, help maintain our forests and reduce our carbon footprint. All of the products in the posts today are part of a program partnership with 1% For The Planet, a global network of businesses working to support people and the planet. To date, our partner has contributed $1.6 million to non-profits working to improve water access, food security and nature-based carbon solutions. Working together, we’ll continue making a difference. Let's dive into 3 products that provide you peace of mind, and solve daily challenges. e our product portfolio easily sortable by those pillars to make it easy to purchase with purpose Being outside lifts your mood and provides opportunities to explore. The unknown provided by exploration, which is half the fun of an adventure; the other half is a discovery. Let's go be inspired by nature. While we are busy exploring, Hydro Flask® will insure temperature, taste, and transport that will deliver unexpected refreshment each and every time. Ready for adventure? You bet! Whether your adventure is finding some shade in a local park to enjoy your lunch or hiking till you find the water's edge for a break, this brand will provide consistent refreshment. Ready for something new? Try this food container. A durable, leakproof insulated container for lunch and adventure, the Hydro Flask® large stainless steel 20 oz. insulated food jar is made to go anywhere. TempShield® keeps hot food fresh, and the soft grip lid seals tight and is easy to open. TempShield® double-wall vacuum insulation protects temperature for hours Made with 18/8 pro-grade stainless steel for durability, pure taste, and no flavor transfer. BPA-Free, not for use on a stove, in a microwave or freezer. Explore the Hydro Flask commitment to quality & function: Explore the Hydro Flask impact by the numbers: Explore a full line of options here. We've been suggesting this brand for a while because everyday should focus on the earth.

Rewards should be something to celebrate, creating a memory for the recipient. There are no "rules" for awards. An award is meant to be a symbol of accomplishment; jogging the memory each time it's seen. We love making an impression that lasts. For example, runner's like to collect medals! Rewarding them with a high quality medal increases participation and provides an opportunity to share the fun of the race experience each time the medal is displayed, photographed & discussed. You know our team never does anything "halfway". We had some fun with racers at the Apex Chamber Run the Peak 5K-10K the past couple of year's, because any good marathoner knows one should never do anything halfway! What's in these pints? Runner's gloves, with touch screen fabric. These gloves make it simple to change your play list on a brisk morning. In fact, make it a year-round combo that will be kept, used and appreciated. Remember, appreciation & recognition come in a variety of forms, not only displayed on a shelf or desk. We love seeing our partnerships at work, putting a spotlight on strong community partnerships and keeps our partner's story going year-round. Making a personal connection is a critical part to the success of any campaign. Tees frequently take center stage as a promotional product in the campaign, but why? Watch here. Let's take a look at some more collaborations with running enthusiast's. Tideland 24, is a 24 Hour run in the Croatan National Forest benefitting the Marine Raider Foundation. Local annual races, like the Fuquay-Varina Chamber of Commerce- Run the Quay, have become a fan favorite among running community. Matching tees, like these for TE Connectivity, capture a sense of pride & unity among a large group supporting a local chamber event. The trophy for the Fuquay-Varina Chamber of Commerce and the cool down cups shown here, added to the race experience.

If you have top talent- maybe the key to keeping them engaged is a slam dunk! Keeping employees motivated and engaged might be a simple as a slam dunk award. Celebrate the first sale, sticking to core values, teamwork, landing accounts or benchmark projects. You decide what to recognize for your winning team. These awards are USA Made, full color and offer loads of content space to get creative. Drop in additional pieces to collect a set, yes- of course! Do we have more creative collectibles? You bet- take a look at these previous posts. Consider how a unique shape adds an element of surprise & fun, while conveying your message. Leave the design work to us. We'll use our imagination to create something new. Is this idea a buzzer beater?

Sports fans feel part of the team, identifying as the extra player assisting the team score. Those fans are invested in the team, they feel a relationship. Do you have fans? Sure you do- if you have relationships, you have fans! From hometown team pride to local places we love to eat, hang out with friends, buy goods or services is an example of a local relationships. It's easy to see how wearing gear from our school unites us and identifies us as a group. A consumer pop-up within your business is a great marketing tool. Think about it. When you visit an artist's bar in Nashville, you'll likely purchase some gear to feel part of that brand. Unite your fan base!! In fact, make them scream for more!!! Repeat customers love you- reward them! In fact, your loyal fans love your local relationship. Why not reward them with gear that also advertises your brand? You've worked hard to developed a distinct identity in your market that's standing out among the crowd. Offering a retail component to your enthusiasts is smart marketing! Simple right? Let's take a look at a few a few of our local partners "fan gear". Set up a store within your location! Capture moments in the community that showcase your longevity & tie to community spirit.

Sophisticated enough for the boardroom, yet rugged enough to tackle any outdoor adventure. Your brand needs a partner that "gets" your values and your lifestyle. CamelBak delivers on quality, style and price point. From employee giveaways and holidays, to sporting events or family camping trips, CamelBak makes the perfect gift idea for every occasion. The curated collection for water bottles or backpacks is adaptable for both the daily commute or weekend workout sessions! Why We Love CamelBak CamelBak collaborates with individuals, groups, and programs who share their values in preserving and improving the outdoors. The brand supports several non-profit organizations such as Little Bella’s, a non-profit that creates opportunities for girls to experience personal success through mountain biking, and Protect Our Winters, a nonprofit partner dedicated to helping people who are passionate about the outdoors become effective climate advocates. Our partners have superb decoration methods. One of our newest mugs is The Thrive - Stay fueled up without slowing down, a 32 oz Leak-Proof 32 oz Mug burly enough to get you through the whole day, from sunup until sundown with a whole lot of adventure in between. The integrated non-slip design and leak-proof lid mean you won't have to worry about sudden spills, whether you're riding over a rocky stretch of road to reach some far-flung campsite, or just barreling out the door to try and catch your train. Shop the entire line of products here. Our partners share responsible sourcing, are purpose driven and this line is also one of our ProudPath Partners and part of your local advantage! Watch here.

Did you watch the recent solar eclipse or see stunning photos after? We live in a world where we don't want to wait to share what we've experienced. In fact, WE WANT IT NOW! Yes- on demand photos, a new generation of the polaroid lifestyle! Photos are a great way to connect with others- sharing experiences, events and capturing memories. Hosting an event creates energy at the moment but how do you sustain engagement after it's over? Maybe you'd like to create a card, label or even generate a to do list- energized right from the conference room location. Can do! We all know our phones are mini computers, why not task this device with something that creates an instant reward? Connect the portable wireless printer to your phone through Bluetooth. Once connected, you can print black-and-white photos, pictures, study notes, and to-do lists and customize bookmarks, labels, journals, greeting cards, and more. A roll of thermal paper and thermal sticker paper are included with the printer. The printer is compatible with all major phone brands and has a battery life of 4 hours of continuous use. Recharge time: 2 hours. Type C Charging Cable Included. Looking for some tips on creating quality photos? Making an impressions requires a strong visual experience and keeps the client engaged. Yes, you can read this blog but don't forget we have 3 artist's on the team- so we know a bit about composition. We are happy to share our graphic knowledge with you; it's fun to play in our design studio. Ready to get this product in your partner's hand? Drop by our showroom to see a sample and let's plan on DEVELOPING a summer program around this new product. This type of product also means it's Quirky Enough to Work too!

When your partner solves challenges in a way you had not considered, you know they are an innovator. Their probably a great collaborator and it's clear their ability to see beyond conventional to create something unique- well, that's a partnership worth keeping. Our creativity & innovative thinking redefines the norm for how to use products to market, to generate change and to share a story. It's part of our collaborations with you. We love discovering partnerships that function the way we think. Partners that identify everyday problems, then generating a new way to solve the challenge. Popular retail brand Joseph Joseph looks beyond the obvious for inspiration and stays passionate about devising solutions that consistently perform, and are as durable as aesthetically pleasing. This brand is also passionate about the impact of their products on the environment, from the manufacturing processes & operations in the plant to supply chain with ethical trade practices. The brothers are quoted as saying, “From an early age we’ve always loved making things together. We started Joseph Joseph because we had a passion for designing products that work better.” Antony & Richard Joseph. April is Volunteer Appreciation Month- imagine the impact of a gift that let's the recipient know how much you appreciate their commitment to your organization.

Often those that dream big, play hard and seek a higher standard for themselves have some obsessive qualities that become a positive force that produces a distinguished career. Drive and determination, combined with innovative thinking often creates solutions to challenges. Athletes move, they sweat and then need clothing that performs consistently. What happened when Derek Jeter and UNTUCKit Founder Chris Riccobono have joined forces with Wayne Gretzky and American Ballet Theatre Principal Dancer Misty Copeland? Greatness Wins: athleticwear for the modern athlete. It's not about how many shirts you have in your closet, it's about clothing that's up for the task and not winding up in the trash because it can't perform with you. See Collection here.