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In January, MailChimp sent a team to our studio to make a video about how we use newsletters for our business. It was a really fun and hectic morning! I wish I had had time to take more photos, but at least I captured a few moments from their visit.

There were so many people packed into our studio. They set up lights. They did sound and light tests. They asked me a bunch of questions and I tried really hard not to be too intimidated by all of the people and equipment surround me. 

Everybody in the office was nervous about the possibility of being on camera, and they were all such great sports! The video MailChimp came to make is finally live and it's so exciting to see what they created. 

Go check it out! Also, sign up for our newsletter if you haven't yet!!! :) 

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UPDATE: POSITION FILLED

Come and join our team!  Smudge Ink is a design and letterpress printing business in Charlestown, MA. We manufacture and sell greeting cards, gifts, and custom invitations. Our team is friendly, hardworking, and a little silly.

Help us continue to grow by bringing your organizational skills, attention to detail, and enthusiasm. This part-time position is a great opportunity for somebody who wants to learn more about small business or the stationery industry!

Hours: 16-20 hours/week. Flexible schedule Monday - Wednesday, 9-5. 

JOB DESCRIPTION

• Fill wholesale orders: pull and package greeting cards and other products, stock inventory.
• Administrative assistance as needed: help with filing, answer phones, and regular studio organization and upkeep.
• Shipping assistance as needed: help pack orders for shipping.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Attention to detail
• Very organized
• Ability to lift at least 40 lbs. (paper is heavy!)
• Communication skills
• Pleasant phone etiquette
• Ability to multi-task and help out as needed in a team environment.

To apply for this position, please email a resume and cover letter to april_at_smudgeink_dot_com. 

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Hey, it’s Zee back with some fun things to do on rainy days like today! March is always an interesting month for New England because no one is ever quite sure what type of weather it will bring! Yesterday reached 60 degrees and sunny, but today we have a huge nor’easter in the form of a dangerously windy rainstorm. It certainly isn’t ideal springtime weather, but with the solstice technically still a couple of weeks away, I guess we can let it slide for now.

What do you like to do on cloudy, windy and rainy days? If your answer is curl up in bed and never leave, then same, but if you happen to be looking for something to do, I’ve got a few ideas for you.

My favorite way to begin a rainy day is sipping a cup of warm tea. There are so many places around Boston to get a great cuppa! Sitting in a tea or coffee shop on a rainy day is such a good way to pass the time, especially if you bring a friend, a book, a sketchbook, or all three! People watching is exceptional when it’s raining because rain seems to really bring out a different side of people (as well as cute rain accessories)!

After you’ve warmed up with a soothing beverage (that wind chill can really cut deep!), why not check out a museum? There are so many museums in the area, ranging from art to science to technology and even maps. If you’re on a budget, head to your local public library for some discounted tickets! They almost always have some on hand for library cardholders.

Art museums are a great way to appreciate classical art alongside contemporary works. The Museum of Fine Art currenly has a show by Takashi Murakami, and the bright smiling flowers will certainly distract you from any outdoor gloom. I took this picture (below) at the exhibit and you can see that even the floor is decorated brightly! 

 Additionally, there is a relatively new show at the Institute of Contemporary art in the seaport area. The exhibition, Art in the Age of the Internet- 1989 to Today, is open until May 20th. Make sure to check their website before going because some days (like today) they may close due to inclement weather, as the building basically overhangs the water.

Other museums I’d recommend include the Harvard Museum of Natural History in Cambridge, which has an incredible taxidermy collection, and the Museum of Science, which currently has a mirror maze open until April 25th.

Don’t feel like going to a museum? There are so many other activities to do on rainy days. If you’re over 21, you should absolutely tour one of the breweries in the area. The Samuel Adams Brewery does free tours every 40 minutes and you can even sample some beers . Another cool brewery to check out is Harpoon Brewery, which has tours every hour for $5 (beer included for those of age).

Sometimes, it can be hard to even want to leave your house on a day like today. If you’re staying in, especially with kids in the house, it can get boring pretty fast. There are some really easy activities you can do to stay busy. Try making Moon Sand which sticks to itself for a somewhat easier cleanup. It’s made with just sand, baby oil, and flour.

Another awesome rainy day craft is to pretend you’re in the desert, and make these fun DIY Rock Cacti.

And classic rainy day standbys are always on the table: take a trip to the movies, go bowling or rock climbing indoors, or just say “why not?” and pull on your rain boots to splash around outside.

No matter how you spend your rainy day, I hope you are able to have fun and stay safe. Check back in soon for another post!

-Zee

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Hello all! This is Zee Sutermeister, the spring intern again! Today I’m here with a step-by-step guide for a super easy gift. This can be a great gift for Valentine’s Day (which is in two weeks!), a birthday, an anniversary, or just because. While it works particularly well with someone who is far away from you, this gift can be given to anyone who is special to you! This gift costs less than $20 and takes less than 30 minutes to make. The sentimental value is the important part!

I'll show you how to make a set of 2 bracelets called Distance Bracelets. It is a clever and cute way for you to stay connected with someone all the time. The way it works is there are two bracelets made of different types of beads, and each bracelet has a bead from the partnering bracelet on it! This means that no matter where you go, you will always have a piece of the other person’s bracelet on yours, and can carry a piece of them around with you all the time.

I have one that I made with my two brothers which has two different beads on it for each of their bracelets, while they each have one of my beads on their bracelets. We live in three different states and this is a way for me to think of them every day when I glance down at my wrist and helps me feel like I can still be close to them although they are far away, knowing they have a bracelet with a piece of me on it as well.

The best thing about these bracelets is that you can make them for anyone! The bracelets are durable; I have been wearing mine day and night for almost a full year now, and I constantly get compliments. Below is a picture of the Distance Bracelets my brothers and I made together.

Now, let’s get started!

SUPPLIES

1. Two different types or styles of beads
   I used 10mm beads from Michaels, though it would work just as well with any size bead. The beads at Michaels are usually on sale and they have a large selection of color and texture. It took about 18 beads to make my small bracelet, it would take a few more for a larger wrist size.
2. “Stretch Magic” Bead and Jewelry Cord
   I prefer to use a thicker cord as it feels more durable and holds all the beads in place without threatening to break. The 1.8 mm diameter is a good size for a project like this. At a place like Michaels, it only costs about $3 and you will likely be able to use it for a few projects.
3. Scissors

DIRECTIONS

1. Determine which color beads will be assigned to each person.
   This is important if your wrist is not the same size as the other person’s wrist. You'll want the color bracelet going and size of each bracelet to match!
2. Measure your elastic.
   Ideally, you will be able to measure each person’s wrist, if not, you can measure your own wrist with the elastic cord and then adjust the length to be larger or smaller for the other person’s bracelet compared to your own. A standard size for a woman’s wrist is usually around 6-8 inches, and for a man, it will be closer to 8-9 inches. I also recommend adding another 6-8 inches to the total length of the bracelet so you'll have plenty of room to tie off the bracelet when you finish.
   
3. String the beads onto the elastic.
   This step seems simple, but it takes some checking and measuring to make it works correctly. One at a time, add about half of the beads you’ll be using, then add the different color. Finish with the remaining half of the beads. I chose to add a second bead of the other color so you could see it on either side of the wrist, but this is totally optional! Before you tie the bracelet off, see how it fits on your wrist! If it will be too tight, add another bead or two. If it is too loose, take some away.
   
4. Tie off the bracelet. 
   I like to tie the bracelet directly onto my own wrist so that I know the size is accurate. If this is too difficult, then just tie it as close to the beads as possible. The recommended way to tie this kind of elastic is called a surgeon’s knot. It is essentially a square knot but with an extra loop. See below for a visual guide on how to tie this kind of knot. You may have to do it several times in order to get the knot tight enough to stay.
   
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the second bracelet. 
6. Gift your bracelet! 
   I recommend pairing it with a card from Smudge Ink and putting it in a small box with some candy! Add some ribbon and a note explaining the context of the bracelets so the receiver knows how important they are to you!

I would really, really love to see your beautiful creations! Share photos of your DIY gift on Instagram and tag @SmudgeInkBoston so we can ooh and ahh! :) 

> SHOP VALENTINE'S DAY CARDS

Pictured: Biscotti and Latte Anniversary Card

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Happy February, friends!

I cannot believe that January passed so quickly! It’s as if time goes faster every single year. This Sunday is National Thank a Mail Carrier Day. It’s a bit of a mouthful, but for us, it's so important because we adore snail mail. Mail carriers are out in the rain, snow, heat, and wind six days out of the week year-round and without them, there is no way the paper mail service would be able to function.

In honor of this day, please thank your mail carrier! Even if you are at work or school while they come by your house, it's easy to do. Print and cut out one of our free, printable cards, add a quick message if you’d like, and pop it in your mailbox! The mail carrier will be so pleased to find out that you appreciate them regardless of how often you actually meet. Since the holiday is actually on a Sunday, you can put it in the day before or after so that they can still get the card.

You might also include a small treat like a cookie or candy bar with your card!

DOWNLOAD A PRINTABLE PDF NOW!

-Zee

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