Pack Rat magazine is fortune’s fool

Just a quick update. I know some of you get antsy when I am irregular about my blog postings. I am sorry that the last few weeks have been spotty. But Pack Rat HQ is getting ready to move from Bean Town to the Big Apple and so things have been–and probably will continue to be– pretty hectic. So try and bear with me.

Onward to today’s website recommendation. If you enjoy real life magic, you’ll love the wonder of Pooktre, the art of shaping trees into furniture as they grow. Pooktre experts Peter and Becky started with a chair shaped tree and that one experiment has spawned a whole cavalcade of art and furniture. Trees in their garden are trained into the shapes of people, mirror frames, and coffee tables. It’s like something out of the Wizard of Oz when the trees become animated. Quite a sight to behold.

Photo credits pooktre.com

Pack Rat knows that you can’t go home again; but you can shop there

Has anyone ever seen that Kids in the Hall episode where Bruce McCulloch sings a song expounding on how Terriers are the best dog ever? I have a feeling the designers over at All-Mighty Clothing might have that song as their ring tones. Their adorable Boston Terrier, Mighty, is not only the mascot but also the inspiration behind many of their designs. I loved everything in their shop, but for the item du jour I chose this “Mod Mod with Pups” top. On sale for $24, this top is officially aDOGable. With its soft, tied collar, and two-tones of blue, this shirt is feminine without being cutesy, retro without being over-the-top. And the two Terrier pups in the corner are a delightful surprise. With its fine tailoring it could be considered “business-casual” but the puppies give it personality. Love it!

Pack Rat needs to hug it out.

Most people would find a pitch black tunnel leading off into God-knows-where terrifying. I know I would. But some people—people braver, more determined, and better equipped to handle themselves than I—have for many years been disappearing into what has come to be know as the Freedom Tunnel. Located under Riverside Park, in New York City, this old Amtrak train tunnel was featured in the 2000 documentary, Dark Days for the community of homeless people who lived inside, in a shanty town beneath the city streets (which, P.S., is a terrific movie). What the documentary didn’t capture was what an amazing gallery of graffiti art that the tunnel has become. I stumbled across some photos that urban enthusiast and blogger, Peter, posted on City Noise (an interesting website, worth a post in and of itself). Peter plunges into the deep to capture some of the ever changing artwork decorating the dark concrete walls. Especially cool are the mural works by Chris “Freedom” Pape (who wikipedia claims is the tunnel’s namesake), one of the foremost graffiti artists. It’s amazing and awe inspiring that this great artwork is made hidden from most eyes: definitely not for mass consumption, but instead for the love of creation.

Pack Rat hurts less than getting kicked in the face with a golf shoe

I am a wuss when it comes to pain. Or, maybe, more accurately, I’m just very pragmatic. There’s no way that I would willingly subject myself to the feeling of a needle repeatedly being driven into my skin, no matter what the outcome. And while I love tattoos on other people, you’ll never see me sporting a butterfly or rose on my ankle. But no matter how practical I find them, tattoos are empirically pretty freaking cool. Well, co-wusses of the world rejoice along with me, because now there is a more stylish, more artistic, and less wiener-y option than sporting the temporary tattoo. Inkart 76 transfers the classic tattoo images from the Miami Ink studio on to a necklace you can take on and off at will–with no lifetime commitment. And they are super affordable, unlike the real thing. I get the sneaking suspicion that my personal favorite is apparently the designer’s top pick as well, because it is called “My Favorite Tattoo Necklace.” Just a guess, though. At $15, both your skin and your wallet will be pain free.

Heeey-yooooh! It’s magazine time again. Welcome to Issue #5 of Pack Rat, where the fun never ends. This issue we bring you fashion, art, and more crafts than you can shake a stick at. (Well, maybe you can shake a stick at them. I shouldn’t jump to conclusions about your ability to shake sticks at things.) Marvel at the creative prowess of Valiant clothing designer, Mykel Walker. Wonder at the thrifty chic fashion we found, all in the ballpark of $30. Thrill at the grotesque beauty unearthed at the Museum of Bad Art. Plus, we have some cool craft tutorials too.