Welcome to the FLAX Canvas, our blog. We hope you enjoy it. Check back now and then and you’ll always find something new and different. (Our first blog post – Welcome!)
FLAX Canvas
Classic Ads from Yesterday
We found a treasure. In the basement, unmarked boxes that held copies of old magazines dating as far back as 1952, all issues of Art Material Trade News, a publication from NAMTA that was distributed to those within the art supply industry only; manufacturers, distributors and retailers. Fascinated, over a few nights and a few glasses of wine I went page-by-page through more than 100 magazines and found these advertising gems… More »
Our Proud Year of Bridge Building
Looking back on 2011 makes me proud. We set out to build bridges within our community and I think we accomplished more than expected. With this new website launching last March we had a new way of sharing and presenting all the activities. That set the tone, and here’s our year by numbers… More »
Blackwing Pencils – “Half the Pressure, Twice the Speed”
Gliding with ease, the Eberhard-Faber Blackwing was one of the most beloved instruments in the artistic community. It had a cult like following with its sleek design and deliciously smooth 4B lead, and its famous slogan, “Half the Pressure, Twice the Speed” was no exaggeration. Now it’s back… More »
Holiday Cards to Cheer
Congratulations to Casey Jones, our stationery buyer. Because of Casey’s keen eye and great taste, Flax earned a mention in this SF Examiner article as a go-to place for cool stationery. This photo at left shows our current display of holiday greeting cards. From humor and whimsy to classic design, Casey has assembled a huge assortment with… More »
New Digital Printing Service
We are pleased to introduce Digital Printing as a new service for our customers. We worked very hard to develop the program to ensure that we deliver a quality product at competitive prices. Create your fine art Giclée on your choice of four surfaces. We offer canvas stretching too. For the Do It Yourself printer, we carry… More »
Bike Art
This photograph has received a lot of attention in our offices. I brought it in to use as a test image for our digital printing service, so there are multiple prints lying about in our conference room, and literally every visitor remarks on this photo. It was taken in August on a ride out to Drake’s Estero in Pt. Reyes. Pedaling along the trail that ends on a bluff overlooking the estuary, we stopped at this gnarly eucalyptus… More »
Celebrating the Tree
Inspired by Plant a Wish, we share this collection of art that shares a common theme, an appreciation for trees. Enjoy… More »
Finding The Right Paint Brush
Let us find the right paint brush for your application! There aren’t any rules as to what brush you should use — choose from brushes in every category, for any type of painting. There are many different variables for choosing a brush… More »
Creating Your Portfolio – Guidelines and Helpful Hints
To become a successful artist, whether your business is fine or commercial art, you must have a great portfolio that presents your work in the best way possible. We want to help you find the style of portfolio that best suits your wants and needs. Here are some important things to consider… More »
How a Pencil Is Made
This is sure to grow your appreciation for the everyday, trusted pencil. The video is a 5-minute excerpt from a History Channel show. The featured pencil making factory is General Pencil’s in New Jersey, who has been at this craft for over 120 years. A family run company now into its fifth generation, we are pleased to have enjoyed a long relationship with them. Of course, you’ll find many General Pencil items in our store… More »