Donate your used Backpacks, Messenger & Computer Bags

ARCH is a donation drop off location for Good Backpacks. Good Backpacks encourages the re-use of gently used backpacks, messenger bags and computer bags, helping Potrero Hill and Dogpatch students find the right fit and personalize them at a community event on August 18th.

Do you have some used bags that fit the above description? Drop them off at our store and you will be entered into a raffle to win a $25 ARCH gift certificate.

Good Backpacks is also looking for volunteers and makers to help facilitate the community event on the 18th. Do you have a skill you could share for this great event. Click here and send them a message.

CARAN d'ACHE Luminance 6901 Color Pencils

Let's talk color pencils.

Two of the biggest concerns/questions we get regarding color pencils are "How will these colors look in 20+ years?" and "How can I get my color pencils to stop breaking?"

The new Luminance 6901 pencils from Caran d'Ache were created specifically with lightfast levels in mind (so much so that 6901 is a direct reference to the standard that the American Society for Testing and Material uses to judge the lightfast level of a color pencil). Every shade has been formulated using finely-ground pigments chosen for their purity, intensity and resistance to UV. Available in 76 colors, 61 of which classified in the best category (Lightfastness 1) under the ASTM D-6901 standard.

We also checked in with artist Sid Garrison about what he liked most about the Luminance 6901 pencils. Sid works almost exclusively in color pencil and has a wealth of knowledge about them. So what did he have to say?

Simply put, "They don't break."

We all know how frustrating it is to finally get a great pencil point and then put it to paper and it cracks at the edge of the wood. Made from responsibly forested California Cedar and Swiss engineered to create a superior drawing experience.

The Luminance 6901 color pencils are not just long lasting, but will help you create long lasting, vibrant artwork. Stop by ARCH and try one out today.

Fathers Day Gifts & Cards - Shop Local at ARCH

Card by Sugarcube Press

Fathers Day is June 17th and we have highlighted a few of our favorite Dad items. Caryn brought in a great selection of cards and gifts and we hope you'll choose ARCH as your Fathers Day source.

Darth Vader and Son by Jeffrey Brown

Typical Father / Son Dilemma's

As many fathers will attest, your kid can really make you want to turn to the dark side on occasion and this hilarious portrayal of Darth Vader raising his young son Luke shows both the joys and frustrations of parenthood.

Wood Bow Ties from local artist Wood Thumb

Produced right in the Dogpatch these wood Bow Ties from Wood Thumb are a sharp addition to your Dad's wardrobe. Each one is unique in its grain and color and is a fun take on a traditional Fathers Day gift.

Cast Iron Bottle Openers from Roost. Beer and Snacks Not Included.

Simple and beautiful tools for cracking open a bottle for your dad. These cast iron bottle openers made by Roost will last for a long time and are a real show piece for the celebration.

Most importantly, give your Pop a hug, a kiss, a card or a call. Happy Fathers Day from everyone at ARCH!

Whitelines Notebooks - Now Available at ARCH

What a great idea. Instead of dark lines that can distract from your drawings and notes, why not use white lines?

Whitelines was founded in January 2006 by three friends in Stockholm. The founder Olof Hansson got tired of the dark distracting lines when he was copying sketches. He and his team created this great line of notebooks.

Perspective Grids available from Whitelines

One of our favorite features from Whitelines are the different grids available. There is of course the squared version but we also have perspective and isometric grids too!

The Snail Mail Social - June 1st - 5pm - FREE!

Stop by ARCH for our next Snail Mail Social with special guest Lea Redmond of the World's Smallest Post Service. Typewriters, rubber stamps and custom stationery will be provided. Join us, and our friends Carolee, Annie and Lea on Friday June 1st at 5pm.

Create a Good Mail Day for friends and loved ones.

Mother's Day Cards & Gifts at ARCH

Letterpress Card from Sugarcube Press

Letterpress Card from Hammerpress Studio

Letterpress Card from Lark Press

Mother's Day Card from Lucca Paperworks

Letterpress Card from 9SPOTMONK

All This Week: Extended Hours for finals. Open 9am - 8pm

Stay calm, ARCH has you covered.

It is that time of year again and our friends at the California College of the Arts are in the midst of finals. We will have extended store hours (from 9am - 8pm) all week, along with FREE coffee and sweets for all. We are fully stocked for all your final review / model making / presentation needs. 

Just in this week, Epson Inkjet papers and inks, chipboard, cardboard and of course, more, more and more basswood!

Come visit, vent, and get inspired for that final push, here at ARCH.