Lisa Congdon Print Limited Edition Bandana

Friends, I've got exciting news! The Lisa Congdon limited edition print bandana is now live! This project has been in the works for a while, so I thought it would be fun to provide a bit of the backstory.

My journey as a maker

When I made the leap into becoming a full time maker, I poured over podcasts and books that would reaffirm the direction my heart was pulling me. If you don't know much about my background, the cliff notes version is that I am a self-taught designer and sewist that learned most everything I know from YouTube tutorials and personal exploration. I am most in my element when I am learning and solving problems, and my passion for making tangible things with my hands grew years ago as I sought a creative outlet to balance out the stress of my career as a digital project manager. 

Finding inspiration in Lisa Congdon's work + message

Lisa Congdon is a Portland-based artist (and author) whose story and messages have always resonated with me. She never considered herself creative or artistic growing up, instead identifying more as a "hard worker". 

Lisa wholeheartedly embodies her personal values through her art and her business. She is clear in what she stands for and it is apparent in her work. All of the messages she expresses through her art are themes that resonate personally for her and she is humble, thoughtful, and authentic.

What I love about her vibrant colors and distinct style is how much joy is packed into the detail. She mentioned in a podcast that I listened to recently that she lived a long period of her life with depression, and her art is bold and bright because that is the lens in which she wants to experience the world. She insists that we must be grateful for what we have and not focus on what we do not have. 

So, when I wanted to create something that would be centered on positivity and joy for my collection, I immediately thought of Lisa's art. And as luck would have it, she recently released a fabric collection with her artwork that I knew would make the most adorable bandanas!

Why I love this print 

Wag Theory is founded on the principle that our pups teach us many lessons, and that the connection we foster with our dogs can improve our lives for the better. Many of the messages around kindness, love, and compassion that Lisa surfaces through her art are the same ones that I believe our pups remind us each and every day.

The fabric I chose for the bandana is a cheerful print, and the background on one side is black and the other side is white. So, not only is it reversible to provide two cute looks, the deeper meaning to me is that it expresses the lightness and darkness of the world right now. I love that sunshine and rainbows are present on both sides. It's such a simple yet purposeful way to express hope no matter what is happening in our external environment.

When dogs are involved, love *always* wins

2020 has been a roller coaster of events and emotions, but one of the lessons it has taught us is to lead with an open heart and stand up for what we believe in. 

LGBTQ rights are on the line with the upcoming election and we must put an end to the hatred and discrimination from those in power. Our pups only see love as love, and wouldn’t it be great if our leaders did, too?

When you purchase this beautiful limited edition Lisa Condgon print bandana, you’ll also receive a Love Wins magnet (with artwork by Lisa Condgon) and Wag Theory will make a $2 donation to the Human Rights Campaign.

If you'd like to follow Lisa's work, check her out here:

Website: https://lisacongdon.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisacongdon/

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