Tom Bihn Box Art

[lonestar6]

Ok, so a lot of people take delivery photos with drawings on their boxes. Very cool, consider yourself 'liked' if you have posted one of these pictures. After forum assistance I ordered a co-pilot, several pouches and other stuff. I requested that a picture be drawn on my box, time permitting.

The box arrived and I stood and stared at it. Finally my spousal unit inquired if there was a problem. I said no, but look at this nice drawing they put on the box. 'you mean all the boxes don't look like this?' - 'no,' I said, 'this is a one of a kind.' We were both happily amazed. Here is my box art, thank you Tom Bihn Crew! How did you know I both love and miss mountains!

[gochicken]

I envy all you with the cool box art. I've asked at least twice now and never got one. Is there a secret password? By the amount of boxes multiplying in my house (and now the houses of my mom and brother), I don't think it's because I'm not ordering enough. Not sure what I'm doing wrong...?

[pocketsize]

Keep asking/make an unusual request. My theory is that they don't sometimes read the requests, are too busy or forgot about it. :)

[backpack]

I envy all you with the cool box art. I've asked at least twice now and never got one. Is there a secret password? By the amount of boxes multiplying in my house (and now the houses of my mom and brother), I don't think it's because I'm not ordering enough. Not sure what I'm doing wrong...?

I visited Tom Bihn crew last year, to the day, it was mid-week.

I arrived around 11 or 12, in my not so cleverness, I thought a taxi would be faster that the public transport I had planned.

I had a great time but I didn't see Eliam, who was doing the shipping, for one minute, until a huge pallet of boxes was full.

Darcy calls Mondays: "All hands on deck", I presume that the crew has to catch up on 2 or 3 days of orders, if it is a long weekend.

I don't think the crew has time for drawings on those days. My suggestion, since you are in PA, call after work and chat with the lovelies at Tom Bihn Inc to place your order.


I like my boxes as is because I don't want my husband to be able to count them if they are marked in any way. :)


PS: Tom Bihn Crew is so lovely to be with, that I really, really envy tcook and the others customers who live in Seattle.

I might ask for a yearly weekly retreat in the area, "for health reason", Tom Bihn Inc, Orcas, Powell Books... What's not to love?

[backpack]

Well, husband came for lunch and he read the post above. The line about him counting Tom Bihn boxes was at his eye level, he could not miss it.

Opps....

[gochicken]

Thanks for your reply. How fortunate you were able to visit! California is at least in the same time zone... but oh so far away! My hope is that one day on a road trip up to Birch Bay, WA (where my parents have a condo), I will be able to make the pilgrimage to the TB Factory and Store, meet Katy and Darcy and the wonderful staff, and maybe even get a glimpse of Tom himself, and possibly Riley?

Yes, you are right... I think it is a bit selfish of me to want box art when the crew is busy shipping out customer's orders. I don't draw very well myself (think stick figures and stick animals) and am amazed by the artsy Field Journal owners who actually draw in there (I use mine as a Bible carryall/notebook). The TBBT (Tom Bihn Box Tower) in my house grew to almost as tall as I am, so I had to do something. It was getting hard to just pretend it wasn't there and hope no one noticed. I did start re-purposing them to keep the height down to below the waist. Your point is well taken. If they had box art on them, I would have to keep them and then what would happen?

As for retreats, I think Tom could have a "TB Fantasy Camp" like the airlines have link... for people who really, really like all things TB (well, I guess that describes most of us), and that would be great, however unfeasible! Meeting Tom, special tours of the factory, hikes with the staff, autographed boxes and bags..... etc. I'm sure they would have no time for this sort of thing, but it would be fun! :)

[backpack]

Thanks for your reply. How fortunate you were able to visit! California is at least in the same time zone... but oh so far away! My hope is that one day on a road trip up to Birch Bay, WA (where my parents have a condo), I will be able to make the pilgrimage to the TB Factory and Store, meet Katy and Darcy and the wonderful staff, and maybe even get a glimpse of Tom himself, and possibly Riley?

Yes, you are right... I think it is a bit selfish of me to want box art when the crew is busy shipping out customer's orders. I don't draw very well myself (think stick figures and stick animals) and am amazed by the artsy Field Journal owners who actually draw in there (I use mine as a Bible carryall/notebook). The TBBT (Tom Bihn Box Tower) in my house grew to almost as tall as I am, so I had to do something. It was getting hard to just pretend it wasn't there and hope no one noticed. I did start re-purposing them to keep the height down to below the waist. Your point is well taken. If they had box art on them, I would have to keep them and then what would happen?

As for retreats, I think Tom could have a "TB Fantasy Camp" like the airlines have link... for people who really, really like all things TB (well, I guess that describes most of us), and that would be great, however unfeasible! Meeting Tom, special tours of the factory, hikes with the staff, autographed boxes and bags..... etc. I'm sure they would have no time for this sort of thing, but it would be fun! :)

I apologize, I got your location wrong.

Do you know that Tom Bihn Inc used to be based in Santa Cruz?

Are you aware that there is a direct train from the Bay Area to the Seattle Area?


Many Tom Bihn customers repurpose their boxes.

The loveliest example was Maverick's birthday cake holder. The cake was so lovingly made and decorated for his son, when looking at the picture, one could literally taste the care that went in to it.


I have a Field Journal Notebook as well, isn't it the best portable and notetaking, organizing, artistic and field notes implement?

What color is yours?


In Seattle, Tom Bihn Inc used to be in another location read all about the move here Photos: Our move to a new location is underway Photos: Our move to a new location is underway


One day, I am sure there will be a Grand Opening and many many forum members would love to be there. :)

[gochicken]

No need to apologize! Sometimes I don't even know where I am! :) Yes, I wish I had known about TB when he was in Santa Cruz. Is the direct train the Amtrak Coast Starlight? We've talked about taking it, but never have.... how have you found it? I'm sure it must be fairly scenic, but requires more time than we usually have.

A birthday cake holder? Now that's creative! So many people on here are amazingly talented! I'll have to try harder with my remaining boxes!

I sure love the FJN. Mine is Plum and keeps my green (Wasabi?) colored Bible and notes and papers all ready to grab at a moment's notice.

Thanks for the link to the move. That should be fun to watch. I always enjoy your posts. Thanks so much for your reply!

[maverick]

Totally Awesome Autumn Box Art!

I absolutely love the autumn art on the TOM BIHN box that arrived yesterday!!! :)

Pictures of what was inside to follow -- sorry, came home late last night, and ran out of the house as soon as I woke up this morning!

[Pokilani]

That is gorgeous box art!


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[marytattoo]

With all that I've ordered, I've never gotten any box art. I love this!

[AlaskaGirl]

All Hail the Box Artists! Does the job description for the TB shipping department mention artistic abilities? I wonder.

To get box art, make a request when you place your order. There is a comment box when ordering online. When ordering by phone, just ask for it. Box artists try to accommodate special requests, but excel at random artistic inspiration, too.

The shipping department does box art when time permits. During busy times, like new releases and holiday rushes, they usually can't do box art.

I wish all box artists would sign their work. Some do, some don't. It is usually possible to discover who the artist is with a phone call. Enjoy! elisa

[greengirl]

I have completed many an order in recent weeks, but only recently was I the lucky recipient of this gem:

Needless to say, my whole family loved it! We were excited enough just to receive the awesomeness that we knew was inside the box, but the box art just made it even better! I certainly don't need/expect box art, but I love the fact that it is a thing and that it can happen for anybody!

[Washu]

Ah, I also have never received box art. I always leave a comment in the comments box when I place an order, but I've never just flat out asked for box art - is that the secret? It just seems so pushy. It would seem I am a victim of my own politesse.

[marytattoo]

@washu, that's how I've felt. Thought it was usually random, kind of a surprise gift.