This week marks the 5 year anniversary of DODOcase, a small San Francisco based company that makes hand-crafted electronic accessories. DODOcase is an inspiring company and their philosophy says it all: "make things locally and help keep the art of bookbinding alive an well by adapting it to a world of digital devices."
The company launched with their classic "bookbound" iPad cases, which have an exterior made using traditional book-binding techniques and a bamboo tray on the inside that holds the electronic device in place. Since then they have set up a workshop in the "Dogpatch" neighborhood of San Francisco and have a team of professional woodworkers, bookbinders, sewers and silk screeners that design and manufacture stylish cases, leather and canvas goods, sleeves and wood products for phones, tablets, computers etc.
I'd recommend checking out the DODOcase website www.dodocase.com to see all the different products and some really well made videos about the company and how the products are made. DODOcase is also having an anniversary sale through midnight tonight (May 20th), 50% off of everything, so now is a perfect time to treat yourself or a friend!
My favorites are the limited edition cases that are designed in collaboration with artists and other inspiring designers. This case was designed by Rex Ray, a San Francisco based artist who's abstract, retro-futuristic work is so unique and fun.
I love maps, and this edition (designed by Chicago based poster designer Jenny Beorkrem of OrkPosters) is a really creative "literary landscape" of San Francisco that outlines the neighborhoods of San Francisco and identifies a literary figure or event for each neighborhood.
I even tried my hand at being a bookbinder/designer using DODOcase's online custom design feature. It lets you choose different styles, fabrics, leathers, prints, maps, patterns, you name it, to design a case that reflects your particular style. Its a fun way to pass some time. I wish I could line the inside with one of my own paintings, but this abstract SF map works for me.
Check out this great video that shows off the DODOcase workshop, the craftspeople who make the cases and the old and new machines used in the process.
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