Posts

Ski & Snowboard, Tarpestry Style

/0 Comments/in , /by

Pack a Tarpestry on your next ski or snowboarding trip! It’s the perfect companion for all things wet, snowy, and gnarly.

When you get to the parking lot, it’s time to put on those snow pants and ski or snowboard boots. Lay a Rugged Tarpestry on the snowy ground for a dry boot change and gear up. No more hopping on one foot with the risk of the dreaded wet-sock!    

Pack a lightweight Mini Tarpestry in your backpack and hit the ski lift. Shred the gnar and pull the Mini out for your backwoods break time in the warming hut. Keep your ski bum dry.  When your day on the mountain is complete, pull out the Tarpestry once again for ski boot change.  Afterwards, lay it down in the back of the car – water-repellent side up!  This will protect your car from wet snow drips.

Ready to make your powder days on the ski mountain even more epic? Shop here.

ski-boot change2014-03-03 11.56.23ski-car load

Universal Shaman by Jeff Wood

/0 Comments/in /by

Meet the newest member of our Artist Series: Universal Shaman!  This native-inspired work of art is designed by legendary artist Jeff Wood.  The original artwork was featured on Widespread Panic’s 2011 Red Rocks show poster.  Universal Shaman is our second collaboration with Jeff Wood.  A few years ago we made a run of Tarpestrys from his “Red Hot Mama” design.  

The Tarpestrys from our “Artist Series” are the ultimate in quality thanks to the upper fabric.  We take high resolution images of artist’s designs and have them digitally printed on sturdy poplin (poly/cotton blend) fabric.  This printing process creates a UV/fade resistant fabric that will last for years and years.  Add that to our weather-resistant base and you have the ultimate Tarpestry!

The Universal Shaman won’t last long, shop now!

Earth Day

/0 Comments/in /by

We like to treat every day like Earth Day at Tarpestry!  We work hard to have an eco-conscious and sustainable business and are always brainstorming ways to be better – because we love the Earth! We’re super fans of playing in nature, whether in the woods, at the beach or just taking a stroll through a city park.  There’s symbiosis between us humans and the Earth and getting out there and being in nature helps us to understand the true connection.  

For this Earth Day we plan to celebrate by getting out into nature and enjoying it’s splendor.  We often take a Classic Tarpestry out into the woods and find a nice quiet place to sit and watch and listen.  What starts as a quiet sit in the woods is soon filled with chirps of the birds, rustling of the leaves, and other wildlife scurrying around.  Laying down and closing our eyes next to a stream is one of the most comforting feelings we have found.  So, this Earth Day to we invite you to join us by taking your Tarpestry out into nature to reconnect with the Earth!

See our Sustainability page to learn how we are striving do our best for the Earth.

Tarpestry Tour: MerleFest

/0 Comments/in , , /by

We’re excited to be headed back to one of the oldest and premier music festivals in the country – MerleFest!  April 27th – April 30th.  This will be our second year vending at Merlefest and we can’t wait to be back to see the kind folks and great pickin’ once again! Last year our favorite shows were: John Prine, The Waybacks, Brandi Carlile, The Wood Brothers, Dave Rawlings Machine, and Love Canon…just to name a few.

It usually rains during the weekend of Merlefest and you know what that means…soggy, wet grass.  So make sure to bring your Rugged Tarpestry our come swing by our booth and pick one up!  You can wear it like a poncho when the storm hits in the middle of your favorite show.  Then lay it down on the lawn for a dry seat.  If you’re headed to MerleFest, please stop by our booth and say hi!

Want to know where else we will be this summer?  See our schedule here!

Bike With Tarpestry

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Are you a biker?  Yes, that means bicycle and all types of motor bikes!  The Tarpestry can be a great asset to the bike lover in many ways.  Let’s start with bicycles.  Tarpestrys are great for long road trips because you can pull it out of your pack for an anywhere picnic!  If a big storm appears on the horizon you can take cover with your bike under your Tarpestry.  The Mini Tarpestry is great to have on hand if you’re leaving your bike out in the rain. Cover your bike seat with it so you can come back to a dry seat.

Into dirt biking?  You can get some good use with the Tarpestry in additional ways.  Maybe you take a few friends to the dirt track with you who just want to watch.  Set them up with a sweet Rugged Tarpestry to sit on! The Tarpestry is your best friend if you have a muddy day on the track.  Lay your it down in the back of your car with the water repellent side up and pile your dirty gear on top.  Your Tarpestry is tough and the water repellent side is easy to clean once you get home!

 
Do you enjoy riding a motorcycle through the curvy mountain roads to find peace of mind?  Although you may be traveling longer distances at higher speeds than bicycles, the Tarpestry can come in handy in similar ways.  The Tarpestry rolls up nicely and can be stored in a saddle bag very easily.  Pull it out at one of the pull offs on the Blue Ridge Parkway for a picturesque view and some lunch!  Maybe you like to take your bike to remote camp spots but are wary of rogue storms.  Use your Rugged Tarpestry to cover your bike to keep it dry to ride for the next day’s adventure!


Tarpestry Festival Tour 2017

/0 Comments/in , /by

It’s our favorite time of year again – music festival season!  Every Spring through Fall we hit the road and set up our traveling booth across the country.  We have a great lineup this year, concentrating mostly on the East Coast but heading out West for Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Tarpestrys are the perfect companion for music festivals because you can use it at camp AND take it to shows!  If you’re headed to any of these festivals please stop by our booth and say hi!

       
April 27th – April 30th MerleFest Wilkesboro, nc    
   
May 19th – May 20th Hidden in the Hollow Festival Butler, TN    
   
May 25th – May 28th DelFest Cumberland, MD    
   
June 15th – June 18th Telluride Bluegrass Festival Telluride, CO    
   
July 27th – July 30th FloydFest Floyd, VA    

We will add more festivals in a month or two, so check our Tarpestry Tour page for updates.

 

Tarpestry-Cycle Campaign

/0 Comments/in /by

Protecting the environment is a number one priority for us and we are always striving to do better.   Tarpestrys help eliminate single use plastic tarps bound for the landfill – instead of buying a tarp for a one-time outing, Tarpestrys can be used for years!  But we started thinking about the actual life cycle of a Tarpestry.  Even though they are durable and made to last, the Tarpestry too has a shelf life.  That got our brains working about how could we extend the life of the Tarpestry even more and prevent them from heading to the landfill.  We came up with a great plan that works for us with an added benefit for all Tarpestry owners.  We are proud to introduce our Tarpestry-Cycle Campaign!

Ready to retire your well-loved Tarpestry and trade up for a newer model? Save the landfill and your bank account by sending your beloved to us – we will recycle and repurpose it! When we receive the Tarpestry we will send a 25% off coupon code.  We will re-purpose the old materials (when possible) into a variety of handy items like tote bags, dog bed stuffing and more.  More importantly, you will be saving your Tarpestry from the landfill and 25% off your next Tarpestry purchase!  We want to keep Mother Nature as clean as possible and we think this is a small action we can all take to make a big difference.  A win for everyone!

Learn more about our Tarpestry-Cycle program here.

Tarpestry and Sustainability

/0 Comments/in /by

Since conception of the Tarpestry business our number one goal is to be a sustainable and eco-friendly company. Because alongside taking pleasure in the environment there have to be provisions to protect it. That is why we are dedicated to incorporating sustainable components in all aspects of business and life.  Here are a few examples of what we are doing:

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

  • Tarpestrys are hand made in Boone, NC, where we live and run all aspects of the business.  Local manufacturing reduces transportation as well as freight oil and gas consumption.   Producing our product locally is very important to us as we believe it enriches our community and local economy.

CLEAN WATER

  • Classic Tarpestrys are printed with vegetable dyes. This prevents toxic chemicals from entering the water supply during the printing process.

RECYCLE & REPURPOSE

  • We recycle or repurpose all shipping materials, cardboard, paper and plastics. We encourage you to do the same with our shipped order materials!

GREEN PACKAGING MATERIALS

  • Tarpestrys are packaged with biodegradable thistle and paper. For shipping orders, Tarpestrys are wrapped with paper instead of plastic.

REUSE

  • Eliminate single use plastic tarps bound for the landfill. Instead of buying a tarp for a one-time outing, invest in a Tarpestry for years of enjoyment!

TARPESTRY-CYCLE

  • Ready to retire your well-loved Tarpestry? Save the landfill – send your beloved back to us! We will recycle and repurpose your Tarpestry and give you a discount for your replacement.  Learn more about our Tarpestry-Cycle program here.

Guest Blog: Spring Hiking + The Mini

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Guest Blogger: Amanda Swartzbaugh

Ahh, the tease of warm weather in late Winter and early Spring! When you get that sweet taste of what Mother Nature is about to unfold. What do you do when gifted a warm day in midst of (typically) the coldest time of year? Well, if you’re a vitamin-d-loving-eager-beaver-adventurer like me, you throw on your hiking boots, grab your backpack and a Mini Tarpestry and head to the mountains. Full disclosure, I am fortunate to live in Colorado where The Rockies are my playground and I try to take advantage of that as much as I possibly can.

I recently got to enjoy one of these sunshiny days and it’s still true – there is nothing that makes me happier than being outside. And, as much as I love the Classic Tarpestry for practically anything I do outside, I have to brag on the Mini for a minute because it is quickly becoming my new go-to.

Here’s the deal – if you really want to spend your day enjoying the great outdoors, you don’t want to haul around a lot of extra weight or gear. Trust me, after just a couple of hours of “moderate” Colorado hiking….continue reading.

Spring Cleaning Sale

/0 Comments/in /by

Spring is here and so is our annual “Spring Cleaning Sale”!  March is a great time to start planning your outdoor trips for the year.  Lock in those dates for music festivals and camping and beach trips. You will need Tarpestry to up the comfort ante on these trips – so shop our sale.  Tarpestry also makes the best presents!  Plan your gifts for weddings, birthdays and graduations that are coming up fast.  The Spring Cleaning Sale runs March 20-27 so take advantage while you can (Shaman Tarpestry not included). Get your Tarpestry today and get outside for an adventure! Shop the sale here.

hike-aspens

From Colorado to Carolina

/0 Comments/in /by

Ted and I spent 8 amazing and transformative years in Denver, Colorado.  During that time we started the Tarpestry business, got married, explored Colorado and traveled across the country on festival tours.  All Tarpestrys were made locally at Stryker By Design – a manufacturing company right outside of Denver.  After a few years of deliberation we decided to move back to the Blue Ridge Mountains in our home state of North Carolina.  

In late 2015 we packed ourselves and the business and moved to a family farm outside of Boone, NC.  We set up our office in a beautiful old barn and set out to find a local manufacturer.  We lucked out and stumbled upon Tsuga, a company that designs and produces quality outdoor products and bags.  In early 2017, Tsuga completed the first Tarpestry line of the year.  

We are proud of our Colorado roots and are excited for our future in the mountains of Appalachia.  Tarpestry is officially….Built in the Blue Ridge.

To learn more about our origins, see the Tarpestry Story!

Custom Tarpestry

/0 Comments/in , /by

The wonderful world of Tarpestry just got way more fun…you can have any* image you want on a Tarpestry! If you love your dog’s face, put their photo on a Tarpestry. If you have your own artwork, put it on a Tarpestry. We can have any high resolution image digitally printed on top quality fabric. These custom Tarpestrys are great marketing/promotional items and great merchandise. This is a prime opportunity for artists, bands, festivals and businesses. Put your design or logo on a Tarpestry!

Leftover Salmon had us make a Tarpestry of their Album cover for their merch. Northwest String Summit created a Tarpestry with their logo which sold out the weekend of the festival!  We’ve also done a few collaborations with artists. Isadora Bullock, Ryan Kerrigan and Kind Design had Tarpestrys made of their designs.

What will you put on your Tarpestry? See this page for more info!

*Ok not anything, licensing rules apply

 

Meet Gypsy

/0 Comments/in , /by

Gyp·sy /ˈjipsē/ :  a nomadic or free-spirited person.

We’ve just released a brand new design to our Classic collection: “Gypsy”. The upper layer of this Tarpestry features a soft 100% cotton fabric.  This Tarpestry is the perfect traveling companion because it can be used as a tarp for camping, a blanket and a comfortable seat to share. The mandala design brings out your inner gypsy with funky shapes and colors. To see all the ways we love the Classic style, see our blog post.

Pack this Tarpestry on your next gypsy journey!

dsc_0400dsc_0393dsc_0391dsc_0387

Camper and RV with Tarpestry

/0 Comments/in , , /by

There’s nothing quite like camping with a home on wheels. Traveling with a camper or RV is a comfortable way to go, and there’s no better way to complement that experience than with Tarpestry.  First of all, you don’t have to make a reservation at a (potentially questionable) hotel.  There’s minimal “setup” time needed – you pull in and park!  It’s quiet and it can be safer than a tent if the weather gets weird.  Now let’s take that comfort level up a notch and add Tarpestry to the equation.

You can hang a Tarpestry from your awning for the ultimate comfort and privacy.  The sun can make or break your camping experience, but with Tarpestry, you can make your own shade. These durable tarps block the sun like no other, so hang one up for instant cooling. Does your campsite view include a port-o-potty? Do you want a little privacy from your not so distant neighbors?  Hang a Tarpestry as your shield.  Lay down a Rugged Tarpestry for your chill zone, then pick it up and take it with you to the river or to see some music!

Home is where you park it…and pack your Tarpestry!

img_7352

Collaboration with Mandala Dyes: Oasis

/0 Comments/in , /by

Mandala Dyes is a husband and wife team with over 10 years professional experience creating artistic and unique tie dye from their home Studio in Fort Collins, Colorado.  We first met the Mandala Dyes family around five years ago at a festival on the Colorado River.  We were instantly drawn to their beautiful tie dye work as well as their warm and positive personalities.  We have since kept in touch and reconnected at multiple music festivals.  

We are teaming up with Mandala Dyes for our fourth collaboration: Oasis.  This one of a kind design is made with spiritual and peaceful intent, designed to help open hearts and expand minds. Each tie dye Tarpestry is hand tied and dyed by Kevin and Kyla with professional grade fiber reactive dyes as well as commercial quality detergents and fixers.  This tie dye Tarpestry is UV resistant and will not bleed.

Support artists! Shop the Oasis here.

 

dsc_0414

dsc_0409 dsc_0406

Artist Series

/0 Comments/in /by

One of our goals for 2017 is to collaborate with more artists and grow our Artist Series line of Tarpestrys.  The Artist Series is a priority for us because we love working directly with artists to showcase their one-of-a-kind pieces.  We print their unique works of art onto durable, UV resistant fabric and back it with our water-repellent polyester.  We get to turn their art into functional outdoor tarps!  So far we have worked with: Jeff Wood, Mandala Dyes, Isadora Bullock, Phil Lewis, Eric Maiorana, Kind Design, Leftover Salmon and NorthWest String Summit.

 
This Spring we are bringing back two artists, Jeff Wood and Mandala Dyes.  This Summer and Fall we plan to introduce a few new artists to our Artist Series. Connecting with artists directly allows us to build a bridge between outdoor lifestyle and the creative spirit.  Art by the people, for the people. To see our current Artist Series line, visit this page!

DSC_0252

DSC_0222

16930752_10211999882172835_746403943_ophil-lewis-sugar-magnolia

Get to Know the Mini

/0 Comments/in , /by

We call it the hiker, the one-pounder, or the two seater.  But don’t let the “Mini” name fool you, this Tarpestry packs possibility!  The Mini is around half the size of the full-size Tarpestry and weighs in at just one pound. We make the Mini in the Rugged style so this durable Tarpestry is fit for any adventure and any season.  

The Mini fits perfectly in the side pocket of a backpack and doesn’t weigh you down on long hikes. When you need to take a break on the trail, just pull out the Tarpestry for a comfortable seat.  If you’re hiking with a friend there’s enough room for two. To see how we use the Mini on ski and snowboarding days, see our blog post.

At home the Mini can be your new best tool. We’ve laid the Mini over our windshield to protect from hail and ice, laid it under the car for a quick oil change, used it for hauling firewood, and even as a baby changing blanket! If you’re ready to take the Tarpestry Life to the next level, shop the Mini here!

P.S. An Artist Series edition of Mini is in the works!  

Collaboration With Kind Design – Maroon Bells Tarpestry

/0 Comments/in , /by

Kind Design has released their second Tarpestry and it is breathtaking. The “Maroon Bells” design is a unique rendering of the iconic peaks in Aspen, Colorado. There are over 12,000 hand made triangles in the artwork!

This Tarpestry is truly one of a kind in design and functionality. It’s the very first “Rugged” style artist print we’ve ever made. Which means it’s water-repellent and UV resistant on BOTH sides. You can really put this Tarpestry through the wringer – it’s perfect for all things outdoors. The beach, lake and river are perfect destinations for the Maroon Bells Tarpestry.  Since it’s UV resistant the colors will last and the double sided water-repellency means double the durability. 

To shop the Maroon Bells Tarpestry and all designs from our Artist Series, visit this page.

products_5_b3eaedfc-0aac-45a1-896f-83d6f4c219fa_1024x1024

Tarpestry Toes

/0 Comments/in /by

This year we are running a photo contest called “Tarpestry Toes”.  Photos that are submitted for the contest will be featured on the website and/or social media and the winner will get a Tarpestry of their choosing!  The rules are pretty simple: submit pictures via social media or our website that include your Tarpestry, your toes and your view.  We are open to as many submissions as you want to send.  In October we will pick the top 5 Team Tarpestry favorites for the general public to vote on.  The submission with the most votes at the end of the allotted time will be our Tarpestry Toes Winner!  So take your toes to your favorite spot with your Tarpestry, get creative, and start snapping epic pictures.

Monthly Giveaway Contest

/0 Comments/in /by

This year we will have a giveaway contest for a Mini Tarpestry every month!  We want to show our appreciation to our followers by sharing what we love – Tarpestry!  We use the Mini Tarpestry as much, if not more than, the full size Tarpestry.  We throw one in our backpack for every hike and there’s always one in the trunk – just in case.  The contest will be held on our Facebook page and it will be very easy to enter.  We thank all of you for following us and our crazy adventures.  Stay tuned in to our Facebook page at the beginning of every month for your chance to win a Mini Tarpestry!

To see all the ways we use our Mini, check out the blog post:  “Why Choose Mini Tarpestry”

101 Ways to Tarpestry: Leaf Raking

/0 Comments/in , /by

Fall is here and we need no reminder that the leaves are coming down.  People do a lot with their leaves: mulch, compost, pile up to jump in, and bag for curbside pickup.  Whatever you do with your leaves this year, Tarpestry can be of service.  

We rake our leaves onto a Tarpestry so that they can be transported more easily.  Once you have your big pile of leaves on your Tarpestry, you can grab a short side at the corners and drag the leaves wherever you want them. It’s also easy to dump them into a leaf bag! We do recommend using a Rugged style Tarpestry for this since yard work can get a bit dirtier than, say, picnicking.  

We’ve also used Tarpestry in a similar fashion when hauling chopped wood to the fireplace. Learn how here!

Make yard work a breeze this Fall and use Tarpestry as your leaf-hauling partner!
DSC_0808 DSC_0811 DSC_0812

Why Choose Classic

/0 Comments/in /by

The “Classic” is our most popular Tarpestry style.  It has a soft 100% cotton top fabric and a durable, water-repellent and UV resistant base fabric.  The cotton fabric is hand silk-screen printed with unique designs.

Team Tarpestry loves the Classic style for picnics, outdoor concerts, camping, in the car and the back yard.  Put your Tarpestry down in the park and lay out your spread of cheese and wine (or fried chicken and PBR). Be sure to bring a set of tent stakes so your Tarpestry stays down in the wind. If the rain comes, pile your stuff on the Tarpestry and flip the sides over the pile so it stays nice and dry…or throw it over your head and use it as a poncho!  If the sun starts to wear you out, use the grommet rings to hang up the Tarpestry for instant shade.  

If you’re ready to keep it Classic, check out our designs here.


Screen Shot 2016-01-26 at 12.29.57 PM

Hidden in the Hollow Music Festival

/0 Comments/in , /by

Our good friends in the music biz run Hidden in the Hollow Music Festival…the most epic all-VIP festivals ever thrown!  $120 gets you in, a screen printed poster, a cup, a hat pin, camping, free pizza saturday night, and beer is free. Lets repeat that last one…BEER IS FREE. There are giveaways everyday.  They give away so much free stuff like hand blown glass and Tarpestrys that you’ve got a 1 in 10 chance to go home with something that is worth the price of the ticket – or more!  Located at a hidden BEAUTIFUL mountain top location between Boone, NC and Johnson City, TN. MAY 20-21, 2016.

This will be the fourth annual and last year we were finally able to be there. We joined the prep team and also donated a Tarpestry for one of the many giveaways through the weekend.

2015 featured George Porter Jr., Jeff Sipe Trio, the Keels, Consider the Source, Native Sway, PBR, and so much more.  Man what a party it was and we had a great time!  During the Keels late night we helped rip a few giant fireworks to really get the mood lively!  Yes there was a bonfire…..and free moonshine, free beer, free pizza, and the most amazing RoShamBo contest ever witnessed (might have broken world records) not to mention the winner got to go home with a brand new Tarpestry!  

This year’s lineup is amazing and has a few returns as well as new acts such as Dumpstaphunk, Yo mama’s big fat booty band, and Rumpke Mountain Boys who will be playing from 2a.m. until!  It’s time to get your boogie on down at the Hidden in the Hollow this year.  Grab your tickets here! Good luck on the RoShamBo contest and Tarpestry is proud to announce the winner will once again go home with a Tarpestry!  Hope to see you party people in the hollow!

376891_882320760592_1267519350_n 179942_882323644812_841775005_n

12705609_990437221028708_3349250589258011041_n

Happy Music Festival Season!

/0 Comments/in /by

Some of you already have a few music festivals under your belt this year and for others the festival season is just beginning.  Either way we hope you are as excited as we are to hear some amazing music in the company of good friends, family and the great outdoors.  Festival season is our favorite time of year! Not only do we get to travel the country and listen to great music but we are also reunited with all of you…and get to meet some of you for the first time!  Warm weather and smiling faces get us so excited to embark on Tarpestry Tour.

If you’re headed to any music festivals this summer don’t forget to pack your Tarpestry! You’ll always have a home base at the main stage for you and your buddies…not to mention a personal dance floor.  If the rain comes (and you know it will) pile your stuff on the Tarpestry and flip the sides over the pile so it stays nice and dry.  Or throw it over your head and use it as a poncho!  Be sure to bring a set of tent stakes so your Tarpestry stays down in the wind.  When it’s time for a break, bring the Tarpestry back to camp and hang up for privacy during nap time.  If the sun starts to wear you out, hang up the Tarpestry with the grommet rings to make life-saving shade.  Cheers to music festival season, have a blast and most importantly don’t forget to pack your Tarpestry!  Oh yeah, and lots and lots of water.

See our Tarpestry Tour schedule here!

therese blewitt2
amy hubbardamanda smith

amanda swartzbaugh
davis hartley Denton Turner key shin2

Tarpestry Festival Tour 2016

/1 Comment/in , /by

AAAND we’re off!  This weekend starts our festival season and man are we excited to get back on the road.  On Tarpestry tour we will travel across the country and set up our vending booth at different festivals. We have a super fun lineup this year with a few new (to us) festivals and some classics that we love returning to every year.  If you’re headed to any of our festivals please come by our booth and say hi!

Festival schedule:

Merlefest – Wilkesboro, NC (4/28 – 5/1)

Hidden in the Hollow Fest – Butler, TN (5/20 – 5/21)

Delfest – Cumberland, MD (5/26 – 5/29)

Telluride Bluegrass – Telluride, CO (6/16 – 6/19)

Rockygrass – Lyons, CO (7/24 – 7/28)

FloydFest – Floyd, VA (7/27 – 7/31)

 

Potential festivals – fingers crossed!

Gauley Fest – Summersville, WV (9/15 – 9/18)

HillBerry – Eureka Springs, AR (10/13 – 10/16)

Hulaween – Live Oak, FL (10/30 – 11/1)
*See our On The Road page for direct links to festivals*

Screen Shot 2016-04-20 at 12.24.42 PM

Telluride Bluegrass Booth

Why Choose Rugged Tarpestry?

/0 Comments/in /by

The Rugged is our toughest Tarpestry Style and has been known to withstand some pretty intense adventures!  If you are tough on your stuff then this might be the Tarpestry for you.  The Rugged has a urethane-coated polyester top AND base so it is durable, water-repellent and UV resistant on both sides.  Team Tarpestry’s favorite uses for the Rugged include water adventures (beach, river, lake), yard work, in the car and on the ski slopes.

While hiking and camping there are a lot of amazing places to rest that might seem too damp, rocky or full of sticks or pine needles.  The Rugged gives an extra barrier between these pokey elements so your break will be nice and comfortable.  When you’re done resting, pack it up and rope it up at camp over your hammock or lay it down in front of your tent!

The beach is a relaxing place, but the sand can become a major bummer.  If you’re using a beach towel or blanket the sand can get really stuck in there!  And then they can get wet and take forever to dry. Use a Rugged Tarpestry as your beach mat instead! The sand brushes right off and it’s also quick to dry!  Keep your towel dry and sand-free for when you need to use it. The UV resistant fabric provides protection from fading which allows it to hold color when using for long days of full sunshine.  When you pack up to leave, roll up your wet items into the Tarpestry to separate them from your dry goods. The Rugged simply can’t be beat for summer beach trips.  

If you’re ready to tough it out, check out our Rugged designs here.

Happy Adventuring!

DSC_0808

camp setup low rez

DSC_0027ski-car loadScreen Shot 2016-01-26 at 12.32.56 PM

March Mini Madness Sale

/0 Comments/in /by

March Madness is upon us and we want to be a part of it this year!  We’ve had a lot of requests for a Mini Tarpestry sale so may we present to you…the March Mini Madness Sale!  All Mini Tarpestrys are only $60 during the whole March Madness tournament!  That’s $15 off each Mini!

PASS this news along to your friends so they can get in on the awesome savings as well.  

TRAVELING isn’t allowed in the tournament but we highly recommend it for summer. Better make sure you have a Tarpestry while you are on the road!

TOSS your Tarpestry down on the ground for a picnic or outdoor concert.

LAY UP your tarpestry for shade when camping or on the beach.

SHOOT on over to our site to check out these killer deals on the Mini Tarpestry.  

Sale is live March 25 through April 4.

March Mini Madness

Spring Cleaning Sale

/0 Comments/in /by

It’s time to gear up for Summer! Waaaahoooooo!  It’s about time!  We’re clearing out shelf space to make room for summer inventory with our annual Spring Cleaning Sale!  From March 18-22, everything on our site will be 15% off.

Spring is the time to hike, bike, camp, rock climb, kayak, raft, picnic. go to music festivals, outdoor concerts and so much more!  You can enhance all of these outdoor excursions by bringing along your new Tarpestry.  If you don’t have a Tarpestry, take advantage of our Spring Cleaning Sale.  The best part is that if you get your Tarpestry now you can share it with all of your friends and family all year long.  Some of the designs that are on our site now won’t be available again…so take advantage of our 15% off Spring Cleaning Sale while designs are still available.
Sale is only available March 18-22

Spring Cleaning Sale

 

101 Ways to Tarpestry: Meditation

/0 Comments/in , /by

Life can be stressful. We live in a fast-paced world full of technology, traffic, media…talk about sensory overload!  Sometimes it helps to be still and reset. We use meditation to find the calm center in this business of life. Meditating outside is wonderful, but sometimes even Mother Nature can bring distractions.  The ground can be wet or poke you with sticks and rocks when you’re looking for a nice place to sit and relax.  Grab a Mini Tarpestry for your next meditation session and you will have one less thing to worry about.

 
Find a nice quiet spot, lay down your Tarpestry and take a seat.  Focus on the constant flow of your breath. It shouldn’t take too long before you can find your peace of mind in nature and start to zen out.  Be at peace with nature and yourself and let the stress of the day roll off your shoulders.  Ahhh.  Feeling better already!  When you’re done, roll up your Tarpestry and continue on with a calm center.

river-mini

 

Pack Your Tarpestry: Okeechobee Music Festival

/0 Comments/in , /by

Are you headed to Okeechobee Music and Arts Festival this weekend?  It sounds like an amazing festival and we sure wish we were going!  An awesome line-up in a great location with some good Florida sun is the perfect remedy for these winter blues.  Hall and Oates, Robert Plant, Mumford and Sons and WEEN with sunshine and beach….yeah you could say we are a little bit jealous of you early season festivarians.

Well if you are one of the lucky ducks headed down to florida this weekend, don’t forget to pack your Tarpestry!  Break it in for the 2016 festival season while you’re on the beach, back at camp and at the show.  Pack your Rugged Tarpestry for your trips to Aquachobee and make good use of the double-sided water repellency and UV resistance!  Be sure to bring a set of tent stakes to make sure your Tarpestry stays down in the wind.  If the sun starts to wear you out, hang up the Tarpestry with the grommet rings to make life-saving shade.  Then take that Tarpestry to the show! You’ll always have a homebase at the main stage for you and your buddies…not to mention a personal dance floor.  When it’s time for a break, bring the Tarpestry back to camp and hang up for privacy during naptime.
Cheers to Okeechobee, have a blast and most importantly don’t forget your Tarpestry! (oh yeah, and sunscreen)

amanda smith
simon kriechbaum
davis hartley

101 Ways To Tarpestry: Ski & Snowboard

/0 Comments/in , /by

When you’re packing for your next ski or snowboarding trip don’t forget your Mini Tarpestry! The Mini is the perfect companion for all things wet, snowy, and gnarly. When you get to the parking lot, it’s time to brave the cold and get those snow pants and ski boots on.  Here’s where the Mini comes in clutch. Lay it down on the ground for boot change and gearing up. No more hopping on one foot with the risk of the dreaded wet-sock!  Now you can keep your balance with both feet on the ground, completely dry.  

After you’re geared up and ready to hit the ski lift, pack the Mini in your backpack.  This little guy packs small and light – only one pound! Shred the gnar and then pull the Mini out for your backwoods break time in the warming hut. Keep your ski bum dry anytime you need a break.  When your epic day on the mountain is complete, pull out the Mini Tarpestry once again for ski boot change.  Afterwards, lay the Mini down (water-repellent side up!) in the back of the car.  This will help protect your car from wet snow drips.

If you’re ready for make your powder days on the mountain even more epic, shop the Mini here!

ski-boot change2014-03-03 11.50.522014-03-03 11.56.23ski-car load

Why Choose Mini Tarpestry

/0 Comments/in /by

At Tarpestry Headquarters we call it the hiker, the one-pounder, or the two seater.  But don’t let the “Mini” name fool you, this Tarpestry packs possibility!  The Mini Style is around half the size of the full-size Tarpestry and weighs in at just one pound!  Whether you are on a solo adventure or with a friend, the Mini can be the Tarpestry for you.

The Mini Tarpestry is 4.5’ x3’ and comes with all the standard features of a Tarpestry, including grommet rings and a pocket.  We make the Mini in the Rugged style (water-repellent and UV treated on both sides). This durable fabric is fit for any adventure.  

Pack the Mini on your next day hike or backpacking trip!  When you reach the mountain peak or the halfway point on the trail and need to take a break, just pull out the Tarpestry for a comfortable seat.  If you’re hiking with a friend there’s enough room for two sets of buns.  If you’re on a solo trip, the Mini provides a space to take a quick nap. Before getting back on the trail, the Mini is easy to fold or roll and packs small and light in  your backpack.

At home the Mini can be your new best tool. We have laid the Mini over our windshield to protect from hail and frost, hung it over windows to block light or a cold draft, laid it under the car for a quick oil change, put it on the car seats to protect from wet clothes and animals, use it for hauling firewood, we’ve even used the Mini as a baby changing blanket! Whew, and that’s just the start!

If you’re ready to take the Tarpestry Life to the next level, shop the Mini here!

river-miniice blockercar workBikeseatDSC_0027DSC_0078

Tarpestry Care: How To Stuff Sack

/in , /by

They seem small enough, but most Tarpestrys weigh in at three and a half hefty pounds. Without proper handling, these things can get heavy! Carrying this load under your arm all the way from your campsite to the main stage can become a seriously sweaty upper arm workout.  Well suffer no longer, friends, because Team Tarpestry is here to help!

Don’t feel like rolling and strapping your Tarpestry?  Stuff it!  Four straps with buckles allow for even compression and a handy grab handle on top for transporting.  The Tarpestry Stuff Sack is a quick way of packing up your Tarpestry, nice and small. You will be amazed how compact your Tarpestry can get. Stuff it and save more room in your backpack for more important stuff…like beer.  

We use the standard size for a tight pack with the Classic and Rugged Styles. The Jumbo size is an easier but not as compact stuff for Fleece, Classic and Rugged Styles.

Option 1: Stuff, stuff, stuff, then pull the drawstring and tighten the buckles.

DSC_0121DSC_0132DSC_0136DSC_0146DSC_0160b

Ready to stuff? Shop here.

Valentine’s Day Red Sale

/in /by

What color does everyone think of during Valentine’s day? RED. And for good reason as the crimson color symbolizes passion and love. It’s for this reason that we will discount all red Tarpestrys for our Valentine’s day sale this year. ANY Tarpestry that has red in the design will be 20% off!  

We will have Classic, Rugged, Mini and Dog Duvet Cover Tarpestrys included in the sale. Some popular designs that will be featured in the Valentine’s Day Red Sale include: Scarlet>Fire , Paisley, Tree of Life Bright, Spiral Bear, Confetti and Sangria Dog Duvet Covers.  Check out all of the others that are on sale by browsing our site.

So if you want to really impress your love this year on Valentine’s day check out our “Red Sale”.  Don’t procrastinate because Valentine’s day is coming up soon! Sale ends after Valentine’s day.

DSC_0028DSC_0234DSC_0029DSC_0003

 

Tarpestry Care: How To Strap

/in , /by

So you’ve mastered the Tarpestry fold & roll – bravo! Now you’re ready to pack your Tarpestry for the road!  (If you haven’t mastered the roll, see this blog post for simple instructions.)

They seem small enough, but Tarpestrys are a heavy duty three and a half pounds! Carrying this load under your arm or in your hand all the way from camp to main stage can become a serious upper arm workout.  Well suffer no longer, friends, because Team Tarpestry is here to help!

All you need is a Tarpestry strap.  Transfer that weight to your strong shoulders and free up your arms and hands for important stuff…like beer.

Here’s the method:

  1. Line up the buckles, tails out in the same direction.
  2. Unclip your first buckle and clip around one side of the Tarpestry roll.  Pull it tight.
  3. Line up the tabs on top so the strap is not twisted.
  4. Unclip your second buckle and clip around the other side of the Tarpestry roll.  Pull it tight.
  5. Loosen the strap for a crossbody carry or tighten for an underarm carry.

For the visual folks, a superb video:

Ready to take the leap? Shop here.

Tarpestry Care: How to Fold

/0 Comments/in , /by

Your Tarpestry arrives in the mail – it’s perfectly folded in perfect form in it’s perfect little box. You can’t wait to see the design so you untie the rope and spread it open on your living room floor. You admire your Tarpestry in all of it’s splendor. Maybe your new Tarpestry is one of the lucky 3D designs and you put on your 3D glasses and get lost for a while.  Maybe you take a nap. Eventually you come back to the world and need to roll up the Tarpestry again. You start to fold it based on the existing fold lines – much like putting a map back together.  And with similar results, it is not perfectly folded in perfect form and you ask yourself “how did this EVER fit inside that tiny box??”.  Well suffer no longer, friends, because Team Tarpestry is here to help!  This is an easy fold/roll and once you know it…you know it.

Here’s the method:

  1. Fold once, hamburger style, grommet to grommet. For those of you who missed out on this in first grade – hamburger style is folding in half to get a square-ish fold instead of a long skinny fold (hot dog style).
  2. Same fold again, in half, same direction.
  3. Same fold one more time, in half, same direction.
  4. Flatten and smooth it out.
  5. Roll it up, nice and tight.

For the visual folks, a super professional video:

Why Choose Fleece Tarpestry

/in /by

The less known style in the Tarpestry family (and the Team Tarpestry favorite) is the warm and cozy Fleece. The Fleece Style is made of a solid color velour plush fleece and come with all the standard Tarpestry features including the pocket, grommet rings, and water-repellent backing. But don’t let the solid color fool you, this Tarpestry packs a punch!

Praised for its warmth and comfort, the Fleece is the perfect companion for any chilly weather activity. Leave a Fleece Tarpestry in the car for impromptu pit stops and for a warm poncho in a cold rainy predicament. Kids love the softness of the Fleece, which provides a bit more of a “cushion” than the other styles. The Fleece Style is also perfect for outdoor sporting events – protect your tush from cold bleachers and wrap yourself in warmth!

But, the most magical use for the Fleece is outdoor camping, whether it be tent, car, yurt or teepee.

Team Tarpestry does a lot of camping and this Tarpestry makes sleeping outside a true luxury.  Have you ever wondered why you get so cold when sleeping on an air mattress?  The cold air creeps right up through the air mattress – straight through your sheets and into your warm zone. Well the Fleece Tarpestry is your new best friend! Here’s the method: Put one Fleece Tapestry on top of your air mat or sleeping pad, fleece side up. Then make your bed per usual but top it off with another Fleece Tarpestry, fleece side down. The Tarpestry on the bottom keeps cold air from creeping up into your warm zone.  The Tarpestry on the top seals in the warmth while the tarp side keeps you dry from tent drips. Voila!

If you’re ready to take the Tarpestry Life to the next level, shop the Fleece here!

IMG_4527

cold bleachersIMG_2438

 

Everything You’ve Ever Wanted To Know About Tarpestry (and more!)

/in /by

Maybe you’ve just discovered Tarpestry…or you are already a proud owner and want to know so much more!  Well hold on to your hats because you are about to become a wizard in the realm of Tarpestry.  (More of a long-story-short person? See this page instead.)

This product’s purpose is to be a durable outdoor blanket with a beautiful design on one side.  In simple terms, a Tarpestry is a “tarp” and a tapestry put together.  It is a weather-resistant outdoor blanket that puts a layer between you and nature, with style.  Seems simple enough, but don’t let this short explanation limit what you think a Tarpestry is capable of!

The base fabric is the tarp portion of the Tarpestry, a urethane-coated and heavy duty polyester (similar to duffle bag material). This is the buffer from the occasional unpleasantries, providing water repellency and UV protection.  This side of the Tarpestry goes down on the damp or dirty ground – protect those tushies!  You can also tie this side up for protection from the sun and rain…even wear it as a poncho!  These things are known “lifesavers” from sudden downpours and blistering sun.

The upper fabric comes in a variety of fabric options – differentiated by the name of style.  The options are Classic, Rugged and Fleece.

Our most popular style of Tarpestry is the Classic Style.  This option has beautifully designed 100% cotton fabric and is much softer than the base fabric – perfect for lounging on.  The fabric is hand silk-screen printed with vegetable dyes.  Because of unique layering of the dyes, the Classic Style has 3-D options! That’s right, some Classic Style Tarpestry designs come with a pair of 3-D glasses and, trust us, they are f.u.n.!

Another fabric option is the Rugged Style Tarpestry and this style is true to it’s namesake.  The fabric is a water-repellent and UV resistant polyester – just like our base fabric but a bit softer. The Rugged Style Tarpestry is built for adventure. Take them to the beach or on river and lake excursions because this Rugged Style will repel water and are quick to dry.  The Rugged is also built for famous beverage spillers – children, adults, we don’t judge! This style is so hardcore we’ve made our Dog Duvet Covers with the same fabric.

The third Style is our Fleece with a soft and cushy velour fleece top fabric. This style is, hands down, the Team Tarpestry favorite.  We do a lot of camping and this Tarpestry makes sleeping outside a true luxury.  Here’s the method: Put one Fleece Tapestry on top of your air mat or sleeping pad, fleece side up. Then make your bed per usual but top it off with another Fleece Tarpestry, fleece side down. The Tarpestry on the bottom keeps cold air from creeping up into your warm zone.  The Tarpestry on the top seals in the warmth while the tarp side keeps you dry from tent drips. Voila! The Fleece Style is also perfect for outdoor sporting events – protect your tush from cold bleachers and wrap yourself in warmth!

So, water-repellent backing and beautiful top fabric for your outdoor blanket.  Sounds great right?  Well brace yourself, the Tarpestry takes it a step further.  We add metal grommet rings to the corners of each Tarpestry – with the option of customizing with more.  Rope the Tarpestry up for privacy and sun/rain/wind protection and stake the Tarpestry down in the grass or sand when windy.  These little metal rings are essential for multiplying the practicality of the Tarpestry.  Additionally, each Tarpestry has a corner velcro pocket for storing the small necessities for your adventure. Think sunscreen, snacks, and the car keys that always vanish at dusk.

Well that’s a Tarpestry in a nutshell!  This is a robust product that will be sure to enhance your outdoor experience – whether you are picnicking or going on a grand adventure!  Pack a Tarpestry next time you head out on your excursion to see what it can do for you.

Still want more? Head on over to the Tarpestry Story page to learn about our origins.

Screen Shot 2016-01-26 at 12.33.18 PM

Screen Shot 2016-01-26 at 12.30.24 PM Screen Shot 2016-01-26 at 12.29.57 PM Screen Shot 2016-01-26 at 12.32.56 PMScreen Shot

Tarpestry Gift Guide

/in /by

The holidays are right around the corner and we’re here to help! Not sure which Tarpestry to buy that special someone on your list? Use this gift guide to match the perfect Tarpestry to the perfect person this year.

Classic Tarpestry – For the concert-goers, the picnic-ers and the back yard-ers. For those who love to lounge. Built with a cotton topside, comfort is king with the Classic Style. An amazing companion for music festivals, camping trips and days at the park. For those with an aesthetic eye, the Classic Style features the best variety of designs and colors.

Rugged Tarpestry – For the adventurers, the beachgoers, the sporters and chronic spillers. For those who need that little extra. With UV protection and dual water-repellent sides, the Rugged Style holds off water and is quick to dry. Perfect for beach, lake and river trips. Added bonus, this style makes for easy cleanup of spilled drinks, mud, or any other wet and dirty mishaps.

Mini Tarpestry – For the hikers, the skier/snowboarders, the parents. Made as a smaller Rugged style, the Mini is a great companion for day hikes, ski trips and for those with young ones. The mini appeals to the solo adventurer, who likes to travel far with a light load.  The perfect size for a personal nap or perhaps even a napsack!

Fleece Tarpestry – For the cold campers, the fall sports-goers, and the cozy and comfy ones. Fleece Tarpestry is for those who don’t mind the bulk but really love the warmth. This style is, hands down, the Team Tarpestry favorite. We love putting one on top of our air mattress, and another on top of our sleeping bag. This method seals in the warmth and keeps the dew off. Also recommended for those who frequent cold, wet bleachers at outdoor sporting events!

Enhance the gift with Tarpestry Supplies!

Tarpestry Strap –  A Tarpestry owner’s best friend. Roll up the Tarpestry and throw it over your shoulder. Also doubles as a yoga strap!

3D Glasses – A wise addition for any gift including a 3D Tarpestry.  Hard Plastic 3D glasses last much longer and can make for a fun experience wherever you lay your Tarpestry.

LED Stakes – Tent pegs with LED lights!  Stake the Tarpestry down in the field and find home-base at night.  Take it back to camp for your tent. A Festivarian’s dream accessory – avoid tripping over your tent line spiderwebs at night.  

Adventure Pack – 4 steel stakes, 50’ rope, 4 bungee hooks.  The perfect Tarpestry accessory package for the perfect Tarpestry camp configurations!

The Classic - gear page pic

The Rugged - gear page pic

The Fleece - gear page pic

The Mini - gear page pic

Supplies

101 Ways To Tarpestry: Yard Work

/in , /by

Autumn is one of our favorite seasons here at Tarpestry Headquarters. The weather is perfect for hikes, picnics, and late season camping trips. We go on day hikes in the Rocky Mountains and always take along a Tarpestry or two for breaks and a picnic lunch. Visiting the mountains, we get to see the Aspen leaves change from green to bright golden yellow.  The leaves have been absolutely amazing this year in Colorado!

After we watch the leaves change into vibrant colors and then fall, we are quickly reminded of the less glamorous side of Autumn – raking leaves! It isn’t always the most exciting task but hey, at least we’re outdoors. We have discovered that the Tarpestry is the perfect yard work companion. We rake our leaves onto a Rugged Style Tarpestry and then haul it to our back yard compost pile.  A quick and easy way to carry the Tarpestry is by using the grommet rings and some rope. Pull each corner grommet into the center and then loop the rope through them to sinch.  Make yard work a breeze this Fall and use Tarpestry as your leaf-hauling partner!

DSC_0805 DSC_0808 DSC_0811 DSC_0812326545_10150333693360929_500565928_8017881_433496769_o

On The Road: Wakarusa Music Festival

/in /by

Team Tarpestry hit the road last week for a two month summer festival tour.  First stop…Wakarusa Music Festival!  We pulled in to Mulberry Mountain on Wednesday and set up shop with our good friends Shakedown Goods and Super Rad Cape Company next door.

Once the booth was set up we grabbed our Rugged Mini Tarpestry and hit the trail to the gem of Wakarusa…the waterfall.  We hiked two miles down the mountain and arrived to a lush oasis of cascades, pools and bluffs.  We laid our Mini Tarpestry on the wet rocks, threw our gear down and plunged into the cold mountain water.  There were fellow festivarians on the bluffs, jumping off of cliffs and soaking up the warm summer sun.

We spent the next four days of the festival listening to good music, making new friends and spreading the good word about Tarpestry.  We hope our Tarpestry customers found a comfortable seat with their purchase…we know one panda who was able to take a load off!

Thanks Wakarusa, we’ll see ya next year!!