December Free Box Travels

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I just took a little backpacking trip up to Canada.  I went via Amtrak and various ferries, one to Victoria and then one from Victoria to Vancouver.
I spent a day in Seattle so I could visit the Elles exhibit that is happening at the Seattle Art Museum right now.  There's this great coffee shop about a block and a half from the Amtrak station called Zeitgeist.  I highly recommend it.  I had to stop in there for a little pick me up once I got off the train and what should I notice, but a little free library.  I just happened to bring a few issues of Free Box the Magazine for just such occasions.  Hooray!

I spent a few days in Vancouver, BC, which is a pretty cool place.  Main Street at about Broadway up to 30th is definitely a fun street with all sorts of quirky shops and eating establishments and coffee shops.  There was a SCRAP type store called Urban Resource, which is why I went up Main Street, but also there was this amazing gallery/antique store that was super cool called A Bakers Dozen Antiques.  It was kind of like a crazy art museum.  I highly recommend a peek.

At about 23rd and Main Street I happened upon an independent publishing bookstore called The Regional Assembly of Text.  It had this little nook library where people could read zines so I left a copy for some free boxing Canadians to peruse and enjoy.

While trekking through Vancouver on an exceptionally rainy day I may have stumbled upon a free pile, but it was dark and I was drenched and cold and so was the free pile so I didn't investigate further.  However, from what I saw and the vibe I got from Vancouver I'm sure there are free box treasures to be found!

Happy Buy Nothing Day!

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This is the perfect holiday for Free Box the Magazine to endorse.  In fact, just today my brother came back from his jog and said I have a free box present for you, which turned out to be a giant tv that I had to refuse.  I have a little one that fits on an old typewriter table that I can roll in when I need to use it and keep it out of sight otherwise.  It is, however, yet another example of why one should never buy a new tv.

Anyway, I am including this Buy Nothing Day link from Adbusters if you are interested in some of the work and events that are being done to celebrate this day and keep the buy nothing sentiment going through the holidaze.

http://www.adbusters.org/campaigns/bnd

Election 2012

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As everyone knows the election is just days away on November 6th.  I want to say that Free Box the Magazine holds no political views; just the facts, so here they are:

This was found at the Stehekin Mall:  Fall sale - 2 for none.  The Stehekin Mall is actually the dump, just so you know.  Here is what was found:

                                                                 Don't forget to VOTE!

Rainy Season

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Some of you may be wondering how to give those items that you just don't use or need anymore a new home or life in the rainy season, in other words, pass them along with the free box.
Well, I have one solution that many people love and that is a clothing exchange otherwise known as a naked lady party.
I co-hosted just such a party this past Friday and it was a hit as they always are.  We called it the the Rainy Day Free Box exchange because that's exactly what it was.  I distributed the new issue of the zine and it was a huge hit.

Skye Blue reading Free Box the Zine atop of some of the clothing exchange leftovers.

Here are a few tips to hosting your own Rainy Day Free Box or clothing exchange.

* Decide if you want it to be co-ed or just one gender.
* Invite people of all sizes and body types and encourage them to invite another person of the same or similar size.  That way you don't end up with a majority of one size of clothing and everyone can enjoy the swap.
* You may want to suggest that the clothing should be gently worn or still wearable simply because very few people will take something that has been heavily worn and torn.
* You may want to have it be a "snackluck" where everyone brings a finger food or snack to munch on.  Searching through clothing and trying it on can really work up an appetite.
* You may want to co-host with one or two people so they can help you sort and take the leftover clothing to Goodwill or a charity of your choice.  That way the burden isn't all upon the host.
* Have at least one full length mirror for people to view their potential finds in.
* If the party will be co-ed, you may want separate dressing rooms in case people are feeling bashful.

In general, clothing swaps are hugely successful and it's a great way to socialize.  You would think these things would be cut throat, but actually, not everything fits everyone and in the end you begin to suggest items to your friends when you come across something that is their style.
I think there's a lot of camaraderie at these events and it's fun to just put on a bizarre combination of clothing you would never wear and hang out in it for a while.

I hope this inspires you to host your own event and share the spoils even though the days and nights might be filled with rain ~

Issue 11 Has Hit the Streets

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So today was yet another lovely Portland day, and I was able to come across a semi dry free box to distribute issue 11 in.
This is a permanent free box, by the way.  It's located on the corner of SE 28th and Main.  To be honest I have never found anything great in it, but I like that it's a permanent one and it's quite large.

So be on the lookout for the swankiest issue yet and happy free boxing!

Issue 11 is Here!!

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I printed Issue 11 today, so be on the lookout in free boxes everywhere! (in Portland mostly).

I will periodically post some of the images that look better in color from the zine on the blog so you can all enjoy them.

I thought the first to share was this calendar I found of Carmen Electra.  Enjoy ~

Submit to Issue 11!

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Hello, free boxers!
I hope the summer has been bringing you  all sorts of wonderful free box delights.

I am proud to announce that Issue 11 is in the works.  It's entitled SWANK.  If you would like to share your swankiest free box find or finds, please take a photo and e-mail it to:  freeboxthezine@gmail.com

Thanks and here's a little teaser of the cover (created by the lovely Cory McMahon) at a pretty swanky free box I found just two days ago.
Enjoy ~

Nice signage, which I always love!

By the way, the box itself was the table with all the lovely glasses and items set upon it with a little table runner.  I loved it!