In honor of our friends that started the Pixel Fund, to raise money, advocate and find homes for deserving pets, we thought we'd share some of our favorite pet photos.

Enjoy. Woof. Meow.

Do you know the power of a wish? Last week at the annual Fantasy Auction for Make a Wish Maine, we donated 30 limited edition custom bags.

In a record 24 minutes, we sold out our 30 bags and granted a wish!

We then took orders and within 5 more minutes, granted a second wish.

Do you know the power of a wish? We do.

Introduction to From Around the Shop: It is a Tanbark-thing!

 A recent trip to the sail loft above our “shop” on Custom House Wharf was quite revealing. Mysteriously the loft defies the law of physics that proves heat rises.  Behind a thick curtain and up the narrow staircase, there is an extensive collection of sails chilling like fine wine.

Despite the overwhelming appearance, I did notice an organizational system to the bounty of used sails stacked on industrial shelves. The rainbow spectrum of spinnaker material is along the right wall. On top of the billowing mounds of Dacron, there are rolls and rolls of criss-crossed Kevlar.

To the left where the afternoon sun pours through the window, I saw a pile of panels in hues ranging from rustic brick to the lighter shades of a faded picnic table. I had discovered (maybe not “discovered” but it was new to me) Tanbark in the sail loft.

The unique Tanbark color was achieved by submerging the sails in tannins which is a compound usually derived from tree bark. During the days of canvas sails, the process was used to protect the sails from rot, mold and mildew. Tanbark is a nostalgic color and a charming look that represents the essence of cruising under sail. 

Now Dacron sails can be dyed this color. These panels in our loft were cut from retired sails used on large teaching vessels such as schooners or sloops.

Tanbark is not only aesthetically pleasing, but the color reduces glare, and the dye pigment offers improved UV protection over a natural shade. The finish is a medium firm with high quality weaves. The cloth is only available in the heaviest of weights so there isn’t much interest among modern racers/cruisers.

I am among the first to admit that Tanbark sailcloth makes a handsome and rugged bag. The reddish brown color reminds me of a rustic sunset and the look adds an historical affect to a modern material.

What aspects of life on Custom House Wharf or manufacturing at Sea Bags have you always wondered about?

Flower power totes come in various designs and colors. Here are some of our favorites that we wanted to share. The first is a lily, the second is a hibiscus and the third is an impatient. Are you a flower child looking for the right tote? These designs might interest you! 

At our headquarters on Custom House Wharf in Portland, Maine, we see lobster boats tied to the docks just outside our windows. We see their buoys tied to their boats, each with a unique color pattern. The patterns are to distinguish their buoys when they are set out in the water with traps below. The colors are almost a signature of sorts.