FAQ 1. “So what are these things?”

The “Headcase Collection” makes art come alive in an easy-to-love way. We’ve screen printed four cotton pillow shams with our colorful interpretations of four famous portraits, seen as never before, with both front and rear views. These machine-washable shams are made of 220-thread count, 100% combed cotton and will fit a standard or “jumbo standard” pillow.

FAQ 2. “Why pillow shams?”

We at Boxelder feel that the American public is not being well served in the pillow sham area. Now that we have all added an extra pillow or two to our beds, we find ourselves limited to boring shams that coordinate with the sheets and duvet cover or other very traditional choices. If our nation’s music had remained as traditional as our current tastes in bedroom décor, we would not exactly be rocking the Casbah or getting jiggy with it these days… we’d probably still be waltzing Matilda. Besides, since just about everybody has a pillow, a pillow sham makes an easy gift.

FAQ 3. “Why put art on a pillow sham?”

An “art pillow sham” is a lot like a poster that needs no framing. You don’t need a hammer; you don’t have to put a hole in the wall.  Just shake your pillow down (and your booty, too) and the art is already doing its job: helping your house or apartment to become a place of beauty, imagination and fun. Plus, if listening to Mozart can make you smarter, imagine what dreaming on great art might do.

FAQ 4. “Why these particular portraits?”

We chose these four paintings not only because they’re famous, but also because they portray people who we would really have liked to have known, or perhaps even have been. Mona Lisa seems as wise as old Leonardo da Vinci himself. It would have been great to talk to her.  Vincent Van Gogh tried so hard, without success, to share his passionate feelings. If anyone could relate to our own difficulties, it would probably be Vincent. Botticelli’s Venus portrays the goddess of beauty and love. She’d be nice to hang out with, right? And as for “The Kiss” couple, it’s nice to imagine that such a romantic moment could happen to each of us.

FAQ 5. “Why do you call them Headcases?”

The first and most obvious reason is because we’ve printed “heads” on “cases” (actually shams, but it’s the same idea). The second reason is that, after they are put on a pillow, they are nice places to rest your own head when you need to sort out what’s going on in your complicated life. The third reason is that the word “headcase” usually refers to someone who is a little off kilter, a little crazy, a little short of a full deck, and we here at Boxelder are all that, and even worse on some days. Just ask Theo.

FAQ 6. “Why not matching sheets and duvet covers to go with these Headcases?”

The Headcase shams are meant to go on those extra pillows you have on your bed, to add a splash of color and interest to the room. Besides, a full set of good quality bed linens can easily cost a couple hundred dollars, beyond what you might want to spend on a gift for someone. (Our suggestion for people who want to incorporate a Headcase or two into an ensemble is to go out and buy some solid color sheets or a comforter that matches or complements a main color of your favorite Headcase.)

FAQ 7. “Can you use these shams as pillowcases?”

Sure. In fact, we recommend it. We know seven-year old boys who won’t go to bed unless they can sleep on Van Gogh, and nine-year old girls who take Venus to camp for a week. A lot of Headcases have gone off to college, too. The combed cotton poplin is smooth, durable and cool to the touch. The French seams run along the outer edges of the sham where they won’t imprint your face. The sham itself is machine washable; it can then either be line-dried or gently tumbled dry before returning to the pillow.

FAQ 8. “How are the Headcases packaged?”

The shams come packaged singly in either a vinyl press-seal pouch or an acetate gift box (for a small additional cost) along with an educational insert that describes the painter and subject. View on our ordering page.

FAQ 9. “When will you have new images?”

We are in the selection process for several new shams that we will offer in the spring of 2003. There are so many exciting possibilities that we haven’t yet narrowed our subjects down to just four. If you have any suggestions, we’d love to hear from you. Go to our “Contact Us” page.

FAQ 10. “How can I buy one?”

Go to our “Ordering Information” page.  And thanks.