After seeing protests erupt all over the world I wanted to make something that could change the game a little. I want people to be able to protest with OWS without the risk of being fired for showing solidarity. I wanted to make something useful, portable, something that could make the biggest difference to the most people. I came up with this mask.

It’s a foldable guy fawkes bandana that can be worn as a full or half face mask. It’s printed with safe sane protesting advice about dealing with police, sharing your location, who to call in the event of legal troubles, and more.

I’m selling them on my store, with one donated to an OWS branch around the world for each one sold –etsy.me/fawkesbandana

You can find a whole slew of images up on Flickr.

Edit 11/03/11: Folks have been asking for details on a few aspects of the project. First, I am going to be providing a simplified version to use as a stencil and screen so people can use the design for their own purposes. I’ll be releasing it sometime next week as Attribution Non-Com.

The bandanas are printed in NJ, in a little print studio just a stone’s throw from my childhood home. The blank cotton bandanas come from China.

Lastly, The design of the bandana isn’t directly from anything, though it borrows from the long tradition of Guy Fawkes Masks and Guy Fawkes day. People have been saying “Penny for the Guy” for a handful of centuries, now. I also can’t help but be influenced by the incredible V for Vendetta comic and the subsequent movie. Although my design isn’t traced from a particular image it is a blend of features I like from Guy’s various incarnations throughout history.

I have so many people to thank for helping make this project happen. Specifically the person who screened the first prototypes, the absurdly talented Melissa Dowell. The fabulous photographer Tony Lanza provided funding for the first run, and SfSlim was essential to the process, providing advice, recommendations, and fueling the viral fire that made it click. I’d also like to thank Nick Farr for recommending some changes to the wording on the final bandana.

Bonus:

JWZ.ORG, Boing Boing, Super Punch, Laughing Squid, Geekosystem, The Daily What