Vintage badge-style tee for fly tying enthusiasts, featuring a worn green and rust design—a craftsman's tribute to the art of fly dressing.
The story behind this design
This design channels vintage outdoor-industry nostalgia with a worn badge aesthetic. A weathered green oval frame houses hand-lettered text reading 'I'd Rather Be Fly Tying,' with a rust-red accent where a fish silhouette is integrated. The distressed, speckled surface mimics old enamel pins or vintage tackle-box patches, lending authenticity and character. The color palette—muted sage green and burnt orange—feels both timeless and earthy. It's a quiet celebration of a specific craft, honoring the meditative skill and artistry of tying flies by hand. The design whispers rather than shouts.
Who it's for
Speaks directly to fly-fishing purists and folks who tie their own flies—a niche community proud of the craft. Perfect as a gift for the meticulous angler, a mentor in the fly-fishing world, or someone spending winter evenings at the vise. Appeals to those who appreciate handmade traditions, vintage aesthetics, and understated quality. Ideal for fly-fishing clubs, heritage-minded outdoors people, and anyone who sees fly tying as meditation and art.
