Wheatpasting is a technique frequently used by street artists to semi-permanently adhere their messages or images to public spaces. It's very strong but also reversible.

Wheat Paste Recipe

• 4 tablespoons flour


• 1/2 cup cold water


• 1 cup hot water


• 1 tablespoon sugar

Cover the flour with cold water and mix them together, adding just enough water that the substance becomes pourable.
Mix well so there are almost no lumps.

Pour the cup of hot water into a pot on the stove, and add the flour water mix into it, stirring in the meanwhile.
Turn on the heat and keep stirring, letting the mixture come to a boil. There is more resistance as the mixture thickens.

Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool. Add a tablespoon of sugar to strengthen the solution. When it is cool, put it in an airtight container.

Brush the wheatpaste onto the back of your image. Smooth it in place, eliminating bubbles. Finally, brush a layer of the wheatpaste over the image, as well. This gives it more staying power, and helps seal and protect it from the elements.


The Pushpin

The Minx was recently in Chicago on a diplomatic mission. The mighty team CGØ had declared an intent to annex St. Louis' tiny but feisty team SLØ. I was to be the guest of honor at a Potlatch where negotiations were to take place and I knew they were going to try to wine and dine me. I didn't know how the talks were going to go, or whether they would try to just forcibly take SLØ. I figured the only way they could do that would be to out-task us on our own turf. So I thought I'd do a little tasking on their turf, just in case things took a turn for the worse.

I considered using the Fleur-de-Lis from the St. Louis flag, but decided that might come across as an act of aggression before I knew if it needed to be. They wanted to annex our team's clever taskers, but I was going to propose an alliance whereby CGØ and SLØ vow to do more collaborative tasking, bolstering both team's strength. If everything were to go well, the High Score Fleur-de-Lis would then be a tribute to SFØ's most powerful team, ChicagØ. It would also be on their streets as a reminder of SLØ's loyal alliance.

I was astounded by the talent and generosity of CGØ. They are indeed "a stronger, faster, wittier, and harder to detect player than has ever before been seen," with a graciousness unparalleled. And so allow us to present the High Score fleur to you, ChicagØ, the mightiest team in this era of Insatiability.

This task is therefore being done in the name of CGØ, SLØ, and Team FOEcakes, who made me an honorary member after my visit. Fleurs adorn the streets of both our cities as a testament to SLØ's respect, and in the hopes of many future collaborations.

We pasted 23 Fleurs in your city, ChicagØ, but my camera ran out of batteries before we could document the last one. It's on the underside of a flashing sign at 1348 Milwaukee. Perhaps you can find it?