Monday, December 25, 2006

Happy Holidays










In my hometown, it is a tradition for people to line the streets with luminaries on Christmas Eve. As you are driving around to all the holiday parties, it feels as if you are being led by candlelight! I am going to take a few days off to visit with family and friends, but will be back on Jan. 1st.

Friday, December 22, 2006

Nani Marquina


Yesterday while walking around Newbury St. in Boston I stumbled across the home decor store, Bliss. Inside, I spotted this great wool rug called 'Roses', designed by the Barcelona-based Nani Marquina. I love the simple circle cut-outs and the color is perfect for the holidays. I made several other fun finds in Bliss, but unfortunately I bought these items as gifts for friends and they might be reading this post! Maybe after the holidays I can share a few photos.

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Supayana

The tough part about having a blog is that you have to reveal all your secrets - but sometimes these things are for the best. Such is the case with Supayana, a clothing line created by Brooklyn-based designer Yana Gorbulsky. Yana makes an amazing line of unique, handmade tops that have fanciful features ranging from ruffles to bows. But don't mistake these shirts for being all sugar and no spice - Yana's tops are sassy and made for the girl who wants to set herself apart from the crowd. Her online shop is updated regularly and her goods are also posted weekly on eBay.

Now here's the trick: you have to be fast. FAST! I recently snatched up the cutest navy blue number, (after many months of being a click too late), and I have to say it is worth the wait. Yana puts a lot of craftmanship into her work and her pieces are all limited edition (usually 2-4 made for each design). Now go sign up for her email list and get your mouse finger ready!

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Wire Works: Marie Christophe















Marie Christophe is a French artist who designs lovely wire lights and sculptures from her studio in Paris. Her works' irregular shapes and freehand-style framework create an irresistible charm - almost as if they are sketches that have come to life. Adding a dash of ceramic beads and baubles give the pieces a little color, while keeping their delicate beauty in balance.

Monday, December 18, 2006

Pick Me

This is such a great idea! 'Me Magazine' is a quarterly publication that, "explores the life of a guest editor and their circle of friends. It was founded to support, document, and get to know people in the creative community we admire." Personally, I love hearing people's stories and reading about their creative endeavors (hence designklub). I'm going to have to track down a copy in Boston ASAP. (via hoping for happy accidents)

p.s. Claudia Wu, if you are reading this, I want to be a guest editor for Me!

Sunday, December 17, 2006

Cube Rack

The one piece of furniture that has alluded designers and consumers alike throughout the ages is the unseemly, uninspired coat rack. Nowadays it can't just hold jackets, it has to store keys, scarves, ipod accessories - the list goes on. Well UK designer Jennifer Marriott is making a valiant effort on front line of this time honored battle. Her 'Cube Rack' is simple and effective in its design, but nice enough on its own that you won't cringe at the thought of having it attached to your wall. The user just has to tuck in a corner of his/her coat, hat, mittens etc. between the cubes and voila: instant storage with style. (via The Cool Hunter)

Friday, December 15, 2006

J. Mendicino


Just spotted artist Joanna Mendicino's pretty vases at Rare Device. I am particularly fond of her cut-out designs, which include everything from shorebirds (above) to cobblestones and pin cushions. Joanna's "crafty modern" style reminds me of Jonathan Adler's work: simple, clean and above all - fun.

A quick thanks to Holly at decor8 for selecting designklub as her 'Blog of the Week'! The spotlight has ended for now, but hopefully people will keep coming back to visit.

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

RCA Review II: Renewal
















Another RCA star is textile graduate Caroline Till. Caroline's work focuses on renewal and re-use of materials. Here are some samples of her reclaimed ceramics, which I love. I especially like the pieces on the left which look like they have hand drawn scribbles on them. A nice, personalized touch to objects which usually appear to be decidely mass produced.


RCA Review: Hot Tamale


So I was looking through the online album of the RCA Graduation Show and came across a couple of great young designers. The first is Liliana Ovalle Piedra, who created these fun hot pot stands. Titled 'Small Flame' or fuego lento, they are made from sandcasted aluminum and are perfect for adding a little fire to your next feast.

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Paper Perfection: Pierre Pozzi



I mentioned the French paper artist Pierre Pozzi in a previous post and he has been nice enough to track me down to share some photos of his work. Pozzi molds, slices and even crochets(!) kraft paper to create a line of simple, elegant vessels. The bottom image, which is a table made from kraft paper, is similar in style to his wallcoverings (the piece that first caught my eye). Imagine a whole wall filled with sliced paper like this! Special thanks to Pierre for his patience (navigating the French/English shuffle) and for sharing some samples of his lovely, delicate work.

Bonnie Heart Clyde











Hmm...lots of stitching-related posts lately. Oh well...I first heard about Bonnie Heart Clyde through a friend whose sister did an internship with the Portland-based designers. Bonnie Heart Clyde uses freehand embroidery to create clothing for both men and women. Recently they also added these pretty embroidered slippers to the mix. Their collection is available online at Etsy.

Monday, December 11, 2006

Sayaka Akiyama













Whew. I finally got my project done, now its time for sleep - but first a quick post. Sayaka Akiyama is a Japanese artist who creates visual diaries of places she has been. Akiyama records her steps by sewing onto maps - tiny stitches in a rainbow of colors representing various routes and days. Follow Akiyama to the grocery store, to school or just in an intense cataloguing of her movements within her own studio apartment.

Sunday, December 10, 2006

Sami Kallio: Stich Chair

Swedish designer Sami Juhani Kallio recently took first place at the Promosedia Design Competition for his clever Stich chair. While the chair looks a little stiff (it is made from wooden panels), the bright green rope that holds the piece together also gives it unusual flexibility. The backrest can be lowered to transform your chair into a small desk. Not only does the rope add a nice aesthetic and function element, it also gives the impression that this is a unique piece and not just some factory churn out.

Friday, December 08, 2006

Tramando's Textiles


Well now I have to go back to Buenos Aires. Somehow I missed Martin Churba's Tramando headquarters while I was there (how could anyone miss this?). The Argentinean mastermind, who gained fame for his fashions, is now taking his design philosophy into the world of interiors.

Creating objects made from recycled textile remnants, Tramando is warming up the home with everything from book covers to light fixtures (above). Tramando believes that woven fabrics create an, "embracing emotional landscape," which, "beckons touching and establishes close-knit bonds with the user." Although I am only familiar with a handful of Argentinean designers, I am blown away by the originality and honesty of their work. It only makes the gluttony of generic design floating around out there seem all the more uninspired. Tramando has the right idea: if you're going to create, do it with heart.

A Little Green Goes a Long Way

When you're in the depths of winter, its nice to be reminded of warmer days to come. The 'Carrie' bike basket by Marie-Louise Gustafsson for Design House Stockholm does the trick with its pop of bright green color and ornate design. Perfect for taking your picnic to the park...in a few months. Check out Marie's other great designs as well, including her 'Slacker' office chair.

Thursday, December 07, 2006

Flavor Paper: Gold Rush













Flavor Paper has always done metallics, but recently gold seems to have stolen the spotlight. Hints of gold are popping up everywhere from fashion to furniture (see Elle magazine/Sept. issue). Normally I'd say I like my gold in small doses, however the crisp combination of white on gold in the intricate Kabloom pattern is right on the mark. Could a new Golden Age be upon us?

Also stay tuned for an upcoming interview with Jon from Flavor Paper. Hopefully I'll get it posted along with some shots of their Bywater studio within the next few weeks!

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

Wind & the Willows


There's something magical about these images. Artist Tim Knowles attaches pens to the tips of trees, allowing wind and chance to be the ultimate creator of the drawings. I love the idea of a willow tree gently doodling in the park, lumbering along as if it had all the time in the world. For more images visit the Rokeby Gallery.

Monday, December 04, 2006

Wonder Wall: Concrete Blond

Maybe it's just because I used to work for a wallpaper company - but I am constantly amazed by the new innovations in the wallcoverings world. It seems like the market went from zero to 60 in a matter of years. Which actually doesn't sound very fast using that analogy, but its meant to be!

One of the more creative entries into the scene is Concrete Blond. Their 'Walled Paper' transforms that boring slab of concrete into a subtle visual display of bespoke patterns. The panels come in a variety of colors, finishes and patterns and are available for both interior and exterior purposes.

Saturday, December 02, 2006

Mixed Tape Miracles

Your old mixed tapes can now rest in peace thanks to Sonic Fabric. This unique textile is woven from recycled audio cassettes and can actually be played using an altered tape head. You can purchase the fabric by the yard or buy one of the great messenger bags or dresses made by the Sonic Fabric's creator, Alyce Santoro. Now you can carry your old Poison tape with you 4-eva.

Side note: If you are in the Denver area and have never let the mixed tape fever die, check out Chielle's Mixed Tape Mixer coming up this Tuesday, Dec 5th. Make a mixed tape to trade and enjoy the festivities. Starts at 7pm - 3333 E. Colfax.

Friday, December 01, 2006

Kebab Light




















If you haven't noticed already, I have a fondness for eclectic collections. When I have visions of my future home, the dining room table is surrounded by fantastic mismatched chairs. And somewhere in this dream house is the Kebab Light by Committee.

Made from random household objects skewered onto a light post, each lamp is completely different and tells a story of its own. Plastic trinkets intertwine with porcelain figurines to create lights with wonderful names like 'Heartache' (left) and 'Disco Rabbit' (right). The Deptford-based design duo who came up with this totem of delight says that the lamps offer a way to keep your, "...treasured possessions whilst simultaneously keeping them tidy." (And keeping your living room fun.)