Welcome back to the Friday wrap-up everyone!  It’s been too long…

So what caught my eye this week?  It’s a short list, only because I’m short on time!  There is already A LOT going on in green design this year!

1.  10 Green Designers to Watch in 2011 is an interesting list to look at.  I would argue that some of these designers have been serious influences long before now, and I would therefore have picked a few more up and comers in their place, but everyone one of these people is worth watching! (Apartment Therapy)

2.  The before and after with the drawers is OK, but I am TOTALLY coveting that revamped mail sorter! (design*sponge)

3.  Want a fun, easy, stylish craft to do this weekend?  How about these great silhouettes in a frame?  I’m so getting out the scissors this weekend (on copies of the photos only of course!).  (Sweet Paul)

4.  A good list of what to look for in a natural pillow, in case you’re tired of all the chemicals and dust mites. (re-nest)

5.  And finally, a bit of way too adorable.  Seriously, have you ever seen a sweeter duet?

Oh!  And don’t forget to take our survey!  We need as much input as we can get, and tomorrow is the last day!

Happy almost weekend everyone!

Image via Yanko Design

I realize I might be stretching things a bit to include tree planting robots on an interior design blog, but, they’re so eco-friendly and CUTE!  And besides, isn’t it better than the usual apocalyptic robot future we usually see?  (Yanko Design)

Lot’s more to look at this week…

How about a garden made of 40,000 books? (Inhabitat)

Speaking of Inhabitat, they’re having a back to school contest.  Get your eco-academic groove on with $150 worth of green school gear. (Inhabitat)

Green interior design pioneer, Penny Bonda, details the ups and downs of her own recent kitchen renovation.  Turns out even the experts can make the occasional mistake. (Design Green Blog)

Check out these trippy LED embedded wood stools. (re-nest)

Renters, it’s still possible to live green! (Los Angeles Times)

And, since I ran out of time last Friday to do a Wrap-up, here are a couple of good articles from last week that you might find interesting -

Is this the best use of 500 SF in New York City? Possibly anywhere? (Treehugger)

And what is our devotion to cheap, easily broken stuff really doing to us?  How did we go from a toaster that could last 50 years, to one that only costs $5 (and lasts about as long as it takes you to get it home).

I’ll be working on a Habitat for Humanity build tomorrow, and then collapsing in a heap Sunday.  How about you?  What kinds of fun things do you have planned now that Summer is winding down?

I’ve been a bit under the weather today.  Not that there is actually anything to call weather where I live right now.  It’s nothing but blue skies and a light breeze.  But anyway, weather or not (get it?), I am happy to share some of the interesting finds on the web this week.

image via Scandinavian Kitchens & Design

Speaking of blue, isn’t this blue and bamboo kitchen lovely?!  Such a nice color combination. (Scandinavian Kitchens & Design)

I kid you not – this product is called the “Blow Sofa”.  Well, it is descriptive at least. Still, visions of “Less Than Zero” come to mind.  Did I just date myself?  (Inhabitat)

Nice little list of 4 affordable online independent art sources (re-nest)

OK. If you read this blog with any regularity, you know I like things made from wool felt. So this post title certainly caught my eye – “FUZ – Affordable Felt For All!” (Design Green Blog)

And finally, Mark Frauenfelder found a treasure trove of funky things, like this geodesic home prototype, over at the Henry Ford Museum.  Hmmm, I might just have to make a pilgrimage to Detroit. (BoingBoing)

Image via design*sponge

There is something about vintage crates that always catches my eye.  Here’s a nice look at a few that have been turned into rustic little side tables. (design*sponge)

Speaking of crates, this family took two large ones and made them into a coffee table of sorts.  Doesn’t it just look like the comfiest place to curl up with a book and drink lemonade on a summer’s day? (maya*made)

Here are some great pieces of wall art made with letters cut from soda cans.  I can’t figure out how you’d get a sewing machine to stitch through them like that, but it certainly looks cool. (Green Your Decor)

Could this be the future of fabric?  3-D printing technology used to create clothing. (Ecouterre)

And finally, an excuse to have a bunch of people over for a wine tasting.  Just tell them to bring a bottle with them, and after they’ve left, you can rinse them all out and send them away to be made into your own custom drinking glasses.  (Inhabitat)

Wishing you a weekend full of friends and fun! – Rachel

I’m actually on vacation right now (shhhh!  don’t tell anybody), but I’ve kept my eye out for interesting stuff to share anyway…

image via Shelterrific

Here are some really CUTE pillows from recycled materials, by Alexandra Ferguson. (Shelteriffic)

West Elm’s new line of FSC certified office furniture, designed by students at Pratt. (Inhabitat)

A lovely new kitchen, made of reclaimed materials, that looks absolutely classic. (re-nest)

GE has unveiled their latest technology in super efficient OLED lighting. (Inhabitat)

It takes 5,000 cocoons to provide enough silk for one kimono!  And this guy is raising the caterpillars, spinning the silk, and weaving it all by himself. (BoingBoing)

The first U.S. Certified Passive House, in Louisiana of all places. (Treehugger)

And finally, the most adorable ad, made on a whim by an 11 year old girl, for Harmony Art organic cotton fabrics.  Seriously, somebody hire this girl! (The Journey is the Prize)

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

It’s hot here.  OK, not as hot as some of you have been suffering through lately, but still, it’s definitely a nice tall glass of icy lemonade weather.  Luckily, it’s supposed to start cooling down a bit for the weekend.

Via Design*Sponge

Till the weather cools though, I’ll have to just content myself with looking at how refreshing this pretty, wooden textile stamp looks. (Design*Sponge)

This fountain would look refreshing, if only it wouldn’t fall apart the minute you add water. (Craftzine)

Love this simple and effective filing cabinet makeover! (re-nest)

Ooh!  Does Room&Board actually have organic cotton pillows from Mod Green Pod at their stores now? That would be wonderful! (GreenYourDecor)

And finally, a new use for an unloved plant.  Could the future of sustainable fabrics be the stinging nettle? (Treehugger)

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

Even on a short week, there are still interesting things to read about…

Image via re-nest

I love this whimsical artwork from recycled materials in Greece. (re-nest)

Treehugger asks if less could become more again. (Treehugger)

Check out these vibrant organic cotton pillows! (Green Your Decor)

And finally,… if you’re like me, you forget all about your resolve to take a short shower once you step under the lovely warm water.  Here’s a fun way to be gently reminded when it’s time to turn off the tap. (Inhabitat)

Have a great weekend all!

Happy (almost) 4th of July weekend everyone!  Here are a few things I thought you might want to check out in the downtime between stuffing your face with hot dogs, and stuffing your fingers in your ears to watch the fireworks.  And if you’re not here in the States, stuff your faces with something good to eat and join in the fun.  Every day is a holiday somewhere!

Image via Design*Sponge

Here is a great corkboard craft for those wanting to keep track of where they’ve been, or where they plan to go.  (Design*Sponge)

I really, REALLY wish I could visit this amazing Medieval castle being built in Burgundy, France.  They are building it using the technology of the time, sans the harsh labor conditions I’m sure. (Craftzine)

Here is a must read for anyone in the design community – “Is Design Ready for a Re-think?”.  (re-nest)

I can’t be the only one who thought “Is that a pagoda?” when I saw this rendering of Nationwide Homes new Eco-Cottages. (Inhabitat)

Love these beautiful prints for Paper Cloud’s organic cotton placemat and napkin sets. (Green Your Decor)

And finally, a good review of the best of Dwell on Design 2010.  Sadly, not from me. (Inhabitat)

We’ve got the typical “June Gloom” conditions going on this morning in Orange County.  Overcast, breezy, even a little drizzle now and then.  Hard to imagine that Summer vacation is about to start…

Of course, that means my son will be bringing home loads and loads of old school papers, most of which we really don’t need to keep.  Perhaps we should get this multifunctional paper shredder/coffee table?  Actually, with the way things are going for BP in the Gulf, they might want to invest in a bunch of them for all their executives soon.  Just sayin’.  (Design Sponge)

Sadly, I point you now to the final installment of the Cardboard Fort Architecture series.  This scholarly set of posts has been full of architectural achievement and analysis the likes of which you rarely see.  OK.  Actually, it’s just damn hilarious – and the kids are SO cute! (Build Blog)

So what do you think about the recent study claiming LEED certification does nothing to ensure the interior environment isn’t still toxic? (re-nest)

I was so happy to see my friends at L.A. Box Collective mentioned on Inhabitat!  If you are in SoCal, you should check out their new show. (Inhabitat)

The new issue of Lonny is here!  Now if I could only get an iPad to read it on, my life would be (almost) complete. (Table Tonic)

And speaking of iPads, if I ever do get one, this is what I’m going to put it in. (Inhabitat)

That’s it for now.  Wishing you a blissful weekend!

Lack of sleep, tight deadline, ever expanding to-do list,… yep, typical Friday.  How about you?

Meanwhile, lots o’ pretty interesting stuff spied on the web this week.

image by jewelweeds

I’m entranced by these lovely hand blocked organic cotton linens from Jewelweeds. (mochatini)

Great, ethereal looking Tonic pendant lamp, made of 100% post consumer acrylic. (chictip)

More fun cardboard fort analysis! (BuildBlog)

Grandma’s old National Geographic collection transformed into a shelf. (Craft)

How to design in “Itty Bitty” spaces. (Inspired Design Daily)

Love the colorful glass bottle walls in this post. (re-nest)

Cute task lamp made of recycled egg cartons. (Dezeen)

Wishing everyone a relaxing, restful weekend.  See you Monday!