Now, you just have to love someone who calls themselves “The Crazy Belt Lady“, don’t you think?
And just as the name implies, Leslie Dickinson is crazy about belts. Lots and lots of old belts – all woven together to form the seating for chairs she has refurbished.
I swear I see one of the of the funky black leather belts I used to wear back in college… Read the rest of this entry
Occasionally I run across something that defies description and leaves me grappling with words as one grapples with wet soap in the tub. Look at this chair:
It’s a piece of furniture. It’s a work of art. So lovely!
But do you describe it? For that matter, how do you describe much of what Tom Raffield produces in his workshop in Cornwall, England? The gentleman’s website modestly labels his product “steam bent lighting and furniture,” but there’s more to the story than that.
This is art.
The little wooden robot sits there, head cocked, arms outstretched, vacant drilled eyes staring into space. Its expression is puzzled and innocent. It looks like it wants a hug. It’s cute.
Sometimes, in the earnest seriousness of striving to live green, we forget our sense of humor. Marjolaine Poulin of M Design hasn’t forgotten… and she loves nothing better than to make other people smile, hence the little army of wooden robots marching out of her workshop in El Salvador.
Marjolaine (“Mao”) has taken scrap wood & discarded furniture and raised them both into art.
A native of Quebec, Canada, Mao splits her time between Montreal and El Salvador, always looking for inspiration. Her introduction to woodworking came in 2004 in Guatemala, where she learned classical bamboo carpentry from a Taiwanese master. Shortly afterward she began crafting her own designs hoping to promote bamboo’s many advantages as a building material in Central America.
“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.”
~Henry David Thoreau
"Seconds Count" by Jason Wilbur
In the face of natural disaster, where others see devastation, Joy Feuer – and the many artists & volunteers who work with her – see opportunity for transformation and renewal. Life is often about new beginnings. Since 2008 Joy’s non-profit organization, ART From the Ashes, has been helping communities and individuals rebuild from the ashes of their former lives.
The concept for ART From the Ashes came to life autumn of 2007, during one of the most destructive fire seasons in the history of California. AFTA was created to use the cathartic properties of art as a means of supporting the renewal of lives devastated by wildfire. Members travel to a disaster site and from it reclaim materials – burnt wood, ruined household goods, architectural elements, anything that inspires – to be transformed into works of art and later sold at an exhibition-auction benefitting the effected community.
Joy Feuer, photo by James Carbone
The process is deeply meaningful for Joy.
“We have seen up close and personal the powerful connection and healing properties that our art programming has on communities in Southern and Central California,” she said. “In the wake of disaster…watching what occurs to people and places, in that moment, you are there as well. Its human nature to want to help in any way possible. In the actions of ART from the ashes, we can provide resource and support to communities in need. Art provides a connection, provokes inspiration and invites hope. There are no boundaries geographically or creatively. Our desire is to honor this and expand our mission to help as many people as possible.” Read the rest of this entry
Although it isn’t a strict policy, I try not to feature Etsy sellers more than once. I’m glad I’m not strict about it, because if I was, I couldn’t show you this little gem…
Crafted in New Orleans by Matthew Holdren – whose gorgeous beds I featured back in May – the Kerlerec Desk is a pitch perfect piece of salvaged wood furniture.
If you are in the SoCal area in November, you couldn’t find a better thing to do than go see The Dunnage Show at Inheritance. A collaboration of all the members of L.A. Box Collective, the exhibit will showcase what happened to 12 tons of dunnage – headed to the landfill – when this creative group of master woodworkers got hold of it. Expect amazing pieces of furniture and accessories, if their previous work is anything to go by!
Place: Inheritance – 8055 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048-4517 ph (323) 658-6756
Date: Opening reception November 3rd, 2011 from 7-10PM
RSVP: BoxCoEvents@gmail.com
For me, colder weather brings thoughts of cozy mornings by the fire, wool sweaters, and hot cups of tea.
This little stool fits into my daydream perfectly. Created by Etsy seller Hogenbirk Knitwear, this handmade stool, with its knitted wool cover is the epitome of simple, stylish Dutch design.
Sweet, no? Read the rest of this entry
I just returned from a brief (but fun) business trip to San Francisco, and once again I remember why I love to travel. Seeing new places, making new friends, and getting out of my daily routine are so invigorating to me. Now all I can think about are the places I want to go next!
Since I have such a severe case of wanderlust, I thought it appropriate to make this week’s “Etsy Find” a globe and map themed one. Enjoy!
Map covered wooden chair by New Yorganize.
Collier’s 1935 Map Drawer Pulls by Sherry Truitt
All the world’s a stage,… and that means there is a LOT of scenery that needs to be built!
Unfortunately, with all that scenery construction comes a lot of leftover scrap wood. Enter Etsy seller duolocal to the rescue – stage left.
Part of duolocal’s Load-Out series, the Drop-Cut side table is constructed entirely of leftover scrap lumber from theatrical productions. Finished with no-VOC linseed oil, this table has a cleverly designed notch, just perfect for large books to rest in.
Looking for that pop of color and graphic appeal for a room? Check this out…
This fun little table was created out of a recycled traffic sign by Etsy seller J Ryde Visuals.
This table would be perfect for what my parents refer to as a “drink stand”. You know, that place you put your cup of coffee in the morning while you curl up in your chair reading the paper,… on your iPad. Read the rest of this entry
The interioRevolution is a design blog devoted exclusively to sustainable interior design. Through product reviews, guest blogs by experts in their fields, special features and spirited discussion, the interioRevolution provides new knowledge and expands the dialogue on sustainable interior design.
