I found you this recycled t-shirt pillow from Upcycled2, just in time for Friday the 13th.  Figured you could use the extra luck!

Have a great weekend, and thanks for visiting!

Rachel

~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.”

Since its founding, AFTA has held exhibitions on behalf of META (Making Education the Answer), the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Deukmejian Wilderness Park, and the Japan Society Earthquake Relief Fund.

Currently it is involved with local Texas artists, residents, businesses and community organizations in planning art-based fundraising initiatives designed to benefit those affected by the Bastrop County Complex Fire.  (This series of wildfires has destroyed over 34,000 acres of land, 1,649 homes, and claimed two lives.)  The effort involves more than a hundred artists and will include a benefit exhibition to be held March 2012 in Austin, Texas.  Proceeds will be used to aid the community of Bastrop and support the volunteer firefighters which battled the blazes.

The use and re-use of what lies at hand epitomizes the philosophy of sustainability.  In its work AFTA embraces that ideal, not only using reclaimed items for the foundation of art but also using repurposed materials in the creation of each chosen exhibition space.

"Dreamland" by Jennifer Davis

“We seek out reclaimed wood, glass, fabric, corrugated metal, windows and furnishings for design elements so the gallery environment supports the body of works…and also rings true with AFTA’s philosophy of practice (waste not, have more),” said Joy.  “The complimentary energy between art and the environment of the space,  seems to resonate as people usually remain at our exhibitions for hours on end, it seems to beckon interaction.”

As a non-profit the organization has championed opportunities for artists, including media exposure and private & public commission work.  Joy hopes to continue to break new ground in this respect.  She would also like to broaden AFTA’s geographical impact, ideally by enabling additional “chapters” to form as they are needed for community disaster relief.

To learn more, including how to help, please visit the ART From the Ashes website.

~ Emerald

This is the first tour for the Newport Beach Green Home.

As you can see, this project is still in the early stages of construction.

Man, have you ever seen more beautiful framing?  Seriously, this stuff is a work of art.  Almost a shame to cover it up with drywall.  Of course, if we didn’t, I sorta wouldn’t have a job, would I?

Lots of people showed up.

Here is John Steed, the builder/general contractor, telling an admiring crowd about that awesome framing.  We also had Laura Minott Sanders, the project manager from Jeff Jeanette Architects, the homeowners Wayne and Shannon, and yours truly there to explain our respective parts of the project.  We all got to answer a lot of good questions, which is always fun.

Here is my little contribution to the tour.  A table full of shiny, pretty things!  Samples are so much fun, no?

Oh, and you know how I was just going on about how fantastic the framing was?  Well, if you thought that was great, check out this TEMPORARY staircase.

Now that’s a topflight flight of stairs!

By the way, we were actually having a debate about what to cover that adjacent wall with.  Although the solution is at hand, I thought it also might be fun to see what my readers could come up with.  So here are the parameters:

The staircase will be made of steel with strand bamboo treads.  The flooring will also be strand bamboo, in a medium tone.  We are looking for a material that is durable, cleanable, sustainable (of course), and has a great visual impact – without being too busy.  There will be a lot of light coming from a window wall above.

So, get out your thinking caps, and see what you can come up with!

To find out more about this project, visit the Newport Green Home website, or follow the project on Facebook.

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

Here is the information:

Guided Tour and Open House
Saturday, October 22nd, from 10am to 12pm

Tour a LEED for Homes registered custom home in Newport Beach while it’s still under construction with exposed studs. Builder John Steed of Maverick Home Builders, Project Manager Laura Sanders of Jeannette Architects in Long Beach, Interior Designer Rachel Hulan of Path Design, Consultant Evan Little of Permaculture Properties and other design team members as well as USGBC-OC volunteers will be on hand to answer questions and lead two scheduled tours through this cutting edge home. Targeted certification level is Platinum. Targeted certification level is Platinum. Light refreshments will be served.

10:15am – 1st guided tour begins
11:15am – 2nd guided tour begins

Parking:
Street parking is limited. Try parking at Grant Howard Park off Heliotrope and 5th.

Cost:
$5 Students
$5 USGBC-OC Members
$15 Non-Members

Registration:
Tickets are limited, so make sure to reserve your spot early. Contact the USGBC-OC chapter at 714-832-3616 for more information or go to our website at www.usgbc-oc.org to register.

Thanks for visiting, and hope to see you there!

Rachel

The ancient Greek poets were said to be inspired by the Muses, nine goddesses who were the source of all art.

Visitors to the whyrHymer Store in Los Angeles may well believe that a tenth Muse is informing Brandon & Sundeep Morrison on their own creations.  The couple & their work have been featured in California Home & Design and California Homes.  The style of their lighting & furniture is solid yet elegant, evoking the philosophy of the early 20^th century Arts & Crafts movement yet speaking in its own distinct, thoroughly modern voice.

At present the couple hand-craft about forty pieces a year, which work ranges from beds, tables, cabinets, and seating – including a rocking chair that somehow embodies the spirit of a hot rod – to lighting of truly innovative design.

Creativity is essential to the heart of whyrHymer.  The Morrisons are fully involved in all aspects of their business, from conceptual design to marketing, from the ancient act of sanding wood to the employment of software and website design.  They also produce & edit films to promote their work.  Says Brandon, “I love hitting the end of a chisel as much as I love the click of my mouse.”

All furniture is made from eco-friendly hardwoods & finishes, including exotic woods certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.  They also use FSC-certified sheet-goods, Kirei Board, Bamboo, and Wheat Board.  Finishes include low-voc plant based oils & varnishes.  Lampshades are variously made from recycled aluminum or glass, linen, rice paper, shoji material, hemp, silk, or from a translucent wood veneer gleaned from sustainable sources.  The furniture is built to last generations, lovingly hand-crafted with mortise & tenon, dovetail, and dowel reinforced joinery.

As they feel themselves blessed, the Morrisons strive to “give back” not only by observing a green building philosophy but also by donating a portion of each sale price to a charitable organization.  Clients are asked to match this gift.

“Being creative for us is about how much we can leave behind,” said Brandon.  “My wife and I have no formal training in furniture design or construction.  We have learned what you see by making mistakes and moving on.”

The Morrisons’ business, like their lives, is a testament to innovation and what can accomplished when life is lived with passion & gratitude.  When he first moved to Los Angeles, Brandon had little idea of what waited for him.  Yet, by being open to change and mindful of opportunity, his present life took form: a family, a business that allows the fullest expression of his creativity, and work (one could say “art”) that brings pleasure to others.  The latter has a spirit that matches its maker.

“The ‘things’ I sell are not necessities for sure,” he said.  “But what I try to bring to my work is an awareness of self that transcends my actual work and what that provides to my clients.  I hope that my awareness that has come from pursuing the non standard life will inspire someone else, or at best, have them feel that they are supporting someone who has their best interest at heart.”

ATOMIK MADNESS from Brandon Morrison on Vimeo.

The whyrHymer Store is located on 138 N. La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles, CA  90036.  (Hours Mon-Sat 10-5.)    It can be seen on their website.    Brandon & Sundeep may be reached by phone at 323-402-0250 (home/shop)  323-964-9900 (store).

However, most products made of plastic don’t look this good!

Dynamic Headboards, of Santa Monica, California, has just opened up shop on the web with some very stylish solutions for dressing up your bedroom.  Manufactured in the United States out of 100% post consumer plastic, these headboards are available in 3 sizes and 10 different water jet cut patterns.

Here is my current favorite, “Waves“.

This is “Mod“.

Here is “Eden“.

And another favorite, “Drift“.

Because these thin headboards are designed to lie flat against the wall, they take up very little space, a plus for those with small bedrooms.

Right now it appears that the headboards only come in black, but perhaps that will change as the company grows.  I’d love to see these in white too, not to mention some colors like turquoise, apple green, and maybe even orange.  Since each headboard is made to order, the customization possibilities could be endless.

Thanks for visiting! – Rachel

First seen on re-nest.

Here are a few things that caught my eye:

The Molo Design booth was one of the first things I saw walking into the show, and it was also one of the highlights. The honeycomb paper construction they are known for was used for walls, lighting and seating, to great effect.

This was the view inside their little paper tower. Part of me just wanted to hide out the whole show in that nice, calm space.

The pounding sound of the human heart beat drew me to Japanese artist SASAKI’s rad set up to benefit Architecture for Humanity’s rebuilding program in Japan. Of course, I had to participate! I wish I’d thought to have someone take a picture as I sat there with a heartbeat monitor attached to my finger, watching SASAKI airbrush my heart beat onto the canvas. The money I donated as a participant will help rebuilding efforts in Tohoku, Japan.

It was fun getting to see some designs out of Spain that I have been spying in design mags and on blogs.

These pieces were part of an exhibit called BRAVOS. You can tell the designers really got into the picture taking process.

There are few things from the bigger manufacturers I was interested to see, like the increasing selection of colors Kohler is offering for their plumbing fixtures.  Definitely a trend.

Kohler also brought along a fancy trailer with a lineup of their Numi toilets. I seriously want to know how many people can really afford a $6400 toilet. And don’t get me started on why anyone would give a toilet the same name as a brand of organic tea. It boggles the mind.

I did really like the new colors in composite countertops that Cambria came up with. Sorry that the picture isn’t any better, but trust me when I say this American-made quartz composite will definitely give granite countertops a run for their money.

Cork, Cork, Cork…

I was really happy to see all of the cork in use, especially for Portugal’s big display.

I mean, an entire trailer full of ways to use cork in interiors? Be still my heart!

There were the usual bits of quirkiness of course, including Yolo Colorhouse’s wonderful bicycle powered spin art machine.

And what would the urban hipster’s favorite design show be without chicken coops? With real chickens no less.

I was SO tempted to walk off with this sign. Seriously, it doesn’t get much better than that.

There was the ubiquitous idea house, which I have to admit I only peered inside. Forgive me. I see so many of these. I’ll be better next time.

Favorite furniture and lighting designer, Brandon Morrison of Whyrhymer, was there. I’m excited to say will be opening his own store soon. More about that later.

Couldn’t help but love David Trubridge’s lighting display. So simple, and so effective.

There is so much more to share.  However, I’m running out of steam, and I bet you are too. But I want to leave you with one of the last things I did.

As I was getting ready to leave, I walked by Architecture for Humanity’s booth. Molo Design had donated some of their honeycombed wall material, so that wishes written on folded paper could be tucked into the wall.

Every person who wrote down a wish and placed it on the wall received a pretty origami crane made by a schoolchild in Japan.  I picked out a bright green one, and then dragged my worn out self back home to a big hug from my own school age child, who happily took off with “my” crane.  Children are beautiful, whatever side of the world they are on…

There were a lot of products and designers that I will tell you more about in individual posts later this week, so stay tuned.

If you are in Southern California this Friday or Saturday, you should head on over to AltBuild in Santa Monica.  Some favorite folks of mine will be there, including The L.A. Box Collective, Harding Construction and Sustainable Solutions (along with their ReUse Haus), Eric Corey Freed, and Tondro Green Art.

I’ll be checking things out tomorrow morning, so if you see a daffy looking red-head wandering the hall be sure to say hi!

Woad comes from the common Isatis tinctoria plant.  It has been in use as a pigment and dye since Egyptian times, and possibly longer.  Many have thought that the blue pigment the Picts (early Scottish tribes) used to color their skin blue was woad, although there is some debate about that.  Oddly, for a dye that has been around for so long, it is surprisingly difficult to extract.  Because of that, the cultivation and processing were controlled by wealthy “woad masters” throughout much of European history.  Until Napoleonic times, the extraction method took a full year and a half, and involved a long fermentation in urine filled vats.  I can’t even begin to imagine the smell!  And not just any pee would do.  In order to have the proper ph level. it had to be human male pee.  Thus the preponderance of taverns near where the woad was produced.  Cheers!

image via woad.org.uk

Even once Napoleon’s chemists had figured out a quicker (and hopefully less odoriferous) method, so as to supply his army with blue cloth, the extraction was still a laborious process.  Above are workers hand rolling “woad balls” in order to put them out to dry.  Unfortunately, the heavy manual labor required to extract the dye made it fall out of favor, and the last woad production ended in England in the early part of the 20th century.  Happily, some dedicated people, like those at Bleu de Pastel de  Lectoure , have been working hard, to not only revive the art, but to improve upon it and make it a commercially viable, natural, alternative to synthetic dyes.

image via woad.org.uk

Here is a contemporary woad ball, from which you can see dripping one of the most interesting aspects of woad.  It isn’t actually blue.  Well, at least not to start.  The dye begins as a sickly greenish yellow.

Here is an image I took of one of the vats we used last weekend.  Looks SO appealing, doesn’t it?  And by the way, although no pee is involved in the process these days, the smell is still a bit on the strong side.  At this point in the game, I was not feeling quite so enthused.

However, if you notice the color of the bubble sludge forming at the top, you will see a lovely blue color.  This is the amazing thing with woad.  It needs oxygen to turn blue!  I’ll tell you more about that in my second installment next week.

Woad can be used as either a dye or a pigment, and it is light fast, unlike indigo.  That makes it a really useful substitute for synthetic pigments used in everything from printing to car paint.  Above you can see a comparison of indigo (the darker blue on the left) and woad pigment powder.  The color of woad truly is unique, and in many ways I now prefer it to indigo.

So now that you know a little bit about woad, I thought I would give you a peek at how the French General workshop day started.

As everyone arrived at the shop, we were each greeted warmly by owner Kaari Meng.  Although I came by myself, I instantly felt comfortable and amongst friends (of the “I just met you but you seem cool” sort).  There were tables upon tables of delightful linens, fabric scraps and sundries, all for sale and ready for dyeing.  I had picked out a few items from home to dye, but couldn’t resist getting a few extra things to try out too.  Here is what I planned to dye:

Doilies???  Yep, I bought some doilies, and you know what?  I am SO glad I did, because they were some of my favorite pieces once they were dyed.  You can also see a white cotton blouse, a bundle of fabric scraps, and a bit of the two tablecloths I brought along.

Check back Monday for An Ode to Woad – Part 2, in which I discover that I now have a serious addiction problem.