On the Edge of Design

DIY Pillow #2

2014-02-03T20:23:00.001-08:00

The sweater pillow DIY is so easy, affordable and fun! It can be done in a day and for less than $20! I hope your ready for an adventure! Follow the steps and tips and you'll save a bundle on these warm pillows!

Supplies:

1. A sweater. Boyfriend or husband got one he won't wear with tags on it? Perfect! If not, check out the local thrift store! You can find some with tags still on or gently worn.

***tips: make sure the sweater isn't stained and doesn't have an piling! Check for holes and overworked armpits. Make sure the sweaters allow enough material for your pillow. You won't want to use children's sweaters for this project!****

2. Scissors

3. Needle and thread. Sewing machine if you've got one! Makes the project zip right on by!

4. Preform pillow [I chose a 12" x 12" and 18" x 18" for the pillows I made!]

***tips: preform pillows are the best choice for this project. They'll save you time and heart ache. Allowing the pillow to last longer and an easy template for making your shape. Plus an extra layer of protection from tearing and loose stuffing!

5. Straightedge or ruler

I chose to make two sweaters for this DIY! You'll see similar patterns but the same idea applies for any sweater!

Let's get started!

1. Lay out your sweater on a flat surface and check for any problem areas you may want to remove.

2. If the sweater has a waist band similar to the one I chose cut it off (use the straight edge to create as straight an edge as possible to make it easier for sewing later.

3. From arm pit to arm pit create a straight cut removing the top half of the sweater.

4. You'll be left with a straight band of fabric now! Measure your pillow with the fabric. For this project you'll actually want your fabric a bit smaller than the form as the sweater material will stretch to fit the pillow preform.

Measuring the width as well as height cut off one side leave the other still attached to its original seam. [woohoo for less work for you!]

5. Sew away! Three of the four edges will be sewn 100% together. The fourth edge you will sew about two to three inches in, leaving enough room to slide the pillow into the form [see second photo below]. It takes a little muscle but as long as your seams are strong it won't tear! (Good test for later!)

6. Hardest part (in my opinion) hidden seam. If you've never done a hidden seam in highly recommend heading to YouTube and watching a handful of tutorials before jumping in. In this step you'll be closing the seam on the bottom of the pillow! Use thread in a similar color to help keep the seam hidden and voila! You just made yourself a sweater pillow! Now it's time to test it with a good movie and a nap for reward! Enjoy!

DIY Watercolor Pillow

2013-12-15T07:39:00.000-08:00

A very good friend of mine has a pillow obsession. So for this holiday season I've decided to take it to the next level. She sends me photos of beautiful pillows from time to time and I often think, there's no reason I couldn't make those.

Fast forward a few months and it was time to test it out. After some research online I've discovered there are plenty of websites with instructions on various pillows. I found this site and adore the instructions [very thorough] and decided to take it for a spin. [website: brit and co! check them out for more DIY ideas this holiday season!]

A watercolor pillow seemed ideal - no standards of perfection, as they are meant to be creative and whimsy. After collecting my sharpie collection [Yes, I agree I do have a problem. I can't help it, all the colors need love and I'm willing]. I ran to the local fabric store to pick up a few other supplies. You can also just purchase a plain white cotton pillow, but I decided to hand make mine for multiple reasons. Mainly my enjoyment of sewing and making sure it is well constructed and fluffy.

The supplies you'll need:

Sharpies. I always say stick with brand name when trying something new - it's far less stressful and you know other people have tried them.

White Cotton - You can decide on the size pillow you want. I purchased a ton of extra to make gifts for others as well.

White Thread - I always buy coat thread now, it's my favorite for it's durability.

Rubbing Alcohol.

Now here's where I've modified. They say use a Q-Tip, which I suppose would work for detail designs but I've made a large print and purchased a super cheap paint brush to just brush on the rubbing alcohol and let it soak through to create a stronger effect.

Step Two: You've got your supplies all collected and you're ready to start! My first step was to do some experimenting. I wanted to see how the colors blended with Sharpie and pick a scheme. Plus it's just fun to practice and see where your talents lie.

I cut little strips out and grouped my colors [yes I'm a bit obsessive about them being grouped]

For the small strips I used Q-Tips for practicing, the scale was smaller so the brush wasn't necessary.

*** RECOMMENDATION: Put paper underneath your working surface. The sharpie WILL BLEED when you draw and especially when you add the rubbing alcohol. ***

Step Three: PLAY!

Step Four: Once you have your design selected, cut your material to the size pillow you would like plus 1" for sewing - I always prefer to leave more fabric then less - you can always take away.

Step Five: I got a little ahead of myself and started playing with the rubbing alcohol to be sure I liked the outcome, but go ahead and fill in your pillow and then brush on the rubbing alcohol.

Step Six: I chose to add more structure to the pillow so I put a layer of muslin behind the cotton and iron on interfacing. Then sewed together the two sides of the pillows. I wanted the pattern to only be on the front side instead of both sides.

Step Seven: Stuff it!

Step Eight: Play some more! You know you want to!

Here's my final product. I'm quite pleased with it!

Spreading the Cheer!

2013-12-03T18:23:00.001-08:00

Hello all!

I wanted to post a few of my favorite style worthy design sites for Holiday gifts!

For a little bit of everything:

uncommongoods.com

For your creative counterparts:

Blick Art Materials, which recently teamed up with Utrecht for those of you who missed the news!

Etsy.com

Factory43 offers amazing prints at affordable prices

For Detroiters! Noel night Saturday offers art at affordable prices, pieces made by students and alumini are for sale each year at the college for creative studies!

The staples:

Anthropologie.com

Macy's is great for friends who are moving into their first new homes

BHLDN for the engaged couple you know!

If you are still lost on your holiday gift needs feel free to send me a message! Gift giving is a specialty of mine!

Updates! and lots of them!

2013-11-30T09:46:00.000-08:00

Well let me start by saying I'm sorry! I started a new job and fell off the face of earth, but I'M BACK!

I've been busy working but still managed to find time for a few fun projects. We'll start with the most recent.

Project One:

Halloween, I'm crazy for it. This years costume was Sherlock Holmes. Which of course is next to impossible to find in stores - especially when you are a female. So I decided to embrace my creative side and make my own. I started out drawing a template out of newspaper and in the end I'm thrilled with the results!

Here's the process in photos: [I'm missing a few but I'll explain them!]

Step One: Taping the newspapers together into a much larger sheet - I used about 6 sheets that overlapped. Make sure the overlaps are taped down good or it will cause a headache later. You most definitely need to be gentle with the newspaper - it tears easily but it will serve it's purpose.

Step Two: Using a bit of string, measure yourself - I started at the base of my neck and went to just past my wrist [remember some of the length will be lost when you sew]. Then take the measured bit and find the center of the newspaper. [You may need an assistant for this portion] Hold the string in place and create a circle from the opposite end of string.

Step Three: Cut the circle you've drawn out of the newspaper. [I also double checked my circle by folding the newspaper in quarters so I knew it was a true circle before I moved onto the fabric - it's much cheaper and easier to remake this portion rather than that fabric portion of the project.] I folded my fabric in half to keep the integrity of the fabric design and then seamed the center of it back together. You can pin the newspaper to the fabric to be sure you cut true to your template.

Step Four: Once you've cut the fabric out remove the pins. [If you are seaming together the two pieces be sure to keep them pinned together and sew this part now]

Step Five: I chose to finish the edges with binding tape to give a more finished appearance. It is time consuming and you have to pay close attention or you'll slip of the small seam and have to start over but it's entirely worth the extra effort.

Step Six: Using the cape in it's current form you'll want to measure the space where the collar will be - you'll need to cut a little larger than you measure so when you sew there's enough material. I also chose to use the binders tape on this portion as well. Leave an extra long piece of binding tape so you can tie your cape together.

Step Seven: Sew your collar to your cape!

I chose to dress up my sherlock outfit and wear a dress out with black boots. I purchased the cap at Party City and magnifying glass at Home Goods [Something fun I can put out all year]. I also chose to purchase a faux pipe at Party City and black gloves [not pictured]. Black tights and boots finish off the look!

Project Two:

Pumpkin Sculpting! A few years ago my brother came home from college after having met Ray Villafane. A famous pumpkin carver [whom I had no expectations to come close to being able to sculpt like but check out his work for inspiration and to see what hard work and practice can get you!]

Find some inspiration. I started with this but changed my mind after a little googling.

Peel the skin off the pumpkin - this for me is the hardest part. Pumpkin skin is tough and you'll want a fairly sharp tool. I bought a set of pumpkin tools at Target and found a good fit for myself in the kit. Most tools used are ceramic tools. Which you can find at Michaels [and use a coupon!] and get fairly cheap. My set was $10 and I used a 40% off to get it to $6 and some change.

The most important steps involve remembering the nose will be the highest point. So you'll want to avoid taking out too much pumpkin from these areas.

[I never carve alone! This year my two brothers and neighbor joined me! I'll show their results too!]

I wanted to give my pumpkin a humorous face so I chose to make him a bit lop sided and chubby.

I also wanted to have an open mouth - so I carved all the way through. You don't have to do this - in fact it speeds up the rotting process if you do!

It's important to keep the pumpkin wet - when it begins drying out it starts coming apart in larger chunks and can ruin all your handwork!

Another assistant! ;)

Here's my results!

And the boys!

Matt Byle:

Billy Byle:

Austin Simmons:

I'll post more projects when I get a bit more free time!

I started a new blog for anyone looking for help with color:

http://colordesigning.blogspot.com

Math, Science and Plants!

2012-02-28T12:49:00.000-08:00

LOVE IT! I seriously adore learning any neat tricks involved with drawing, math, science or art and could think of nothing better than this video my boss shared with me today! Even if your not interested in half of those things, it's still a great video! CHECK IT OUT!

http://youtu.be/ahXIMUkSXX0

Color Play

2012-02-19T07:40:00.000-08:00

So, I want to re-vamp my "Brand" or resume packet. I've decided to really indulge in my personal favorite things to create a new personal branding image...

I thought I'd share what I've got so far.

I've just begun building it so bear with me, but I am fascinated with a few ideas so far.

1. Crystalized Rock formations - just always been interested in their forms and the subtle changes within each formation.

2. Shades of purple, it's where warm and cool meet. Blue and Red, opposites attracting to create this never ending collision of shades and hues of my favorite color.

3. Mandalas - this is still something I'm working out on the form so far, but I've always been intrigued by these endless circles of color, form and design. Since I was young I've begged my mom to buy the more expensive mandala coloring books for me and skipped past the simple teddy bear puzzle, cat with a scarf, bunny hugging a turtle options.

4. Culture. I'd love to find some way to introduce my love for culture into this piece, especially language. I've always had an affinity for learning new languages and indulged in the opportunity, for instance - at one of my jobs we have a Korean woman [really lovely lady, so sweet and caring and such a hard worker. She's much older but has such enthusiasm for everything. She's been teaching me little words in Korean as well as introducing me to some less than well known foods, such as fish cakes [which are fantastic by the way]. Or learning French at the creperie I worked for. 8 years of spanish classes, or a Portuguese room mate. Nothing makes me happier than hearing the different cultures and how things are done so foreign from what I grew up with.

5. Nature. OBSESSED. Garden admirer, tree planter, seed sower etc.

6. I'd also love to introduce my love/hate relationship for food into this mix. Still not sure if it's possible without bombarding information.

I'd like all these points to be subtle - it shouldn't scream in your face, but rather whisper in your ear. It's another piece of my own personality that I'd like included. I'm subtle, and tend to be soft-spoken. Non-abrasive and always learning. Don't get me wrong. I have another side that comes through from time to time in the right company, but for the main parts I tend to lean towards my comfort zones of quiet and peace.

I'd like to give some information upfront, but mostly I'd like the piece to be something easy to look at and intriguing.

So here's the start:

Still working out the font, placement and adding much more but to give you a bit of insight in the process I wanted to share a few of the steps along my way of discovering a brand image for myself.

I'm obsessed

2012-02-06T19:59:00.000-08:00

With super funky abstract colorful textiles. I don't know what I would do with any of them, but I WANT to make them all.

While doing some circuit training today, I ended with a nice round of yoga. Nothing to crazy so - I decided to make it more interesting. Drawing & Yoga at the same time = inspiration! Who would have guessed! I look forward to some more sketching tomorrow and will post some photos of what I've been working on soon! Going on a bit of a pattern making stint here and hoping to find some cool ways to apply these ideas.

I'm also hoping to come up with some lighting designs and build them throughout the spring. I want to explore this more. I'll be doing a lot of research on lighting design and textiles and posting my findings here for all to share!

Maybe screen printing & lighting design in some form.

Playing at work

2012-01-29T16:01:00.000-08:00

I had the amazing opportunity to explore glass this week at work. Nothing makes me happier than learning a new medium, and while it would take years to master - or even become good at - I found it intoxicating.

Glass Academy features not only blown glass, but torch work as well as stained glass and neon. [Neon is not nearly as used as the other mediums however]. The past year I've spent in the studio has involved an enormous amount of growth both personally and for the studio.

Personally there is no better way to understand an object that to create it. To get down into the science of the materiality, to chose the colors the form. To be a maker of things is more than just physical.

A favorite teacher of mine while in College always told me "stop thinking so much - your going to kill yourself and your work". Now as a constant thinker it is not so easy to shut off the never ending trail of questions, thoughts and challenges involved in even the simplest tasks. While participating in a staff meeting we were all given the chance to not only create a bead in the torch work studio space but also create a pulled flower. Standing in front of the flame, flooded with thoughts - I realized something. It's not just my own thoughts that flood the space. It's reactionary. With options to start in either area, I opted for the torch. A smaller and when approaching less intimidating form of glass. However, not the case. My head flooded with thoughts. I did my best to create a piece while listening to the instructor explain the process to me. A week earlier I had had the same opportunity when a student didn't show up for class. A different instructor made all the difference. Calm and soothing - my head cleared. Upon completion of this new piece this week, I knew it would not have the same turn out so with head down walked through the studio to observe the other staff creating their pulled flowers. After panicking about color choices, it was narrowed down and time for my chance again. A different instructor, and entirely different approach. I'm almost entirely sure I have never been so clear headed and calm. I am by no means wound up, or hyper. I tend to lean towards laid back and happy with my own occasional moments of spastic energy. It was like being in an entirely different world. A world of play, freedom. A world of creation and calmness. Standing in front of the heat my head cleared and ready to ignite a whole different approach.

[Photo - My pulled flower and 1st of 2 beads]

This was a huge lesson in the subconscious relationships and cues given by others for myself. A visible reaction by not only myself but upon finishing the entire studio couldn't help notice the change in demeanor.

Apparently I like things that stack...

2011-12-29T20:37:00.000-08:00

Newest design love discovery: stackable items as a means of saving space. I've recently been collecting pieces that I love [and know I will never find again] for my "future" home. Thought I'd share these goodies and can't wait to put them to use! [Some were gifts from my oh-so-thoughtful Mom, some were self bought and others gifts from Bailey. [Both ladies wanted me to have the entire sets of different items, must be the same birthday thing!] Also, this only further adds to my love of the product design done at Fred. My only issues so far, I wish there were more Store-M's and they clicked together a bit more firmly. The last item I picked up from the MoMa collection, and it will only further add to my love of tea-sets. And finally [okay so maybe it's not stackable, but I LOVE them!] My best friend decided I needed to have the whole set of coaster's from Anthropologie, and I must admit, I was so THRILLED to see the rest of them! Thank you ladies!

Why do I love tea sets when I maybe drink a cup of tea a week?

M-Cups, Fred

M-Spoons, Fred

Store-M's, Fred

Tea Tower, MoMa

Celestial Coaster, Anthropologie

Got another goodie

2011-12-27T13:21:00.000-08:00

Check this out! Couldn't be more true!

This piece was created by Craig Drauer, titled New Math

How ideal

2011-12-27T13:08:00.000-08:00

I just fell in love with yet another product.

It's called "Burning Bank", and it's an incense burner. Now - I don't typically burn incense, but have always been intrigued by the process. Typically I'd burn a candle but this might be the deal breaker. [Now if I could just find peppermint - real true peppermint smelling incense I'd be thrilled!]

http://www.pagethirtythree.com/collection/burning-bank-incense-burner/

Okay - so a much delayed post

2011-12-08T07:11:00.000-08:00

It's been a busy intense few months - more about that later!

For now, check out this awesome video my boss sent me this morning!

DESIGN X EXERCISE = Get your heart racing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEH4Yum4nN4&feature=player

More Color Boards!

2011-09-06T18:54:00.000-07:00

Color Inspiration from my personal sketch book/inspiration book!

COLOR!

2011-09-03T10:51:00.000-07:00

Here's a new little project I've been meaning to upload. Based on the bright color trends I've noticed in quite a few fashion magazines and a personal favorite, neon lighting. I went through and clipped images from some magazines and created color pages and then drew from that to create a color board.

Another side note: I really love donated magazines. If you have any old magazines please let me know! I use the images to create "sketch" pages in a color book of mine. If you have any you would like to donate to me, please e-mail me at MelissaByle@gmail.com.

ENJOY!

Sharing the Wealth

2011-04-25T20:35:00.000-07:00

Looking for inspiration? It can be found plentiful on this site:

www.notcot.com

I sound like an ad, but my new boss has shared this site with me and I just adore it! I've spent hours looking at the information on it and looking through the various articles. Can I just say, it has opened up a whole new level of inspiration.

I'd like to apologize for my absences once again. Life just gets in the way of the internet. I'm happy to say that I'm doing well and working on multiple self driven projects most recently. With a great deal of alterations going on and hopefully a revamped portfolio as well.

Most recent interests [which are of course ever evolving and happily being embraced by myself] are:

#1: The color peach. Spring just makes this color seem all the more relevant and versatile. It's fun to pair with so many colors and is often forgotten. Let's give a round of applause for peach!

#2: Conquering the unexpected. While looking pretty and maintaining composure. Oh, and this artists work..whose name has slipped my mind...[will post when found]

#3: Print making - I had the opportunity to help my best friend print wall paper last week. Can I just say - STUNNING! I can't wait to see the final pieces in her senior show [and an early congratulations on graduation Bailey] {No, this isn't her print, her work is based on items that make her feel safe. I.E. - Sewing/Crotcheting/Needlepoint/ and the General home environment. Check it out at the CCS show if you can!]

#4 : Not Cot - It's work like this that I love discovering on this websites. I've acquired a few magazines that have inspired me so much more than I could have ever expected. This website is the internet mutual of that.

And of course so much more than that sample. Check out the site. Let me know your thoughts. Tomorrow is the big meeting with career services. Maybe they'll be able to figure out a direction for me, since my mind seems to be everywhere these days.

Oh, and I'm 25 now. I didn't spontaneously combust and my timer didn't go off.

Weddings on the Mind

2011-04-02T20:22:00.000-07:00

I've been extremely into researching fashion lately, a wedding coming up in the family is of some assistance to that fact. To be honest, who doesn't love a reason to get all dolled up? Here's some really gorgeous pieces I found recently. And as you scroll down you'll notice the switch to my own fantasizing for the special day when I get to indulge in wedding bliss. I can't wait to be apart of my aunts wedding! She asked my mom to be her maid of honor and I'm really excited to help them plan all the fun wedding events!

This gown is to die for:

Gown #1: Designed by Roksanda Ilincic

http://www.vogue.com/collections/fall-2011/roksanda-ilincic/preview/

Gown #2: Designed by Balenciaga {in the archive}

http://www.vogue.com/vogue-daily/article/the-hamishsphere-balenciaga-exhibit-travels-to-san-francisco/

I may just have weddings on the mind due to all the excitement of my aunts wedding, but I just love looking at all the gorgeous different styles.I'm looking forward to going wedding dress shopping next week for the first time with my aunt. I look forward to seeing what type of style she goes for! Here's a few of my favorites, starting with my own personal choice of the week {We all know I change my mind on a moments notice}:

http://www.bhldn.com/moodboards/Belle-of-the-Ball?cm_re=20110324_hpbridesmaids-_-photo5-_-belle

Whether your a bride or not, it's just plain fun to check out BHLDN's site, a new branch of Anthropologie. They have an amazingly fun quiz to see what your wedding style is. I've gotten Neo Sophistacte today, but last week I was nostalgic romantic. Which in all truths, are both right. Either way, here's a little clip of what you can expect for a response!

Digital Sketch Book

2011-03-21T22:39:00.000-07:00

I've been pretty busy the last few days creating a special project for my portfolio. Or I should say a special couple of projects. I really wanted to showcase my interests in Trend Forecasting, Color and Materials as well as Branding. So here's where I'm at so far. I personally love the Anthropologie project and think it's turning out great! It's a bit of a digital sketch book if you will to showcase some inspiration and where it can take me! Any in put is as always welcome!

Looking for Art?

2011-03-21T16:36:00.000-07:00

Check it out! My brother along with a few of his friends have some great work going on their new site! http://www.36pyramids.com/

Ballet

2011-03-21T13:08:00.000-07:00

This makes me miss ballet. I want to go for my birthday next month! I want to see something live here in Detroit! I also want to go to the Toledo zoo around that time! So inspiring, the ballet and the animals. How beautiful.

Color Forecast!

2011-03-20T22:05:00.000-07:00

Found a great article on Color Forecast for this summer!

http://www.examiner.com/ And can I just say - these colors couldn't be any closer to my favorites if they tried! Yay purple, teal and gold! I love this image and the way they work together here...it's eye catching and glamorous with an edge. I've been doing tons of color research and this site has been ideal for finding anything I could possibly want to find. Along with a few psychology sites I can't wait to show off my next project!

Update

2011-03-20T22:00:00.000-07:00

Currently I'm working on creating yet another social network site. I'm adding to my already extensive list of sites, Behance! As soon as I'm finished I'll update and show off the site. Along with that I'm working on a special portfolio to showcase a different skill set.

Is two portfolios too many? I don't want to bombard with information, but I feel that there's a skill set that I'm interested in pursuing to a different level. [Trend/Forecasting] The current portfolio of work I have shows mainly interior design with a few fine arts projects. Should I just be adding this to my original portfolio?

And on another side note! It'll be a busy couple weeks at work, getting a few displays done off-site and working at VegFest! Which should be great, and if you have the time you should stop by and say hi! [you could check out our awesome retro recycled refrigerator (that's a mouth-full)]. Here's the site with some info about the event! This is especially helpful if you are a Vegetarian, health conscious or interested in the restaurants in the metro area. http://vegmichigan.org/activities/vegfest/index.php I'll be at a booth handing out recipes for my bosses smoothie recipe and picking up info to enter our contest to win a glass prize from the shop! I'm also working on moving our gallery into a different space while we revamp the current space as well as creating some fun window displays with spring in mind!

Copy Cat

2011-03-17T21:09:00.000-07:00

I'm going to do a bit of copying. But I think this article is worth sharing, especially for those interested in futurism or automotive design! I found this article on Lost At E Minor [p.s. -It's more photos than writing, but a picture's worth a thousand words right?] [http://www.lostateminor.com/2011/03/18/futuristic-car-designs-from-the-past/#more-55235]

When the car designers of yesteryear sat down to envision the vehicles of today, their imaginations were clearly in overdrive. Or fourth gear. Whatever. These exotic car designs from the 1940s, 50s and 60s unfortunately never quite caught on. But it’s not too late is it, Mr Ford?

And on a side note:

The last car is my personal favorite. Gives a whole new meaning to the idea of having a roll over..

Lá Fhéile Pádraig

2011-03-17T20:57:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patrick's day to all my fellow Irishmen and those who help celebrate!

Facts:

In every year since 1991, March has been proclaimed Irish-American Heritage Month by the US Congress or President due to the date of St. Patrick's Day. Christian denominations in the United States observing his feast day include the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Protestant Episcopal Church, and the Roman Catholic Church.^[55] Today, Saint Patrick's Day is widely celebrated in America by Irish and non-Irish alike.^[56] For most Irish-Americans, this holiday is both religious and festive.^[57] St. Patrick's Day church services are followed by parades and parties, Irish music, songs, and dances.^[58] It is one of the leading days for consumption of alcohol in the United States, as individuals are allowed to break their Lenten sacrifices for the day in order to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day.^[59]^[60] Many people choose to wear green coloured clothing and items.^[61] Traditionally, those who are caught not wearing green are pinched affectionately.^[62]
Seattle and other cities paint the traffic stripe of their parade routes green. Chicago dyes its river green and has done so since 1962 when sewer workers used green dye to check for sewer discharges and had the idea to turn the river green for Saint Patrick's Day. Originally 100 pounds of vegetable dye was used to turn the river green for a whole week but now only forty pounds of dye is used and the colour only lasts for several hours.^[18] Indianapolis also dyes its main canal green. Savannah dyes its downtown city fountains green. Missouri University of Science and Technology - St Pat's Board Alumni paint 12 city blocks kelly green with mops before the annual parade.^{[citation needed]} In Jamestown, New York, the Chadakoin River (a small tributary that connects Conewango Creek with its source at Chautauqua Lake) is dyed green each year.
Columbia, SC dyes its fountain green in the area known as Five Points (a popular collegiate location near the University of South Carolina). A two day celebration is held over St Patrick's Day weekend. In Boston, Evacuation Day is celebrated as a public holiday for Suffolk County. While officially commemorating the British departure from Boston, it was made an official holiday after Saint Patrick's Day parades had been occurring in Boston for several decades, and is often believed to have been popularised because of its falling on the same day as Saint Patrick's Day. In the Northeastern United States, peas are traditionally planted on Saint Patrick's Day.

Ecostainableology.

2011-03-16T12:02:00.000-07:00

So, anyone who knows me knows that I have strong interests in sustainability. I mean, how many 10 year olds ask for a pear tree to "give back to earth"? Yes, that's right me. I'm probably the only one, and I love that. I'm not only interested in sustainability. I'm interested in the welfare of the planet. I'm not going to go on some long winded discussion about what we could all be doing. Because really, if we don't know by now...there's no hope. But what I would like to discuss is the trends in color within the sustainable movement. In the beginning for a space to be sustainable you had to walk in and see it. Now, there's a movement for sustainability to mesh right in with every day colors and materials. To me, one of the most important factors is to create environments that not only reach out to those of us who are interested in this realm, but to reach out to those of us who frankly couldn't care less. To create spaces that are appealing and an important factor, spaces that are going to last. Environmental conciousness does not end at simply using materials that are "green", this is just the beginning. It means to create spaces that are going to last generations. So much of our life has become disposable. I personally am a fan of spending a few more dolloars [yes, that means saving up for items] and not replacing them every other week.

I'm interested in items that are appealing to larger groups of people, so they can be passed on from person to person. In recycling and reusing. In items that will be around for years and not months.

Okay, all that being said. I have to say - those cheesy obvious designs that scream NATURE from the top of their lungs, are some of my favorites. For example, this charging dock.

Another really cool, interior design/furniture piece that I love is this:

In the mess of the 12 tabs I have open on Mozilla I've lost the link to whichever company designed this, but what a resourceful desk. Made of moving pallets.

It seems now a days you can find any product, in a sustainable version of itself. Cars, Furniture, heck they're even working on sustainable laptops and cell phones. I'm in heaven.

So...someone buy this for me?

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I love it. It's straight forward. Minimal yet productive. It's bold and delicate. I love it. And I would love to own one some day. I just think it would work 10,000 times better on my desk than any other lamp I've tried. I just need all the space I can get for all my magazines, pens, markers, glues, various objects [i.e. this week - needle point, ribbon, mod podge, new scarf & wooden deer] I'm overflowing and this is the storage solution. More space.

Isn't it beautiful?

http://www.goodbyeedison.com/en/