the modern lollygagger

aaaaand cut!

2013-05-21T17:10:00.005-05:00

check out the whole Salmela + Loll collection right..........here!

The Cost of Coal Burning; A discussion with Will Steger

2013-05-13T14:13:00.002-05:00

Polar explorer, Will Steger, will be in Duluth tomorrow to participate in a public forum discussing the cost of burning coal to our climate, natural resources and health and the opportunities for clean energy in Minnesota moving forward. He will be joined by other specialists in the field and the event is free to the public.

Deets:

Where: Lake Superior College

When: Tuesday, May 14th at 7PM

Why would I go: Because you want Minnesota to move to clean energy alternatives that promote a healthy sustainable community and because Will Steger is really really cool.

More info here

in case you were wondering...

2013-05-06T12:12:00.002-05:00

Loll has reclaimed over 26 MILLION milk jugs! chug! chug! chug!

all in the family

2013-04-18T13:43:00.000-05:00

Hawksboot not only provides room + shelter for us lollygaggers, but houses two other businesses, provides materials for other designers to create their own works, and supplies cool stores with our goods.

Eastvold Furniture is where it's at for sleek mid-century design with a modern twist. We love the color play of these credenzas and always look forward to seeing Matt visit our office.

Epicurean is no stranger. If anything, it's more like our bossy big brother (only kidding!). They make some killer cutting boards including these ecoplastic cutting boards inspired by us. Imagine that.

Need some nifty hardware for your project? Look no further than MOLO Manufacturing Co. Our very own, Matt Becka (from Intectural), is the designer behind these handy knobs and pulls. Made from recycled paper composite these are not only practical, but also conversation worthy.

Have you checked out our stockist lately? Loll furniture is popping up all across the country and may be in one of your local stores! If you're in Minneapolis check out our low back Rapson Rocker at Forage Modern Workshop. They got what's going on. For reals.

Pretty sweet what can happen under one roof

behind the scenes

2013-04-08T20:05:00.001-05:00

This spring we are debuting our collaboration with David Salmela and we thought why not throw a little film in the mix to show you how Loll and Salmela joined forces. Here are some behind the scene shots of what's to come...stay tuned!

current e v e n t s

2013-03-27T21:03:00.000-05:00

Next time your at your favorite bar playing trivia and you get asked, "where in the world is the second-best travel hub in the world?" you can sit back, take a swig, and show all your friends up because you know this answer. DULUTH my friends has been the runner up for best adventure city according to Outside Magazine! And I quote:

This hilly, forested, 26-mile-long city on the southern tip of Lake Superior is a magnet for aerobic fiends who train year-round on the city’s 72 miles of Nordic ski trails, the epic Willard Munger paved cycling trail, 81 miles of running and hiking trails, and 30 (and growing) miles of urban mountain-bike trails. At the southern end of town are two brand-new 500-vertical-foot, IMBA-designed downhill flow trails at Spirit Mountain ski resort. Offshore there are three quadrillion gallons of Lake Superior water, shipwrecks, and salmon and trout. Book a lakeside room at Fitger’s Inn (doubles from $135). Two hours north are the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, one of the worst-kept but least-spoiled secrets in the country. It is also headquarters to the coolest furniture manufacturer, Loll Designs, where you can find many of it's employees enjoying the said trails above.

(I may have added that last sentence)

Also in the news....

The Start Tribune gave a shout-out to Loll for being one the states most stylish furniture companies. Huzzah.

And lastly...

Our very own, Greg Benson, recently took a quick trip down to Austin to judge the Brand New Awards. A competition that celebrates the best identity work a company produced around the world in 2012. It should be of no surprise that the winning work had to with beer. Shocking.

It is actually a pretty sweet design, no?

The story behind it is pretty neat as well:

In the city of Rikuzentakata, a single pine tree stands as a testament to survival after the tsunami of 2011. This beer’s name means “One Pine Tree” and its design is a symbol of charity and hope for Japan’s brighter future. A scroll-like, handwritten label seals the top with its story written on the inside. The label is a solitary pine made of three triangles facing up, symbolizing the wish for progress in the reconstruction efforts.

That concludes this month's current events portion.

show and tell

2013-03-19T19:48:00.003-05:00

If there was a show like MTV's Cribs but instead of showing posh homes it focused on over the top trade show booths, Epicurean's would have definitely made the cut. Loll's sister company recently showed off its kitchen must-haves at the Ambiente trade show in Germany and the International Home + Housewares Show in Chicago. Decked out with it's own coffee shop, chef's kitchen, and Loll Lounge, it was THE place to cool your heels and enjoy a nice brew from Dogwood Coffee.

Hey Duluthians.....

2013-03-04T14:44:00.003-06:00

What are you up to this Wednesday....?

The Zinema theater will be examining local design with our CEO, Greg Benson, along with the showing of the documentary, Objectified. Come check it out!

Where: Duluth Zinema
Time: 7PM

Gary Hustwit’s trilogy of documentaries on design will serve as a springboard for discussions with local designers as we highlight their work and the philosophies behind it.

Objectified features a talk afterwards with Greg Benson, CEO of Loll Designs.

Nearly everyone spends their life surrounded by the work of industrial designers, but very few people understand the process by which your furniture, cell phone, or alarm clock came to look and feel the way they do, and how the elements of design interact with our own ideas and assumptions about value and functionality. The design of everyday objects has more than a little to do with mass psychology and the way it intersects with commerce, even if most people never give the process a moment’s thought. Filmmaker Gary Hustwit takes viewers on a journey through the elusive world of industrial design and the interaction of people with the objects they’ve brought into their lives in the documentary Objectified, which features interviews with a number of major designers who discuss how products move from the drawing board to the marketplace, and the philosophy behind the look, feel, and function of the things in your home.

BONUS: Every Wednesday is half price wine at Zeitgeist so it's truly a win win situation. I highly recommend the Vietti Barbera d’Asti Tre Vigne Piedmonte, Italy 2009.

orange you glad?

2013-02-20T13:24:00.001-06:00

You asked, we listened. Loll is pleased to announce it's new colorway - Sunset Orange. This color was tested to lift moods and make you happy. We aren't joking. According to Psychology Today this vibrant color has shown to have only positive effects on your emotional state. It opens up your emotions, relieves self pity, and is considered the anti-depressant of colors. What more could a lollygagger want?

penguins and furniture

2013-02-05T14:41:00.002-06:00

If you have ever visited the Loll HQ you might have noticed two things (the beer stashed under Nate's desk doesn't count). There's a whole lot of black richlite AND it's naked. Don't get the wrong idea - we love a clean look, but our large expansive walls are prime real estate for some art, and we lollygaggers love art. It was decided that a piece needed to be commissioned and Duluth artist Adam Swanson was up for the challenge. His signature colors, mechanical flare, and signature penguin even managed to make an appearance.

His painting turned to out to be the largest he's done and it looks amazing. He worked with the owners of Loll Designs, Epicurean, and Intectural to come up with a piece that would showcase each product, but also represent our city Duluth, and our company's philosophy of enviromental stewardship. I had a chance to talk to Adam before he and his lovely wife and son embarked on a journey to Sweden:

Is this the largest piece you've ever done?
I actually have done murals larger than this before, but this is the largest free standing painting I have done. It measures 7'10" Tall x 8' Wide

Do you have a studio?
I use two small rooms and a basement workshop in my home, which has worked out nicely so far. Though, it can get a little tight at times

What medium did you use?
Acrylic and wood paneling

How long did it take for you to complete?
Start to finish it took about 2 months

What is your favorite Loll product?
My dog Mckenzie and Katie really love our dog dish stand. Though a set of blue curved Alfresco dining chairs would be a dream to own

If you had to eat one thing for the rest of you life what would it be?
Definitely fish tacos

What is your favorite MN brew?
Starfire Pale ale is my favorite Minnesota beer

And lastly, where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself captaining a hot air balloon over Spain and painting about the experience

Thanks, Adam!

Please visit adamswanson.com to see more of Adam's work!

some good sheet in 2013

2013-01-14T15:22:00.001-06:00

Happy New Year! 2013 is a year of change. Perhaps the biggest change so far has to do with our HQ. After 15 years, the ~~artist~~ manufacturing company formerly known as Hawks Boots, is now called Good Sheet. Good Sheet is now the home to three companies all using raw sheet goods to create everything from foot stools to houses. All made in the US and all using recycled materials. This last December we celebrated the holiday season with all of Good Sheet's employees over dinner and drinks (that big bald head belongs to Epicurean's production manager, Kyle Campbell) and welcomed the New Year with enthusiasm. You can visit each company on their websites: Epicurean, Loll (of course), and Intectural.

Along with the name comes new collaborations, events, and more plastic goodness. I'm looking forward to sharing them with all of you. Stay tuned for exclusive interviews, product sneak peeks, and the usual office mayhem.

muddle me this

2012-12-12T14:55:00.000-06:00

Did you know that Loll has a sister company called Epicurean that makes extremely cool eco-friendly kitchen accessories? I received my first Epicurean cutting board 7 years ago as a Christmas gift and I still use it pretty much everyday. Along with cutting boards, they make some handy utensils like this muddler. What can you make with a muddler? REALLY good cocktails like this festive cranberry mojito. Pretty snazzy, right? It also happens to fit perfectly in a stocking. For all you last minute shoppers - order it before the 14th and you'll receive it in time for gift giving.

Cranberry Mojito for two:

recipe and photos via here, here, and here.

8 oz. fresh cranberries

3/4 cup sugar

1 cup water

20 mint leaves

2 tbs. lime juice

4 oz. rum

4 oz. soda

Put cranberries, sugar, and water in a pot and simmer over medium heat

Lower the heat after a bit to medium low and allow the cranberries to burst; remove from heat

Once the berries have cooled, strain them and save the syrup

Place 10 mint leaves along with 1 tbs of lime juice in each glass

Grab your super good looking handy Epicurean muddler and mash the mixture up

Fill the glass with ice and pour in 2 oz of rum and simple syrup in each glass

Top with soda water and garnish with fresh cranberries

drink up. repeat.

PS. Don't forget to check out Loll's Yard Sale for discounted furniture that is ready to ship asap!

Help support our friends and local lollygaggers at Medium Control

2012-12-06T10:00:00.000-06:00

Medium Control Indiegogo Campaign from The Medium Control on Vimeo.

To commemorate and raise money for their new store build-out, Medium Control is releasing a limited edition, screen print to encapsulate the moment. Each print is hand printed by Tommy Kronquist of Medium Control, (along with some other sweet goods).

Contribute to the project at: Indie Go Go
Check out Medium Control at: mediumcontrol.com

let it snow (and rain, and sleet, and...)

2012-12-03T17:26:00.001-06:00

Most people are pretty surprised that Loll was born in Duluth, Minnesota. I mean, it is sort of ironic since we experience some of the most dramatic weather changes in the lower 48 and our summer is practically only 3 months long. People hear the word Minnesota and immediately think brrrrr. The fact of the matter is that we Minnesotans are pretty resilient to the cold and embrace the changing seasons. People like to use New Years Day to "start anew", but I've always thought our changing seasons were our New Years of sorts. Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter provide us with fresh new beginnings (along with seasonal beer selections, clothing choices, and excuses to watch endless amount of netflix when it gets dark at 4pm).

So back to the furniture...

Thanks to these ever changes seasons, we ended up building some pretty rad furniture that can endure even the harshest of climates.With last weeks snowfall and today's freezing rain my Loll chairs are sitting pretty (total pun intended).

Happy Lollidays Lollygaggers!

2012-11-28T15:56:00.000-06:00

Get your holiday orders in before Dec 7th to make sure our elves have enough time to get your special package on Santa’s Sleigh before Christmas!

To Bike or Not To Be

2012-11-16T12:38:00.000-06:00

Minneapolis Bike Kiosk

Capital Bikes

Toronto Bixbi and a pint for good measure

Every year we travel to major cities while attending conferences and furniture shows and are often challenged with transportation, especially at a crowded trade show. Over the past year something dramatic happened that greatly simplified how we are getting around: Instead of walking and hailing taxis we got on bikes. It isn't that we ever stopped riding bikes as we all ride regularly at home, but the ease and access of bike travel while visiting a city is blossoming. It all started in Toronto when we discovered the Bixbi bikesharing system. We soon discovered that, like Toronto and in many cities, rows of public bike sharing facilities are popping up like tulips in locations right where you need and want to go. The bikes are solid, heavy, tank like unisex bikes with three gears, easily adjustable seats, a handlebar rack with bungee cords for holding gear, and built-in LED lights that come on when the bike is in motion. And these bikes are perfect for quick transportation around a car and pedestrian crowded city. We typically incorporate trains and now bike sharing has become the icing on the cake.

While in DC I discovered Capital Bikes on the street corner right outside my hotel and every morning the 30 bikes lined up the night before were all gone. It turns out people use them to get to the Metro. The early bird gets the worm in this case and so the next day I had to set my alarm a little bit earlier than I would like. When I got my bike I spontaneously rode to nearly every memorial on the Mall. I don’t know how you could do that in a taxi, on foot, or on a bus; at least not as conveniently or with as much ease and enjoyment. Most of the bike sharing systems utilize an IT System that allows you to easily use a credit card to check out your bike. Once you’re in the system it’s quite easy to pedal between facilities and shuffle between bikes at your convenience. As of 2011 there were 136 bike sharing programs in 165 cities around the world. Launched in 2008, the Hangzhou Public Bicycle program in China is currently the largest program with more than 2400 stations and 60,000 bikes. Nice Ride in Minneapolis launched in 2010 and already has more than 150 stations and 1400 bikes. You can check availability of bikes with your phone and the kiosk bike stations are solar powered.

Brooklyn Cruiser along the Hudson

Public Hotel Bikes

From Amsterdam with love

Along with the bike sharing, which is typically organized by non-profits and cities, we are finding hotels that offer bikes for guests to use too. While guests at the Maritime Hotel in NYC they literally traded in their old chrome beach cruisers for brand new Brooklyn Cruiser city bikes in the middle of our stay. Biking NYC turned out to be absolutely wonderful, safe, refreshing, and with three of us one night we had an “I love you man” moment that doesn't usually happen in a taxi or on the subway. There are more bike lanes than you would expect in NYC and at night the streets we found were fairly quiet. The Public Hotel in Chicago also has beach cruisers and the bike paths along Lake Shore Drive are just down the block. After a day in the Merchandise Mart we found a ride along the lake was just what we needed. We rode in San Diego this year too but we had to drive to find the bikes so it wasn't quite the same and we couldn’t find bike sharing in LA either but its coming. Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa unveiled a $16-million bike-share program this summer that aims to put thousands of bicycles at hundreds of rental kiosks across the city.

Still, with all this bike sharing going on we still have a long way to go here in the US to approach anything close to what’s going on in Amsterdam. We rented classic city bikes there and rolled around the city over stone bridges and along canals, stopping to eat French fries and drink coffee. There are bike routes and paths everywhere and the bike parking ramps have to be seen to be believed. Pardon the pun but it spoke to us bike lovers and certainly shows where bike sharing programs could go. Next time you’re out and about I encourage you to plan your day with bikes as your preferred mode of transportation. You may want to pack a helmet.

Written by Greg Benson // Lollygagger // CEO

give to the MAX day

2012-11-14T14:47:00.001-06:00

Tis the season to start giving back. Why not start tomorrow? Give to the Max Day is a day for Minnesotans to come together to raise millions of dollars for thousands of nonprofits and schools in 24 hours – starting at midnight on November 15 through midnight on November 16.

Friends of the Boundary Waters (which is also one of Loll's 1% For the Planet Beneficiaries) is just one the many non-profits that you can can help by deciding to participate in the years event. Every donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar!

So instead of buying your daily grande nonfat caramel macchiato at Starbucks this week, consider donating that chunk of change tomorrow. As you know - every little bit counts.

Mining Truth

2012-11-11T14:01:00.001-06:00

Tuesday election outcomes really made us proud to be from Minnesota. This is especially true for those of us that want to be represented by men and women who want to preserve the natural beauty and landscape Minnesota has to offer. Right now our lakes and rivers are in danger from sulfide pollution. Not only will this have a negative impact on our ecosytems it will cost you, the taxpaper, more money for the cleanup. Friends of the Boundary Waters which is one of the nonprofits Loll supports in it's 1% For the Planet campaign is part of Mining Truth which is helping spread the word on this issue.

Find out more on this issue on their website here.

Ooooooooo

2012-11-06T13:51:00.000-06:00

We are all pretty jazzed that it's voting day. In honor of such an exciting day here is an exclusive sneak peek of a new birdhouse we're working on. As you can see, it also performed its civic duty today...

PS. The world's a better place when there's aloha in the White House.

V O T E !

2012-11-05T09:57:00.000-06:00

We at Loll believe in doing our part to not only better ourselves, but our nation as a whole. Tomorrow each of us has an opportunity to do just that. It doesn't involve much; scribbling in a few circles, but it will resonate for generations to come. See you at the polls!

Loll + Google

2012-10-31T14:14:00.000-05:00

The folks at Google enjoy Loll furniture too! Here are some of our Adirondack chairs at a Google campus.

Loll at Old Navy

2012-10-29T15:26:00.000-05:00

Spotted! Loll Picket Chairs at Old Navy (Even head the headless find them comfy)

Loll Does Fall

2012-10-17T17:43:00.000-05:00

Fall has arrived. Time to stash away the beach towels, summer ales, and that banana hammock you thought you could pull off. The cool weather and changing leaves bring about new activities, wardrobes, and drink selections. We decided to pair some of our favorite Loll products with some of our must-haves for fall. Bonus: all of these are made right here in America AND have roots in Minnesota.

Nothing really beats a good fire and a s'more or two when the temps drop. Inspired by childhood curiosity and growing up sailing in lakes in Minnesota, these Mast Brother Chocolates are handmade by Rick and Michael Mast in NYC and would make a Hershey Bar cry. The Loll Fire Ring completes the pairing and makes for a perfect fall evening. It's ability to morph into a cocktail table is an added bonus.

Outdoor clothing is just as important as what you wear under it. After getting her degree in apparel design at the U of M, Annie Larson, started ALL Knitwear out her Minneapolis studio and is now selling her hats (and sweaters) to a worldwide audience. Every fall we take out our box of winter essentials which usually includes a dozen or so hats and gloves. What better place to store your winter accessories than in one of our credenza's or Mondo containers?

Umbrella drink days are over, but with that brings a whole new concoction of winter weather libations. Farmers Gin is handcrafted in Minnesota and has the perfect combination of juniper, elderflower, and lemon grass. A shot of this with soda water and cherry bitters and you're good to go. Another go-to is Root. This concoction (which hails from Philly) combines sassafras, sarsaparilla, and birch bark. What could make these drinks even better? How about keeping them in a mounted outdoor wet bar? Our Wallbanger is the perfect place to store your drink mixes and serve them up at your next outdoor gathering.

The Good in America

2012-10-10T15:26:00.001-05:00

Trek’s hard working stallion appropriately named Chief, is a 1969 GMC Handi Van.

Who hasn't thought about what a gift it would be to travel to every state in the USA just to see what’s within the borders? In the spirit of traveling authors and journalists like Terkle, Steinbeck, and Kuralt, Trek Thunder Kelly is doing just that. Travelling through Minnesota, the 35^th state on the road of his adventure, Trek stopped in at Loll HQ in Duluth last Thursday to say hi and see what Duluth has to offer. I have celebrated life twice with Trek in both 2010 and 2012 in the high desert north of Reno while participating in Burning Man, and so became acquainted with his genuine primal self. To say Trek is a crazy dude is an understatement. He has been on the road for more than 3 years, first travelling around the world, literally, then living as a hermit close to Monument Valley, and now visiting every state in the US searching for among other things, “The Good in America.” Trek plans to write a book about his journey but in the interim you can check out his website here. Trek’s red, white, and blue 1969 GMC Handi Van that he fondly calls Chief, complete with flames and racing stripes, carries him on his journey like a sort of wild iron pony. He even added solid steel bumpers and a roll cage to improve the outcome of his odds of hitting deer and having a roll over. A newer more fuel efficient vehicle might be more practical in today’s fuel conscious economy but somehow on this journey the suped-up van fits the brand that is Trek a whole lot better.

Thunder Kelly visits Park Point in Duluth, MN. Park Point is the largest sand spit in the world

While in Duluth I fed Trek at the Northern Waters Smokehaus, walked him out on Park Point across the Lift Bridge, drove him through downtown, parked in front of Bob Dylan’s childhood home at 519 3rd Street West and 5th Avenue North, stopped at upper Chester Creek, and attended a short speech by mayor Don Ness on sustainability and the city’s plan to use biomass to energize the city in the future. He spent the night at my house and helped me drop my kids at school the next day before we ventured off to Hawks Ridge to view the hawk migration, and then he had to be on his way. He is only spending a max of 5 days in each state. His next stops in Minnesota were the Split Rock Lighthouse on Lake Superior and then the headwaters of the Mississippi River at Lake Itasca.

Trek is part hermit but with a contradiction; he really enjoys meeting people and learning about their story, and he loves telling his. If I could sum up the vibe of what Trek is doing, I would say it feels like a touch of The WASP by The Doors with a heavy dose of present day mystic all wrapped up in a Kerouacian road trip filled with the people, the beauty, and the promise of what is America. At the time of this post Trek was having carburetor trouble while fighting strong west head winds in North Dakota; wish him luck. Follow Trek on his journey and vicariously share a part of living in the moment that is his way of life every day.

Written by Greg Benson // Lollygagger

Instagrammin'

2012-10-08T12:01:00.000-05:00

Top 5 Reasons to Follow Loll Designs on Instagram (username: lolldesigns ):

1.) Get sneak peeks of all the cool stuff we're working on

2.) See who the real guys + gals of Loll are

3.) Discover new beer selections

4.) Follow us on the road as we visit studios + trade shows

5.) A picture is worth a thousand words, duh.