Double Takes

Sculpture Artist: Helen Musselwhite

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren Kilberg) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 15:48:00 +0000

I'm adoring the work of United Kingdom artist Helen Musselwhite. Her hand cut paper sculptures and collages are so whimsical and fun. In her own word's:

"By the use of bold colour, strong graphic line and familiar images I create highly individual and visually appealing pieces of art that make an instant impact. My work has a distinctive hand crafted quality that pays respect to all forms of mid century design, folk and ethnic art, as well as current and future trends."

You can view an online gallery of her work on her website, actually six galleries to be exact.

(Found via Free People Clothing Blog)

The AppleSac

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren Kilberg) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 15:24:00 +0000

I'm generally pretty good about taking care of my belongings. I've gone to several lengths to protect my laptop. The top is covered with a protective sticker displaying Starry Night. Besides keeping the outside scratch and smudge free, it's attractive. However, when it comes to a laptop case I haven't done so well. Mine is currently calling a hideous tan laptop sleeve home. I haven't seen many better options out there until I saw the AppleSac. The sleek sleeve is made from 100% burlap and I absolutely love it!

(Found via PicoCool)

Who Done It Shelf: Jim Rosenau

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren Kilberg) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 05:05:00 +0000

Jim Rosenau of This Into That is a functional artist who creates products out of old books. While Rosenau cites the Nicholson Baker essay Books as Furniture as his inspiration for the project, growing up in a house with more than 5,000 books may have something to do with it as well.

Many of his projects contain themes based on the book titles used, such as the Who Done It shelf pictured above, featuring the titles “Who Pushed Humpty Dumpty?” as well as “All the King’s Men” and “Anatomy of a Murder.” Check out his online gallery for all his themed selves and more.

(Found via TrendHunter Magazine)

PopMat Placemats

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren Kilberg) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 05:03:00 +0000

Elegant and just plain lovely, the PopMat Placemats by Publique Living are works of paper like I've never seen before. The mats not only look lovely, they serve as name cards and are made from 100% recycled paper.

(Found via Oh Joy!)

CAPTCHA Inspired Paintings

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren Kilberg) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 05:00:00 +0000

Artistic inspiration can come from literally anywhere and the work of Etsy user Bekathwia is proof of that. She creates hand painted acrylic pictures of CAPTCHA (Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart) images that we are all familiar with having to enter when verifying blogger posts and internet transactions.

(Found via I Like Totally Love It)

Off to Prague!

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren Kilberg) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 15:27:00 +0000

As I've mention before (several times) on here, I'm off to Prague for the summer. I'm leaving this afternoon and will be living there and taking classes at Charles University before backpacking South Eastern Europe. I'll still be blogging (as best as possible) but I apologize in advance for the decrease in number and frequency of posts. Until next time, na shledanou!

(Photo credit Roland Schlager for The New York Times)

Delicious Jewelry: VentoNaPraia

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren Kilberg) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 15:10:00 +0000

It doesn't get more summery than Etsy designer VentoNaPraia's delicious fruit slice jewelry. Choose between an orange, kiwi, or pineapple. The items are made of rubber and look incredible realistic, not to mention yummy.

(Found via PicoCool)

Love Anna James

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren Kilberg) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 15:00:00 +0000

A fitting name for her online portfolio; Love Anna James is the website of London artist Anna James and her work is nothing short of lovely. She converts "twentieth century furniture into unique pieces of contemporary art." The items are fully restored and incredibly creative.

Banner Canvas Bag: Demano Marbella

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren Kilberg) — Fri, 30 May 2008 15:28:00 +0000

I'm typically a fan of anything made from recycled materials. The Demano Marbella bag is no exception. Made from recycled (PVC) canvas from banners, it's a creative grocery, beach, or shopping bag.

(Found via PicoCool)

Impressive Food Carvings

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren Kilberg) — Fri, 30 May 2008 14:23:00 +0000

My mother always told me not to play with my food. The artist behind these impressive food carvings obviously didn't get the same advice. While I'm unable to decipher much of the information on the site, the photos are definitely worth a look.

(Found via Ubersuper)

The Labels Project: Luca Pizzaroni

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren Kilberg) — Thu, 29 May 2008 15:20:00 +0000

As part of visual artist Luca Pizzaroni's Labels Project, he's photographed a series of made-in tags on the inside of clothing. The collection is a unique look at where our clothing comes from, as well as a showcase of design in unsuspecting places. I'm often quick to cut these tags out of my clothing, occasionally preserving one here or there if it's a vintage item. I'll definitely be paying closer attention in the future.

(Found via Fabrica)

The Hamburglar Bike

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren Kilberg) — Thu, 29 May 2008 15:05:00 +0000

Earlier in the month I posted the American Cheese Burger coasters and vowed to stock every table of my fantasy burger restaurant with them. After seeing Harry Sperl's The Hamburglar Bike, I now know by what means I'll do deliveries. The Florida resident and hamburger enthusiast couldn't think of anything more appropriate to customized his Harley after.

(Found via TrendHunter Magazine)

Dutch Coiffure Award

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren Kilberg) — Tue, 27 May 2008 20:01:00 +0000

The 2008 Dutch Coiffure Award for hair design recipients were recently posted in a gallery on their website. Most interesting are those in the avant-garde section. I rarely do anything with my hair, it's long and straight, but the winning designs are certainly inspirational. While the gallery does feature male designs, for a less female themed hair post see The World Beard and Moustache Championship from last December.

(Found via Neatorama)

Range Studio: Stephanie Perruchon

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren Kilberg) — Tue, 27 May 2008 20:00:00 +0000

Stephanie Perruchon's new concept furniture, called the Range Studio is fabulous. The French designer's space saving creation is multi-functional. The furniture can serve as a bench, ottoman, and table all in one. I can't help but see this and think how perfect it would have been in my dinky previous apartment. If only...

(Found via Furniture Fashion)

Metal Artist: Steve Cambronne

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren Kilberg) — Tue, 27 May 2008 19:59:00 +0000

I love the work of metal artist Steve Cambronne who has been perfecting his craft for the past 20 years. While he started in women's jewerly design, years on the road traveling from one art show to the next has found him designing retro inspired clocks, shelves, and novelty art to name a few. I love the throw back to 1950's and 60's shapes and color.

(Found via Furniture Fashion)

Milk Bottle Collection: Kenneth Keith Kallenbach

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren Kilberg) — Mon, 26 May 2008 19:00:00 +0000

Some people collect bottle caps, others collect milk bottles. As is the case with Kenneth Keith Kallenbach; actor comedian, musician, part-time milk bottle collector. The collection is not only impressive, but the design and typography of the bottle labels are fascinating.

(Found via Quipsologies)

Happy World Turtle Day

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren Kilberg) — Fri, 23 May 2008 21:58:00 +0000

May 23rd is apparently World Turtle Day. So...happy World Turtle Day readers. Normally, I wouldn't have thought twice about this holiday, but this past spring I spent a week volunteering in South Padre Island at Sea Turtle, Inc . which I wrote about back in April. Sea Turtle, Inc. is a rescue and rehabilitation center on the island. After a week of working closely with many of the turtles and receiving an education on the dangers they face, today holds a little more meaning. If you haven't already seen the very popular 'Zombie Kid Likes Turtles' clip, celebrate by watching it and having a laugh.

Porcelain Paper Plates: Virginia Sin

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren Kilberg) — Fri, 23 May 2008 21:38:00 +0000

There seems to be a current design trend of making disposable products out of non-disposable materials. First I saw the I Am Not A Paper Cup followed by the Fast Cup. Now there's the Porcelain Paper Plates by designer Virginia Sin. The plates are made from porcelain paper clay which comes from actual shredded paper plates. Maybe it's the result of everything going green, maybe it's just creative.

(Found via Inspire Me, Now)

Munna on the Run

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren Kilberg) — Thu, 22 May 2008 21:40:00 +0000

Back in April I posted The Reader's Alphabet poster by Hemant Anant Jain. Shortly after doing so I received a lovely e-mail from the artist and have enjoyed a correspondence with him since. He recently turned me on to his blog Munna on the Run where he showcases a lot of his recent work. Among my favorites are the What Are You Reading series done for the Midland Bookshop in Delhi, again book related so no surprise that I loved it.

Tag You're It!

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren Kilberg) — Thu, 22 May 2008 20:50:00 +0000

Laura of Quirkology recently tagged me in a game of Blog Question/Answer Tag. As Laura said, it's a great way to get a more personal glimpse of the writers behind the blogs you read. So, without further ado:

1} What was I doing 10 years ago?

Oh gosh, where has the time gone? I would have been 12 years old and in 7th grade. I was probably getting my braces tightened, reading Seventeen magazine looking for advice on surviving that first kiss, or watching MTV dreaming about my future on Road Rules.

2} What are 5 things on my to-do list for today?

Blog (something I haven't done in days), do some serious trip planning for my fast-approaching summer stay in Europe (the reason I haven't blogged lately), get lunch with Brian, pay bills, dinner-barbecue with friends.

3} Snacks I enjoy:

Popcorn and M+Ms (if you have never tried this combination you must, it's delicious). I also really love pita and hummus, and mustard pretzels.

4} Things I would do if I were a billionaire:

After paying off my college loans I would spend the money on traveling/volunteering around the world with friends and family and doing my part to make a difference. Typical?

5} Places I have lived before:

I grew up in Chicago and lived there my entire childhood. I then moved to Columbia, Missouri to attend school at the University of Missouri where I still reside today. I'm also (as I've mentioned several times because who could resist when they're as excited as I am) living in Prague this summer.

6} 5 people I want to know more about:

I would love to meet my grandmother who passed away before I was born. I value family greatly and am saddened by the fact that I will never know the women who raised my mother.

I would love to know more about my parents in their youth. It would fascinating to know them as high school or college students.

Similarly, I would love to know more about myself when I was a child. Memory only serves me so well. I wish I could remember what was running through my head as a 6 year old, my fears, and my dreams.

There are also many writers whose work I read daily. From journalists, to authors, to bloggers. I know them on one level (through their words) but would love to meet them on a personal level. Laura of Quirkology, Joanna of A Cup of Jo, and Gigi of Roadside Scholar, to name a few.

The Pikasso Guitar: Linda Manzer

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren Kilberg) — Thu, 15 May 2008 03:39:00 +0000

There's no question where the inspiration for The Pikasso came from. Designer Linda Manzer created this double sound-hole, quadruple neck, and 42 string instrument back in 1984 after critically acclaimed jazz musician Pat Metheny asked her to design a guitar with "as many strings as possible." She re-did the design in 1992 creating the Pikasso II, which has been on display at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. Visit Nanzer's website for video and sound samples of The Pikasso.

(Found via TrendHunter)

Mic Check - One Two

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren Kilberg) — Thu, 15 May 2008 02:21:00 +0000

The SOLO pendant light by Re-Surface Design is a new take on the classic mic. The light emitted from the mesh top gives off a disco-like glow. I liked their suggestion for DJs to use it over their turntables to see disc and record labels better.

(Found via Subcontinental.giant)

What Should I Read Next?

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren Kilberg) — Wed, 14 May 2008 22:20:00 +0000

With my semester coming to an end, a summer worth of time off on the horizon, and a long (very long) flight to Europe quickly approaching, I've been thinking a lot about my summer reading list. As a student studying English, I simply don't have time to read for pleasure while school is in session. I've been slowing adding books to my list. I'd like to read some Kafka since I'm living in Prague all summer, it only seems fitting. I'd also like to finish Special Topics in Calamity Physics, which I began over the holidays.

One of my professors pointed out What Should I Read Next on her blog and I was intrigued by the concept. You enter the title and author of a book you've read/enjoyed and the program suggests further readings. Similar to Amazon's suggestion of items based on your searches and recent purchases. I'm not thrilled by the results, but I liked the idea. What have you read recently that you've enjoyed? Any suggestions? I'll read anything, but love non-fiction and travel inspired writing. I'd love to hear your suggestions!

Lamp Lamp: Hironao Tsuboi

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren Kilberg) — Wed, 14 May 2008 22:13:00 +0000

Lamp Lamp by Tokyo designer Hironao Tsuboi can turn a very dull light fitting into quite the conversation piece. I'm not sure I even realized what I was looking at when I first saw this. But once I did I really loved it.

(Found via Sheynk Dot Com)

The Face of Disaster Typography

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren Kilberg) — Tue, 13 May 2008 23:36:00 +0000

Awesome hand-drawn typography by illustrator Andy Smith. Look closely and be amazed.

(Found via Changethethought)