Product Dose

DIY Art

nataliemyers — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 23:38:06 +0000

We all aspire to own great original artwork by up and coming and established artists, but for most of us, now isn’t exactly the time in our lives when that goal is attainable. In the future, absolutely, but for now, not really. Although I encourage the support of the arts community, sometimes you just want a nice large piece of art to add color and interest to your walls. You have seen some pretty simplistic art out there and you figure, “Hey, I can do that myself”. If you are in that crafty/DIY mood and inspired by professional pieces you have seen, here are some ideas to get started.

Abstract Art

A quick trip to the art supply store to pick up a large canvas, brushes, and some acrylic or oil paints can yeild a free form composition. Some people even reuse leftover home interior latex paints to ensure a matching color scheme and to be green. Be aware of the colors that you choose and how they come together on the canvas, just like a real artist. Work by building layers of colors. Embrace drips. And if you paint with a fat brush you will save time. The result will be indistinguishable from museum pieces.

Oh Happy Day - great step by step instructions

Little Green Notebook

Made By Girl, what’s easier than big circles painted free hand in a grid formation?

Obey Dark Wave / Rising Sun

robertdoneill — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 03:33:17 +0000

Finding inexpensive but interesting artwork is difficult, but a pro doesn’t need to buy their way into style. There are great deals out there that offer both good lucks and potential ROI. This print by Shephard Fairy is a limited run of 700 and costs only $60.

Magellan CrossoverGPS Rugged Navigator

coryomalley — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 20:11:01 +0000

Magellan has announced a new rugged GPS navigational device that is IPX-4 splash-proof (not fully waterproof). The Magellan CrossoverGPS [product page] is made for outdoor enthusiasts, stocked with MapSend Topo topographic maps, MapSend BlueNav marine charts, and/or MapSend Lakes charts via digital memory card. The 3.4" x 4.3" x 1.1" (8.5 oz) device features a 3.5" touch-screen display, voice and visual guidance, and up to 8 hours battery life. When in the city, the CrossoverGPS utilizes SmartDetour traffic routing, SayWhere text-to-speech software, and a TrafficKit accessory for real-time incident reports. Look for it, at the earliest, in December. | Via MobileWhack |

Live from Project: 7 for All Mankind

coryomalley — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 19:52:58 +0000

Never having really thought of this brand paying that much attention to men, I was kind of surprised to find out today that 7 Denim makes more clothing for men than for women. Anyone else have this impression, or am I the only one? I was also pleased to find out the the brand is set to launch its first shirt collection, with a variety of button-ups that look really good, suitable both for slacks or rumpled with jeans. Maybe it’s time to take a second look at this brand. That’s exactly the type of thing I come to these trade shows for; getting a fresh perspective never hurts. Look for the collection in stores early next year.

Live from Project: Jhung Yuro

coryomalley — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 19:52:58 +0000

Watching the progress of Jhung Yuro [wiki brand profile] come from out of nowhere and earn instant respect from the sneaker community has been a treat. The brand is only three collections old, and influential people have been paying attention from the start. A luxury sneaker if there ever was one, Jhung Yuro sneakers boast full grain leather, suede, and nubuck, and its shoes come in a stylish leather box–all with a price to match. We got to take a look at some of the pieces shipping next week–good stuff on the way, folks–plus this high top (also in black), a first for the brand, which will be available in spring.

Live from Project: Adidas Originals

coryomalley — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 19:52:58 +0000

Among a great collection of apparel and accessories inspired by vintage-era adidas designs, we got a peek at these adidas Originals sunglasses. There were also quite a few sneakers that you feel like maybe you’ve seen before, but can’t quite put you finger in it all. The range includes a variety of pieces originally released decades ago, as well as concepts that never made it to production. Think of it as a second chance for classic adidas design that never quite made it to market. These aviators fit the bill, tastefully detailed with the brand logo.

Live from Project: Android

coryomalley — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 19:52:57 +0000

We saw some really cool wristwatch designs from Android this morning, including these two pieces in which the face appears to float in space. The watch center, including the face and hands on the front and the mechanism in back, is held in place by an acrylic layer that you can see right through. It looks great when there is no background behind it, but even on your wrist it looks like it hovers just above your arm. It’s a cool effect. This brand offers such an easy mix of futuristic styling and geek-friendly details, and this piece is sure to offer the perfect party trick, sure to impress the young and old.

Live from Project: Ambiguous

coryomalley — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 19:52:57 +0000

I like seeing Ambiguous at a show like project, mixing it up with fashion brands as opposed to the action sports brands you see at Magic and Pool. It suggests that the label is taking aim at a goal beyond mere surf/skate lifestyle apparel. Not there’s anything wrong with surf/skate lifestyle, but it works less and less the older you get; and Ambiguous seems to be taking that issue into account more and more these days. The forthcoming collection we saw is inspired by Japanese design themes, and it all has a natural, casual feel that doesn’t stray too far from the brand’s identity.

Live from Project: Loomstate

coryomalley — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 19:52:57 +0000

Loomstate continues to slowly but steadily expand its collection beyond its signature denim, with nearly a dozen tops that we saw on the way for next Spring. Like the denim, all Loomstate pieces are made with 100% organic cotton, and the brand now offers a few responsibly-made pants and shorts to go alongside the jeans. I particularly like these boardshorts, detailed ever so slightly with the brand’s flying seagull imagery. The element is visually similar to what we saw earlier in the memorable Vans collaboration. Look for these shorts right about the time you start thinking about warm weather again next year.

Live from Project: Cockpit

coryomalley — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 19:52:56 +0000

We saw the debut of the Cockpit menswear label at Project last February, and the brand seems to be smoothly nurturing a rugged, classic aesthetic. The concept central to the line is an adventurism that plays heavily on aircraft imagery, incorporating images that originally appeared on the sides of fighter planes. Many of the pieces are inspired by vintage aircraft and motorcycles that come from founder Jeff Clyman’s personal collection, now part of The American Airpower Museum in New York. Retail options are a bit slim, but you can now buy a variety of pieces directly from the Cockpit site.