UK designer Stuart Haygarth created a manicured pathway along marble steps of the entrance inside the Victoria & Albert Museum for the London Design Week. Collaborating with custom framers John Jones, he uses over 600 meters / 1968.5 feet of custom painted frames, hence the artwork titled "Framed." The frames are of different profiles and sizes, which add to the three-dimensional quality.

Makes me think of Paul Smith, but only because that brand is so well known for its colorful stripes.

Making 2011 calendar sets for my Tinted Mint shop. Here's an experiment with a combination of laser cutting and engraving/etching on 0.6mm thick card board. 

I find it is best to put together sample artwork that will test different size fonts, line weights, etc. and experiment with laser settings for the material I'll be using. Seeing these results really help in how I should refine artwork for the final run.

This is my second series of tape dispensers, designed especially to display cute Japanese masking tapes that I sell in my Tinted Mint shop.

Here's a short interview put together by Wallpaper* magazine of the British design duo. Below are my favorite pieces from their current collection.

Took a 2 hour Laser Cutting and Etching SBU class at Techshop yesterday morning. The class was very interactive and hands-on, covering fire and safety precautions and how to set up and use their laser cutting machine, specifically their Epilog 60 watt, 1 of 3 machines.

I am making a custom case/sleeve out of organic cotton canvas to put a portfolio sample in as self-promotion. Here are several tests on 2 pieces of canvas. The class gives you the basic knowledge, but ultimately each machine and material requires some testing of the correct parameters for the laser, affecting quality and how much material is burned off. I use back and front of the canvas and sometimes have different settings for top and bottom halves. This is not what the final artwork is supposed to look like. But I test different size fonts and line weights and can adjust my artwork from these results. Note the darker brown is due to more heat from the laser and on some areas it was enough heat to burn/cut all the way through the canvas.

Found these 2 stamps through Shutterstock. One is from 2002 while the other 1998, but they both share the same design language. The simplicity of the graphics is what makes it so strong, reminiscent of Bauhaus minimalism. Even today, the design remains contemporary.

Below Left: GERMANY- CIRCA 2002: stamp printed by Germany, shows emblem Federal Agency for Civic Education

Below Right: GERMANY - CIRCA 1998: stamp printed by Germany, shows square, Congress of Mathematicians, Berlin

I saw Catherine's work at 2009 ICFF in the British Designers area. Her beautiful bespoke wallpapers captured my attention with its vintage feel and delicate palette. I especially adore her Bramble wallpaper, a three-dimensional effect created by layering die-cut floral shapes.

Catherine Hammerton website

Interview with MocoLoco

Who says towels can't be exciting?

Lapuan Kankurit is a textile mill in Finland that produces a wide range of products, from bath towels to table runners to wash mittens.

I especially adore the prints.

Oh how I wish to visit the country some day to check out all the cool design shops!

Schubert is a German artist who creates surreal installations, sculptures and paper art.

Apnoesie below is a bit eery, a human-like figure covered in bird feathers. Spiegelungen at far bottom is a perspective view created by creasing paper. While his paper art process is a secret, it seems you can do the same by "drawing" with a boning knife.

Simon Schubert website

Interview and collaboration with Wallpaper*

Apnoesie

Don't these urge you to add one to your living room? Here are several gorgeously upholstered antique chairs. You can turn just about any old chair into an eye-catching piece with good choice of fabric. Poetic Home offers some DIY instructions. 

1. BOKJA Design    2. Horchow    3. Hudson Goods   4. Anthropologie    5. Poetic Home    6. Restoration Hardware

I'm completely salivating over this collection! I absolutely love sports meets fashion and this label is a nice balance between street, high fashion and technical fabrics. As with many high end brands, I tend to enjoy the pieces for men more. Take the shirt with contrast bottom for example. I would like that for a women's shirt. And often times I find colorways for men's shoes more appealing. The shoes look very well made. I wonder how comfortable they are. Can't wait to see some of these pieces in person. Supposedly it's sold at Macy's in Union Square. Will have to check it out!

Adidas does a fabulous job of blending sports and lifestyle. Their Adidas/Stella McCartney line is also one of my favorites! The pieces I've bought double as workout apparel and for going out. I would absolutely love to be part of their creative team! They are definitely at the top of my list of dream companies to work for! 

Adidas SLVR Collection Overview

Adidas SLVR Shop

If you're not familiar with Marquina, she designs exquisite rugs. I've read a magazine article before of how they are handmade and dyed in India.

Potten is a series of containers made of layers of colored cotton, finished with a layer of white or colored latex. I have not seen these in person, but I love the texture left on the latex, perhaps from the brush used to apply it, or just the texture of the cotton itself. They are made by a fair trade group in India.

I have many aspirations, but one of them is to be able to collaborate with artisans in different parts of the world to produce my own designs, from handmade ceramics to commissioned artwork.

Nani Marquina Potten

My first recycled toothbrush! It's about time! The handle is ergonomically designed, very comfortable to hold, and made of 100% recycled yogurt cups. The bristles are new nylon. I appreciate their mail back program for recycling. Their color selection, however, is not very exciting. Their pink is hideous. The blue below is fine though.

The one I bought comes with a travel case, but I am looking forward to their new packaging.

I highly admire this brand for its prints and textiles. Collaborations are a wonderful idea between brands and beneficial for both parties. And as consumers, we get fresh products.