Love the planet today

I learnt a lot about why Leah Singh Waldman looked to her Indian side of her heritage for inspiration when designing home accessories. It was very much a spiritual journey as it was a design one. The lamp you see below is made from buffalo bone an ancient and traditional craft found in India. 

I wouldn't think to use buffalo bones for lamps nor would I expect it to look this beautiful. I don't know if this would appeal to everyone, but I love it all the same. I don't think it's a lamp you could ever grow tired of enjoying. To read the entire article in The Earth Day issue visit Think magazine.

Are you still shopping?

I don't know if this would arrive in time for the holidays but if you know of any music lovers they might appreciate a late gift.

Found it on Etsy, vinyl LP's as bookends and for a reasonable price. The seller has a variety of choices regarding record labels.

A Sticky Christmas

If  you're not in the holiday spirit yet and you don't feel like decorating this is a great idea for saving space and time in making your home festive this season. Wall Decals, have made such a come back, you'll find a wide array to choose from including holiday themed decals.



Here are some of my favourites that can be used super quick, either for a holiday party, dinner or decorating your home on a quick and speedy budget. Click the photos to find out pricing.

Clever composting

The Envi  public dustbin turns biodegradable waste into compost which in turns feeds the existing plant within the bin.

 If people properly dispose of waste the plant will flourish, in turn promoting cleaner air. Can you imagine these all over your city? I could.

Shipping around the world

 TRTL BOT iPhone cases are ready for shipping and we're pretty excited about this. They're probably one of the best examples we've seen of iPhone cases made from used materials such as plastic bottles. 

TRTL BOT cases have a built in area for ID in the back and has this great flip stand for comfortable viewing. Please make your purchase straight from their site and it will be sent to you packed in recycled consumer papers printed with soy based inks. 

Another cycling city

Cycling Copenhagen, Through North American Eyes from Streetfilms on Vimeo.


Bike subscription in Toronto will commence following cities like London, England and Melbourne, Australia who successfully implemented this scheme. Think magazine covered a similar scheme with vespa's in the first issue last year.

Reusing ideas

Still standing after 90 years, this paper house built by Elis Stenman has now become a Massachusetts tourist attraction. Originally built during the depression in 1922 Elis Stenman decided to experiment with newspapers as an insulator. 

Stenman was a mechanical engineer and an amateur inventor in his spare time, something we can all learn from. By gluing layers of paper together, subjecting it to two tons of pressure and giving it a few coats of varnish, he was able to build a solid house that's lasted the test of time. Interesting idea for a housing shortage.

Christmas wrapping paper

I'm reminded of all the vintage scarves I acquired from my Great Aunt years ago that I just couldn't bring myself to throw away but I wanted to use them for something. Are you planning on buying wrapping paper or will you reuse things around the house?

 If you can, reuse gift bags, ribbons and wrapping if you're like me and keep that kind of stuff. More on this topic at Easywaystogogreen 

Book lovin'

Three design driven content rich books to have if you're new to design, or curious about design and you're thinking of designing your own home. Or you have an affection for DIY, these books will educate you on various uses for every day recycled waste.  

          

 Packed with elegant solutions, you will learn from experienced designers how to turn junk into something beautiful and stylish. Now that winter's creeping in and you're spending more time indoors this might be the perfect time to DIY  and keep busy.            

Recycling for home use

Designers to watch.

Designed by Nobody & Co.

Designed by Johnny Swing

Designed by Chase deForest

Chairs made from recycled books, coins and a garden hose.

Clothing sculpture

Artist Guerra de la Paz takes old clothes that could be sitting in a landfill and turns them into striking works of art.

His work has been exhibited at the pretigious Saatchi Gallery in 2007, it continues to draw world wide attention from the important art cities. To read more visit Ecouterre

Don't throw that coffee cup away

Those disposable cups tend to end up in landfills but these let you take your travel no- foam -low- fat- latte in a resusable cup that has a longer shelf life.

I've been trying to remember to bring my own cup with me, what worked really well, I tried to remember for a week, then the habit was formed and I didn't have to throw anything away.

A Ceiling To Remember

If anyone has been to Europe or is from there you'll remember the numerous places you saw a tray ceiling. Not only were they in tourist attraction type buildings but they're quite common in residents throughout Europe. I had one and I really miss the ornate distraction when I laid on the sofa. 

 They were handmade and hand painted although it is still practiced it is a dying art. Having said all that I was thrilled to find these self adhesive recyclable ceiling tiles. You can paint them if you like, or leave them as is. I prefer a nice creamy white ceiling medallion, but it's up to you how you use them. The options are endless.

Barrelling

Bourbon barrels are only used once in the ageing process (if you can believe it) then they're either discarded or shipped off to Scotland for making Scotch. Now if you happen to live in Barstown, Kentucy the bourbon capital of the world you're in luck.

But if you don't a company called Uhuru has done the work for you by upcycling used bourbon barrels and making them into sleek, clean, modern chairs. The base has also been upcycled from old fire trucks so all the materials have been reclaimed.

This chair does remind me of the Meis Van de Rohe chair in terms of the clean lines and simplistic design so this chair will always remain timeless. And like the Van de Rohe chair you do have your choice of finishes

Summer holidays

Although I have friends in Pontremoli, Tuscany, who will welcome with me with warm and elegant hospitality, it really would be nice to visit the region of Tuscany to relax and decompress on my own terms. Coincidentally it came as a surprise when this holiday landed in my inbox from Jetsetter.

This members only site is offering this 16th century villa as an ideal getaway or  romantic wedding  (chapel on sight) if you feel so inclined. There is easy access to Florence and the entire region of Tuscany to discover either walking or cycling whichever you desire. Now the sale is only on for 1 week so check it out.

The Most Beautiful Villages of Tuscany

Remix your style

Here's a book that should get your imagination going if you're stumped on how to change your home furnishings without spending a lot of money.  The recycled home written by two English designers gives you heaps of ideas that won't break the budget, remember the bad economy that's slowly improving.

The book has some quirky ideas on how to preserve found treasures. If you don't like the eclectic you can always modify some of the ideas to suit, but all in all it's made me think twice about getting a new desk and just reinventing the one I have now.

Use in life

Whilst waiting for some technical issues to be worked out on the magazine's next issue I thought it time to update the blog. In light of the frustrations of creating a magazine I found this ring.

Made by Cecilia Felli, from a computer key and aluminum. Retail price a mere $30.00.

Slow your roll

Think magazine's blog is officially out of hiatus, so here goes. I recently purchased a new laptop that I desperately needed for business and well as pleasure. Now I understand that laptops tend to last around 2hrs without tradional energy, and mine is no exception, but I felt 2hrs may not be enough time in some circumstances.

The Brunton solar roll flexible solar panel can be used for computers, cameras and mobile phones. It comes with a car and a multi linking cable which should allow you to power up any of your rechargable devices. On their site it did not list MP3 players but I would suggest sending an email to the company.

The solar roll is available in three different sizes varying in price. Works in low lighting and takes up very little room. Just think you'll never run out of energy...ever.

Collaborations I would like to see: HP, Sony, Nokia