independent design guide SUMMER 2009

Last week I launched the INDEPENDENT DESIGN GUIDE // summer 09 - and I love it! Of course, there is the oh-so-slight chance that I am biased since I curated the guide.

Plus, one of the designs is going to be our next giveaway....I bet you can't guess which one!

Check out more from the INDEPENDENT DESIGN GUIDE and then don't forget to vote for your favorite designers.

designer LITTLE ODD FOREST

There are some things that are so adorable that my voice reaches a level that only dogs can hear. This doesn't help me much. Then when a website offers "you might also be interested in..." well, those dogs came running!

It's the simple things - and these silly characters from Singapore based Little Odd Forest are simply lovely.

Check out more at the Little Odd Forest website

giveaway MALCOLM FONTIER

Say you have to go to Hawaii for work - it does happen, doesn't it Gary - this bag is perfect for your laptop, flip flops and a map. It is perfect, because that is what Malcolm Fontier intented AND he did the research, personally....travelling, and working, and looking stylish, and having cocktails, and carrying around a stylishly dogeared sketchbook - probably. And with fathers day around the corner, it would make a fantastic gift for that cool dad in your life.

Check out more from the Malcolm Fontier website: www.malcolmfontier.com

To enter the giveaway (US addresses only):
1. Leave a comment here with your email (or other way of contacting you if you are worried about spam).
2. Join the mailing list

event MAKERS FAIR

Let me say this, I 100% admire the makers at the Makers Fair. I mean making a live webstreaming instrument out of a quarter, 2 egg cartons and 29" old modem cable - that's amazing! I didn't see it, but I know it's possible because the makers/inventors at the Makers Fair do that kind of thing for breakfast....probably.

But I didn't just go to the Makers Fair so my husband and I could wrestle our children and stop them from making their very own science project out of the Slurpee that I just bought them. I went because of my commitment to seeing new and interesting design. Of course, the emphasis was hard-core craft, but this work would stand on it own in any design store.

If I had to choose a favorite, it would have to be the cardboard surfboard. Built by a surfer when his old board was no longer seaworthy and he didn't have the cash to buy a new one. Not only does this designer capture the DIY spirit, but the resulting board is stunning to look at.

FEATURING:
+ xtra large hook earrings, $52, sasha bell jewelry
+ sonia platter, $28, ezme designs
+ carnival gone mad t-shirt, $25, fat rabbit farm
+ cardboard surfboard, from $196 for a kit, sheldrake
+ t-shirt graphic illustrations, $26, martin hsu

slideshow JUNE PICKS

Slideshow | June 09

designer NERVOUS SYSTEM

I have been an admirer of Nervous System's work for a while now. Their work is always amazing and avant garde, but in a way that is wearable.

This new line, Cell Cycle, is no exception - the jewelry is bold, yet simple - but the story and theory behind them is art in its own right. Inspired by "the complex forms of radiolarians" and made with "Selective Laser Sintering, a kind of 3D printing" Nervous System successfully connects art and science. As an added touch, you are able to experiment with, and order, your own jewelry designed with interactive applets on the website.

For more information about the process, or just to order some kick-ass jewelry, check out the Nervous System website: www.n-e-r-v-o-u-s.com

giveaway WEBSITE MAKEOVER

Do you have a fabulous product but your website looks awful? Leave a comment on the blog with your website address and 1 winner will get a free homepage makeover.

eco SOLAR GOODIES

It's easy to talk the talk, about environmental this and energy efficiency that. Sometimes it isn't so easy to walk the walk. Living in the Bay area, but out of the fog bank, there is plenty sun to power my whole life through solar energy. Cost is a factor, and a big one, but a bigger factor is laziness.

Today was a mini breakthrough, I put my laundry out to dry in the back yard. It may look a bit ramshackle right now, but the laundry will get that lovely outdoor smell and I will feel good about improving my carbon footprint.

Independent designers have been at the forefront of recycled, upcycled and socially conscious design. However, when it comes to the design of solar products, there is a predominant look is hi-tech geek. Part of this is to do with the style and function of the panels themselves; they don't come in anything but black and have to be visible to you, me and the sun. So designers, get out there and make friends with a solar engineer - or whatever they are - and collaborate!

Remember olive oil and balsmic vinegar don't "naturally" mix - but if you put them in a container with a little pepper - and shake (be careful the lid is on properly) you'll have a wonderful salad dressing. And on that random note, I'm going to have lunch!

FEATURING:
+ soji solar lantern, $47, allsop home + garden
+ gramo solar speakers, pekka salokannel (competition winning concept - we want it!)
+ solar race car kit, $39.95, from stuff junction
+ solar bag, $393, sakku US
+ solar ipod recharger, boblbee (through dododi / korea)

designer HEATHER LINS HOME

Part Great Gatsby, part geek chic - these pieces from designer Heather Lin are really something to talk about. The Eye Chart pillows are just so adorable, but if you can't tell the difference between the two, it might be time to visit the optometrist. (Yes - the one on the right comes with 3-D glasses).

Heather Lin started out as a doodler and graphic designer before starting her line of home wares. Sure, I'll buy the newcomer status - but behind that "dreamer and doodler" is a focused designer with a very clear vision for her line. I can't wait to see what's next from this designer.

Check out more from the Heather Lins Home website

giveaway VINCA USA

Vinca is an adorable line of leather accessories with a few jewelry pieces thrown in. With motifs that range from simple florals to hammerhead sharks - the designer definitely gives off a fun eclectic vibe. Recently Vinca's work was featured on the runway as part of the Pin Show.

The giveaway is for all the pieces featured above: purse, cuff, necklace and 2 barettes.

To enter the giveaway (US addresses only):
1. Leave a comment here with your email (or other way of contacting you if you are worried about spam).
2. Join the mailing list