Yes, and yes, this is my mishima weed vase from a few weeks ago, albeit glaze fired. It turned out pretty well, in my humble opinion and is a technique worth further exploration. Since I’m a visual person, I don’t like visiting blogs without photographs, so I threw this one in so that you have something to look at until new work arrives.
Some of you may know that I live in a quasi turn of the century vintage home in Denver, Colorado. I say quasi, because my husband and I basically bastardized the poor cottage a couple of years ago in order to carve out additional square footage for our small family. It blends well into the neighborhood and it does retain it’s vintage charm inside and outside, but it’s been changed way too much to achieve historical status protection. What you may not know about me is that secretly, I would like to live in a modern prefab minimalist home like something you find in between the covers of Dwell magazine. I’m always inspired by the clean lines, funky furniture/accessories and the re-use and purposing of common materials that I find featured in Dwell.
On Saturday, I was thumbing through the July/August issue of Dwell and came across a little blurb about some cardboard furniture. It piqued my interest enough to actually visit the website that was listed in the magazine. How often does that ever happen? Turns out Swiss architect, Nicola Enrico Stäubli, designed a line of child size furniture using regular old cardboard. He is offering the patterns free of charge from his website, Foldschool. The former landscape architecture student is me is excited to make some for my daughter. One of my favorite things to do while in school was making models and this reminds me somewhat of that activity. I wonder if these patterns could be translated into adult sized models? It’s a project for the future, because I have a lot on my plate right now - but I’ve been eyeing some mattress sized cardboard boxes currently sitting in the alley behind my house that I just might have to save!
Meanwhile, Diana - aka The Lone Beader bestowed me with the “Rockin’ Girl Blogger” award. Thank you and much obliged! I won’t bore you with a long acceptance speech. I am to pass this on to 5 other rockin’ girls out there in blogger land that have never received the award.
Drumroll please…
- Chi aka Peppa’s Studio
- Janet over at A Planet Named Janet
- Even though she’s been absent awhile, I love W.J.’s fractal digital images at Art 166
- Heather at Bad Kitty Art Studio the inspiration she provides
- Paula at Manning-Lewis Studios
I could add many more terrific bloggers to the list, but in the interest of time, stopped at 5. Recipients, please bask in the glory and pass it on if you feel moved to do so.
~Cynthia
Tags: dwell magazine, foldschool, mishima, rockin girl blogger
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You picked some rockin winners!!!
I too have this secret desire to live in such a place. How cool is that? We can share. And girl you do rock!
I think so, Diana!
I just wonder what I would do with all my stuff, Mary??
Why thank you Cynthia!
U Rock!
I too would like a modern/contemporary house. There was one on the market when we knew we would be moving here. But before we could see it, it had an offer. Darn. It is only down the road, so I drive by it alot and wonder.
Congrats,rocker!
On the cardboard furniture…years ago, in London, some med. students had adult-sized cardboard armchairs in their flat. They did take a pretty stiff beating (well, med school parties an’all!)but I recall they were really comfy to sit in.One had even been painted in the psychedelia of the day.So, go for it.
Hey thanks for the award Cynthia! I have never gotten an award so I am thrilled! I am a retired landscape designer too…another thing we have in common, that’s too cool. The vase turned out wonderful…love the coolness and roundness.
Cardboard furniture is cool, we have made some for the kids a few years back and one of the chairs is still around…use thick cardboard, it’ll last so much longer…and there is a whole line of adult sized stuff, I can’t think of who’s it is right now but I have seen it…it’s funky and cool. The kids stuff I painted (of course) and it looked really great and we did make it with the boys so they were thrilled with the project. Thanks again! Woot!
U Rock too, Janet! We looked at a really cool 50’s - 60’s house about 10 years ago in Denver but decided against because there was no basement. In hindsight, I think, well that’s the point is to stream line!
Thanks Dinah - like the story too - but aren’t med student’s too busy to party??
You’re welcome Heather! I’m going to give the furniture a try - and I was thinking paint too.
Gosh! I’m shocked … sniff, sniff … I really didn’t expect this! I didn’t even write a speech! Well, first, I’d like to thank Cynthia, who made all this possible … sniff, sniff … and I’d like to thank the little people . . . oh, wait — you’re ALL little people!
Thanks, Cynthia! What a fun way to ease into Friday.
Now, go grab those giant boxes. I have to say, though, that if you’re worried about what to do with your “stuff”, you may not be quite ready for minimalism. I’m planning to pare back, myself — but not THAT far back!
Now, for those of us about to rock — Rock On! Have a good (long!) weekend.
I too share your secret love for a mordern home with very very clean designs but have never dared to own one. It would mean that I have to chuck away all of my current furniture and start over. Thanks a bunch for voting me as one of the rockin girl blogger! What an honor. I’ll be sure to pass it one.
Wonderful work Cynthia! Congradulations on winning the blog award. You definately deserve it. Your a rockin’ blogger if there ever was one.
You gooo girl! *HUGS*