Banner Canvas Bag: Demano Marbella

I'm typically a fan of anything made from recycled materials. The Demano Marbella bag is no exception. Made from recycled (PVC) canvas from banners, it's a creative grocery, beach, or shopping bag.

(Found via PicoCool)

Impressive Food Carvings

My mother always told me not to play with my food. The artist behind these impressive food carvings obviously didn't get the same advice. While I'm unable to decipher much of the information on the site, the photos are definitely worth a look.

(Found via Ubersuper)

The Labels Project: Luca Pizzaroni

As part of visual artist Luca Pizzaroni's Labels Project, he's photographed a series of made-in tags on the inside of clothing. The collection is a unique look at where our clothing comes from, as well as a showcase of design in unsuspecting places. I'm often quick to cut these tags out of my clothing, occasionally preserving one here or there if it's a vintage item. I'll definitely be paying closer attention in the future.

(Found via Fabrica)

The Hamburglar Bike

Earlier in the month I posted the American Cheese Burger coasters and vowed to stock every table of my fantasy burger restaurant with them. After seeing Harry Sperl's The Hamburglar Bike, I now know by what means I'll do deliveries. The Florida resident and hamburger enthusiast couldn't think of anything more appropriate to customized his Harley after.

(Found via TrendHunter Magazine)

Dutch Coiffure Award

The 2008 Dutch Coiffure Award for hair design recipients were recently posted in a gallery on their website. Most interesting are those in the avant-garde section. I rarely do anything with my hair, it's long and straight, but the winning designs are certainly inspirational. While the gallery does feature male designs, for a less female themed hair post see The World Beard and Moustache Championship from last December.

(Found via Neatorama)

Range Studio: Stephanie Perruchon

Stephanie Perruchon's new concept furniture, called the Range Studio is fabulous. The French designer's space saving creation is multi-functional. The furniture can serve as a bench, ottoman, and table all in one. I can't help but see this and think how perfect it would have been in my dinky previous apartment. If only...

(Found via Furniture Fashion)

Metal Artist: Steve Cambronne

I love the work of metal artist Steve Cambronne who has been perfecting his craft for the past 20 years. While he started in women's jewerly design, years on the road traveling from one art show to the next has found him designing retro inspired clocks, shelves, and novelty art to name a few. I love the throw back to 1950's and 60's shapes and color.

(Found via Furniture Fashion)

Milk Bottle Collection: Kenneth Keith Kallenbach

Some people collect bottle caps, others collect milk bottles. As is the case with Kenneth Keith Kallenbach; actor comedian, musician, part-time milk bottle collector. The collection is not only impressive, but the design and typography of the bottle labels are fascinating.

(Found via Quipsologies)

Happy World Turtle Day

May 23rd is apparently World Turtle Day. So...happy World Turtle Day readers. Normally, I wouldn't have thought twice about this holiday, but this past spring I spent a week volunteering in South Padre Island at Sea Turtle, Inc. which I wrote about back in April. Sea Turtle, Inc. is a rescue and rehabilitation center on the island. After a week of working closely with many of the turtles and receiving an education on the dangers they face, today holds a little more meaning. If you haven't already seen the very popular 'Zombie Kid Likes Turtles' clip, celebrate by watching it and having a laugh.

Porcelain Paper Plates: Virginia Sin

There seems to be a current design trend of making disposable products out of non-disposable materials. First I saw the I Am Not A Paper Cup followed by the Fast Cup. Now there's the Porcelain Paper Plates by designer Virginia Sin. The plates are made from porcelain paper clay which comes from actual shredded paper plates. Maybe it's the result of everything going green, maybe it's just creative.

(Found via Inspire Me, Now)

Munna on the Run

Back in April I posted The Reader's Alphabet poster by Hemant Anant Jain. Shortly after doing so I received a lovely e-mail from the artist and have enjoyed a correspondence with him since. He recently turned me on to his blog Munna on the Run where he showcases a lot of his recent work. Among my favorites are the What Are You Reading series done for the Midland Bookshop in Delhi, again book related so no surprise that I loved it.

Tag You're It!

Laura of Quirkology recently tagged me in a game of Blog Question/Answer Tag. As Laura said, it's a great way to get a more personal glimpse of the writers behind the blogs you read. So, without further ado:

1} What was I doing 10 years ago?

Oh gosh, where has the time gone? I would have been 12 years old and in 7th grade. I was probably getting my braces tightened, reading Seventeen magazine looking for advice on surviving that first kiss, or watching MTV dreaming about my future on Road Rules.

2} What are 5 things on my to-do list for today?

Blog (something I haven't done in days), do some serious trip planning for my fast-approaching summer stay in Europe (the reason I haven't blogged lately), get lunch with Brian, pay bills, dinner-barbecue with friends.

3} Snacks I enjoy:

Popcorn and M+Ms (if you have never tried this combination you must, it's delicious). I also really love pita and hummus, and mustard pretzels.

4} Things I would do if I were a billionaire:

After paying off my college loans I would spend the money on traveling/volunteering around the world with friends and family and doing my part to make a difference. Typical?

5} Places I have lived before:

I grew up in Chicago and lived there my entire childhood. I then moved to Columbia, Missouri to attend school at the University of Missouri where I still reside today. I'm also (as I've mentioned several times because who could resist when they're as excited as I am) living in Prague this summer.

6} 5 people I want to know more about:

I would love to meet my grandmother who passed away before I was born. I value family greatly and am saddened by the fact that I will never know the women who raised my mother.

I would love to know more about my parents in their youth. It would fascinating to know them as high school or college students.

Similarly, I would love to know more about myself when I was a child. Memory only serves me so well. I wish I could remember what was running through my head as a 6 year old, my fears, and my dreams.

There are also many writers whose work I read daily. From journalists, to authors, to bloggers. I know them on one level (through their words) but would love to meet them on a personal level. Laura of Quirkology, Joanna of A Cup of Jo, and Gigi of Roadside Scholar, to name a few.

The Pikasso Guitar: Linda Manzer

There's no question where the inspiration for The Pikasso came from. Designer Linda Manzer created this double sound-hole, quadruple neck, and 42 string instrument back in 1984 after critically acclaimed jazz musician Pat Metheny asked her to design a guitar with "as many strings as possible." She re-did the design in 1992 creating the Pikasso II, which has been on display at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. Visit Nanzer's website for video and sound samples of The Pikasso.

(Found via TrendHunter)

Mic Check - One Two

The SOLO pendant light by Re-Surface Design is a new take on the classic mic. The light emitted from the mesh top gives off a disco-like glow. I liked their suggestion for DJs to use it over their turntables to see disc and record labels better.

(Found via Subcontinental.giant)

What Should I Read Next?

With my semester coming to an end, a summer worth of time off on the horizon, and a long (very long) flight to Europe quickly approaching, I've been thinking a lot about my summer reading list. As a student studying English, I simply don't have time to read for pleasure while school is in session. I've been slowing adding books to my list. I'd like to read some Kafka since I'm living in Prague all summer, it only seems fitting. I'd also like to finish Special Topics in Calamity Physics, which I began over the holidays.

One of my professors pointed out What Should I Read Next on her blog and I was intrigued by the concept. You enter the title and author of a book you've read/enjoyed and the program suggests further readings. Similar to Amazon's suggestion of items based on your searches and recent purchases. I'm not thrilled by the results, but I liked the idea. What have you read recently that you've enjoyed? Any suggestions? I'll read anything, but love non-fiction and travel inspired writing. I'd love to hear your suggestions!

Lamp Lamp: Hironao Tsuboi

Lamp Lamp by Tokyo designer Hironao Tsuboi can turn a very dull light fitting into quite the conversation piece. I'm not sure I even realized what I was looking at when I first saw this. But once I did I really loved it.

(Found via Sheynk Dot Com)

The Face of Disaster Typography

Awesome hand-drawn typography by illustrator Andy Smith. Look closely and be amazed.

(Found via Changethethought)

Scrabble Couches

I love these Scrabble inspired couches designed by Stephen Reed Industrial Design and Alistair Willmott. They can be found in the Bloomberg offices in London. The best part, employees can leave each other playful messages with the cushions. Also, notice the double and triple word score inspired tables. I love it!

More scrabble inspired posts on Double Takes:
Scrabble Charm Necklace
DIY Scrabble Coasters

(Found via Oddee)

Loaf Toaster

The Loaf Toaster is the "best toaster since sliced bread" according to the designer. What a creative concept! I imagine this would be great for big families.

(Found via Idealist)

Animals on the Underground

Back in 1988, while Paul Middlewick was standing in front of a London Underground map during a daily trip home from work he noticed something. That something was a elephant, formed out of the tube lines, stations and junctions of the London Underground. Since then, many new animals have been found on the maps. To view the whole collection visit Animals on the Underground.

(Found via It's Nice That)

Embroidered Felt Objects

A few Christmas' back I received a vintage typewriter from my boyfriend Brian. As a writer, I can't imagine a more fitting gift. Flickr user Blueblythemonster's felt vintage typewriters completely reminded me of my own. Their entire set of Embroidered Felt Objects is pretty impressive.

(Found via Neatorama)

You Will Miss...

(click for readability)

Students of the INSEAD business school in France were commissioned to create an anti-drunk driving campaign poster after the sudden death of one of their MBA classmates. Kasia Korczak's design combines dark humor with real danger. As a college student who lost two friends to drunk driving this past year, I'm impressed with how well Korczak reaches and speaks to her audience. Very poignant.

(Found via We Hear It)

Virgina Novelty License Plate

I do love me a good custom license plate. I'm alway impressed with people who can pull off something funny or creative. My family has never been very good at this. My parents' first custom plate was a vowel-less version of our last name, followed by the number of people in our family. My older sister's first car (a 1985 Dodge 600 convertible) sported 'Grls600' on the plates. Yikes! When I saw this Virgina novelty plate, I couldn't help but laugh.

(Found via FFFFound)

The Center of Something: Chris Rubino

I love the wit in Chris Rubino's upcoming exhibit The Center of Something. The Brooklyn designer's latest work features "an assortment of 'souvenirs' that combine the fantasy of tourism with the realism of actually living" in New York City. I've been to New York City and yes, I bought the shirt, maybe even two of them.

(Found via Josh Spear)

American Burger Coasters

How fun are these coasters by UK company Drinkstuff? Inspired by the american burger, each layer separates as its own coaster. If I ever open a burger joint, these are going on every table.

(Found via Neatorama)

Swimming Around in Circles Fish Tank

The Swimming Around in Circles Fish Tank is an impressive alternative to the typical cube or sphere fish tank. If you look closely you can see that the tank makes an abstract loop allowing fish to 'swim around in circles' as the title suggests. Imagine what cleaning this tank would be like...yikes!

(Found via Kanye West Blog)

Scrabble Charm Necklace on Etsy

As Laura from Quirkology and I are currently engaged in a head to head Scrabulous battle (by head to head I mean she's completely kicking my butt) I couldn't help but love this Scrabble inspired charm on Etsy. The Scrabble Piece Initial Charm is by Heist Jewerly and hand cut in sterling silver.

(Found via I Like Totally Love It)

HotMan Trivet

A creative approach to the standard hot plate. Hot Man will protect your surface space while potentially soliciting a laugh.

(Found via TrendsNow)

66 Polaroids That Never Existed

French illustrator Julien Pacaud's 66 Polaroids That Never Existed are incredible. I'll let the project speak for itself.

--> I cannot for the life of me remember where I found this. I apologize to whomever I've failed to credit.

Fast Cup

I'm loving the Fast Cup by Czech designer Maxim Velokovsky. It's along the same lines as James Burgess' I Am Not A Paper Cup, which I've seen on several blogs. Oddly clever.

(Found via Kanye West Blog)

See Through: Helga Steppan

I have an older sister who loves anything and everything rainbow-color themed. I think she'd like the work of Helga Steppan, who arranged her belongings by color and then proceeded in photographing them. The series is ironically titled See Through.

(Found via Creative Review)

DIY: Cork Creations

For whatever odd reason, I always feel inclined to save the corks from the wine bottles I've opened. I have a bag of them sitting in my closet collecting dust. With these two DIY projects, I think I finally have a reason to justify having hung on to them.

(Found via Design Sponge and Freshly Found)

Paper Sculptures: Bert Simons

I found Bert Simons' Paper Sculptures completely intriguing. I'm not sure exactly what, but something is very eerie about them.

(Found via Design Verb)

The New Organic: Stanley Ruiz

Stanley Ruiz has designed a new collection of items called The New Organic. They celebrate the "handmade aspect in modern design" and are set to launch at the upcoming International Contemporary Furniture Fair mid-month. These two items would go fabulously with the Inside Out hooks I posted back in April.

(Found via Design Milk)

The Virtual Shoe Museum

The Virtual Shoe Museum is just what the title suggests, an online museum of shoes. The project was started back in 2004 by Liza Snook. You can browse collections by a number of categories including designer, color, style, and material. I have to admit, I'm not really a shoe-girl. Regardless of that fact, I couldn't help but find this fascinating!

(Found via Urban Outfitter)

Ramen Spoon Fork

Looking for a practical gift for that recent high-school graduate in your life? I present to you the Ramen Spoon Fork. Anyone who has been to college knows that Ramen Noodles are a staple food. It would be hard to pass through a college dormitory and not find the sodium-saturated soup and noodle combo in at least a few rooms. The spork, if you will, was originally designed for the popular Sugakiya ramen noodle restaurant chain in Japan.

(Found via BB-Blog)

Eyeglass Creatures Video

This video of sea-like creatures created from various parts of eyeglasses is both eerie and beautiful. The project is a collaborative effort between Important Looking Pirates and Oscar Magnuson Spectacles. Click the image above to view the video and enjoy!

(Found via Motion0grapher)

For the Love of Beer

Bill Bramanti loves beer...a lot. Pabst Blue Ribbon to be exact. He loves it so much he has designed his own coffin to resemble the can of his favorite beer. Since the Illinois native is in good health and not planning on needing the coffin anytime soon, he'll be using it as a cooler in the mean time.

(Found via USA Today)

A Blog List

Back in March 2007, Elmanco and Fubiz collaborated on A Blog List, which is pretty much what it sounds like. They've recently updated the list and I couldn't be more excited. Their efforts were in hopes of compiling the best blogs out there in the categories of design, graphics, fashion, marketing, and new technology.

Over at Please Sir, Diana recently asked her readers what they consider makes a blog successful and why they read blogs. Both of which are important questions to consider if you blog. The updated list definitely gives insight into the makings of a successful blog and I'll be cruising them all for inspiration.

Ceramics: Christin Johansson

Christin Johansson is a trained nurse and ceramicist. Her work "challenges the traditionalism of the ceramic trade through her clinical, almost sterile sculptural objects and wares that draw inspiration from hospital and industrial environments." I particularly love her mugs and vases. So very unique!

(Found via The Style Files)

Whitelines: Olof Hansson

Swedish designer Olof Hansson is the mastermind behind Whitelines, a paper product series that is completely backwards, and I love it! The company produces carbon-neutral writing paper that puts white lines against a grey background, instead dark lines against a white background.

"Traditional dark-lined paper not only depends on the use of bleach for a contrasting background, it also can conflict with lines and letters drawn or written on its surface. Dark lines show up on photocopies too, often making for muddy, difficult-to-view copies."

Seriously, what a great idea? Not to mention how much cleaner and crisper your written pages would appear!

(Found via Springwise)

The Mineral Moon

A beautiful rendering of the mineral content of the moon. The image is a compilation of 53 photographs taken in 1992 by the Jupiter-bound Galileo spacecraft.

"The pictures were recorded through three spectral filters and combined in an exaggerated false-color scheme to explore the composition of the lunar surface as changes in mineral content produce subtle color differences in reflected light. "

The photo is featured as part of Colour Lovers Colors from Outerspace. Visit their blog to view more stunning space photography.

(Found via Colour Lovers)

Food Packaging vs. Food: A Comparative Study

If you've yet to learn that what you see is not always what you get when it comes to food packaging images, the photographs at PUNDO3000 will certainly teach you a thing or two. They've taken 100 comparative photographs of food packaging versus the real product. Interesting, but by no means surprising.

(Found via Quipsologies)

USB Drive: Studio Leung

Studio Leung's prototype for a series of USB flash drives that use a ruler-like resemblance to communicate their disk size. Simple and effective, I like it.

(Found via Pan Dan)

A Home For Alice

I've mentioned before in previous posts my love for collaborative photography projects as well as Polaroids. A Home For Alice is a project that combines the two, and I've fallen in love. After Alice commented on a few posts here at Double Takes, I learned of the project. The concept behind it truly has heart:

"I left home a year ago, and since then, i keep looking for a place to live. A place to feel home. But didn't find it yet. So I had this idea about a world wide art project, simply called "A Home for Alice", where people would send me via post mail a Polaroid picture of their house, along with a little text about why they feel home there."

The submissions are all featured on the project's blog, as well as in an exhibit at the Rosie Gallery in Melbourne, Australia. At the end of the project, the best submissions are going to be compiled in a book. Tomorrow I plan on grabbing my camera and getting a shot of my house, expect it shortly Alice!

Top 5 Unconventional Urban Graffiti Executions

There's been a lot of buzz the past week about ephemeral art. The Cans Festival just concluded in London, where local street artists were encouraged to come out and stencil in designated areas around the city.

Similarly, Brain Pickings just compiled a list of the Top 5 Unconventional Urban Graffiti Executions. I liked what they had to say of their list:

"What bigger mark of a city’s self-expression than its graffiti culture? The tricky thing is that much of urban graffiti has become contrived, sliding by our attention as expected graphic clichés. The ones that break the norm manage to leave a cultural mark bigger than the physical paint-on-concrete one."

I'd considered posting several of these installments individually in the past, but never got around to it. I particularly love the storm drain graffiti of Brazilian duo 6emeia.

(Found via Brain Pickings)

Stop...In the Name of Love

Oak Lawn, a Chicago suburb near where I grew up, decided to take a different approach to stressing the importance of obeying stop signs. They added clever slogans to 50 stop signs around the town.

Oak Lawn mayor Dave Heilmann said of the project, "We have to take the work seriously, but it's OK to smile and to be creative in enforcing a serious message." Unfortunately, the Chicago Tribune has reported the signs are coming down, as the Illinois Department of Transportation has determined they violate the federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Personally, I think they're great. What do you all think about the signs?

(Found via Fogonazos via Sumi Sumi)

Chalk Chess