Re:Design Technologies Environmental Art and Design

Upcoming Collaborations

2010-11-13T11:43:00.000-08:00

10x8 mm strawberry quartz in yellow gold split shank

7.5 mm strawberry quartz in oxidized silver, 10K white gold + rose gold tulip setting, 14K white gold, bright sterling silver and 14K yellow gold.

client's stones, my eye.

poppytalk handmade winter themed marketplace

2010-10-25T15:45:00.000-07:00

confetti system

2010-10-24T12:36:00.000-07:00

do you love a good party? with pinatas and candy and stuff? no? too grown up for that? isn't it sad that you can't rock out like a kid again and just have fun?

confetti system on big cartel has got you covered. amazing pinatas modeled after geological formations festooned in gold and silver.

quartz, crystal and meteorite formations. and do they offer swanky blindfolds for the whacking?

but of course! made of silk georgette and metalic leather for stylish eyes. and jewelry too? you know it. visit them here http://confettisystem.bigcartel.com

green loves pink

2010-10-24T01:25:00.000-07:00

rough moissanite crystals and one lone terminated emerald crystal. which do you prefer - the wildly shaped manmade moissanite diamonds or the natural emerald? myself i am not sure...

the larger emerald (nearly 14 carats) is included with moonstone, a member of the feldspar family. its been in my collection forever and i just can't decide on how best to set it. suggestions anyone?

oh green loves pink in the most tender of ways. that combination just seems so natural. if only rose gold was actually pink, like these little sapphires. the green emerald and green tourmaline just seem to relax next to them.

i love inclusions

2010-10-24T00:11:00.000-07:00

this lodolite quartz reminds me of a field of green grass swept up in the wake of a storm. can you see the twister inching closer?

rumplestiltskin's straw turned to gold. i love inclusions. they turn my imagination loose.

the problem with convention

2010-10-23T23:45:00.000-07:00

i so desperately want to make a whole line of labradorite set in 14k yellow gold. everyone's been telling me not to bother as conventionally speaking, labradorite is a lesser value than gold warrants. but what of it? doesn't it stand out so? i just want to rock this ring all day long.

rose cut diamonds

2010-10-23T23:21:00.000-07:00

my poor camera couldn't handle the light dancing on the surface of these diamonds. please trust me when i tell you that they are fantastically beautiful. the white freeform tear drop is about 7x6 mm and the mocha pear is roughly 8x6.

just practicing. i think i'll set them in one of a kind wax cast moldings. yellow or rose gold?

this one is definitely for yellow gold. pretty, pretty. the big exciting news is the giant emerald cut white diamond that is nearly here. 2.35 carats and 9.5x7.5 mm. when it arrives i shall sleep with it under my pillow and dream that it is mine to keep forever.

works in progress

2010-10-23T23:07:00.000-07:00

coming soon to the shop marquise rings in amethyst

garnet

smokey quartz

smokey topaz

watermelon man

2010-10-23T22:17:00.000-07:00

watermelon tourmaline 5.6 Carats.

mocking the color combination up.

the smaller emerald cut tourmaline collection.i've never understood the draw of the tourmaline until recently. they really are as beautiful as diamonds and in some cases nearly as expensive.

but i did manage to swing a little bit of a deal on a 256 carat lot of black with green tourmaline. i favor the longest emerald cut baguette at the top right. does it say "surround me in a generous layer of platinum and set me on a thick textured band" to you? because that's what i hear.

The Nest

2010-09-30T12:50:00.000-07:00

when i first began this little blog i fully intended to talk about our house and the renovations we're constantly making.

over the past 2 years we've been renting 2 of our 3 suites out...and $12,000.00 in damages, three new floors, two floods and one full suite of switched out stainless steel appliances later (!), i'm finally ready to talk

guess what? the moment we decided to stop renting out, our house became a cozy home. who knew being a landlord was so counterproductive?

and who could have predicted that one tiny (forbidden) bichon frisé could result in 1,000 square feet of re-flooring & 4,000 square ft of re-painting in only 2 months? but its good. its soooo good to be home.

next? my {messy} studio tour.

Decision Making Process

2010-09-23T19:56:00.000-07:00

4 metals, 5 colors + black diamonds

which stands out most?

we have a winner - black on black

refocus and start again, this time in reverse - 7 colors + 1 metal

red sky at night, sailor's delight

2010-08-03T14:46:00.000-07:00

fire! its the peak of fire season here in british columbia canada. we're seeing ash from fires to the north and east of our community. the air is laden with the scent of burning pine and the sun blazes fierce fiery red every night as it disappears beyond the mountains. beautiful. frightening. if you need us or we're not getting back to you its because in a family of wildfire fighters and fire fighters to be, we've got our hands full. but not to worry, soon it'll be business as usual.

Designing With Intention vs Tension in Design

2010-07-22T00:26:00.000-07:00

"rules are meant to be broken" has been a motto that works for me... umm... somewhat. but about a million years ago in another life i learned a rule that should never be broken. the (so called) first rule of dance is to move with intent. in other words, find your intention, your connection to the driving concept behind the choreography, so that you can clearly project it to your audience. dancers are limited to three tools: their bodies, the music and costume. the body is the only tool that a dancer is in control over and intention is the soul of their expression.

i nearly fell off my chair when i read scoutie girl's "we scout wednesday" posting on handmade vs homemade and why it doesn't matter what you choose to call it. what matters is the intention behind it. talk about coincidence! my planned post for the day also involved the importance of intention. how does "the first rule of dance" apply to design you may ask? well...what's behind a design? is it an exercise in stretching the maker's technical reach? an exercise in moving stock? working with a set palette of pantone colors chosen by a group of elderly men that we are all beholden to?

those are all valid reasons for design...i suppose. in dance we call these exercises technique and virtuosity. they are not to be confused with the heart and soul of dance. the joy of it. with art and magic. technique exists to train the muscle memory to respond in the correct way when called upon. virtuosity is a testament to how high you can reach - how far you are able to stretch to attain perfection. i think of art as a transformation of materials or concepts into a finished work - something from nothing.

as amazing as virtuosity is, it doesn't necessarily make you feel what the dancer is feeling. it is tension for the sake of aesthetic perfection. your story, your emotions, your truth are as important as the quality of your product. the why of it needs to be put out there. do you make to survive? let me see how hungry you are through your work. do you love what you do? show me the love.

call me eccentric but i fully believe that what you feel and think while you are making your art or crafting your wares comes through in the final product. i no longer seek to project my intention on stage but i do try to project it onto my work. every piece that comes out of my studio is made for a queen in my mind. i make my intended client the most important person in the world the whole time i hold their piece in my hands. i am in love with the materials themselves and make the manufacturing process a joyful one - never, ever do i let thoughts or troubles of the day intrude.

i want you that joy to be apparent in my work when you receive it. to be thrilled with it no matter how big or small. that is my intention at least. maybe the answer for me is finding the right balance of constantly reaching for dynamic tension - stretching for technical perfection while maintaining the soul's intention.

photo credits: howard schatz

balancing work and play the DIY way

2010-07-20T17:58:00.000-07:00

i have recently fallen in love with scoutie girl's amazingly engaging blog, especially her series on growing your business/family/life/garden which features great playing in the dirt metaphors. readers are encouraged to take the plunge past the research stage of a self-taught skill and get down to the dirty business of growing creatively. tara of scoutie girl is talking my language...risk, innovation, just taking a running leap over the edge of known territory.

but isn't it easy to loose that playful enthusiasm for experimentation when creativity is mixed with money? can work and play happily coexist? the stark fact that i am beholden to the books can mess with my ability to let go and get dirty. truthfully, the $ aspect can introduce a sense of fear into the way i think about stretching my own creative boundaries.

all of my public work right now is self taught and i sometimes find the need to remind myself to trust in my prior learning and life experience. from pro classical dancer to water conservation officer to waitress and everything imaginable in between, its all valuable and it all applies. i try my best to to use every resource that i've already invested in without fear or apprehension and to believe in my ability to reinvest wisely into my business. nothing ventured, nothing gained, whatsoever. and i am so thankful for all of the support that i've gotten along the way. thank you too, dear reader.

i think that self-taught can often equate to high risk because you are in effect transferring what you would pay for an accredited education into a *much* higher investment of time, higher potential for mistakes, lessons learned in practice rather than theory and no outside authority to direct learning outcomes - just little old you. if you are running a business, this method is a huge responsibility to take on but oh so very rewarding in the end. self reliance feeds back into the business/family/life/garden that build our most treasured experiences.

photo credit 1/2/3/4

are you self-taught? how do you balance your learning and practice? do you feel that work and play can happily coexist?

water, water, everywhere

2010-07-08T16:24:00.000-07:00

day after day, day after day

we stuck, nor breath nor motion;

as idle as a painted ship

upon a painted ocean.

water, water, everywhere

and all the boards did shrink

water, water, everywhere

nor any drop to drink

check out poppytalk handmade's oil spill response market, where you'll find 69 contributors who are donating the proceeds from at least one item at their virtual table to oxfam america. dare i say that donating has never been easier? just feast your eyes on this stuff. yum...

Last Chance For Our Rolling River Soap Company Giveaway!

2010-07-02T00:37:00.000-07:00

Its Friday and nearly time to choose a winner for the Rolling River Soap Company Giveaway! Normally I am not covetous, but in the case of the four bars of glorious handmade soap that Jessie Gibbs and Zenith Lillie-Eakett of Rolling River Soap Company have tucked away for one lovely reader to enjoy, I am covetous indeed. These soaps are likened to bars of pure hand made gold ladies, so please don't be shy to step right up and leave a comment to enter.

If you are interested in the two fabulous and bubbly (sorry) personalities behind the Rolling River Soap Company, grab a cup of tea and stop by for a visit. You can find their story here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sault-Sainte-Marie-ON/Rolling-River-Soap-Company/74855847920?v=app_2347471856&ref=ts#!/note.php?note_id=170853098344

And seeing as how I'm showing off my covetous side, how do you like my Japanese hinoki wood dream bathtub? I've been ever so slowly learning how to make one of these babies. Slow is key here because I have a feeling that once I get in to the tub my Rolling River soap and I are never coming out.

ReDesign Technologies First Ever Blog Giveaway!

2010-06-23T15:46:00.000-07:00

Kind friends, is there anything finer than a giveaway? Perhaps there is one thing...a giveaway that supports talented friends and loved ones, like my good friend Zenith Lillie. Zenith is a knitter, comedian, business woman, artisanal bath and beauty product entrepreneur kingpin and all around amazing person. She is the creative genius behind the Rolling River Soap Company, which she runs with her partner Jesse G.

Rolling River Soap Company is a micro business with chutzpa, heart and a sense of humor. Check their amazing descriptions out -

Midnight Express: This soap zips in and takes you on a whirlwind ride late at night when most people are sleeping because it likes to party. It has a bright, warm smell of fresh-made Italian anise cookies; you know the ones, they have a sweet melted icing sugar top, buttery inside, best with a hot cup of espresso. Very cosmopolitan of you, your Nona Maria is proud of you.

Oat Couture is our newest addition to our no smells, super magical pure, straight from the earth, new born baby, fell from the sky, product line up that is sure to please even the strictest of enviro-puritans (we just made that word up but you get what we mean).

If that doesn't take you away, perhaps you just need to see the goods for yourself. I have purchased 4 bars of Rolling River soap for you ~ rhasoullie, midnight express, two of Zenith Lillie's secretly favorite picks. She's put them aside for us, as she is currently hosting a "Free to be You and Me Without the HST Sale" and stocks are dwindling fast (HST is Canada's much protested new ubertax for those of you living abroad).

And how can you enter to win a fist-full of pure bubbly goodness? To borrow a phrase from Zenith herself when I asked her how I can order a bar - "its easy, just write tell me what you'd like and poof! You're done.". Just leave a comment and you are in the running! I will be choosing a winner on Friday, July 2nd so please check back or leave your contact info!

P.S. if you would like to check Rolling River out Zenith would love it if you stopped by for a visit (be sure to check her crocheted hats out on Facebook): http://rollingriversoapcompany.blogspot.com/ and http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sault-Sainte-Marie-ON/Rolling-River-Soap-Company/74855847920?v=wall&__a=13

New Works: My "Flush" Bezel Setting

2010-06-19T01:00:00.000-07:00

At last my experiment is complete mwahaha...You might remember this setting from June 14th's post I've pushed my Oxidized Emerald Cut Moonstone in another direction and I like it. I've already ordered an emerald cut diamond to test the concept a little further. Mmm...I cannot wait!

Sneak Peek of Designs to Come

2010-06-14T12:23:00.000-07:00

Fine Silver Wrapped Setting in the Raw

This little silver wrapped gem will be hitting the shelves of Birch Beer Boutique soon in various forms - rings, earrings, necklaces, all shapes sizes and stones.

Hunting and Gathering: Morel Picking Part 2 Flora and Fauna

2010-06-11T10:44:00.000-07:00

Morels are not the only lovers of recent burn sites. Hooker's Fairybells

Fairyslippers. I guess I'm not the only one who sees fairy tale imagery in these woods...

Cleverly concealed Fire Beetles

One young buck (of the mule deer variety)

And of course our haul of morels

Please stay tuned for my "artistic interpretation" (for lack of a better term) of our forage and a giveaway.

Hunting and Gathering: Morel Picking Part 1 The Site

2010-06-09T11:37:00.000-07:00

Above: A dozer guard at the Brookemere Fire Site. Last year I had the great pleasure to play a very, very small part in suppressing Kamloops Forest District fire #K6-1231. We visited the 6,000 - 10,000 hectare lightning strike fire site recently for a look-see, with mushroom picking on our minds.

The Site: Above a closer look. A dozer guard fire line where Danger Tree Fallers have assisted.

The outer edge of a high elevation Engelmann Spruce/Subalpine Fir site.

The inner edge.

The forest is silver here. I wouldn't have batted an eyelash if a unicorn pranced out into the river clearing below us.

i love the way carnivals bring out the silly side

2010-05-04T02:01:00.000-07:00

Pandora's Box

2010-04-05T23:23:00.000-07:00

when i think of what lies beyond our attic door the phrases "be careful what you wish for" and and wiley coyote's "super-genius" spring immediately to mind.

is that a dryer hose you ask? um yes, it is dryer hose connected to my stove exhaust fan and yes...yes it is attached with duct tape. no insulation beyond what lines the floor but the good news - loads of potential for improving heating efficiency and raising the ceiling. perhaps exposing a few beams? what would you do if you discovered this many angles in your attic?

Positive Proof of the Power of Blogging: The Selby is in Your Place

2010-04-02T00:10:00.000-07:00

The amazing blog-cum-Brick-and-Mortar-Publication "The Selby is in Your Place" launched today with life-changing effects for me. Where to start? Perhaps with a discussion centered around the difficulties I've had pitching an attic loft reno for our extremely traditional 1997 Georgian-style home? Or maybe the introduction of my amazing husband Joe, who is a fire fighter of the wildfire sort - a get-er-done kind of guy who manages ecosystems and...well...gets stuff done. He's got my back and I his, but like most couples, we view information in wildly different ways. Lets say I am the "Pitcher" and Joe is the "Fielder".

Enter Dan Martensen, Shannan Click and The Selby Is In Your Place. Thank you...all of you, for putting into play what my words could not describe. The result in terms of impact on my life? Total success! Today we probe the attic for possibilities and scenarios. Tomorrow? Who knows...

Why Do I love The Shipping Process?

2010-04-01T12:06:00.000-07:00

Because I love you dear client!

Blown Away: A Sharon Montrose Easter

2010-03-31T21:06:00.000-07:00

My determination to have a white and minimalist Easter is ever stronger since my recent discovery of passionate animal photographer Sharon Montrose. Please take a moment to view her blog here and the incredible process video below.

Found: Sketchbook Chronicles 2007

2010-03-31T14:12:00.000-07:00

Fun with pink ink - Thea in a white turtleneck with her amazing afro and huge eyes. 10 minute study - the longest we could sit - she was 6 and I was 9.5 months pregnant.

Found: My 1996 Sketchbook Chronicles Part II

2010-03-31T13:55:00.000-07:00

Self portrait sketch playing with perspective, contrast and line. 10 minute study. Fear of face, hands and feet...

5 minute study of Julia S at the Vancouver Film School, 1996. Still afraid of hands, feet and face... Does Freud have any words on this subject I wonder?

Ah, feet, face and hands at last! All wildly exaggerated pushing to work through the problem. Study from a Victorian illustration of Alice in Wonderland - sorry no further reference to the source. 15 minute study.

My Next Purchase...mark my words pocketbook!

2010-03-31T11:30:00.000-07:00

LA Drama Queen's extremely clever Vintage Inspired Barbie Swimsuit can be purchased here.

Product Review: Kitty Beans Jewelry

2010-03-30T11:58:00.000-07:00

White Goose Feather and Ostrich Fascinator by KittyBeans

Cobalt Blue and Silver Swarovski Chandelier Earrings

A few months ago I won a fabulous contest and received an even better gift from Kitty Beans Jewelry. Flu, work and other growing pains behind me, I would like to take the time to thank the lovely Miss Erin Hall, creator of Kitty Beans for her kindness and love. Love? Yes...Take it from me, having held Erin's work in my hands it is evident that Erin loves what she does and that essence shines through from the first impression. Lovely packaging, acute attention to detail, solid construction, arrived on time, beautifully done Erin! You can find Erin on Facebook, Blogger and Etsy.

Found Art: What's in My Sketchbook

2010-03-29T20:30:00.000-07:00

This photo montage fell out of one of my 1996 sketch books - my last vestige of works from the past decades. Me, in my role as manager of Populuxe Luxury Vintage Living in Vancouver. Photo credit - unknown photographer.

Guerilla Gardening: Cultivating for Dandelion Wine

2010-03-28T18:01:00.000-07:00

Learning to love dandelions might be a radical concept in gardening, but if you give it a try, I guarantee that you will not be disappointed.

"Why?!?!" you ask? Short answer, dandelions are the main reason for the accidental poisoning of our water systems through over exuberant use of pesticides. In North America today, most home owners use more Round Up than the average farmer in the 1970's did. Dandelion greens, roots and blooms are also considered medicines of the bitters variety (used in aiding digestion through supporting stomache and liver health) and can be found in some common "remedies", such as Jaggermeister.

Dandie images above - Emerson Made and Dandelion Clocks wallpaper. My favorite recipe for Dandelion Wine can be found here. Hints on Dandelion Wine making;

Pick your dandelions on sunny mornings, immediately patting them dry, being careful not to crush them
Freeze your flowers immediately if you aren't planning to use them right away
If you freeze the liquid for later use, be sure to label your containers well lest you accidentally misidentify your wine stock as soup stock (speaking from experience here)
slip a little champagne into the mix before bottling

Book Review: Building a Business the Buddhist Way

2010-03-26T12:54:00.001-07:00

The proud owner of an Ikea Expedit shelving unit jammed to the rafters full of environmental management texts cannot pretend to be too interested in the romance of escaping through a good novel (unless its by Michael Ondaatji). I do however love Geri Larkin's Building a Business the Buddhist Way wherein she councils a well balanced "5 course meal" lifestyle of spirituality, study and learning, making a living, doing good and most importantly family and relationships.

The gist: This book is for beginners who are wondering how to merge business with "right lifestyle" or for those who want to fine tune an existing business. Geri takes us through a myriad of exercises throughout 5 chapters that lead one to an understanding of what path we are meant to choose in life by taking us back to the things we loved and hated doing before we became adults and forgot how to have fun in the fully immersed childhood sense of fun.

My take away message: Build a business plan. Build a business plan. Go back to your business plan frequently and revise. Need help with that? A painless business plan scripting tool awaits over at the Scotia Bank website. No matter that you don't belong to the Scotia Bank or are located half way around the world from the nearest branch. This tool is user friendly and translates to any format. It exists to make the process easy. And it works! They even provide examples every step of the way to get you thinking about your own direction and particulars.

Book reviews abound this week! Over at Crafting an MBA's book club Part 2 of Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die by Chip and Dan Heath focuses on "designing sticky products". Please visit Megan at CMBA for tons of business advice and discussion for designers, crafters and makers.

I learned about Where Women Create via The Bright Side Project, which will be next on my list of non-environmental texts to read. A little review here.

Emerson Made

2010-03-25T23:38:00.000-07:00

Lucky, lucky me to have won thisLittle Fiery Red Rose and Goldie Emerson Made clutch! Thank you to the fine and fabulous folks that run The Bright Side Project for hosting the EM give away, introducing me to Emerson Made, their blog and The Emerson Made Mouse's hilarious blog. More on this later.

Needless to say I am EXCITED and have been shopping around for new outfits from Anthropologie to sport with my clutch, which I foresee playing a pivotal role in my wardrobe choices from here on in. What do you think? Too much yellow matchiness going on? Or just enough?

Etsy Process Video: Zulasurfing Dichroic Glass Rings

2010-03-25T01:42:00.000-07:00

Got Moo?

2010-03-24T21:59:00.000-07:00

Moo cards are for everyone - businesspeople, crafters, artists, mothers fathers brothers sisters sons daughters. For those who are tying the knot or are giving a gift, Moo is the card you want to be giving as a token of your love and living proof of your amazing attention to detail. Photojojo and Etsy are giving these babies away for free* (not including +/- $6.00 shipping).

*Free of course always carries a small fee...in this case the free cards are emblazoned with small and discreet Photojojo or Etsy + Moo partnership logo to the right of the photo side. A small price to pay for some rockin' custom cards.

How can you get in on this deal? Visit Moo here to get your free Photojojo cards printed from your own files or your Flicker account or here for free Etsy cards. Check Danielle Stewart and Beth Chapleau's ideas out on Moo's blog and be sure to peruse for other possibilities. My pack is on its way! A sneek peek to the left.

The Sweet Irony of Motherhood

2010-03-22T22:53:00.000-07:00

Zara's illuminated books never cease to inspire and amaze me. She's such an awesome graffiti artist and sees faces and animals in every shape. How can one be angry? Not possible.

My Latest Work In Progress

2010-03-19T13:41:00.000-07:00

My Promise To Thomas O'Brien

2010-03-19T12:30:00.000-07:00

Dear Thomas,

You are an inspiration to many, myself included. I am writing to state that you have set a fine example in styling your own studio apartment and it has been well marked. I promise to carry this lesson in Maximalism on into my own studio space (without biting your style).

Yours truly,

Penelope

My Perfect St. Paddy's Day Dress

2010-03-17T10:58:00.000-07:00

From the talented Oblivion Clothing on Etsy.

Summer Pieces - Work In Progress

2010-03-17T09:34:00.001-07:00

My instinct always brings me to the theatrical side of design and I then edit pieces with my modern eye in an effort to scale back and achieve balance.

I think I'll go with my first instincts with this piece and see if I can spark a new trend.

Happy St. Paddy's Day!

BLOG IT FORWARD What Inspires Me - Heroes, Rebels, Pioneering Souls

2010-03-15T22:39:00.000-07:00

Hello friends and welcome to the 250th installment of the Blog It Forward project initiated by SF Girl By Bay. A thank you to the talented Red Glasses for her gracious introduction. And may I present tomorrow's illustrious torch bearer Rhonna Designs whose post I very much look forward to.

I wish to share the deeper roots of inspiration for me - that is apart from my amazing family, who I blog about all the time.

I'm going back to 1975 to reference my first hero, who at age 3 taught me that one can overcome ANY obstacle whatsoever with style, faith, compassion, discipline & perseverance. Muhammad Ali will for me remain the greatest that ever was & ever will be.

As I view these photos I look over at my uncompleted Ethnoscience report (which is now 6 giant volumes on The Cultural Use of Water) and see that the theme underpinning every image here is Man's relationship with our watery environment. Hmm.

Heroes I Have Loved

Cat Power who loves Pippi Longstocking and her piratous brand of anarchy

Muhammad Ali who needs no introduction but got one anyhow

Sheila Watt Cloutier and The Arctic Climate Impact Assessment who told me that I must be true to my passion in order to make meaningful change in the world

Dr. David Suzuki the reason I love science and became a nerd

Dominick Tyler amazing cultural and environmental photos

Rebel Rebels

Howard Schatz defying all boundaries to find the rarest of beauties - the naked truth

Man Ray whose work is as relevant today tattooed on my back as it was on paper in the 1930s

Mestre Leopoldina who taught me the meaning of Capoeira and Axé, & could literally dance circles around me at 70 years+

Martha for walking tall under all circumstances

Pioneering Souls

Ruth Asawa survivor, innovator, teacher

Heinrich Kley peaceful opponent of the Industrial Revolution

Charles and Ray Eams will NEVER go out of style

Frida Kahlo my first "art hero"

Long Lost Ancestors photo cred just one of the many tribes, clans and families in my tree

City Mouse Country Mouse

2010-03-12T15:28:00.000-08:00

At the Quilchena Wild Horse Roundup at Douglas Lake (Upper Nicola Indian Reserve).

We can officially mark Spring on the calendar by the timing of the round up. I hope its soon because we are ready.

Thank You to Lizards Jewelry For the Love!

2010-03-12T14:57:00.000-08:00

Spring Snow

2010-03-11T10:01:00.000-08:00

Were you looking for breakfast outside my studio door little robbins? I am sorry to send you away hungry - next time please knock at the front door of the Big House. That is where you will find me in the AM.

Art Imitates Life

2010-03-09T18:53:00.000-08:00

My newest piece inspired by genettis and limoncello - two of my favorite Italian indulgences.

Good-Bye Pretty Things!

2010-03-09T18:39:00.000-08:00

Adventures in gift packaging for long distance cross-border order fulfillment.

Mama Paciocco's (not so secret anymore) Genetti Cookie Recipe

2010-03-09T17:49:00.000-08:00

Mrs. Paciocco lived across the street from my grandparents in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Her cooking was stuff of legend and she shared it with the entire neighborhood. Everyone, including my grandparents called her Mama. She contributed wholeheartedly to the raising of all the children, grandchildren and great grandkids within earshot.

This is her own family recipe that she brought with her from Calabria, Italy and passed on to my grandma who gave it to my mother who bequeathed it to me. Please note that proportions used in my demonstration are 1/4 the size of the original recipe.

Ingredients

1/4 cup of sugar (or 1/2 cup to double)

just under 1/2 cup of vegetable oil (or 3/4 cup)

3 eggs (or 6 eggs)

1/2 tablespoon of anisette flavoring (or 1 T)

1 3/4 cups of sifted white flour (or 3 1/2 cups)

3 tablespoons of baking powder (or 6 T) - no, that's not a typo!

half a pinch of salt (or a full pinch to double)

Method

Beat sugar and oil for 2 minutes or so. Incorporate eggs one at a time with a whisk. Be thorough here - you want a light and bubbly yellow mixture when you are done. Add the anisette. Then add salt and dry ingredients mixing lightly. Traditionally you roll little snakes of dough in flour (its a sticky process) and roll the snakes into elaborate knots, but my lovely assistant does not like this process, so balls will do in a pinch for time. Bake on a lined sheet for 5 - 10 minutes at 350 degrees. I make a simple icing of butter, icing sugar, milk, a little bit of red food coloring and heavy on the anisette extract because I can't get enough of the taste.

Some cooks add candied lemon peel to the batter and crushed unsalted pistachios on top after icing. These little gems are meant to be prepared for family celebrations and served with spumoni gelato. Mmm.

DIY 1987 Style: How To Trim Your Own Hair

2010-03-08T16:21:00.001-08:00

Ah...yes...that is me in 1987, growing my first mohawk out into an a-symmetrical bob. This my friends is as cheap and DIY as it gets - my friend Kim Wilson helped me along with the transition with a surgical array of scissors and razors at the vanity in her grandmother's upstairs bathroom. We were both 15 years old.

Later that year I discovered a secret - how to properly dust off your own ends, via Taxi Magazine (I believe). Simply twist a lock of nearly dry hair as tightly as possible (think nervous habit twisting here), grab your good scissors and trim about 1/8 to 1/4 inch of the split ends that you see poking out of your twist. Continue on like this until you are satisfied. and there you have it - the life of your haircut has just been extended by 6 - 8 weeks.

I do this from time to time now because I am about 300 miles from a good hairdresser, but in my youth I did it just because I knew that I could do it myself.

FYI, shortly after this photo was taken (photo credit Matt Riley) I became an emancipated youth - because I knew that I could do it myself. The rest, as they say, is history.

Expensive Lessons In Jewelry Making

2010-03-08T15:53:00.000-08:00

Chandelier making, venetian glass baubles, property management, taxes, business loan applications and tons of kids aren't enough to keep my busy hands occupied so I've been making sterling silver rings on the side.

Slowly goes it with this project because it is expensive as all get out. I would like to share my first lesson with you - never use PMC (Precious Metal Clay) in place of good old solder and flux as it is too porous and brittle.

Not 5 days after I made this little yellow sapphire number to the left, I smashed the stone setting against a staircase in a construction zone...and there it still lies buried in a heap of plaster dust and wood filings. Solder is my new mantra. Solder. Ohm.

The silver and gold carved ring depicted is the work of Oppie Oppenheim. More on that later.

DIY 1953 Styles: Popular Science's How to Make Spanish Rope Sandals

2010-03-07T15:43:00.000-08:00

I have always wanted to make my own shoes...And handbags. And jewelry. I bet I'm not the only one out there with thisdesire. Which is why I bring you Popular Science's DIY plans for Spanish Sandals for Beach or Boat.

Materials Required

approx. 12 feet sturdy 1/2" rope of your choice, i.e. manilla or hemp
strong thread
3" curved upholstery needle
1/4 yard of canvas or other thick material
shoe strings
1 board drilled to take 2" dowel pegs OR fitted with screws/nails (Note: the shoe size is dependent on the spacing of the pegs/nails)

Process

Step 1 Constructing the Sole: Judge the distance of the pegs - about 3" apart is an good average distance to start off with. Place one end of the 6 foot against the heel peg. Loop it around the toe peg, then use a blanket stitch or whip stitch to sew the rope together as you go. Continue winding the rope around the pegs, sewing as you go until you judge your sole to be the proper size. Finish by whipping the end of the rope inside the instep.

Step 2 Constructing the Uppers: Cut 4 heel and 4 toe pieces. Stitch the two of each pattern face to face, leaving the ends open. These will form the double-thickness heel and toe. Turn the sewn pieces right side out.

Step 3 Constructing the Inner Soles: Cut two inner soles by tracing your rope sole on canvas (or just judging the size/shape if you are clever in that sense) about 1/4" larger. Lay the inner soles over the stitched side of the rope soles. For more comfort you can add padding of your choice between inner and outer sole. Turn the 1/4" edge under and pin in place as illustrated, then stitch into place, using a whip stitch.

Step 4 Fitting the Uppers: Place your foot onto the sole and mark the ideal placement of the heel and toe pieces. Turn their ends in and sew to complete.

Step 5 Finishing Up: Add laces or embellishments and voila! You are done. Enjoy your rockin' sweet sandals.

Gin and Buterflies is Pure Magic

2010-03-05T23:49:00.001-08:00

A shop after my own heart - Gin and Butterflies. Are there two more effervescent and ebbuliant terms to set your soul aflutter?

Who amongst us doesn't love a classic greek rose and laurel motif ring in gold or a fantabulous Wonder Woman Amazon cuff n hammered silver? Not you? So you say!

And how does she manage those impossibly perfectly balanced ring photos? Magic? Most likely its Abysinth or sheer VooDun. Shop owner Cheyenne certainly has an entirely scientific explaination I'm sure. Patience. Be sure to ask her about donations to Hatian relief efforts.

Sweet Relief

2010-03-05T23:45:00.001-08:00

Etsy sellers donating to Haiti Relief. A belated thank you to Etsy for including Birch Beeer Boutique!

Looking On The Bright Side

2010-03-04T10:39:00.000-08:00

Lately I've been following The Bright Side Project, an amazing blog that seeks to spread the love in the form of a daily giveaway to those willing to share a little of themselves in return.

Its a simple and painless format - they show you a little ray of sunshine, such as this Fleabag tote, give a bit of a back story and then ask readers to answer a question related to the prize. And voila - you are entered to win said little ray of sunshine. Fun.

The question posted for this extra large flea market shopping bag; "What treasure do you wish was hidden in your home and you wish you found?"

My answer; When my grandmother passed away we discovered that she had a secret compartment to her walk-in closet (no kidding)! She stored her best furs there and a collection of art that she had been working on for years. Imagine, an artist’s entire body of work kept private from everyone – she never told us that she painted. Amazing. I would like to find that kind of passion in any form hidden away in my house.

The Barrel Bag by Morelle

2010-03-03T11:31:00.000-08:00

The Barrel Bag from Morelle absolutely sends me. With a line of bags that includes "Truffle" (mmm...), "Pochette" and "Tulip", Katie and her team of 5 have got an inspiring Etsy success story.

GirlZilla

2010-02-26T13:57:00.000-08:00

Early Morning Rainy Day

2010-02-26T12:35:00.000-08:00

Kids just know how to have fun. Three of my daughters Thea, Zara and Lillith with their favorite toy. Its funny how they all want to be the dragon and I'm always the princess. Alas my noble steed...

Introductions to the Family

2010-02-25T00:58:00.000-08:00

Meet my youngest daughter Lillith Lou and our newest friend, a week-old premie calf belonging to my brother-in-law, Daryle's herd. Daryle and his family are the hardest working cowboys I know (and that is really saying something as all cowboys by nature are).

Lillith is my chief photo stylist and manager. At a year and a half, she's in there like a dirty shirt taking photos along side me and already knows where product photography is at. Lilly manages my time and engagements - when she sees that I've had too much work she directs me outside to play. Looking at this photo, I believe it is possible that she's allergic to cows...

Conservation Needs Illustration

2010-02-22T16:16:00.000-08:00

Meet Phil, short for Phillet O'Trout, the City of Merritt's Water Conservation Program mascot that was alas never meant to be. I created this Rainbow Trout caricature while working as a Water Conservation Officer, otherwise affectionately known as "Water Cop" for the program a few years ago. My City employers felt that the image was too strong for their constituency, especially in consideration of my proposal to use it in connection to the Merritt Country Music Festival's controversial and environmentally damaging Campground C.

Merritt's City Council directed my partner and I to focus the bulk of our efforts on issuing citations to water offenders. Finding that penalties actually made the situation worse (we live in a desert and use more water per capita during summer months than almost any other City in the world) and led me to look a little closer at education and identifying the community's emotional trigger points. Fish and fishing are where its at here and is something that all of Merritt loves and feels supportive of.

So Phil in all of his sketchy glory lives on as a reminder that we are not the only ones who use water that we draw from our taps. Eventually all water particles make their way around the globe via the Hydrologic Cycle.

The Free Thinking Debate

2010-02-16T22:16:00.000-08:00

A "Free Thinking" debate was held over at the Dudecraft website this evening. Guests and administration blogged about the concept of Free Economy or the new Thank You/Pay It Forward Economy that artists are participating in when attempting to promote their art over the Web.
I did briefly participate in the Free Thinking event this evening but had to bow out as duty called - a trip to the grocery store and then supper for 4 kids. For those, like me, who wanted to join in but couldn't, please see the link here for a transcribed replay.

My $0.02 - I believe that a "Pay It Forward Economy is a fantastic model, but is still an economy...therefore giving gifts within the parameters of this model with the expectation of having your favor returned at some point down the line is still marketing. Thoughtful, right business-minded marketing.

The Potlatch model is similar and a remains a beautiful example of sharing for the well-being of your community and redistributing wealth in tough times. The main benefits for the givers in this model (in my understanding) were an opportunity to give gifts of culture and the ability to accrue status. Visit the above link to see the amazing U'mista Cultural Society's website or better yet, visit Alert Bay, BC and the Na'amgis First Nations to see the Potlatch in action on a daily basis. Photo Credit; Edward S. Curtis.

Yelé Donations Update

2010-02-16T21:53:00.000-08:00

Just a little update - With the support of over 40 Etsy patrons, Re:Design Technologies and Birch Beer Boutique have donated $281.79 USD to The Yelé Foundation. Way to go Etsy!

Please visit the Yele Foundation website to see how they are redistributing their donation funds - feeding folks in the hardest hit areas. Yele reports that hurricane season begins June 1st in Haiti.

Wondering why we're working so hard here at Re:Design Technologies to promote the Yelé Foundation? During many years spent dancing with the Ballé Tropicalia Dance Company and other companies in Vancouver, so many members of the Haitian arts community gave me the tools that I needed to advance as an artist. I think that it is fitting to give that help back today. Also, I sometimes make my living outside of Etsy in the field of Emergency mitigation (in a government finance department) and I can see how every tiny bit helps.

So thank you to everyone at Etsy who gave it up for the Yelé Foundation, and Medecins Sans Frontiers, and all of the other relief organizations that are lending a hand.

I Won! I Won! Free IS Good!

2010-02-16T15:46:00.000-08:00

Perhaps the old adage is true; "You must give in order to receive". Look what I got for leaving a nice comment on Erin Hall's Kittybeans Jewelry blog - a set of handmade tile coasters.

Thank you Erin. You rock. Your gift comes at just the right time for me - just when I am thinking about the pro's and con's of putting my work out there for free.

In other news, I hear that congratulations is in order and that Erin Hall expecting a little Kittybean. Best of luck on your most amazing and important creative endeavor! Check her Etsy shop out here.

Recreating the Wheel

2010-02-16T13:17:00.000-08:00

Ever get the feeling you've been recreating the wheel?

Since discovering a well-worn copy of Popular Science's 1953 publication "How to Improve Your House and Grounds", I have been thinking that we (as a society) may be doing just that.

Vintage and antique artifacts possess the awesome power of time travel, transporting us but for a brief moment into the narrative of the past.

In the case of this book of DIY plans from Popular Science, you can catch a glimpse of an amazing time of experimentation and self-reliance.

I love that I am living in a similar period of innovation and self-reliance right now. And talk about environmental stewardship! Just look at the design of that upcycled tire swing in the plans above.

Have we been here before? Are today's cutting edge designers and Do It Yourself-ers sort of reinventing the wheel - or are we building on the ideas of our parents and grandparents? I'm not sure how far we've REALLY progressed since 1953 in terms of industrial design and Doin' It Ourselves...in spite of unlimited access to information. What do you think?

Want more plans? Stay tuned for the next installment of "DIY 1953 Style" for DIY Spanish sandals - and yes, they are stylish. Click here for more plans on this site.

Happy V-Day From The Bottom of My Wooden Heart!

2010-02-14T22:14:00.000-08:00

Pondering the concept of Free on the Internet

2010-02-10T22:47:00.000-08:00

Today has been a day largely spent contemplating the concept of making free proprietary information available to the wider public and where to draw the line when using "Free" as a marketing tool. I stumbled across an Etsy posting on Twitter recommending this article (and pod cast) entitled Free Is Not A Marketing Tool on the Make and Meaning website.

The issue of whether crafters should give their product and/or tutorials and inside information away for free is complex and hotly debated. On one hand, as Sister Diane the post's author, suggests, publishing your insider tips in a genuine manner builds a strong community, consumer confidence, good will and value in the online market place. The cash is bound to follow. On the other hand, skill and time are surely worth some measure of respect for both maker and patron.

I strongly urge a look at the post and a listen to the pod cast. My take home message was that Etsy sellers are flooding the market place with (at times dubious) handmade goods and not offering enough transparency in return. Hmm...Food for thought.

I will in the spirit of "Free" leave you now with a resource that I am learning to love - the 100% free of charge online jewelry making library some 22,000 + entries long of the Ganoskin Project. The helpful folks at Ganoskin make jeweler's tools and do their best to arm potential DIY jewelers out there with resources and support. I came upon their site whilst searching for free flush setting information to better understand and experiment with the process. I came upon this post, the guts of which I am happy to say looks very much like the basic concept of building a forest service road - something I am very familiar with. I cannot wait to try it out. For further info on the Ganskin Project, please visit this link:

Ganoksin - User Help Desk - The Orchid List and Digest

SF Girl By Bay Launches Blog It Forward Today

2010-02-09T12:56:00.000-08:00

Victoria Smith, incredible blogger mastermind that she is, has invited the blogging community to participate in SF Girl By Bay's blogging relay entitled "Blog It Forward - The First Blogger Mash Up".

SF Girl By Bay is not award-winning for nothin' folks. Victoria does perhaps the best job out there - her voice is unique, her vision is clear and cohesive, her eye is sublime and best of all she shares all that talent with us. It is Victoria Smith that conceived the idea and followed through, organizing 40 + bloggers into groups to share what inspires them with the world.

I am excited to note that along with PoppyTalk, Ink On My Fingers and a plethora of other big names, the Blog It Forward Mash Up project will include yours truly, Re:Design Technologies, on March 16, 2010. You can find the full schedule here.

SF Girl By Bay's personal post kicked off the project today with style. Please check out the inspiration behind the mastermind. I am looking forward to a little peek behind the curtain once a day for the next 6 weeks from all of the Blog It Forward participants.

2010-01-28T21:48:00.000-08:00

The fabulous folks at www.cr8tivity.com have just blown my socks off with their amazingly simple and completely necessary Etsy seller tools, designed by Etsy seller Tronahue.

While touring their site today, I took a few of their tools for a spin; shop hearts, view statistics and most impressive, a flyer generator. This baby takes info right off of your Etsy site and arranges images and copy into a preset format.

I do believe that I will put a gallery package together using these sheets, slightly tweaked, with credit to Cr8tivity intact.

By the way, the revolving widget at the top of this blog is also courtesy of Cr8tivity.

More Etsy Relief For Haiti

2010-01-26T21:19:00.000-08:00

Thank you Galit from Slow Lane who introduced me to Handmade For Haiti on Etsy. Check these awesome sellers out!

Etsy, Have I Told You Lately How Much I Love You?

2010-01-26T19:39:00.000-08:00

Oh Etsy how I have loved you over the past years. Ever since I saw that first advertisement in Craft Magazine, Volume 6, February 2008. To be honest, I was in it for the feature article "DeCorrugated" with links to Foldschool's DIY folded cardboard stools.

Sure, it started as an innocent love affair - just a little peek now and then, leading me on to committing my time and inspiration to you. But now - NOW - its for real. Thank you for inspiring a trans-national legion of artists and crafters to get together and help Haiti pick up the pieces right here and now.

Etsy, your Storque blog post today, entitled "Etsy Finds: Our Hearts Go Out to Haiti" is like an answer to my prayers - had I not only a few days ago been musing that I wish we (the Etsy community at large that is) could all give just a little bit more?

Thank you, thank you for stepping up and taking a leading role in inspiring us to lend a hand. And thank you for including me along the way.

The photographs to the left are on sale at RCA 102887's shop and available here. All proceeds go towards hopeforthehungry.org.

Re:Design Technologies' Paper Clip Chandelier Frame Tutorials can be purchased here for $14.40 or $6.50 with 50% proceeds going towards the Yele Foundation.

The Single Minimalist Bare Bulb Pendant Light by the kamlampcompany (one of my favorites) can be purchased at Hearts For Haiti on Etsy with 100% of proceeds donated to Doctor's Without Borders.

Etsy Sellers Unite!

2010-01-22T16:22:00.000-08:00

Through the magic of technology we are all aware of Haiti's recent earthquakes and turmoil. I'm inspired by the level of commitment shown by so many people around the world, including Etsy's handmade community!

Just search "Haiti Relief" at Etsy's main site and watch the donations pop up before your eyes! So many folks are digging deep, just check Craft Hope out - this Etsy shop has so many donations for Haiti (via Medecins Sans Frontiers) that there is a two week waiting list for sellers to donate. Way to spread the love Craft Hope!

Taking a look at the bigger picture, there are about 300,000 Etsy sellers making all kinds of transactions from the miniscule to the major. I think that the handmade community is doing a great job and that we can do even better. I bet that if we try, we can transform the world by donating even 1% of our profits for 1 day. Of course 10% is better. Or 50% or 100% - whatever you can handle.

I have chosen to donate 50% of my Etsy transactions, not including shipping fees, to The Yele Foundation because I believe that Yelé can gather talent and manpower to relieve major logistics issues which are causing bottle necks in aid efforts.

Not sure how to get involved? Start by searching Pay Pal/e-Bay's extensive list of charitable foundations and take it from there. Good luck, and dig as deep as possible wherever you can!

DIY 1953 Style

2010-01-20T17:50:00.000-08:00

In 1953 Popular Mechanics took DIY to the extreme with this publication - from DIY playgrounds to building your own water power plant. Click on the images to view the full sized illustrations. Enjoy!

2010-01-20T17:47:00.000-08:00

2010-01-20T17:40:00.000-08:00

2010-01-20T17:20:00.000-08:00

Happy Spring!

2010-01-19T10:28:00.001-08:00

Its been too long since my last post, but I am back with a new line of bubble jewelry and a an upcoming line of sterling silver and gold rings for Birch Beer Boutique.

Another Birch Beer Resource and a Give Away

2009-11-18T17:24:00.001-08:00

Christmas (Hannukah, Kwanza, Yule and Winter Solstice) is a time to share in traditions old and new, give gifts and share the love. I would like to impart two traditions here and announce a contest give away.

I was a lucky enough monkey growing up to be surrounded by a crafty and loving family who made EVERYTHING from scratch and I am talking some serious scratch here. Carding and spinning your own wool, hunting and growing your own food, making your own wine kind of scratch. My favorite home spun tradition is hands down home brewed birch beer, so I am always on the lookout for new and easier recipes. I have found the ultimate birch beer resource here in a handy little guide that FERIC (Forestry Canada) recommends.

Another beloved family tradition is the hand made ornament. Pomanders, popcorn, ethereal feathery bits and baubles. Check mine out at Birch Beer Boutique Two pair of these reindeer cork ornaments are up for grabs in this month's giveaway. You can enter by following my blog and enter again by Tweeting about this giveaway.

Bleu Nature Beats Us To The Punch!

2009-11-17T14:25:00.000-08:00

My husband Joe and I have been working on a sage and juniper wood product for quite some time no that resembles this amazing design from Bleu Nature in France (via The Contemporist).

They have prepped particle board panels with driftwood circles (or cookies) that you just nail to the wall. Our product differs somewhat in materials (we use "pest" woods that over grow the natural plant community and cause damage in the eco system along with discarded wood backing) and design (a leveled and planed look) but close enough!

Ah well, Bleu Nature has done a great job and we salute them. Bonne chance mes amis.

Anthropologie's Shop the Snow House Rocks

2009-11-17T14:16:00.000-08:00

Anthropologie's Snow House is quite a concept in styling and marketing. I'm unable to look away from this eye candy. Image via Stellar Blondie.

Re:Design Tech is Overjoyed to Join Poppy Talk Handmade!

2009-11-08T14:28:00.000-08:00

I am brimming with enthusiasm to announce that Re:Design Technologies has been accepted to participate in Poppy Talk's Holiday and Gift Market this November.

What an honor to join the ranks of Fold (top left) and Please Be Still (bottom left). Thank you to Jan at Poppy Talk for the spot!

NEW PDF Paper Clip Chandelier Tutorials

2009-11-06T20:50:00.000-08:00

Not for the impatient, my new Paper Clip Chandelier "Master Key" Tutorial outlines all the necessary concepts and steps to construct a paper clip chandelier using my methodology.

This Master Tutorial is priced at $18.00 USD and will be followed by shorter individual tutorials for around $8.00 each.

My shipping fees were getting to be OUTRAGEOUS (costing me $100.00 to $150.00 USD!) and prohibitive, so...a tutorial to share with everyone.

Sneak Peek; RDT's new Christmas Cards

2009-11-05T00:15:00.000-08:00

Miles of Light On Etsy

2009-10-25T14:48:00.001-07:00

2009-10-25T14:44:00.001-07:00

These original prints can be found at Miles of Light photography by Romina Bacci. I love the light and color play. Beautiful work and gorgeous subject matter - nature, kids, food and textile art.

Twenty Years Without Taxi

2009-10-24T23:42:00.000-07:00

In the 80's I loved Taxi Magazine. Looking back, I can honestly say that I've not since been so impressed by a magazine publication as I was with Taxi. Each photo and concept was exceptional, every location was timeless and all fashions were as relevant today as they were back then (which considering the prevalence of shoulder pads and teased hair, is really saying something)

Today I stumbled upon Swan Diamond Rose's Flicker feed, which includes a few photographs of her modeling work for Taxi Magazine. What a great image! This photo could have been shot today. I am still crazy about this dress. Thanks to Swan Diamond Rose for sharing her work with the world.

RDT is Back From KFC!

2009-10-24T23:30:00.001-07:00

Back from my week of training at the Kamloops Fire Centre and ready to resume my own work. I certainly needed this training to shore up my first year of British Columbia Ministry of Forests Wildfire Management Branch Zone Finance training (whew).

To be sure, the Fire Centre gave me a much needed hand, not the other way around. Many thanks to the Kamloops Fire Centre for the help! Now back to stringin' paper clips and painting pretty pictures!

How to Make Birch Beer on EHow

2009-10-15T16:15:00.000-07:00

Good News/Bad News scenario. Good news, I found a birch beer recipe to replace my Grampa's, which I lost. Bad news, I can't make it till the sap runs in the spring. BUT the syrup can be purchased at Birch Boy Syrups in Alaska for $10.00/litre. Better hurry, looks like supplies are dwindling!

Re:Design Technologies Loves Teal and Gold!

2009-10-15T12:40:00.000-07:00

Last week I posted a little welcome to Etsy piece on my favorite BC design team, Teal and Gold. Today I revisited their Etsy shop looking for the re-ply chairs and realized that their bent walnut picnic box is designed to carry wine. Be still my heart...wine in style out for a picnic in the forest...sold! Get yours here .

Why Re:Design Technologies made the Move to Vintage Design

2009-10-15T11:02:00.000-07:00

In the mid-nineties I managed the luxury vintage and antique retail furniture and fashion chain Populuxe, renowned in Vancouver, BC for their well curated collections. I've moved on but never forgotten the lessons learned and the passion behind building those collections.

Digging around junk shops has become an intrinsic part of the design process for me in making the Paper Clip Chandeliers for RDT's Etsy shop and other galleries. I can't help but walk away with the gems along with the beaters that I deconstruct. Please check them out at my new Etsy shop Birch Beer Boutique.

I am so inspired by the shapes and colors of the designs of yore. I'm also inspired by our current trend towards looking back to great eras of invention in design, with pared down silhouettes, strong lines, bold colors and compelling patterns dominating storefronts.

Great design always comes back around in both original form and modernized versions as our society pauses to reflect on our many achievements. What's old becomes new again and again in a constant cycle of rediscovery and reinvention.

What's old is also functional if in good shape, and should by all means occupy a coveted status in our homes. All the more so when consider how much energy and raw resources required to make the simplest of objects commonly used in our homes today. To put things into perspective, the computer you are accessing this article on probably required a total of about 2,000 lbs of raw materials to manufacture and ship, as did mine.

All In The Family

2009-10-15T09:53:00.000-07:00

When I was about 10 my uncle, Chris Bridge, gave me his first polaroid camera. Chris still remembers that polaroid camera fondly and as always, carries that passion for the perfect shot.

His parents, my grandparents, instilled in all of our clan a love of living in nature, which we expresses in various ways. Lately Chris has compiled some of his best nature shots on his website www.northernsplendor.com.

His shots remind me of my grand parents and their unofficial nature conservancy at their home in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario (Canada). They cared for injured wild animals and fed thousands of birds. We had snowy owls, prairie chickens, mice, you name it. One cold, Northern Ontario spring, the Humane Society asked my grandparents to nurse a red fox with a broken paw back to health.

Grandma and Grandpa called him Redd Fox after the comedian and kept him in the greenhouse during the day and the warm rabbit warren at night. Poor little Redd Fox was tempted so sorely every night, but there was no other option for him. He followed my Grampa around all day in the greenhouse after a while, so I guess he forgave us.

Chris' photos seem to me to carry this narrative forward. Good work! Check his work out and keep ypour eyes peeled for the photos of the albino deer. Beautiful.

The Gift

2009-10-14T14:57:00.000-07:00

I've been working on the shed deer antler chandelier project for some time now, which is developing quite nicely due to an incredible act of fate.

I had hit the wall as it were last night when I realized that I needed one more antler to complete the design. So off to bed late feeling that I was so close!

This morning when my husband stepped outside for work, he found the shed antler in the second picture lying on the front lawn. There are canid markings on the tips (see foreground), so we are thinking that a stray dog or coyote left it behind.

Coincidence? I think not...LOL

Etsy Love

2009-10-14T14:38:00.000-07:00

ReDesign Technologies On Etsy

2009-10-14T14:35:00.001-07:00

Birch Beer Boutique on Etsy

2009-10-14T14:29:00.000-07:00

2009-10-14T09:57:00.000-07:00

Teal And Gold

2009-10-11T11:59:00.000-07:00

I am excited to announce that one of my favorite BC design teams is selling on Etsy. Teal and Gold have some major skills which can be seen here on Design*Sponge's Meet the Maker posting. Great work guys! Just one question, how can I get one of your re-ply chairs?

Re:Design Technologies is Back!

2009-10-11T11:45:00.000-07:00

ReDesign Technologies is back and ready to announce a few changes. I have opened a new Etsy store front today, Birch Beer Boutique, for vintage pieces and works of art unrelated to the Paper Clip Chandelier Line.

In other news, I am trying Big Cartel on for size and my RDT storefront is up and running!

Thanks to the folks at Etsy's Design Style Guide Team for welcoming me onboard! You can find my DSG storefront here. Cheers! P.

Sushipot on Etsy

2009-08-18T23:44:00.000-07:00

Assemblage by Suzanna Scott, A.K.A. sushipot on Etsy, strikes a balance between several contrasting elements and appeals to both the eye and pocketbook. Suzanna uses a surprising range of materials to showcase vintage and antique print art collage to wear and display. Find it here.

ButterflySenses Jewelry on Etsy

2009-07-28T22:19:00.000-07:00

Got 11 bucks (USD)? These two necklaces could be yours, including shipping and the best customer service this side of...well, anywhere. Yus, ButterflySenses Etsy Shop owner, is hosting a special buy two get one free offer and please give me one reason to resist making a purchase? Second to none customer service? Check! Beautiful product? Check! No butterflies were harmed in the making of these clever pieces? Cheeyeck.

Before and After Paper Clip Upcycle Makeover

2009-07-27T17:40:00.000-07:00

"Helianthus" Upcycled Paper Clip Pendant Light on Etsy

Tangled Paper Clips Before the Upcycle

Upcoming Projects

2009-07-20T17:18:00.000-07:00

My husband Joe and I are hoping to be granted a Free Use Permit from the British Columbia Ministry of Forests to clean up some of the logging site waste wood not too far from our home in Merritt, BC. The wood is located in a traditional site where Joe and his family harvest foods and medicines every year. Ideally, we would like to clean as much as possible before the site is burned - great for the soil and new growth, but what a waste!