Destination: Inspiration
Apologies for going MIA for a few weeks, but I've been focused on going back to school. I've been thinking about it for awhile now, but there are so many things I'm interested in, I've been unable to make a decision. So I just sort of didn't make one at all because that seemed easier. But things need to change, so I'm trying to figure it out. There's a Media Studies program that sounds promising on a personal level, but I don't know how practical it would be in the long term, as far as job prospects go. Some sociology classes might be nice too. Then there's graphic design, which probably offers better options for employment since the field is always growing, but there are a lot of places offering it and I don't know which is best. Public vs. private schools? 2 year vs. 4 year diploma? It's all so confusing, and I can't really afford to make a mistake. Oh, and did I mention that the deadline for applications for one of the schools I'm considering is the end of the month? So, somehow I have to decide what I want to do within the next few days, or wait until next year. And at the same time, I'm still also trying to find work, and my uncertain future isn't helping there. Plus, if I get told one more time that I just don't have enough experience, I'm going to punch someone. So, there's a lot going on and I'm pretty stressed out at the moment.
But one thing that's helping is that I stumbled across a bunch of design blogs and DIY sites that really inspired me, so I'm going to share some of them with you.
*Double Takes - Recommendations of all kinds here and lots to like. For example, this cupcake illustration is just too cute. Tons of links too.
* Wall organizers made from old record covers via Paper N Stitch. This is a really easy and stylish way of organizing notes, especially if you don't have a lot of work space. It's so simple that it's one of those "Why didn't I think of that?" ideas. So, I tried it myself. If you don't have any records, just go to a thrift store, find an old cover with some cool vintage artwork that you like, then put your papers inside and stick it on the wall with some putty, double sided tape or, as used in this post, foam mounting squares. As for what to do with the record inside the sleeve, lots of people are upcycling those into new uses. There are painted records, bags made out of vinyl, vinyl jewelry, clocks, and that's just for starters. Seriously, there are so many things on Etsy! I had no idea. Though, this is particularly fun and functional.
* If you're like me, you probably have some old Lego lying around and are wondering if it has another use besides playing with it. Well, how about making a USB flash drive? You just cut a hole in two pieces of Lego, place the drive in the middle, then glue it together. It seems fairly easy to do, so I might give it a try. Bonus for having has major geek points!
* Or, maybe you'd prefer to make a
Lego router" instead?
* I've been thinking of getting a new keyboard, and this one has to be the coolest one I've ever seen. It lights up in all these different colours. You can make every key a different colour, or set up different colours for different functions. It's like a fireworks show at your fingertips! Watch the video of it in action at Think Geek.
* Recycle This - great ideas for reusing, recycling and fixing items. (Although, some of it is going a little too far, even for me. Recycling blood? Eww. That is just nasty.)
* Swaptree is this amazing site where you trade items for free. Let's say there's a book you want to get rid of. You add it it your list, and it will show you everything that you can trade for that item. If there is something you want, it will notify you if that item becomes available. The person you're trading with can decide to accept or deny your request if they like what you have. What's awesome about it is you no longer need to pay for expensive textbooks, movies you're only going to watch once, or the latest bestseller. The only thing you pay for is postage. Then if you don't want it later, just put it back up on the site and send it to someone else. I wish I could test this out, but unfortunately the service is only available in the States for now. So one of you guys have to try this and tell me how it goes!
* Republic Bikes makes custom made bikes to your specifications. It's a good concept, but there aren't enough colours available, and the ones they do have are unusual. You can't get a red frame, for example, but there is pink and bright orange, if for some reason you'd want that. I don't think I've ever seen a bright orange bike. Maybe that's the point?
* Speaking of bikes, remember that cute bike I was talking about last year? Well, the design on that bike was made by Alexander Girard, who was an influential textile designer and architect in the 50s and 60s. You may have heard of the famous Eames chair? Well, he designed the fabric for those, as well as many other things. His use of bright colours and simple shapes is so cheerful and whimsical. A lot of it is quite folk art inspired, with a retro cuteness that I just love. He and his wife travelled all over collecting pieces. In fact, he amassed the largest collection of folk art in the world before his death in 1993, and it's all viewable at the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe, along with his own work. So if anyone is ever around there, you should really check it out. It looks like a lot of fun. I will certainly be collecting every bit of Alexander Girard's designs that I can afford, and I'm in luck, because in the last few years, several companies have revived his designs. Among them:
- Urban Outfitters has a line of pillows and wall hangings
-House Industries sells fonts, a book, toys and other classy stuff. The rest of the site is worth a look too.
-Built NY sells a line of stylish bags and laptop cases, which are, again, not available in Canada. :( A review of the bag in use is here.
-FLOR makes "carpet tiles" that you can move around and mix and match to make the space as large or small as you need. It's a good alternative to regular carpeting or a traditional rug. They're made in the US and eco-friendly. They're made out of recycled fibres, and they also have a recycling program to take back your old squares, which will then be made into new ones.
-Then, of course, there is the line of bikes from Electra (see the "Amsterdam" model). I still really want one, although apparently they're pretty heavy to ride. But who cares? It's art!
What drew me to finding out about Alexander Girard was (I think) a post on Book By Its Cover, a blog reviewing art and design books. I love pretty books, so I love this site. I spent hours on it and still hadn't read most of what there was to see. But now I have a whole queue of new books to look out for, so, yay!
* Hipster Puppies! Dogs + hipster irony = love.
The things people come up with! It amazes me. Now I think I need to get a delicious account to store all this stuff because my bookmarks are getting seriously jumbled... Anyone have one? Or if you have any cool links you'd like to share, or education related advice, feel free to do so in the comments. :)
But one thing that's helping is that I stumbled across a bunch of design blogs and DIY sites that really inspired me, so I'm going to share some of them with you.
*Double Takes - Recommendations of all kinds here and lots to like. For example, this cupcake illustration is just too cute. Tons of links too.
* Wall organizers made from old record covers via Paper N Stitch. This is a really easy and stylish way of organizing notes, especially if you don't have a lot of work space. It's so simple that it's one of those "Why didn't I think of that?" ideas. So, I tried it myself. If you don't have any records, just go to a thrift store, find an old cover with some cool vintage artwork that you like, then put your papers inside and stick it on the wall with some putty, double sided tape or, as used in this post, foam mounting squares. As for what to do with the record inside the sleeve, lots of people are upcycling those into new uses. There are painted records, bags made out of vinyl, vinyl jewelry, clocks, and that's just for starters. Seriously, there are so many things on Etsy! I had no idea. Though, this is particularly fun and functional.
* If you're like me, you probably have some old Lego lying around and are wondering if it has another use besides playing with it. Well, how about making a USB flash drive? You just cut a hole in two pieces of Lego, place the drive in the middle, then glue it together. It seems fairly easy to do, so I might give it a try. Bonus for having has major geek points!
* Or, maybe you'd prefer to make a
Lego router" instead?
* I've been thinking of getting a new keyboard, and this one has to be the coolest one I've ever seen. It lights up in all these different colours. You can make every key a different colour, or set up different colours for different functions. It's like a fireworks show at your fingertips! Watch the video of it in action at Think Geek.
* Recycle This - great ideas for reusing, recycling and fixing items. (Although, some of it is going a little too far, even for me. Recycling blood? Eww. That is just nasty.)
* Swaptree is this amazing site where you trade items for free. Let's say there's a book you want to get rid of. You add it it your list, and it will show you everything that you can trade for that item. If there is something you want, it will notify you if that item becomes available. The person you're trading with can decide to accept or deny your request if they like what you have. What's awesome about it is you no longer need to pay for expensive textbooks, movies you're only going to watch once, or the latest bestseller. The only thing you pay for is postage. Then if you don't want it later, just put it back up on the site and send it to someone else. I wish I could test this out, but unfortunately the service is only available in the States for now. So one of you guys have to try this and tell me how it goes!
* Republic Bikes makes custom made bikes to your specifications. It's a good concept, but there aren't enough colours available, and the ones they do have are unusual. You can't get a red frame, for example, but there is pink and bright orange, if for some reason you'd want that. I don't think I've ever seen a bright orange bike. Maybe that's the point?
* Speaking of bikes, remember that cute bike I was talking about last year? Well, the design on that bike was made by Alexander Girard, who was an influential textile designer and architect in the 50s and 60s. You may have heard of the famous Eames chair? Well, he designed the fabric for those, as well as many other things. His use of bright colours and simple shapes is so cheerful and whimsical. A lot of it is quite folk art inspired, with a retro cuteness that I just love. He and his wife travelled all over collecting pieces. In fact, he amassed the largest collection of folk art in the world before his death in 1993, and it's all viewable at the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe, along with his own work. So if anyone is ever around there, you should really check it out. It looks like a lot of fun. I will certainly be collecting every bit of Alexander Girard's designs that I can afford, and I'm in luck, because in the last few years, several companies have revived his designs. Among them:
- Urban Outfitters has a line of pillows and wall hangings
-House Industries sells fonts, a book, toys and other classy stuff. The rest of the site is worth a look too.
-Built NY sells a line of stylish bags and laptop cases, which are, again, not available in Canada. :( A review of the bag in use is here.
-FLOR makes "carpet tiles" that you can move around and mix and match to make the space as large or small as you need. It's a good alternative to regular carpeting or a traditional rug. They're made in the US and eco-friendly. They're made out of recycled fibres, and they also have a recycling program to take back your old squares, which will then be made into new ones.
-Then, of course, there is the line of bikes from Electra (see the "Amsterdam" model). I still really want one, although apparently they're pretty heavy to ride. But who cares? It's art!
What drew me to finding out about Alexander Girard was (I think) a post on Book By Its Cover, a blog reviewing art and design books. I love pretty books, so I love this site. I spent hours on it and still hadn't read most of what there was to see. But now I have a whole queue of new books to look out for, so, yay!
* Hipster Puppies! Dogs + hipster irony = love.
The things people come up with! It amazes me. Now I think I need to get a delicious account to store all this stuff because my bookmarks are getting seriously jumbled... Anyone have one? Or if you have any cool links you'd like to share, or education related advice, feel free to do so in the comments. :)