Artist Gary Schott utilizes his skills as a Metalsmith to create playful and beautiful mechanized objects. It is fun to see the simple made complex or the complex simplified in an artful way. Take a look for a quick smile!

This beautiful and poignant 9 minute film documents the passion and struggles of two small businesses in Los Angeles. Aardvark Letterpress and McManus & Morgan Paper are the last of their kind in a world forgetting about their craft. It is a powerful reminder to appreciate the history, skill and enthusiasm people have for their work. The film was Produced by Ben Proudfoot.

I am not sure why, but I love furniture design. Maybe it’s because furniture is a focal-point accessory that you physically engage with. Maybe it is because I am constantly searching for something more inspiring then an over-stuffed Lazy-Boy I can relax in after a long day without the embarrassment of having a monstrosity in the Family Room. Whatever the case, take a look at some of the below efforts to ‘re-think’ the art of sitting. Click on the images to enlarge.

The Cube Pavilion
Made from various sizes of PVC pipe, this fulfills my wildest pipe dream…

And for those dying to sit down and take a load off, how about the Coffin Couch? These are, believe it or not, recycled? coffins turned into high-end seating.

How about a chair made from old computer parts? From BRC Designs, this electrifying design really flips my switch.

And for those who need a little help with their numbers, letters…and primary colors, we present the ABC123 chair! (another from BRC Designs- I need to contact these guys and see if they can make me a lounge chair from left over pizza boxes and a few empty beer bottles)

Wow! 210 hours of talent in this video of an artist creating a drawing using only quick taps from ONE pen. He uses one of the pens I listed as my favorite in this video. Inspiring… and humbling with his patience and vision.
Source: Miguel Endara

During the weekly parties (well, maybe now and then) we hold at our house, people always ask about the plywood flooring. We have used plywood on several projects with great results. It is inexpensive and comes in a variety of species. We installed it ourselves and so can you! Here is a quick video of how we did it in our home.

Not finding economical (and cool) bedside table lamps, I decided to build my own. I used miscellaneous pieces of aluminum angle, steel, brass/steel rods and my favorite -a truss plate, to make the basic fixture. I then picked up some electrical components including a 15 watt bulb and that’s it! Click on the images to enlarge.

Could you live (and be happy) in a 78 square foot apartment? This young architect is and is an inspiration with his attitude. Makes me thankful for all I have and reminds me to enjoy the journey.
Source: Fair Companies

There is nothing to building a basic fiberglass chair…right? That’s what I thought until I watched this video of how it was done. There has always been an appreciation and nostalgia for Eames furniture. This video reinforces that. Let me know what you think.
Source: I like architecture

Fibonacci Sequence, Golden Mean and Nature. Basic, complex and beautiful.
Source: FibonacciNumbers0112 and Chris Fenwick

For ‘Photography Friday’, I found this cool video on Film Maker IQ and wanted to show it here. This was to mark the opening of a shoe store, believe it or not, in Sao Paulo, Brazil. It took 25 animators over 5 months to create this video and 350,000 Post-it Notes. 30,000 people wrote messages on the Post-its. Fun!

This inspiring structure built in China has a sculptural quality but with its white color, it allows the people to be the real focus. The siting and lobbies are beautiful but the true gem is the auditorium. Take a look!
More images at: The Guardian UK
Source: I Like Architecture

Everyone can be creative. You probably already are and don’t know it! This is a great little video about ‘What may seem obvious to you, may be amazing to others’. Don’t be afraid to express, to collaborate, and test out your ideas. You may be surprised at what develops!

Source: Nice