Carga Bags

I’m always excited when I find products such as these Carga bags that emulate a philosophy of simplicity, good design, practicality but have well thought out edge to the products you regularly experience. The collection is based on the desire to use construction techniques in unexpected ways.

The nature of the materials along with the individually numbered disc emphasize the unique character of each bag.

Not available here but you can check out the website.

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Enrich at the College of Fine Arts, Sydney

Enrich is a dynamic and innovative initiative from the College of Fine Arts (UNSW) designed to address the needs and interests of public, professionals, and corporate bodies nationally and internationally, primarily in the area of arts education. The Enrich concept extends beyond the traditional university environment into community and industry sectors offering a suite of relevant and contemporary online courses.

The Courses for 2007 include

* Creative Thinking Processes
* The Language of Interactivity
* Graphics & Contemporary Society
* Textiles: Tradition & Contemporary Technology
* Cross Cultural Sculpture
* Fashion 1980 - Now
* Visual Identity in the Built Environment
* Print Advertising for a World Market
* Draw Your World
* Contemporary Aesthetics in Digital Architecture
* Society Through the Lens
* Unraveling Urban Design
* Creative Character Design

Via Design Encyclopedia

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Sublime design by Bethan Laura Wood

Recently featured on the web were designs by Bethan Laura Wood. Not only is her work thoughtful and aesthetically beautiful but her ideas are well worth noting. She has developed a quiet understated(ness) that stands out from the rest.

For example:

Stain
is a set of a teacups designed to improve through use. This project examines the assumption that use is damaging to a product (For example, scratches on an iPod).

The interior surface of the cup is treated so as to stain more in predetermined places. The more the cups are used, the more the pattern is revealed. Over time they will build up an individual pattern dependent on the users personal way of drinking tea.

I love these, I hope you do too.

While you’re there have a look at Umbrella - also a simple idea but excellent execution.

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Dumbo feather, pass it on

I had the opportunity to view this beautifully designed magazine/book (’mook’) at the Designer’s Market held at the Powerhouse Museum on Friday night. In each issue of Dumbo feather features 5 creative individuals to tell their stories. Described as a ‘mook’ it’s produced quarterly and is printed on 100% recycled paper using soy-based inks.

Each person’s passion is unique whether it’s baking the best 100% natural sourdough bread in the world, producing fabulous fashion in remote Northern Pakistan, writing poetry, making music, fighting for human rights, finding a cure for malaria, painting, choreographing, exploring, wine making, film making…

Visit their site for more information and to subscribe.

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Pet Hypothesis

Still thinking in terms of what would make a good gift I came across Pet Hypothesis on the web via Cool Hunting

Each piece is personally made by Chelsa Robinson ex product manager for ReadyMade DIY magazine from recycled materials.

Pet Hypothesis is an ongoing experiment in the pursuit of quality, intergrity, originality and sustainabilty. Recycling , preservation and effiencincy are eassentual components in the deesigner’s vision. Keeping materials out of the waste cycle is part and parcel of her design phillosophy.

$5 from the sale of each pair of errings inthe Gravity Max Collection will be donated to Conservation International.

Each piece in the Gravity Max Collection is handcrafted by the designer in limited editions of 11 and incoorporate recycled billboard vyn;, stitch styles and stirling silver chain.

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Gift Ideas

Of course we’re all well aware of what time of year this whether we’re in the northern or southern hemisphere there are tell tale signs everywhere we go. Retail has gone into a frenzy but we have no idea what to buy that special someone who appreciates good design.

Well here are some suggestions from my friends at Up To You

Memory rings                                    Antler coat hanger

Colourful shopping tote                   Themed button sets

Water resistant wallet and hangers insired by the garden shed design

Coulur speaks volumes                   Achieve the perfect size!

Silicon vases and Magnetic Choker that transforms into a bracelet without fastenings

All these and more are available from their on-line shop

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Festive season Young Blood Market at the Powerhouse Museum

I’ve just come home from the young blood market with some shots of the action. Represented were a diverse array of designers including Zaishu, Bamboochutney, Yoshi Jones, People Like Us, Smug, and Akina to name a few.

Here are some shots I took of some of the objects available on the night. The market is also open tomorrow (Saturday) so get out there and support Australian talent.  There is a great deal of vigour and idealism so lets keep it alive and promote creativity and supporters of creative ventures like the Powerhouse Museum.  Let me add Tina Harrod was supurb as always.  She has a divine voice and can sing the blues and funk like no other.

For more images go to my Picasa Album