Category Archives: reviews

creating business from Kornflake

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Recycling and reusing can come in many forms, from the obvious to the subtle and every shade in between. On our travels finding lovely things for our clients, we often find stuff that might not be what we were looking for but gets filed in the ‘this is pretty great’ folder of inspirational stuff.

Many of you will also know that we have a bit of a passion for letterpress styled prints – so much so that we have our own monthly eco print subscription service for fellow adorers – www.ecopickprints.co.uk , where we release one special A-Z print each month on a seasonal subject.

Putting these two features together – eco and letterpress – in another way is the truly fantastic Kornflake – an Urban Cottage Industry business where old cereal packets are rescued, cut and after a letterpress treatment, are turned into wonderful greetings cards and business cards.

We think they are lovely and really creative – imagine giving people a business card and seeing their expression when they realise it used to be an actual cornflake packet?

Brilliant.

It is the detail, honesty and that ‘ooh, nice’ effect that all business cards should have.

So – check out Kornflake for your next batch of business cards or greetings cards – recycling and a traditional craft with great design thrown in too. What’s not to like?

(image via Kornflake)

the world’s smallest smoke alarm

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Installing a smoke alarm into your home is one of those things that a lot of us mean to do, but don’t get around to actually doing. Or we have a smoke alarm and have taken the battery out as we burnt the toast one morning. And the battery never got put back in.

If we are completely honest, smoke alarms are not very attractive either – we know they are there to save lives, but many people are put off by the large white box and large red button they have to put on each floor of their house.

But now an alternative is available from diy superstore B&Q – the Atom – the world’s smallest smoke alarm.

Measuring a tiny 50mm across with an award winning design, the Atom has an optical sensor to distinguish between cooking fumes and actual fire smoke and a piercing 90 decibel alarm to warm you if something is indeed wrong.

Plus, with a 5 year battery already installed, these smoke alarms can be fitted in minutes and forgotten about for quite a long time.

So – unobtrusive, relatively attractive, easy to fit, clever sensors and could just save you and your loved ones lives. A bargain at £19.99.

(images via B&Q)

recycling wood is good

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We are very lucky in Brighton as we have a wealth of brilliant, ethically minded and sustainably based businesses. With everything from local food to recycled goods, we have someone who can help.

Last week we were on the look out for something to create an interesting mirror out of for a current interior design scheme in Brighton, so we headed to the wonderful Brighton and Hove Wood Recycling Store in Circus Street – slap bang in the middle of the city.

If you do not know of this place you really are missing a trick. The project is a social enterprise, with all profits going back into the project, which takes in all pieces of scrap timber for reuse or resale.

We have got all sorts of pieces for all sorts of projects from these guys – from scaffold boards which we used to clad a cabinet, pieces of the old Palace Pier deck which we used as mounting blocks for small reclaimed sections of the West Pier and even a section of banister rail which we used, erm, as a banister rail.

And our journey last week proved fruitful also, as we sourced an original 1940′s door for a restoration project and a bespoke table made of old sea groynes for a courtyard project (which is one of many items which are made on site by the team and are available to purchase too)

But the mirror? Yep – sitting in the bargain £1 box we found two very old frames with original diamond leaded glass and window stays. A bit of tlc and they will look amazing.

So – for all your timber needs – especially those which are a bit odd or specialist – visit the Wood Store. You will be helping a great cause and will probably get a bargain to boot.

an example of illuminating upcycling

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Today I heading up to the University of Sussex to give a lecture to the Product Designers about the principles of upcycling and eco design, so with this floating around my headspace I thought I would dedicate today’s post to a company we think have really nailed the concept.

Evil Robot Designs not only have a brilliant name (and associated logo), they produce some really innovative and beautiful lamps completely from odds and ends which would otherwise become landfill fodder.

Each piece, as is often the way with upcycling design, is completely unique – made from an eclectic collection of toys which are artfully mounded up at the base of each lamp and unified with one single colour.

Look carefully and you will see a Mr Incredible holding up a London bus beside a Star Wars Watto (who, aptly is the junkyard owner in Episode One), or a whole raft of super heroes. Each lamp in their four strong collection has a distinct theme and a very distinct gloss colour finish with a complimentary shade.

Plus, if you want to immortalise your own worn, faded and forgotten collection of toys, you can commission them to produce your very own lamp in a colour of your choice.

We love them.

(images from Evil Robot Designs)

retro inspired logpile wallpaper

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Thursday already on our Wallpaper Week, and today’s offering has a great smattering of great colours, retro inspiration and graphic prints.

Roddy and Ginger produce a whole range of hand printed pieces in the UK, all of which have a vintage vibe and a mostly natural theme.

We absolutely love this Logpile wallpaper, which comes in three naturally based colourways. Shown here is the pale and interesting Silver Birch, but blue based Woodsmoke and earthy Moss Yellow versions are also available.

Plus, at only £52 per 10m roll, we think this traditionally printed wallpaper is an absolute steal and would be perfect for a modern retro interior design.

bring out your macabre side with PaperBoy

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As you probably are aware by now, we tend to have a bit of a liking for all things slightly obscure and unexpected. For us, the unexpected twist is what brings delight to a design, and this is one reason why we absolutely adore the wallpapers from PaperBoy.

Day three of our wallpaper week, and our Wednesday selection is a true stunner.

‘Animal Magic’ from PaperBoy is shown here in grey and black, and features a range of silhouetted animals with a surprise. What initially looks like a flat, block of black is transformed as you move to reveal the skeleton of the animal – overprinted in gloss.

It is a really simple, yet clever piece of design which we think appeals to all ages. It also comes in a blue and a green version and is complimented by a range of matching fabrics.

The FSC registered paper is made to order in a small wallpaper factory in Norfolk, so allow up to two weeks for delivery, and a 10m roll will set you back £120, but we really think it is worth it.

Bring out your macabre side.

recycled wallpaper – with a twist.

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Wallpaper has been enjoying a resurgence in interest of late, with large bold prints being used in both commercial and private interiors more frequently in recent years. After all, wallpaper is a great way to get instant patternation into a space, comes in a variety of colours, prints and finishes and is easy to install.

But as much as we like wallpaper, we like it when something is used with a twist.

We spotted this DIY Recycled Wallpaper at Inhabitat this week, and we think it is a truly brilliant idea. The brainchild of Dutch designer, Inke Heiland, the recycled kits are made from vintage wallpapers which have been cut into wildlife based silhouettes of everything from crocodiles to little birds. Packed up with wallpaper adhesive and a brush they are ready to be positioned on your wall.

Buy the kits from Inke’s workshop here. 

best picks from the eco sales – the Owl Wireless Electricity Monitor

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Start the New Year in the best possible way, with a resolution to reduce the amount of energy you use. And one of the best ways to keep an eye on things is to use a gadget – like this Owl Wireless Electricity Monitor.

This brilliant little tool gives you up to the second information on the amount of energy you are using – both in power terms and in cost, so you can always see what is draining your meter and pocket. It really is a habit changer.

No longer will you leave appliances on standby, lights on in rooms which are uninhabited or boil a kettle which is overfilled. You literally see the pennies dripping away.

Well worth the £32.95 (reduction of 8%) at the Ethical Superstore.

perfect eco gifts for a sustainable Christmas part 1…

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There are loads of lovely, sustainable, green and eco gifts around this Christmas, so we will be doing a few posts showcasing our favourite over the next couple of weeks. Gifts for him, her, the pet, home, garden and the kids.

Today, here are a few beautiful eco gifts for the lady in your life:

First up, this beautiful soap set from EcoCentric. Featuring a soap and a vintage plate, the set comes in four different scents – rose, vanilla, lavender, and our favourite – fig.

Of course, the vintage plate will vary, which we like as it adds an element of surprise!

A snip at only £9.14

 

I have recently joined the throng of iphone users, so the next item is very much on my own Christmas list – a recycled plastic iphone case.

Plus, as well as being precision moulded in recycled plastic it is impregnated with silver ions to reduce the amount of bacteria on the surface. A healthy and eco gift.

Get yours at Nigel’s Eco Store for £20.38

 

I have to confess – this is something I actually have (in red) – I love it so much I am sure the lady in your life will too.

The stunning Orbit bracelet is made from recycled aluminium and silicone string, and is laced in such as way that the whole thing appears to ‘float’ around your wrist when you are wearing it.

Available in two thicknesses and loads of colours – from £19.39

Chocolate always goes down nicely, but please make sure it is the nicest and most ethical chocolate you can possibly afford. Our studio favourite is the wonderful (and local to us in Brighton), Montezuma’s: ethical, organic, unusual flavours and just delicious. From bars to truffles, drops to dollops – you will find something here.

Our favourites? Lime and Chilli, Nutmeg, and Geranium please. Pretty please.

Perfume is always a great gift for a lady, but the fragrance counter is jam packed with additives and chemical nasties. Look a bit harder though, and you can get a lovely, ethical and natural scent that is a great everyday wear.

Our favourite is Stella Sheer by Stella McCartney – a sharp blend of rose, lemon and green apple, with the main ingredient – roses – being organically grown for the fragrance.

Available nationwide from £38 for 100ml.

 

Another favourite for female Christmas presents is lingerie, and beautiful eco pieces can now be readily found. From organic cotton to bamboo, there is a huge range of materials available.

For something really special, how about this stunning camisole from The Natural Store?

Handmade to order in the UK in a gorgeous 100% organic silk satin, you will definitely win brownie points with this one.

And – now only £40.60.

 

Lastly, a gift for the practical female. Not everyone wants fluff and frills, so this gift is a nod to someone who likes to get around by her own steam.

The Swallow light set comprises of a wind up LED torch, mobile phone charger and bike lights, with one minutes winding converting to a full 60 mins flashing to get her home safely and sustainably and for around £20.

So, a few ideas for the ladies – ethical, recycled, sustainable, beautiful and we are sure, greatly appreciated eco gifts for Christmas.

the designer seat with a twist

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Stuck for a Christmas present for the designer that has everything?

How about this quirky Munken Cube paper and oak stool by Juno Hamburg for E15?

They would never be without a scrap of paper to jot down that sudden genius idea again as the seat is made from a generous 2200 sheets – now that is a lot of sketches.

Want one? Stump up 680 sheets and wait 5 weeks and it’s yours – order it at the brilliant Viaduct.

(image via Viaduct)