Featured in Upcycle! Book

Just got hold of a copy of this fab new book called ‘Upcycle!’ It’s all about innovative designs that contain an element of upcycling or re-use of materials. We’re pleased to report that Steve’s Pencil Basket is featured. It’s a fruit bowl, consisting of a wooden disk on little feet, with precisely cut slots ’round the edge, just big enough to stick a row of pencils in. The pencils then interlink to form the walls of the basket and contain the fruit, (and it’s surprising just how much you can keep in it.)

The Pencil Basket is in good company, as the book is full of lots of really clever designs that make you think about objects and materials in new ways. Personally, I’ve got a bit of a thing about rugs at the moment, and was particularly taken with these two rug designs:

This one is by Atelier Remy & Veenhuizen and is called The Accidental Carpet. It’s made of strips of woolen blankets glued together and stuck to a backing. The design is variable, and refers to the pattern of a human brain.

A teddy bear called Pepe inspired Agustina Woodgate’s Animal Skin Rug which is made from deconstructed pre-loved toys. The designs are wonderful kaleidoscopic ‘daubs’ of bear.

I’ve also got to mention these most attractive ‘Bow Bins’ baskets by Cordula Kehrer. The contrast between the colourful, synthetic vessels and natural materials is fascinating, and the results look very sculptural.

But that’s not all! There’s silver birch log speakers, antique candlesticks set into simple wooden boxes, shoe heels made from abstract collages of furniture fragments, and, and….

A good book of international, contemporary design. Upcycling with a light touch.
jen

Upcycle! by Ginko Press (2012)
ISBN 978-1-58423-468-5

 

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