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Tuesday
02Mar2010

Where do the everlasting gobstoppers come out?

Nick's latest design:  not a piece of architecture or a piece of furniture, or at least not the kind of furniture most people are used to.  This intricate drying system arrived at our neighbors' printshop, D&L Screenprinting, in less than perfect working order, and Nick took on the task of diagnosing and treating it.  Basically, it is a giant warehouse-sized mechanical centipede that scoops up prints as they leave the press, allowing them to air dry as they moved down the room to a catching station at the other end.  It's called a wicket dryer.  Here's a little movie that shows the hand-off between the press and the dryer/centipede.

The system of wheels and belts pictured below are part of the new apparatus Nick designed to bridge between the two pieces of equipment.  Although it was a long time coming, we are all really excited to see the dryer up and running, producing more of D&L's incredible posters.  Better living through repurposed arcane technology! 

 

Wednesday
24Feb2010

Dao Jewelry Adds a New Positivity Necklace

Thanks to an inspiring customer named Gary, Danielle headed back to the jewelry bench to create a Positivity Project Necklace sized for a man.  These charms represent the positive change we can bring to the world, a simple matter of adding something good. Each necklace includes a pair of handmade plus sign charms with a brushed finish, strung on a sterling silver ball chain. Slightly larger than the original design, the new Men's Positivity Necklace shares the same uplifting message on a more masculine scale: a 24-inch long chain and charms that measure approximately 24 mm.  (The women’s necklace features an 18-inch long chain and charms that measure approximately 20 mm.) 

ABOUT THE POSITIVITY PROJECT
We want to encourage you to think positive! We hope this special collection of handmade jewelry and accessories, embellished with plus signs, will remind the wearer to share a positive attitude with everyone around them.

THE POSITIVITY PROJECT SUPPORTS NEST
The Positivity Project donates 5% of the retail price of each piece to Nest, a non-profit organization that supports women artists and artisans in developing countries, helping them build their own entrepreneurial businesses. Visit Nest!

Monday
15Feb2010

Curry & Soot

I love the color combination we just printed for a client -- turmeric laced curry and sooty gray.  This yardage is on its way to becoming a set of pendant lampshades, built by our friend Dawn at LiT.  I think they are destined for a dining room.

I think the texture of this linen is quite beautiful.  I can imagine lots of home dec applications for it, not just lighting -- upholstery, pillows and bedding, or curtains. 

Wednesday
10Feb2010

For Love or Jewelry

This is the season when a girl's fancy turns to . . . jewelry!  Okay, I'm usually the type who likes new paints or a cookbook more than your typical Valentine's trinkets, but this year is different.  I blame my friend Danielle, who is our featured jewelry designer in our online shop.  These are my favorite of Danielle's new baubles for dao jewelry.  Rough hewn chunks of Washington Big Leaf Maple, salvaged from our workshop, become the textural focus of these sterling silver drop earrings.  The effect of this eclectic pairing of materials is elegant, sculptural, and eye-catching.  

 

Runner-up for my current favorite from dao jewelry:  the Pillar and Circle necklace. I'd rather have this hand-forged necklace than a box of truffles! 

Now a PSA from our sales department (aka yours truly):  

DON'T MISS OUR VALENTINE TO YOU:  FREE SHIPPING ON JEWELRY AND TEXTILES UNTIL SUNDAY!

SALES PITCH: There are only a few days left to take advantage of our Free Shipping Offer! Place your order for dao jewelry or Piano Nobile textiles before Sunday, February 14, and we’ll ship it for free!

FINE PRINT: This offer applies to all jewelry and textiles; it excludes furniture and lighting. This offer applies to orders shipping to the US and Canada only using our standard ground service. For all other orders, normal shipping charges apply, but we are happy to offer free gift wrapping, even for furniture and lighting.

Tuesday
02Feb2010

New Options for Chadhaus Benches

Chad's loveable Little Benches are one of my favorite objects in the studio.  I have a red one that serves as an impromptu coffee table, bookshelf, flower stand, and extra seat at dinner.  Imagine how happy I was when Chad mentioned the idea of making a big Little Bench, the same dimensions as the Vollen Long Bench -- now we'll have room for three unexpected dinner guests!

The Big Little Bench ($220.00) measures 18”h x 46”l x 11”w. It is available in the three low VOC paint colors pictured above, or almost any custom color you can think of.  All of the Chadhaus benches are hand built in Seattle from sustainably harvested local hard wood; the Little Bench and Big Little Bench are made from alder.