Ways to waste some time... links for Friday

Print by Chad Hagen via 20x200

20x200
Get something unique for your wall and support an artist, all for twenty bucks.

An Illustrated Guide... from Chew on This—what a spectacular idea!

Chew on This
A nicely designed site with an even nicer message.

Yearbook Yourself
Self-indulgent silliness... but hey, if you've got the time. :-)

Wow.

I've been back in the office for a week, but it's taken some time to feel anything close to "normal". We were away on vacation in Kauai—my first time there. And am I ever glad that I decided not to do ANY work while were were there. It was amazing. The colors are so saturated that it seems unreal. I hope to go back again someday—adults only!

Soapbox

I ran across the promo site for the movie Food, Inc. today and decided it was something I needed to share. The site provides a visually-rich home for an upcoming movie that tackles many important issues surrounding America's industrial food system. It's a subject that I am incredibly passionate about. We all need to eat—why not do ourselves a favor and demand something that's good for our bodies and the environment? Take a look at the trailer below and if you get the chance, check out their site. It's a great example of how strong design can help bring critical issues to the forefront (e.g. An Inconvenient Truth).

Let there be light!

After a mildly embarrassing party faux pax (meaning that our guests were left in the dark after the sun went down), I decided to purchase a pair of these lovely lanterns. I was thrilled to find a product that not only suited my needs (outdoor lighting), but did so while being stylish and solar-powered. A+ for design!

Several days after Monday.

Apparently, this week just ran away from me. It's Friday and I have posted next to nothing all week. Getting back to normal after vacation is always difficult... especially when I have only enough time to get settled before I leave again—this time for a long weekend in DC (leaving next Thursday.) But I wouldn't miss out on posting some links, 'cause it's always fun to share cool stuff.

Here ya go!

tshirt skirts from recreate

RECreate Designs
While in Montana, I bought one of her recycled t-shirt skirts—so very comfy. What a great idea!

Hot Type
A book of iron-on transfers. Oh, yeah!

Perforated Heart, featured on FaceOut Books

FaceOut Books
Beautiful book cover design.

Webby Awards
A good place to waste some time looking at pretty websites.

Greenery

It's official—Earth Day is here... and it's still trendy. I can't count the number of "Happy Earth Day" emails I have received from companies trying to position themselves as eco trendsetters. Don't get me wrong, it's great that our country is finally starting to get it. Unfortunately, we've abandoned some simple earth-friendly steps in favor of purchasing designer reusable bags and driving hybrid cars (I still love you hybrid Civic.) I'm trying very hard to get back to basics, grow my own food, buy grains out of bulk bins, and repurpose what I already have. But the urge to buy more is always there. There are just so many great things being made, and I have sites like Etsy to thank for my constant exposure to all of these fabulous creations. At least buying this way supports the artist directly and allows for more interaction than most online purchases. I'm also a sucker for craft shows. But I digress... the real point is that each year I try to do a little more. And this year, my goal is to start using and reusing the things I already have. Less buying, more creating.

Until I have more to report on that front—and it's my goal to have something made and up for your viewing by the end of May—here are some great things others are making.

FrucciDesign
Jewelry made from recycled paper


Elephant and Chickpea
Shoes made from upcycled fabrics.

Way Basics
Modular furniture made from 99% recycled materials