Looking for design inspiration in 2011? Why not try doing it yourself ? /
Recently we have posted examples of how professional designers use craft techniques to produce items such as the Houdini and Hiroshima Chairs. Now it's your turn...
To inspire you, we have collated some of our favourite purveyors of craft projects online and beyond. We love these pieces, and we hope you will too. If you do give any of these ideas a try, please send us pictures, we would love to see the results!
The Pallet Project by Nina Tollstrup for Studiomama /
There have been many variants on the pallet furniture theme, but none are as beautiful as these designs created by Studiomama. These objects score points for both sustainability and desirability - and they also look like lots of fun to make!
The downloadable instructions are available at http://www.studiomama.com at a cost of £10.00 each.
(Clockwise L-R / The Pallet Project by Nina Tollstrup for Studiomama: Block Stools ,Pallet Floor Lamp and Pallet Chair Hi).
The Outdoor Kitchen by Nina Tollstrup for Studiomama and TEN /
The outdoor kitchen comprises of gas cooking hob, a bucket sink, a chopping board and has storage compartments. Water is connected from the garden hose and waste water is collected in a watering can placed beneath the sink, so grey water can be reused.
This is a pretty complex project, definitely for those of a fearless disposition. You can download the free pdf instructions at http://www.studiomama.com
(L-R / The Outdoor Kitchen by Studiomama and an excerpt from the pdf instructions for making this piece).
TEN /
TEN is a design collective who for the last four years have been presenting different projects around the theme of environmental sustainability in design. Here are three of our favourite DIY projects from the 2010 exhibition.
Instructional PDFs are available for download at http://ten-plan.com, donations are gratefully accepted in lieu of charging for the plans.
(Bike Stand by Michael Marriot, Floorboardcoatrackpictureframe by Tomoko Azumi, Balloon Bowls by Gitta Gschwendtner, Excerpt from the Tomoko Azumi Plan).
DIYcouture /
Such a great concept! Instead of buying an item of clothing, the customer buys a book containing a set of simple, visual instructions to help them to make a unique, personally fitted garment themselves.
Each design in the collection can be reinvented countless times, meaning a quick wardrobe update is easily achieved. Available now at http://www.diy-couture.co.uk.
(Images from the DIY Couture SS10 Collection)
(L-R / Excerpt from the ‘Gathered Skirt’ Book and sample bookcovers).
V&A Quilt Pattern Maker /
Go online, choose a picture and create a pattern for your own personalized patchwork quilt. It's that simple. Please be warned though, this is highly addictive, even if you have absolutely no intention of actually making the quilt.
Try it for yourself at http://www.vam.ac.uk/microsites/quilts/patchwork.
(V&A Pattern Maker enables you to take any image and turn it instantly into a plan for a patchwork quilt).
School of Stuff /
Dalston based School of Stuff was founded by Amanda Girling-Budd, an avid upholsterer and passionate design historian. She teaches the Upholstery course herself and has drafted in like-minded individuals to teach other disciplines such as Marquetry, Cabinet Making and Furniture Restoration. If you fancy learning a new skill for 2011, this is a great place to start.
See the website for more details http://www.theschoolofstuff.co.uk/
(L-R Chair in the process of being upholstered, tools for woodworking and marquetry detail from the Industry Series by Studio Job)
Post by Claire Gittins