14 minutes
The Time Wasting Experiment, launched in 2009 (and ongoing via a Tumblr blog), is a compilation of Portland, OR artist Alyson Provax‘s introspective examination of days spent at work, seemingly with little output. To document the process, a selection of her observations are available as simple 5X5″ letterpress prints. While the examples are specific to her experience, the themes are universal and I recognize my own proclivity to procrastinate in more than a few of them. How powerful it would be to frame one of the prints and display it in your bathroom; a reminder upon waking to make the most of the day. (Or alternatively, to realize that time considered wasted was actually a catalyst for creativity.)
18 minutes
1 hour 32 minutes
simple display
images from provax.etsy.com
discovered serendipitously via design taxi
Paper Stock, a new stationery line from London designers Yarra Jones and Sarah Thorne, combines über luxe papers with sleek design. The première collection for SS13 includes an envelope clutch-shaped notebook in a très courant “vellum” pink: chic enough to carry to the shows, and quite useful for notes + sketching. Paper Stock’s future offerings will be seasonal launched to coincide with, and be inspired by, the fashion calendar.
Jones and Thorne have a wealth of design experience, including print work for fashion brands including Mulberry and Victoria Beckham. Their début as a team reflects their stylishly minimalist point of view. Looking forward to the next collection, High Summer, which should be online shortly.
c4 pocket with notebook (pockets and folios)
crosses notelet w/glassine (riso notelets)
vellum diamond flap notebooks (notebooks)
image credits: top photo(2 images) by jane potrykus; other photography by lee oliveira & paul knight/courtesy of paper stock
Borne out of a sober reassessment of consumerism and consumption post 2011′s Great Japan Earthquake, Muji’s Product Fitness 80 seeks to find balance, and happiness, in self-restraint. Not ascetic self-restraint, rather, finding the joy in 80%. As such, the Muji design team was tasked with finding ways to reduce packaging to address sustainability, without noticeable impact to the consumer. For example, cotton swabs can easily be reduced in length without loss of function.
The 80 nicely references the Okinawa adage “Hara Hachi Bu” (Eat until you’re 80% full), which requires you to be mindful of what you’re eating and how you’re feeling, all while eating less. A win-win.
Muji sponsored Product Fitness 80 exhibitions worldwide during 2012, but the concept remains an important one and has me (once again) examining my own consumption habits, and searching for ways to be a smarter, and happier, consumer.
lotion
cotton buds
tape
screenshots from muji product fitness 80 website
short-black-and-sides
I love themed gift sets. The problem is when the ratio of things I don’t want to things I do want is out of whack. That’s not a problem with Australian company Bindle: their collections are artfully assembled, locally sourced, and dare I say, I want one of everything. Prices range from $50 to $150 AUD, and there is a Bindle (a clever name, which means “bundle of possessions carried by a hobo”) for every gift-giving occasion. Lucky Australians!
Thanks to Jane Cameron (Creative Director at Fête magazine**) for steering me in such a wonderful direction.
a bit on the side
the traveller
images from bindle.com.au
** fête magazine’s autumn 2013 issue is just out, full of party inspiration, including jane’s own birthday party. long live print: order your copy of the magazine here.
Cereal Magazine published Volume 2 in late March, and I’m pleased to once again be among the contributors. The second issue focuses on Berlin, Seoul, and the Pembrokeshire Coast in Wales: my story is about RSVP, an über charming (and personal favorite) paper shop in Berlin’s Mitte neighborhood. The excerpt of my article is below, but please, treat yourself to a printed copy!
Rosa Park and her team are dedicated to presenting thoughtful food & travel stories that are beautifully photographed. And as Rosa + I are both stationery nuts (something we discussed when we met recently for lunch in London), I’m so excited that Cereal is expanding into stationery! The range currently consists of three smartly designed, utilitarian notebooks, manufactured in collaboration with Korean stationers O-Check and Gongjang, but plans to extend the line are underway. Magazines and stationery is my ideal combination, so I can’t wait to see where this is headed.
image at top by jane potrykus; article excerpt courtesy of cereal magazine
