LotusHaus

Floral Wall Decor using recycled cardboard tubes

 
Isn't this lovely? I finally know what to do with the loads of toilet paper tubes that I've been saving for a rainy day project! Via Apartment Therapy.

Chic Circle Themes } Wedding Paper Divas

If you are looking for a chic looking theme for your party or wedding, look no further than Wedding Paper Divas. In my quest for unique but easily executable themes that can be reproduced throughout an event's design, I began thinking in circles, quite literally! Check out these lovely circle theme invitation designs over at Wedding Paper Divas and get inspired! There is also a selection of eco-friendly Signature Ecru invitations that are made with 30% Post Consumer Waste Paper!

VerTerra } Modern, Natural, Compostable Tableware Made from Palm Leaves

Check out VerTerra, a modern and sustainable single-use tableware collection...Inspired by plates used at roadside stands in India, these unique plates, platters and bowls are made using only fallen palm leaves and water. Each piece is 100% compostable, can be used in the microwave or freezer and are perfect for sending leftovers and treats home with guests. Plates that don't find a home can be rinsed and tossed in the yard. After about 60 days the plates will completely compost! I'm loving the hexagonal plates and have a great post-meal idea that involves paint (or decoupage) and mounting the plates as wall decor like this.

Li Xiaofeng } Reclaiming Porcelain

Wow! At the Asian Contemporary Art Fair in New York, Chinese artist Li Xiaofeng showcased wearable art made from porcelain pieces! Amazing! Via Le Zèbre Bleu.

Wasara } Paper ware for spiritual enrichment

Oh my goodness, my heart skipped a beat when I discovered Wasara, a truly magnificent concept in disposable paper table ware. With aesthetic beauty and thoughtful ergonomics, this Japanese concept has created an impressive way to display your culinary creations and serve your guests. But wait, the Wasara collection is also sustainable! Even though these items are disposable, their content is eco-friendly in design because they are made from reed pulp, which is quite renewable, and bagasse, which is pulp waste produced when juice is extracted from the sugarcane...the result is a tree-free, compostable and absolutely stunning collection of entertaining pieces. I have contacted Wasara to see where this collection is available on line and for purchase in the United States and will keep you posted! Via Kelley Moore

Related Posts:
Hands Giving } Thankful Gestures at the Table
Tast.es } Modern Disposable Servingware

Lowepro Terraclime } Eco-Friendly Camera Bags

While researching new digital cameras, I came across these really cool and eco-friendly camera bags by LowePro. This series of camera bags is called Terraclime and each bag is made from 95% recycled materials like pop bottles. Even the buckles and loops are made from plastic regrind scraps from the factory floor. I especially like the tapered shape of the body and flap, and the way the closure is "s" shaped rather than a two piece buckle...looks like you could fasten & unfasten it with one hand...plus less bulk and excess hardware. P.S. A portion of each purchase goes directly to Polar Bears International (PBI) to help in their efforts to save polar bear habitats from the impact of climate change. Via Inhabit.

Deloss Webber } Incredible Rattan Weaver from Seattle

Absolutely incredible! I am blown away by the work of Seattle artist Deloss Webber, a second generation rattan weaver influenced by traditional Japanese and Native American basketry, wicker furniture, loom weaving, fly-tying, and nautical knotting. I am so in awe of of his stone and basketry work... Each stone is selected and wrapped with a unique design made of various materials including bamboo, cane, rattan, and reed. The smaller stone pieces are called "Small Blessings" and I would be so blessed to have one of these treasures in my little family. You can purchase them in Seattle for $185 at Kagedo Japanese Art Gallery.

The Sorapot } So Hot!

Ok, here's another one for the "I wish I had this on my wedding registry"... Let me pour you some inspiration with the Sorapot, a beautiful, functional and stunning teapot design with sustainable packaging features. The container is a glass tube that showcases the unfurling of your tea leaves and the whole teapot design is so clever. To add the tea leaves, you split the handle and tip the glass tube into a vertical position. Close it back up and add water through the pour spout. Ingenius! Gorgeous! I want one to show case my favorite organic flowering tea!

*Update 9-13-08: Buy it in Seattle at Area 51 in Capitol Hil!

Eco Notes by Fabulous Stationary } Save the Date Invitations

Be modern. Be green. Be quirky! I love these Eco-Notes from Fabulous Stationary! Not only are they made from 100% Recycled and 80% Post Consumer Waste, but these Eco-Notes come in many organic and modern looking designs that are customizable to your party or special event. Create your own modern Save the Date or Thank You Card, or send out a fabulous invitation to your birthday party or shower. Gotta love 'em!

Global Tableware } The Mondo Collection by Rosanna

This Mondo Collection by Rosanna (Seattle) would have been perfect for my Green 4th of July party...but that's ok, these would work for any day of the year! These lovely dessert plates and mugs are part Taj Majal, part Bali, part Mediterranean and totally beautiful. The Mondo glassware is also global, modern and green - each set is hand made and decorated by Mexican artisans from completely recycled materials! Enter to win a Rosanna Shopping Spree via The Hostess Blog.

A Green 4th of July!

For this year's 4th of July party I was inspired by the cool green, white and brown colors of Carlene & Sonny's wedding theme and the Its Heavenly Blog. I wanted to keep my party as green & reusable as possible and really didn't want to buy anything novelty that I knew would never see another day. I used green colored reed placements to dress up my wooden screen and covered my cushions with green fabric remnants. For table decor I used exising glass vases, wrapped them with bamboo placemats and filled them with colored curly willow that I already owned.

Other green decor included bamboo shoots from our bedroom and my masterpiece of the day...a bamboo water fountain! I took my bamboo floor lamp and secured a wood tray on top with raffia wire. Then I made an arrangement with bamboo shoots, river rocks, succulents from the backyard and an old fountain pump. Voila!  A relaxing and free flowing soundscape to melt away the heat. We love it! It's still in the patio and greets us whenever we enter our home!

Ornamental Things of Beauty

 

I'm drooling over of these gorgeous handcrafted charm necklaces by Ornamental Things. Courtesy of Earth Friendly Weddings (30% off with code FOURYEARS)

Coasters with a Conscious } Naturally Modern Tableware by Dinah Coops

Dinah Coops, fellow Seattlelite and Biznik member has developed a superhip and eco-friendly version of the traditional Euro slate tableware. Made from 100% recycled paper infused in a non-petroleum based resin with a cork backing, Dinah's line of coasters and placemats are resistant to heat and water, and can be used for place settings, candle trays, or simply as art. Check out Dinah's collection here and be sure to peep her beautiful artwork.

A Sweet and Sustainable Bedroom Bench!

I just love this sweet bench made of reclaimed Chinese Fir! Check out this lovely bench and many other inspiring lifestyle products for your Body, Spirit and Home at Acacia.

Fish Lips } 100% Post Consumer Recycled Gift Wrap!

Don't you just love these sustainable gift wrap designs by Fish Lips! I like the red one for the upcoming Valentine's Day! Each of their papers are made in the USA with 100% Post Consumer recycled paper and printed with soy-based inks.

Ecolect } Sustainable Materials Library

For all you sustainable designers, check out Ecolect, the first sustainable materials community! Via Treehugger.

Eco Fabric Garden } 100% Design in London

So cool! This is a super hip "fabric garden" installation at the 100% Design show in London featuring reclaimed lamp shades, and fabric styling from Ted Baker. It reminds me of rice terraces, my favorite gardenscape of all time. Via Inhabitat.

Naturally Ever After } Where Weddings and Nature Meet

I like Naturally Ever After’s collection of wedding invitations available at Invitations by Dawn. The invitation collection combines nature inspired images with colorful textured papers made with 30% post consumer waste (PCW). I also recommend that you have a look at the Naturally Ever After wedding favors, menu cards and accessories.            

Andrianna Shamaris } Global Organic Flavor

Andrianna Shamaris is an amazing designer with a tasty blend of global, modern and organic flavor. A world traveler, Andrianna designs, sources and retails all of the luxurious items in her stores on each coast ~ one in Soho, New York and the other in Malibu, California. I love her color story...it's seems very coastal but with global appeal ~ ivory, sea glass, teak and driftwood colors with touches of indigo and gold. She scouts the globe for materials and my favorites are shown in the photo above. *Antique Balinese ceremonial sarong pillows*Custom L-shaped sectional*Antique shell necklace and throw*Live Edge Teak/Resin coffee table* I'm lovin' it!

San Francisco GREEN DESIGN SHOW ~ Sept. 19-20, 2007

Oh, how I want to go to this event! It's the San Francisco Mart's first green expo. The theme for this green event is "Live Green, Live Well"  and the show is dedicated to green furnishings and design. Sounds exciting! For more information, go here.

Cecily Ink } Fresh & Eco-Friendly Stationary

This is a fabulous new find from my trip to the Seattle Summer Gift Show. Cecily Ink is a new greeting card line by Alex Wijnen, a graphic designer from Portland. Named after her grandmother, Ceciel, Cecily Ink, offers a fresh selection of graphic cards, envelopes and matching postage. As the principle of Defteling, her own graphic design company,  Alex started this unique stationary company after the success of the Fresh Style Card File, a card organizing box that she created as a corporate gift for her clients. To my delight, Cecily Ink products are also very green. All greeting cards are printed by a green printer in Portland, on FSC-certified paper that contains 30% post-consumer recycled content.

Bohemian Cuffs } made from recycled Asian tea can

Check out these gorgeous Bohemian Cuffs from Oregon based Hardware by Renee! These hip looking cuffs are crafted from a recycled Asian tea can that is wrapped in a white brass alloy.  I'm getting one for myself for my birthday, which is this Saturday! Thanks Tegan!

Stewart + Brown } Organic Outfitters

I love husband & wife teams! Stewart + Brown is fabulous sustainable fashion company with style and substance. The limited edition, small run collections are sustainably balanced with offerings of organic cotton, hemp, linen, Mongolian cashmere and surplus fabric. Cruise the website to learn more about the families and stories behind this great organic brand! Can you tell that I love timeless cultural pieces like wraps, sarongs and kaftans?

Mod to Modern } Reconstructed Sweaters for your Fall wardrobe

Canada makes me proud! I love these restyled, reconstructed & recycled wool sweaters by Mod To Modern in Vancouver, BC! They are so figure flattering, unique and eco-smart! You can even pick up a coordinating sweater for your beloved animal friend! I'm lovin' it!

Acronym Designs } Swilken Bench

This beautiful indoor/outdoor bench is a modern and sustainable piece by Acronym Designs. Inspired by the Swilken bridge in Scotland, it's made with reclaimed hardwood and a concrete base. See more modern sustainable furnishings here.

Eco Storage } Recycled Magazine Boxes

Give your magazines a home they will love! Use these stylin' boxes made with recycled magazine pages. Buy them here for only $15-$30.

Recycle It!

I love this Recycle logo that I found on the Resource Venture website. If you're summer cleaning and about to throw something out...STOP! Look online to see if there are recyclers in your town that will take it. If you are in Seattle, check out the Recycler Database for some great resources.

Ecojot } Eco-Chic Stationary

I love ecojot, a new line of eco-chic stationary! Carolyn Gavin is the art mavin behind the colorful and playful eco-friendly journals, notebooks & sketchbooks. Here are the eco-stats behind this great Canadian collection:

. 100% recycled
. 100% post-consumer waste, no new trees used
. Acid-free, processed chlorine-free paper and board
. Glues & inks are vegetable based
. Sweat Shop Free - Made in Canada
. Paper mill uses alternative power
. A portion of sales from the ecojot line will go back into the environment
. Packaging will soon be biodegradable

Hooray for ecojot! Also check out Carolyn's Designer Blog...Thanks Carolyn!

Yastik } Cushion Atelier in Turkey

Yastik is Turkish for "cushion." According to Turkish fashion designer, Rifat Ozbek, "A cushion is a luxury; reminder of a journey; a memory or a dream." What's dreamy is that Ozbek has turned his collection of vintage and world textiles into a one-of-a-kind cushion atelier in the resort town of Bodrum, Turkey. If you can't get to Turkey, you can always create your own worldy pillows by using Amy Butler's pillow patterns and traveling online for some Uzbek Ikat fabric or vintage textiles. If sewing ain't your thang, then support other seamsters by picking up some vintage handmade pillows at etsy.

ZOOZOOM } Avenue A Flea Market in NY

Take a trip over to ZOOZOOM, the original online glossy of fashion & lifestyle. The current story features the Avenue A Flea Market in New York's East Village. The flea market has been a landmark for nearly a decade. Sadly, this great example of sustainable, community oriented shopping closed its doors in May. Go here for a list of some other flea markets in New York.

Organic Wine & Fashion

Ok, so I'm not a wine afficionado or anything, but I do appreciate great packaging. French Rabbit Wines is an eco-friendly wine producer from, you guessed it, France. With their slogan, "Savor The Wine, Save The Planet," they have introduced some great looking eco-friendly packaging. The unique packaging consists of one-liter soft octagonal containers with screw-top closures, called Tetra Paks. The packaging, which comes in vibrant colors like green, purple, pink, and platinum, is fully recyclable and made from wood. The diminutive, light Tetra Paks have low shipping costs, will not shatter, and are easy to stack and store.  You can buy French Rabbit Wines from their American distributor here.

Earlier this year French Rabbit teamed up with the University of Art Academy in San Francisco to sponsor a competition to create fashion and art pieces using the eco-friendly packaging. The results are brilliant and full bodied! View images from the contest here.

New Leaf Paper :: Sakura 100 } the first coated 100% PCW recycled paper

For all you print designers and small businesses out there, New Leaf Paper has just recently released Sakura 100, the first coated paper manufactured with 100% post consumer waste (PCW). PCW is paper made out of paper which has already been used up by the end consumer. It is then collected for recycling from various recycling programs. This is the best paper to buy, as it uses and creates demand for paper which would normally end up in the landfill and no trees are cut down for making the paper. According to the AIGA Center for Sustainable Design, New Leaf Sakura 100 is really cool paper because it is:

• Produced from 100 percent post-consumer waste, which preserves forests and reduces landfill and greenhouse gas emissions
• Processed chlorine free, which helps keep rivers free of poisonous bleaching products
• Designated Ancient Forest Friendly™, which reflects the highest environmental standard in North America
• Manufactured with 100 percent Green-e® certified renewable wind energy, which helps reduce the nation’s output of the greenhouse gases that cause global warming

The best end uses for this paper are for annual reports, catalogs, direct mail, marketing materials, postcards, publications, sell sheets, etc. However, as always, to be more sustainable, design your projects using the least amount of paper output as possible. (examples: design more efficient materials, use double sided printouts, and print only as needed.) Graphic designers...get nourished here and download this eco-design checklist for a great way to green your next project!

Zillion } Kimono street remix

I love Japanese textiles. The patterns, the colors, the craftsmanship. I also love the inspiration and connection with nature that is interpreted into stylized textile patterns...like the tortoise shell, hemp flower, ocean wave, ginkgo leaf, chrysanthemum, etc. I also love hip hop culture. The many innovations in music, style & attitude and the ability to connect with youth of all cultures. So when I found out about Zillion via Ping Mag I immediately recognized a good remix. Zillion is a street wear company based in Japan, that was started by a French guy, named David Guarino. Zillion makes belts, laces, hats and hoodies using vintage kimono fabric or reproduced kimono patterns. The way David sources his materials from old school textile makers is like how my husband, DJ Tecumseh digs for records in the most obscure places. Go here to read the interview with Zillion's founder David Guarino.

Angela Johnson } Recycled T-Shirt Gowns

Wow, these recycled t-shirt gowns by Angela Johnson are absolutely stunning! I love her color & graphic composition. So inspiring! Via Haute*Nature.

Get Amp'ed } Alternative Motivational Posters

Grow...Focus...Integrity... These are motivational concepts that until now were only conveyed with slick photography, clever quotes and a gallery wall in your HR department. Tired of these ho hum pieces, Right Brain Terrain has created illustrative & graphic "Alternative Motivational Posters," using rock concert posters for inspiration. Not only are these posters exciting and well-designed, they're made with 100% Post-Consumer Recycled, FSC Certified Papers, Certified Processed Chlorine Free, printed with Soy/vegetable Inks, and made with 100% Green Energy. Grab one today and you could be inspired by both the artwork's message and its green roots! 

Hetty Rose } Sustainable Shoes to Order

I wish I lived in the UK! Hetty Rose is a sustainable, made-to-order shoe collection from London. I am absolutely in love with the collection and the philosophy behind it! This couture line of shoes embodies all of the principles that I stand for...handmade, global, modern, sustainable, and stylin'! Vintage kimono fabric and craftsmanship are used to make these gloriously beautiful and sustainable shoes...shoes wth stories. Embedded within each kimono fabric are meaningful symbols and stories. Each shoe is handmade & custom made for its wearer, further embellishing the unique story of each shoe. You can find her collection at the e-tailer Pecha Kucha, however, they are only available in the UK. (I know, I cried too.)

Just Green } Seattle Design Center

After poking around the Girari website for sustainable event rentals, I discovered JustGreen, a dealer at the Seattle Design Center. To my further delight, it turns out that JustGreen is a company offering sustainable furnishings to the trade. I will definitely contact them if I ever have a sustainable enough budget to plan a party using Girari's sustainable event furnishings.