Most Influential 2011 - Part 1

It's that time of year when we take a look back at the past year and have a little fun reminiscing, to see what made our hearts flutter and think about what was the most influential in the design/art/craft world. With so much inspiration, it was hard to pick just a few. Here is part one of what should be a three or four part post.


The DIY
Polymer Heart by Mitsy of ArtMind
We love DIYs and we're pretty sure you do too. From something as simple as covering a lampshade to learning how to print on fabric, it looks like everyone wants in on how to make.  Check out our current DIY section here.


Paint Dipping

House and Home's  fun paint-dipped look Photo by Kim Jeffrey.

From furniture to baskets, lots of things got dipped this year - a fun and cool way to make things unique and just a little different.  Check out dip-dyed style baskets, pillows from khiti, paint-dipped furniture from House and Home.


Tassels, Glitter and Things that Shimmer

Caitlin Holcomb's handmade take on the throw-away party store letter banner

Glitter and shimmer, we love the retro vibe of a tassel or glitter covered banner. From glitter playdough  to glitter birthday cakes, from festive tasseled balloons to a fun take on the throw-away party store banner. These things just seems to make everything that much more special don't you think?


Wearable Planters



Why should your plants stay at home? That's what Atlanta-based Colleen Jordan asked and why she subsequently designed these adorable wearable planters that we spotted last January! Carry a sprout, a succulent, or a flower you found on your morning walk.


Cool Bikes

horsey" by eungi kim

We've been coming across a lot of cool bikes this year it seems. From handmade bamboo to horsey ones (like the one above from the Seoul Cycle Design Competition). With everyone thinking more greener, the bike is definitely a contender!


Indie Designer Fabrics

Cut Out & Keep
Designer Series for Cloud 9

More and more independent designers and artists are taking the plunge into the textile world creating their own collection of fabrics to compliment their body of work.  Some have been doing it for a few years while others just starting this year - but it's definitely an influence we've been seeing grow larger this year.  Check out Cloud9, Creative Thursday, Bookhou, Skinny Laminx, Daisy Janie.


Guerilla Knitting Becomes Art Installations and Ad Campaigns

Photo taken and shared by Shawn Thomas.

Magda Sayeg of Knitta Please, the lady behind the beginnings of guerilla knitting back in our early days of blogging (here's something I posted about them in 2006) is now the artist behind such installations as these 99 trees in front of the Blanton Museum of Art in Austin, Texas and for such ad campaigns as Gap Holiday. Kinda neat, yes?


Urban and Patio Gardening



We are all a little bit more aware of what we're eating or where our food sources are coming from these days and with that cool products and company's to accommodate the urban garden.  Loving things like this patio potato garden container or local produce and services like this.


Geometric, Geodesic, Geo-anything!

3D Geometric Garland by the Blow-Up Girls

DIY Geometric Pendant  by Alicia of Dismount Creative

Everywhere you turned this year the geometric design was happily appearing.  An instant update to anything from pendants, garlands to even gingerbread houses!


Stay tuned for Part 2!

Jan Halvarson

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I've only started following this week but I can see that I'm going to be very happy here. Completely agree on the DIY and designer fabric prints. Also, love the little pot plant necklace and horse bike. Such amazing ideas, so thank you for bringing them to my attention!

Vivi said...

Love that bike!! xx

Mandy Behrens said...

Brilliant post...thanks for all you do Jan + Earl!

Zane said...

cute pieces