Take Aways - Rust Belt Artist Belt Conference

"Rust Belt to Artist Belt III took place on April 6th and 7th, 2011, at the A. Alfred Taubman Center, in the delightful Rust Belt City of Detroit, Michigan. We learned a lot from each other, and had a good time talking about the role of the arts in Detroit and other post-industrial cities." http://www.rustbelttoartistbelt.com/



I came away from this conference with many ideas for myself, my business, my church, my ptc, my community and our beloved Detroit. The keynote speakers, Peter Kageyama and Josh Linkner delivered fresh ideas and ways for positive change. Below I am sharing my 'take aways', but there are 8 pages, so I will also provide a quick summary.

Embrace being the underdog.
Do great work and be proud.
The one who tells the best story - wins.
Promote yourself, your city and what you support.
Become one of the 1% that gets things done.
Playful makes people smile.
Stop going to "work". Go to "play".
Commit to your city's soul.

{please forgive penmanship, spelling, doodles and spills}

Candy Inspired Interiors



Peacock Lollipop Holder by Jonathon Adler, $98


Peacock (check), candy (check), stylish enough to display at home or work (check) - this item is on my wish list. It also got me thinking about candy, candy bowls, candy colors, candy stores...candy can be quite an inspiration for interior design.

Unzipped Glass Zipper Bag, $20

I confess, if there is a candy bowl on someones desk, I am tempted. Most often candy is displayed in something that coordinates to the next holiday, but this dish is a conversation piece all year long.

Candy was truly the inspiration for these interiors below, enjoy they are yummy to look and shop at.



M & M Store, Las Vegas - photo info here

Dylan's Candy Bar, New York



MSC Splendida - Caramella Candy Shop, Cruise Ship

Celebrate Your Space

Earth Day (April 22) has inspired individuals, companies, organizations and products everywhere to demonstrate their commitment to the environment and sustainability. ''Going Green'' is all the rage and why shouldn't it be? Here are some ways to be earth friendly + stylish.

First on your way into work tomorrow or before you sit down at your kitchen office, bring your own reusable mug into Starbucks for a free coffee. Details here.

See Jane Work

Got a to-do list to make out and tackle? This Eco Friendly dry erase board  is a great tool. It's dry-erase so it saves paper. It's made from real bamboo that comes from FSC certified forests (that means well-managed forests).




See Jane Work

 Can't give up the pen and paper just yet. It is easy to find recycled paper, but how about an earth friendly pen? This one will last you seven years (that is if you do not lose it). With a sleek, modern design, the Seven Year Pen is surely a good investment.

One more simple way to love our planet is to get a reusable water bottle. I have these two at my desk. Both were a nice give-away from two companies that excel at being green.


Trendway, a furniture manufacture in Holland-Michigan, is taking part in Earth Day’s Billion Acts of Green initiative. Click here for all things Sustainability at Trendway.


D.L. Couch provides many beautiful & high quality options for walls and textiles while being committed to reclamation. In fact, some of the pieces I reviewed yesterday even had green tinted backing because they have recycled pop bottles in them. Click here for more information.
 
Below are some inspirational spaces that have achieved LEED - Gold. [ LEED serves as a tool for buildings of all types and sizes. LEED certification offers third party validation of a project’s green features and verifies that the building is operating exactly the way it was designed to.]


For project / photo info look here



For project / photo info look here

Crystals, City Center, Las Vegas -
The largest retail district to receive LEED+ Gold Core & Shell certification -
Photo: Ken Lund on Flickr

Purchase an Earth Day 2011 Poster

Celebrate Your Space

Coloring Easter eggs is the great example of how adding color or a personal touch to an everyday object can be magical. While having fun with this tradition we experience the energy of creativity, the joy of color and the satisfaction of personalization. Perhaps we can also add this delight to our desktop. Here are a few examples inspired by Easter eggs...








See Jane Work Desk Top Collection

 



Eco Friendly Wall Calendar by Kate Space

 



Push Pins by Kate Spade

 

File folders by Galison



Johnathon Adler post-it notes



Kate Spade tape measure




See Jane Work Desktop Collection



gizmos, thingamabobs & doodads: add a little whimsy to your work space



Desktop Sandart, $90

 



Not everyone is lucky enough to have window view, so if you can't stare upon a city skyline (or even the parking lot for that matter) perhaps you'd like to zone out to this little ever changing landscape.






Crocheted Headphones, $35

 


Look sweet and pulled together (no matter what you are listening to) as you tune out the world or at least your annoying co-worker.








Phonekerchief, $15 

Not just a fabulous idea for the office, a board meeting or business lunch - but anytime, you plan on giving your full attention.

Desktop Pals, $13-$16

Hire these little desktop helpers to keep track of your workday necessities, so you can tackle your tasks at hand'. With the combination of organization and humor - they are a win - win.










find all these goodies and more at http://www.uncommongoods.com/

Thinking Outdoors

For the past two weeks clients have been inquring about outdoor furniture. From a city hall, to a private residence, to a coffee shop - all can be a better place to work, live and play in when there is a comfortable setting to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine.

Landscape Forms



Janes et Cie, Landscape Forms



Crate & Barrel, Restoration Hardware



Janes et Cie, Tucci, Landscape Forms