If you haven’t heard of 3Form, this is a good opportunity to check it out. They make wonderfully creative sheets of resin based panels that can be cut, molded, and made into just about anything. 3Form also has a special department for reclaimed sheets which they offer for sale at discounted prices. They’re currently running a special 15%-off sale that runs through June 20th.
Reclaims are left-overs from building projects which have been returned. They also include discontinued styles. Above are several styles currently on sale. There are lots of solid colors and they all come in various guages. Here’s a sampling of the kinds of things you can do with 3Form.
To see their current stock of reclaimed sheets go here.
Do you have a project in mind? What would you use 3Form for?
There was a very popular statement poster a while back that said something like, “If you love something set it free, if it’s yours it will return, if it doesn’t it never was.” Or something like that. A reprise poster declared, “If you love something set it free, if it doesn’t come back, hunt it down and shoot it.” That’s not very PC, (I said it was from the olden days) but it was funny anyway.
Statement posters seem to be making a comeback. This time around we can all choose the sentiment that suits our personalities. A widely popular one (and I think the one that started the trend) is by fellow blogger, Victoria, who writes sfgirlbybay.
Her Keep Calm poster is sold on her Etsy shop and comes in lots of calm colors, measures 16″ x 23″ and sells for $25. Having a bad day? This is the statement poster for you.
Artist Jaime Derringer has come out with some rancorous sentiments that are perfect for those hormonally-challenged days. Her prints are created using professional pigment inks, measure 8″ x 10″, and sell for $18.
On a happier note, Anne Harwell’s posters might bring out the perky in all of us. (But I really love being right). Hers are printed with archival inks on archival paper, measure 11″ x 16″, and are signed and numbered by artist. The price is $25.
Finally, something for the little baby, or the big baby you love. Jennifer Ramos sells beautiful greeting cards on her Made By Girl shop, as well as her love poster. Feel the love. It measures 16″ x 24″ and sells for $25.
Do you have a favorite sentiment? Do you remember Jonathan Livingston Seagull?
This is a really interesting new material made from tiny, pixilated optical tiles called Ombrae.
Ombrae is made by using a software-based image generating process. It is not a coating but an image that is translated onto an array of optical tiles. This translation is possible by casting or machining into concrete, glass, metal, composites or fabrics at any scale - as large as the side of a building or as small as the sole of a shoe.
Each optical tile is a beveled, cylindrical “pixel” with an angled surface that reflects a particular, precisely determined amount of light. This array of optical tiles literally sculpts the reflected light into an image.
For me, it needs to be seen to really grasp how this is made and what can be done. Their site explains things perhaps a little better than I can. What an interesting and innovative new product.
Robert Maillart (1872-1940) was a Swiss civil engineer and bridge builder. From a technical standpoint, he was among the first to use and exploit reinforced concrete as a building material. He also designed some of the most beautiful and graceful bridges ever built.
Case in point: The Schwandbach Bridge.
You can probably tell why I titled this “unintentional sculptor”. To me, the purity of this design is plastic art - sculpture.
So is this bridge, probably his most famous: The Salginatobel, (1929-1930) in Schiers, Switzerland. In 1991, it was designated a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.
Here’s a closer view.
I don’t believe Maillart set out to be a sculptor, though he wasn’t particularly interested in the mathematics of engineering.
These are great designs. 1) They fulfill their function superbly. 2) They use new materials in an efficient manner. 3) They’re beautiful. 4) They must be, because Arthur wants to ride his bike across all of them.
How many great designs do you think achieve these three goals?
I was talking to some designers about various things today other than the project at hand. We were looking at the website for an Australian firm, Planika Fires. They have a very interesting new way of looking at the traditional fireplace.
To me their designs seem like using fire as sculpture. I like the outdoor version. A lot of you may think of an old oil drum when you look at it. But I think it would make an excellent source of extra heat on a chilly summer night. People find fire mesmerizing, which makes for excellent and inexpensive entertainment at any outdoor party.
Palinka Fires has branch offices in the US and Berlin. Check their site for details about how to order.
Ice Stone is a recycled glass material with a conscience. The manufacturer diverts millions of pounds of recycled glass to create this countertop material. It’s totally green and beautiful, too. Each thick, cement matrix slab is porous, like stone, and is heat and scratch resistant. Best of all (to me at least) it comes in 27 colors.
Concrete is an extremely versatile product, and a good option for counters. It’s considered to be green, too. Best of all, it can be stained to create deeply saturated colors and designs. Here’s a look at some interesting installations.
This countertop is made to look 3-D, appearing to be one thick piece of concrete. Also, it was designed to double as a place to serve food to guests and a seating area.
Origins Concrete Design, Ferndale, Michigan
Here, the concrete has been stained to mimic a river with geodes embedded within.
The concrete countertop, above, incorporates an integral chop block butted up against an undermount stainless steel sink.
These photos are from The Concrete Network. Since concrete is always custom, you must find a contractor who specializes in creating counters. The Concrete Network has lots of links to help you find one in your area.
It’s day 4 of Kitchen Week! I’m starting off the day with a really unique idea for kitchen counters - glass. Think Glass offers a wide variety of glass counters for kitchens, baths and bars. It might not be for everyone. But for kitcheneers who are tired of granite, this could be just the thing.
Glass has some practical use. It’s non-porous, so it’s safe for all kinds of cleansers. But you can clean the counters with vinegar and water, or window cleaner. The downside? It’s not heat resistant. So you have to use trivets and hot pads.
[ Jennifer’s Update: I called Doris, from Think Glass to inquire about the average cost per square foot. She told me two things. First, the price is $200 - $300 per sq. ft., in dollars, for 1-1/2″ thickness. Also, Think Glass products are heat resistant, but they still recommend that you use a hot pad. Just thought I’d clarify that.]
I’d be interested to know your opinion of this idea. Would you ever consider this for your working kitchen space, or would you save it for a bar area? Maybe you’d skip it altogether. Share your opinion!
Here’s something different. Vinyl tiles from British firm, Harvey Maria. They offer faux wood and stone styles. But that’s so ordinary! Why not create the look of a rug (above) without the upkeep with some soft stripes? Still too tame? Then, you need water tiles. Just the thing for your pool house kitchenette. Of course, bubbles are always an option.
Are you into gardening? Wish you could sleep on a bed of roses? Then Gerberas and Daisies might be just the ticket. This may seem really wacky, but done in the right way such as a small room, it can work really well. They’re also practical for wet areas because they’re made of vinyl.
Harvey Maria ships all over the world, and will help you figure out how to mix and match different styles to create something really unique. Of course, you could always rely on your interior designer for that as well.
Okay, had enough cute stuff? Here’s a personal favorite of mine. 3-Form makes endless varieties of eco-friendly resin panels that can be molded, cut and shaped into just about anything. If you want your new kitchen to look contemporary and/or green, this is a choice to look into.
The counter, shown above, is from their 100 Percent line. It’s made entirely of recycled HDPE. It comes in four colors.
Two options below pictured below are from their Chroma Collection, and they come in about a zillion colors. Chroma is very versatile and can even be back-lit. Love it!
Translucent Chroma
An opaque style from the Chroma Collection
I couldn’t resist adding these to my thoughts on tile resources during Kitchen Week. I know this style isn’t for everyone. And remember, a little goes a long way. But, if this is for you, tile designer Margaret Licha does a brilliant job.
These exquisite, handmade tiles are from British firm, Marlborough. These are one of those finishing touches that can transform and ordinary kitchen into something extra-ordinary. Marlborough will provide shipping overseas.
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