Some people just can’t keep their wealth to themselves. They just always have the show off what they’ve got, either by riding around in the hottest luxury cars, or buying massive homes. Now, these sorts of people have found a brand new way to gaudily show off their massive wealth. Lately, more and more diamond-encrusted, gold-plated, or jewel-studded gadgets are showing up on luxury technology blogs. Want a tricked-out original Nintendo Game Boy? The company Swiss Supply makes them. Want a computer mouse made of white gold? Yep, you can find that. From laptops to phones to televisions, everyday objects are being turned into flashy monstrosities.

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The current design of the Transparent Toaster

Recently, I came across a design for a transparent toaster.   Certainly one of the less versatile kitchen appliances, I was intrigued.  Would a more intriguing conceptualization make the toaster more interesting?

This product, being designed by the “Inventables” company, features two glass plates connected to a base, with a slot in between them to place the bread. Currently, the best models so far have not been able to heat the glass plates strongly enough to actually toast the bread, however, the company is positive that they will be able to achieve toastiness in the future, possibly with the incorporation of heated wires (like those that regular toasters already use) in the design to help toast the bread.

Alternate design, incorporating the heating wires

This toaster design concept has been met with both positive and negative criticism. It’s main advantage is that you can see what color your toast is at all times, so you never have to worry about whether your toast will pop up as a charcoal briquette. Also, it has an incredibly sleek design (some have jokingly dubbed it the iToast).

In addition, much to the love of toaster “purists” I suppose, it will keep the “popping” action that makes a toaster, well a toaster. Finally, the glass plates will be insulated, so that there will be no possibility of anyone burning themselves by touching the outside glass plates.

However, a number of issues have been raised with the design. First of all, the issue of convenience has been raised by many. First of all, it has been pointed out that watching your toast constantly, as this product allows you to do, is terribly time consuming and detracts from the convenience of owing a toaster in the first place. However, this issue is largely not important, because the product will surely be fitted with a timer, so continuous vigilance isn’t necessary. Instead, the glass will just allow you to check on your toast from time to time.

Unfortunately, the much bigger problem of convenience is its size. The toaster can only fit one slice of bread at a time, compared to the four slices that a regular toaster can hold. So if you’re looking to feed toast to three hungry kids, it would be much easier to stick to a regular toaster. In addition, it was pointed out that after a couple uses, bread crumbs would get caught in the plates and look unsightly, but that’s not a major problem.

Overall, its a good idea with a couple issues that would soon be fixed, like any new idea. The only question is whether it will be worth the price. After all, this new and innovative toaster will likely be pretty price compared to your average toaster.

So, for all its pros and cons, will it be worth the price tag? I suppose only time will tell. In any case, keep your eyes out for this new product in the coming months, for it could either be the next big thing in the home appliance industry, or a complete commercial flop.

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I’m a super craft nut, and I just thought this would be an adorable, fun thing to make, so I saved the picture. A few written directions are on the site to help you out in addition to this snapshot. The main inspiration for these headpieces is the DVF Spring 09 runway, but as you can see, there are similar things being done by other brands and designers, too, like Harajuku Lovers.

Domesek has tons of amazing stuff for you to make on her site, and it can really provide great inspiration. Now if only I had the time to do some arts and crafts!

*J.ORTEGA

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Not your average lawn furniture.

You know that being ecologically friendly is trendy when there’s a Facebook application that allows you to track your carbon footprint. Practically every industry is in on being green in some way or another, and environmentally conscious lifestyles are rapidly becoming synonymous with hip.  Thankfully, for those with a competitive side, Firebox.com offers a product that will allow anyone to top their friends and show off how much they care about Mother Earth: The Terra Grass Armchair.

The Terra Grass Armchair is essentially a grow-your-own-garden-furniture-kit that integrates itself into your existing lawn. As if (literally) being green wasn’t neat enough, it adds a D.I.Y factor – it comes packaged Ikea-style, so you have to assemble it yourself and add soil and water.

 The result? A lawn full of the most ecologically conscious, and arguably the coolest, furniture ever.

Rhiannon

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Finally – what you’ve been waiting for.  An interview with Terence Edgerson, a 20-year-old Michigander now residing in New York. A fashionista at heart, Terence has launched his own website, Terregalia, “an online publication aiming to present an eclectic and intelligent mix of original content, journalism, and style media with a strong focus on fashion.” 

Terence Edgerson, founder of Terregalia, looking trendy on the streets of NYC.

Shei: Tell us a little about yourself, Terence.

T.E.: Well I’m 20 years old, originally from Rochester Hills, Michigan. Now, I currently reside in New York City.  Right now, I’m juggling a lot of different titles: Stylist, Editor, PR Mavern.

Shei: What is Terregalia and why did you create it?

T.E.: Terregalia is an online site that features young artists and up and comers. We focus on fashion, art and charity-related projects.  I created Terregalia for young people like myself. I wanted to cover fashion in a way that relates to the average American. Terregalia is a great way to get my voice and other voices out there. 

Shei: Have you always loved fashion?

T.E.: I always tell people : I never chose fashion, fashion chose me.  I have loved fashion ever since I realized that tight jeans look good tucked into cowboy boots! That was in elementary school! I have a fascination with clothes and the way they make you feel, that’s why I love fashion. Its a major part of my life and I think it always will be because it can change the way a person sees themselves. 

Shei: Who do you think is the most creative fashion designer out there right now?

T.E.: I think Alber Elbaz (Lanvin) is creative beyond all means. It’s simply magical what he comes up with– every season it’s one hit after the next! The color, the draping, it’s all done in such a beautiful, romantic way. It can leave you breathless. When Elbaz speaks, I listen to his every word because the man knows exactly what he’s talking about! He’s a master of his craft and I hope one day I will have the chance to meet him.

Shei: Where do you find your inspiration?

T.E.: I find my inspiration everywhere I go– from my morning runs in Central Park to just meeting someone on the streets of New York who’s aspiring to work in fashion. I’m also inspired by my friends who are capable of juggling school and fashion lines. It’s really incredible! 

Shei: Where do you see Terregalia in a year from now?

T.E.: I never really think that far ahead. I’m just happy with the success that we have had. There’s really so much out there for us to cover (Paris!!). I’m just excited to see where we go from here.

Shei: What is your favorite part of running Terregalia?

T.E.: I love being able to host launch parties for new designers and get word out about young artists. The best part, though, is being able to write a column and have people read it. I meet people who have seen the site and they’ll tell me how much they love it! That’s so amazing to hear!  

Shei: What is it like living in New York city as an up and coming artist?

T.E.: There is no better place to be as a young artist than in New York City. It’s the center of fashion. I mean– Vogue is here, Fashion Week is here, all of your major designers are here. It’s where everything begins and ends. I love being able to meet editors, designers, and young artists whenever I leave my house and I could only do that in NYC. It offers you everything. Living in new york as a young artists has afforded me so many possibilities.

Terence and Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of American Vogue and star of the new movie "The September Issue," in New York.

Check out Terence Edgerson’s website, Terregalia, a mix of culture, style, and media. Also, check out his personal blog titled “Social Butterfly.” You won’t be disappointed. 

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‘Wild Things’ stars Max Records as chronic troublemaker Max, who, after being reprimanded for interrupting his mother’s date, flees by boat to an island that houses the “Wild Things.” Max is quickly appointed king of the Wild Things and demands fun for all by way of a “wild rumpus” (which, if you are towering monster, entails blasting holes in trees and sleeping in a giant, asexual non-erotic orgy). Readily apparent is a rift between two of the Wild Things: (the male) Carol, Max’s unofficially-anointed best bud, and KW, Carol’s probably ex-girlfriend and Wild Thing outcast, as she has left the community for new friends (who, in a move that will please all college stoners, turn out to be owls. That can’t talk).

Hoping to bring together the Wild Thing community, Max orders the construction of an elaborate fort under the promise that it will bring absolute happiness and fun. Near the fort’s completion, the Wild Things realize Max is not a king and angrily usurp his power. As Max departs, though, a communal howling at the moon (somehow) compensates for the unfulfilled promise of happiness, and Max returns home to a warm supper.
As a piece of art, Jonze (“Being John Malkovich”) scores with “Wild Things.” To stretch nine lines of prose into ninety minutes of screen time is respectable; to do it as artistically as Jonze does is worthy of praise (and wouldn’t he like it best from a nineteen year old college kid). The Wild Things, a beautiful cocktail of CGI and animatronics (as reported by the folks over at starpulse.com), are as visually stunning as the sublime backdrop against which they romp: dazzling coast lines, rolling hills and magical deserts; even the blustery forests have an inviting aesthetic. Throw a few minus-size models in a frame and mistaking the film for the always ravishingly-crafted Urban Outfitters catalogue would not be too far of a reach.
Jonze’s aesthetic, however, will be underappreciated by younger audiences, as will the film’s beautifully haunting soundtrack, supplied by Karen O of Yeah Yeah Yeahs fame. So, too, will be the spots of dry humor that permeate the film, particularly those effused by the Wild Thing Alexander, a Charlie Brown-reincarnate who, as Max notes, “nobody listens to.” And if younger moviegoers are expecting all smiles, then they will be rudely awakened by the Wild Things, who regularly chide and scorn Max as well as each other. Older audiences, similarly, will be depressingly reminded of life’s shortcomings by Max’s inability to rule his own kingdom.
Ultimately, viewers will either adore or rail Jonze’s frank-but-charming depiction of both ends of life. In Jonze’s world, the idea of a perfectly fantastical childhood is just that- a fantasy. As Max declares, though, there will always be a rumpus to start.

Stephen O.

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Cubes!

It’s almost time to start the house-hunting ritual that is practiced by we students not attached to dorm-life or greek housing.  I’ve decided this whole process is entirely too difficult or at the very least, inconvenient.  My suggestion? Let us set up some of these pre-fabricated, space-saving housing options at various spots on campus.  Dibs on the Diag.

I’ve fallen in love with the Rotor House by industrial designer, Luigi Colani for Hanse-Haus, a European pre-fabricated-construction company.  The entire structure is relatively small and resembles a sauna from the outside. Inside it features a series of rooms that rotate for exposure to the living room.  The bedroom, kitchen, and a bath tub room are all part of this massive turn-table while the bathroom is located seperately (and firmly) off to the side.  You can see more pictures at MOCOLOCO (design blog I Stumbled upon) and a floor plan here.

Trees!

Another option is this sexy number from San Francisco based Architect, Kyu Che – the Lifepod.  It was designed for “modern nomadic living” which sounds like student life to me.  Yes, they are small.  But still bigger than my dorm-room Freshman year.  And the pictures seem to indicate I could strap it between two oak trees at the Arb.  A definit plus.

If I had to choose, I'd be Jessie.

Okay – one more and then I’ve got to start calling property management companies.  Check out this trend of refurbishing old shipping containers into stylish apartments and houses.  Some of them get pretty intense, varying from the predictable house-in-a-box design to full arubix cube.  This could even be a DIY-project.  Bonus: I finally get to live out my fantasy of being one of the Boxcar Children.

-B.C.Bodnar

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Buyers and sellers from this website come from all around the world to share their personal pieces for those who are looking for things that are a bit more original than regular commercial goods.

I first came across Etsy while doing some online shopping for jewelry. I’m not talking about diamonds-and-gold type jewelry but cute, trendy and most importantly, affordable jewelry. I particularly like birdzNbeez designs. Her jewelry features vintage watch movements, aged brass, antique silver plate, and many other unique materials. I especially love her lockets; they are timeless pieces but with an added vintage flare (and sometimes a bit of color).

Once Upon A Time Heart Locket by birdzNbeez

Apple Orchard Locket by birdzNbeez

I don’t quite understand how this fits into the category of “handmade” but Etsy is also a great place for people to sell and buy vintage clothing. I recently bought something from leasvintage because her vintage clothing is adorable yet still affordable.

So Blue dress from Lea's Vintage

If you’re intimidated about purchasing vintage clothing because, let’s be honest, sometimes it can be a bit out of control, there are tons of other things to look and choose from in the clothing section. These include sweaters, t-shirts, sweatshirts, swimsuits, costumes, pieces made with eco-friendly materials, and so much more. I got carried away looking at the “knitted” section (I think the weather had something to do with it). There are so many beautiful scarves, hats, and gloves to choose from for this fall and winter.

"He Loved Her" by John Clark

The clothing section, and let’s face it, the entire website can be a little overwhelming because of the amount of things. On the left side of the page, Etsy provides a column of categories that allows you to narrow down your selection. The top of the page has tabs that guides you through the website. By clicking on “Buy” I was able to click on “Shop Local” and look at at some of the things people are selling around Ann Arbor. johnclark caught my eye with his sharpie drawings on printed book paper.

Etsy definitely has something for everyone because it is a space for anyone to sell something they hand made. I love that it gives off a more personal feel. On websites like Ebay or Amazon, people are there to make money. I know this isn’t realistic at all, but I see Etsy as this little haven for people that sell their pieces as a way to share their talent, express themselves, and display their passion for their art. Take a look at the website and you’ll see how addicting Etsy can be.

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Creative and sexy logo

I was very impressed to see so many people walking around downtown, especially on a cold and rainy day. According to their website, “Artprize exists to reboot the conversation between artists and audiences on a grand scale.” On one hand I feel like they fulfilled their mission. The experience of seeing the art was enhanced by, oftentimes, the presence of the artist. This gave visitors a chance to truly communicate with the artist about their work. However, I think rather than connecting with artists, Artprize gives an opportunity for the “audience” or the public of Grand Rapids to connect with each other.

Artprize is also a way for Grand Rapids Artists to win some serious cash.  The ten prizes range from the first place winner receiving $250,000 to the tenth place winner receiving $7,000. Registered visitors can vote for their favorite artists through texting or going to artprize.org.

This trend of “coming together” has been seen frequently in the Grand Rapids area thanks to a series of urban experiments conducted by Rob Bliss the past couple years. His Artprize entry, “100,000 Paper Airplanes and Melodies Over Monroe,” is a video of him and his team launching 100,000 brightly colored airplanes from the rooftops of six large buildings surrounding Monroe Avenue while thousands of musicians came together to play Sigur Rós’ “Olsen Olsen” in the street below. Through synchronized launches, the paper airplanes created a rainbow effect in the sky as they floated down from the tall buildings. According to the Rob Bliss Events fan page on Facebook, this was “an event of brotherhood, a celebration of life and a reminder that we are all in this together.” He was definitely right about that seeing as 20,000 people (and some people suggest more) flooded Monroe Avenue to witness the launching of the airplanes and hear the melody “Olsen Olsen.”

Imagine That! by Tracy Van Duinen

Other popular Artprize entries include “Imagine That!” by Tracy Van Duinen. Van Duinen’s piece was a mosaic mural outside of the Grand Rapids Childen’s Museum that included the artwork of children mixed in to a larger image of three children’s faces. This piece was definitely my favorite. I loved the way Van Duinen incorporated tiles that children painted along with an array of materials like mirror, multicolored tiles, and clay figurines. The mural will remain outside the entrance of the museum after Artprize ends.

Another popular piece is “Nessie on the Grand” by Thomas Birks, Richard App, David Valdisseri, and Joachim Jensen. This piece is a life size wooden sculpture of Loch Ness, a sea monster or dragon-like creature and was placed in the Grand River.

"Nessie on the Grand"

I’m sad to see that Artprize is coming to a close this upcoming October 10th. It awakened downtown Grand Rapids and brought something exciting for people to come together and see. Hopefully Artprize will act like a catalyst for other events to come to Grand Rapids in the future.

If you want to see other artists’ entries for Artprize (there are seriously so many amazing pieces of art!), a photo pool of various artists’ works can be seen here.

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Lighting by Dana Otto

So you can imagine my delight when I found these unique, earthy, paper mache lamps from young designer, Dana Otto.

This particular item piqued my interest because of its versatility but also eco-friendliness.  And doesn’t the low glow against the patchy texture look fantastic?  Almost cosmic.  There’s just something about good mood-lighting…

-B.C.Bodnar

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