Posted by liz on Jan 17th, 2012
This month, Chicago Home Improvement Magazine, featured a custom framing project I’ve been working on. An opportunity to display photographs in a fun and vintage inspired way. The custom frame allows you to use funky magnets to display your images and artwork.
Made with a magnetic steel insert, the frame was created from reclaimed wood out of old Chicago doors – by Foundre.
Check out the article at:
Chicago Home Improvement Magazine Jan/Feb: Homefront Article – Asparagus Interiors Feature
Posted by liz on Nov 22nd, 2011
I just stumbled upon Rock My Soul – on this rainy Thanksgiving week. Fall is approaching, but I can’t seem to let go of the bright – vivid graphics that make me so happy.
According to their site, “Rock My Soul pillows are fun, funky pillows made from natural organic cotton and inspired by the 60’s and 70’s. They are the perfect accent to any room as they provide a pop of colour and visual interest. Throw pillows have the ability to bring a room together by picking up different colours in a room thus creating a feeling of harmony in a space.”
Created in Canada, influenced by San Francisco – all things sunny / fun and funky!
Twitter: @RockMySoulAmy
Posted by liz on Oct 14th, 2011
Looking for a place to post your favorite keepsakes (Postcards, Kids Art, Photographs, Reminders). I sourced materials from two local companies to create these custom magnet boards made out of recycled materials and raw steel.
FoundRe: Created the custom frames made out of found vintage materials. Notice the pealing paint – it’s all about character.
Create Cut Invent: founder Steve Coan, was willing to work with my idea and provide the steel that was clear coated to prohibit rust. The steel is magnetic and allows the images to pop off the finished board. Kinda cool, Steve worked on the set of Superman this summer and has a wide range of fabrication capabilities.
Posted by liz on May 10th, 2011
FoundRe: is opening a new studio in Wicker Park, May 21st.
Chicago based FoundRe: incorporates locally sourced wood and materials to craft repurposed furniture and frames. Green design from resource to application.
Their unique products are one of a kind, character pieces – adding texture and color to any style. It’s shabby, modern and unique.
I have a frame and would highly recommend their pieces.
Posted by liz on Jan 31st, 2011
Not really looking for anything in particular, but looking for something fun? Reusable Usables is the place for you.
This creative arts center and retail store is a treasure chest of inspiration and ideas.
Located in LeClaire, IA. Yes, home of American Pickers and Antique Archaeology.
The basic premise is: businesses and people donate items to Reusable Usables. Open to the public, we purchase these items by the pound at a minimum of 10 pounds. They also host creative sessions and make art out of the reusables. With my purchase I picked up 5 yards of Sunbrella fabric, 2 records (Sergio Mendes ’66 – yeah!), some construction supplies and fabric memos for 10 bucks. 9.5 lbs to be exact. Cool resource, great place… check it out!
Posted by liz on Dec 3rd, 2010
I just stumbled upon Remix by 3form, this week looking for a panel for a new desk I’m working on.
Made from strips of recycled 3form material and fused to create a one-of-a-kind panel. It’s awesome as a room divider, wall screen, desktop accent, whatever you can imagine. Check it out!
ReMix Facts (www.3form.com)
- ReMixTM is the fusion of recycled Varia Ecoresin ® trim slices – a fresh amalgam that spells variety and creates a truly unique panel option.
Made standard from Varia Ecoresin, ReMix contains 77.5% pre-consumer recycled material
- ReMix is heat-formable
- 1/2” gauge
- Discounted 33% from standard Varia Ecoresin, providing premium recycled panels at a lower price point
- Available in five color groups: Blue, Green, White, Light Natural & Dark Natural
- Two pattern directions: Parallel and Offset
Posted by liz on Jul 29th, 2010
Love the look of Penny Round tiles, but looking for something more sustainable.
You’ve met your match, Cork Mosaics from Jelinek Cork Mosaic Floors. Made from recycled wine corks, the corks are cut to 1/4′h and glued to a special backing paper to create mosaic patterns. The tile patterns are then grouted to your floor typical of a mosaic ceramic tile installation.
Cork Mosaics are recommend for bathrooms, entry, kitchens and other rooms where tile would be installed.
Kinda cool, kinda 1920′s meets 2010! I like it.
Posted by liz on Jul 20th, 2010
Ever thought? What becomes of those granite and marble leftovers after a counter top is cut and fabricated?
Enter > Earth Stone Products of Illinois, makers of 100% recycled marble and granite pavers for your driveway, flooring tiles or custom back splashes. The intricate patterns and unique mixes of granite and tile make for an interesting take on color and texture.
Locally fabricated in IL, Earth Stone Products my just be on to something new and very green in the granite industry.
Posted by liz on Apr 24th, 2010
This week I stopped into Apex Wood Floors in Downer’s Grove, IL. Apex specializes in wood flooring and offers a variety of species from sources around the country and beyond.
Their unique style featuring the natural “characters” of each board makes each floor unique. Honing in the natural rustic qualities, the characters such as knots and vertical grain add to the inherent beauty of the floor.
Going green is only natural for a Apex. They’ve been doing it for years offering locally sourced wood, recycled barn boards, bamboo and engineered wood.
Posted by liz on Apr 13th, 2010
Weitzner Limited is offering Newsworthy, wallpaper made of recycled newspapers.
Newsworthy is described as, “Using an age-old technology of upcycling old newspapers, 100% real newsprint strips are handwoven on a loom and then paperbacked to make Newsworthy suitable for the wall. A wonderful, tactile alternative to an expected grasscloth.”
The blend of soft printed black, greys and subtle colors create a field of printed harmony and texture to the wall. It’s a funky vintage vibe and a perfect background piece.
Check out the featured article in the LA Times.
Asparagus Interiors Inc.
