Design*Sponge

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diy by Brenna 17

diy project: paper clay barnacles


I love the look of papier-mâché. It is sturdy, classic and timeless, but sometimes it is just too much trouble — the layers, dripping and drying time, and then the painting. If I had an art/craft-dedicated studio and time to spare, I would be all over it. But for now, paper clay is my new papier-mâché. It is the same idea — paper infused with some sort of stiffener — but paper clay looks as if it is ceramic, with the strength of papier-mâché. The best part is its beautiful white color once it is dry — great for so many summer-inspired projects.

I used paper clay to make these organic barnacles. These lovely little objects would make stunning tabletop centerpieces, small storage vessels, wall decor, votives . . . the options are endless! I’ve included a few variation samples at the end, including painting the barnacles, but I love the simple, raw look, too, so I chose to leave the barnacles au naturel for my own home. I can smell the salty sea air now. Happy crafting! — Brenna

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interviews by Ginny 8

What’s in Your Toolbox: Ben Fiess


Ben Fiess is an inspired ceramicist with an insatiable curiosity for many different artistic fields. His work reflects his sensitivity to materials, particularly his range of utilitarian ceramics. These vessels merge textiles and clay and showcase his personal clay and glaze database, which he developed from his interest in ceramic chemistry. His color harmonies are simply marvelous, and I can’t wait to see what he creates next. Bonus fact: He moonlights as a farmhand. Read on to learn more about this awesome artisan. — Ginny

1. Design*Sponge: What is in your toolbox?


Ben Fiess: There are probably two tools I couldn’t get by without: pencil (3B) and X-Acto knife. Before I begin any project, I spend a lot of time sketching, and when I’m working with clay, my X-Acto is always within arm’s reach. I also use a variety of bushes, sponges, and ribs, but I’m not too picky about them. A lot of clay tools can be improvised, and if a specific project requires a special tool, I usually make it. Right now the banding wheel I’m using to trim forms and apply color was fabricated from an old brake rotor off my car and an old skateboard truck. I occasionally use a potter’s wheel; I’ve never owned one but will find access to one if I need it. A couple years ago my friend lent me his wheel, which had been owned by Robert Turner — I was happy to use a wheel with such great provenance.

2. Design*Sponge: Fill in the blank, “When I am in my studio, I feel _____________.”

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diy by Kate Pruitt 3

diy project: ombre flower collector + hanger


This is the last project in our summer DIY series with guest contributor Brittany Watson Jepsen. It’s been a pleasure having Brittany back on the site for a bit, and I feel majorly inspired by her clever, modern projects. Click on the links to view projects OneTwo, Three and Four. Thanks so much, Brittany! — Kate

Lilac season in Denmark is a pure delight. It seems to grow everywhere in various shades of pinks, purples and whites. I can’t help but think they need a new home in my living room vases, so I concocted this ombre flower hanger to help me gather some up. — Brittany Watson Jepsen

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interviews by Grace Bonney 13

after the jump: tina shoulders interview (mp3)

I’m incredibly happy to post an interview that will be the first in a series of many conversations I hope to have about the importance of diversity in the design industry. Diversity, or rather the lack of it, in design is sadly not a new topic, but it’s something that is rarely discussed in design media, blogs, television or the popular conferences and panels of our niche. Quite frankly, I have been embarrassed about my own lack of commitment to the issue, so I decided that if I was going to stop being part of the problem, I needed to try being part of the solution. I don’t know all the answers for solving such a widespread problem (and I don’t think the solution lies with just one person or one area of the industry), but I do know that the biggest problems seem most manageable when you just start talking about them.

A few months ago, I met with Tina Shoulders, whom I know best as the designer behind Laidback Home. I’ve admired Tina’s work and contributions to the design industry for a while now, but what really caught my eye was an e-book (inspired by a preceding web series) she created called 28 Days of Diversity. In her e-book (which you can — and should — read for free right here), she profiled 28 fantastic designers of color and highlighted the incredible works they are making. The idea was simple, but the impact for me was profound. It was a humbling (but much-needed) moment to realize that not only did I not know these designers, but I also didn’t know how to find them. Rather than remaining in the dark, I decided to meet with Tina to talk about that project and what I could do to improve my own research techniques and be a better supporter of designers of color.

Following up on that initial conversation, Tina and I had a really thought-provoking and enjoyable half-hour discussion on Monday’s radio show, where she shared some valuable insights about the problem, possible solutions and ways that both artists and bloggers can help increase visibility, awareness, inclusiveness and support systems for designers of color. I see this as part of a broader discussion that includes all non- “mainstream” creatives, whether that has to do with someone’s age, sexuality, gender, geographic location or race. It’s not something people talk about much, but I plan to start doing more of it. They say change starts at home, and today I’m making some changes around my online home. I’m working on some big ideas with Tina and hope to implement them this fall, so please stay tuned for updates. Also, please feel free to join the discussion in the comment section below. I will be continuing this series every month on After the Jump and would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions.

Thank you again to Tina for sharing her time and thoughts with me. I really hope this is just the beginning of a broader discussion that will include all bloggers and designers. Finding ways we can work together (and as individuals) to better reflect the broad spectrum of creative people in our industry is absolutely crucial, and while I wish I had started this process earlier, I’m glad we’re off and running with a conversation. Thanks for listening. — Grace

WAYS TO LISTEN

  • Stream or download the full interview in MP3 form right here (FREE)
  • Download the podcast on iTunes right here (FREE)

artwork by Grace Bonney 3

miya ando

Sometimes I read an artist’s bio, and I’m immediately interested in his or her work and the story behind it. Miya Ando is a self-described “half Japanese, half Russian artist who was raised by Japanese sword smiths turned priests in a Buddhist Temple in Japan.” I can only imagine all of the beautiful things Miya saw growing up, so to witness that shine through in her work (as incredibly serene minimalism) is wonderful.

Miya works primarily with metals and the way light touches them, but she recently devised a process of permanently hand-dyeing anodized aluminum plate paintings and sculptures. The resulting pieces are stunning. The cube sculpture above is my favorite, but I love how Miya works with subtle color gradations in the pieces above and (lower) below. You can view more of her incredible work on her website or in person at California’s Madison Gallery (starting July 14th) and New York’s Sundaram Tagore Gallery. Thanks to Miya for sending this over! xo, grace

products by Grace Bonney 4

storage options at spartan home

Speaking of small storage, how adorable are these wooden and ceramic containers at Spartan Home? The glass and acacia wood jars above would be perfect for serving or food storage (though I’d be tempted to use them for jewelry or craft supplies), and the ceramic pieces with cork closures (by Vitrified Studio — they have an amazing blog) are so lovely that I would be happy to display them as is. I love small pieces like this because they really elevate everyday storage for me; they take something as mundane as stashing earrings and turn it into artwork. Click here to check out the wooden vessels and here for the ceramic pieces. xo, grace