Liquid Cardboard Series: No.5
During a recent shopping stint at Chapters [the Canadian equivalent of Borders in the U.S.], I couldn’t help but be impressed by the massive display of eco-friendly back-to-school products, which included the modern Liquid Cardboard No.5 by cardboardesign. I had to snatch it immediately. I may not be heading back to school, but I’m definitely back to work here on GDG — and I just can’t resist cool eco trinkets for my home office. It’s futile.
First off, let me just say that Chapters must have a visual merchandising army, as their product displays are constantly evolving throughout the week, and from a Set Stylist’s point of view, they are quite current and make a strong impact. I’m impressed with the amount of planning and work that I know is going into their displays — particularly in their gifts section, which is always packed with unique items from all over the globe.
Back to the eco.friendly No. 5, which I picked up as part of the Liquid Cardboard series. It’s basically a free flowing “shape shifting” piece that reminds me of the classic Slinky, except that it’s made from totally recycled [and recyclable] honeycomb cardboard. The creative possibilities are endless, allowing you to fashion the object into a vase, bowl, decorative sculpture, business card and/or office supplies holder, etc. You can even mesh two different pieces from their Liquid Cardboard series together to form completely new shapes.
I must say, however, that I had a WTF moment when I got home and opened the box, only to find what appeared to be the antithesis of eco-friendly packaging inside — styrofoam peanuts[?!]. This would have prompted me to return No.5., as it would have just been too disappointing, and frankly, so wrong. Thankfully, I was greeted with a small card floating above the peanuts which read: “Our peanuts are made with cornstarch”, making them totally biodegradable. How cool is that?! No.5’s eco.points immediately soared in my books.
I also love the fact that their glues contain no harsh chemicals or animal products, along with their other green statements, which include: “Not one tree was cut down to produce our furniture and packaging” and “Not one person or country was exploited in making this product. It is 100% made in America.”
Fun, modern, creative, socially responsible and super eco-friendly — right down to the packaging! These cardboard peeps are brilliant.
No.5 sporting my new eco-friendly business cards [a post on them soon].
Um, yeah, I’ve still got a penguin fetish. Those who know me are not surprised.
Possibly my fave configuration. I like the cylindrical shape for inserting biz cards, photos, etc.
The fully recycled + recyclable box.
The “cornstarch biodegradable peanuts” used in the packaging of No.5.
![Recycled Aluminum Bark Vases @ VivaTerra.
Bark is really hot right now. Seriously. The idea of bringing the outdoors in has been a décor trend for a couple of years now, but currently, the textural and whimsical aspects have become more prominent. Nothing says nature like bark – or any type of forest imagery for that matter. However, it’s vital to restrain yourself when incorporating these natural elements. Remember that it’s more about making a fun and graphic statement, rather than a literal one. Otherwise you’ll end up with a dark, depressing, wood-filled 70’s rec-room – and I’ve seen enough of those in residential basements to last a life time.
If you’ve got the January 2008 issue of Canadian House & Home Magazine, check out page 66 for the “Forest” scheme, cited as one of the Top 10 Trends of 2008 for the home [and predicted to continue well on into 2009]. They don’t have their article on-line, but Toronto’s popular lifestyle show, CityLine on CityTV, recently covered these trends and has some photos of the “Forest” theme here. It’s a good example of the trend, though I’d probably eliminate one of those tables. Restrain, design lovahs, restrain…
Back to the eco.hip vases featured above: Artisans have taken recycled aluminum and craftily molded it into shape, carefully capturing the authentic look of birch — right down to its delicate paper-like texture and intricate veins. Another successful case of modern meets organic in the world of eco.chic.](http://26.media.tumblr.com/JEVcJTTe64vjxpo50T35xTR4_500.jpg)
Recycled Aluminum Bark Vases @ VivaTerra.
Bark is really hot right now. Seriously. The idea of bringing the outdoors in has been a décor trend for a couple of years now, but currently, the textural and whimsical aspects have become more prominent. Nothing says nature like bark – or any type of forest imagery for that matter. However, it’s vital to restrain yourself when incorporating these natural elements. Remember that it’s more about making a fun and graphic statement, rather than a literal one. Otherwise you’ll end up with a dark, depressing, wood-filled 70’s rec-room – and I’ve seen enough of those in residential basements to last a life time.
If you’ve got the January 2008 issue of Canadian House & Home Magazine, check out page 66 for the “Forest” scheme, cited as one of the Top 10 Trends of 2008 for the home [and predicted to continue well on into 2009]. They don’t have their article on-line, but Toronto’s popular lifestyle show, CityLine on CityTV, recently covered these trends and has some photos of the “Forest” theme here. It’s a good example of the trend, though I’d probably eliminate one of those tables. Restrain, design lovahs, restrain…
Back to the eco.hip vases featured above: Artisans have taken recycled aluminum and craftily molded it into shape, carefully capturing the authentic look of birch — right down to its delicate paper-like texture and intricate veins. Another successful case of modern meets organic in the world of eco.chic.
Vases by Domingos Tótora @ TOUCH.
The texture on these vases and accessories have a fun and tactile quality about them. How appropriate that they are sold at a store called TOUCH — it’s the first thing I’d want to do if I saw them in person!
