- http://andsoitgoes.us/bags

May 30, 2013 by Designsquish

by Designsquish

May 01, 2013 by Designsquish

February 05, 2013 by Designsquish

-http://blog.loveadorned.com/?tag=amy-glenn

January 23, 2013 by Designsquish

Autumn grasses by Julia Avseneva

October 30, 2012 by Designsquish

Buttons from top to bottom: water lily, lily of the valley, first flowers, chamomile, bluebells, thistle, cornflower, russel muhroom, oak, blackberry, red under aspen mushroom.

- http://www.etsy.com/listing/107760651/soviet-mushroom-button-badge-vintage

October 09, 2012 by Designsquish

The Cod Collection from Kria is a study of the fish which has sustained Icelandic culture for centuries and focuses on extracting details to imagine objects of ritualization.

- http://kriajewelry.com

May 28, 2012 by Designsquish

April 11, 2012 by Designsquish

April 08, 2012 by Designsquish

Recycled jean fabric necklace by MAGICOVERACID

July 02, 2011 by Designsquish

Avoska, translated as “just in case” is a Russian net bag.  Avoska collapses to fit inside your fist and expands to hold 12 grapefruits. It is easy to wash and boxes edges do not rip it’s threads. Best of all, it prevents plastic bags from gathering in your kitchen corner or the world’s landfills.  With the popularization of plastic bags after the 90’s (after the fall of Soviet Union) avoska bags gradually went into disuse in Russia.

Above: Russia 1959. People carrying avoska bags. Photo: Carl Mydans.

Contemporary Russian folklore:  Once upon a time in Russia there lived a simple little net bag - Avoska. Everyone loved her.  People took her with them everywhere - to the store, farmers market and even birthdays. But then….plastic bags came and people forgot about Avoska.  To see what happens next watch this really adorable 3 minute film on Youtube:  http://www.youtube.com/avoska

Above: Boy hugging avoska bag from short “Avoska” film (See above)

Read blog dedicated to Avoski:  http://avoski.livejournal.com/

June 07, 2011 by Designsquish

April 12, 2011 by Designsquish

I am absolutely in love with %100 wool felt boots, valenki. Traditional Russian footwear. A great alternative to Uggs.

December 30, 2010 by Designsquish

Bags from reclaimed tractor inner tubes by Chicago based company Defy Bags. Old materials. New ideas.

http://www.defybags.com

November 19, 2010 by Designsquish

This mug by lenni08 reminds me of where I grew up. There are many birch trees in Russia — it’s considered the national tree.

This necklace made of birch bark by bettula is inspired by the discarded and unusual. You don’t have to think very hard to figure out which tree is my favorite.

When I was growing up, people in Russia did not have a lot of money to buy new wares, so they made belongings out of other objects. To this day I think it is pretty cool to see objects and materials being reused, like this rotating bike wheel pot rack by plaidclad

These beautiful and valuable bits and pieces almost disappeared into the garbage pile forever! Get inspired to recycle by the digit recycled leather necklace by mainichi and shift key typewriter vintage pendant necklace by PreciousPastimes.

This neglected dresser was salvaged and restored by rubyrhino1 and made into a vintage masterpiece.  It reminds me of our summer dacha in Russia.

Read full Design Squish guest Curator post on Etsy:

- Earth Tones: Design Squish’s Eco Picks

September 16, 2010 by Designsquish

I am drawn to comfortable, soft accessories from reclaimed materials.
Slippers made from recycled, felted 100% lambswool sweater and recycled leather by Wooly Baby as well as this upcycled slouch bag made from the sleeves of a mens wool dress coat by Betsy & Bess...

August 16, 2010 by Designsquish

Bike fashion is really hitting its peak.  There are more and more people biking Fort Tilden beach everyday.  Great bike fashion blog I found recently - http://piubici.tumblr.com/

Special addition for Jen: bike helmet chic. Beautiful bike helmets:

Stylish bike helmets:

July 16, 2010 by Designsquish

July 06, 2010 by Designsquish

I was excited to find these great “Recycled Banner Golden Mean Messenger Bags”  DIY instructions a la Freitag bike messenger bags.  (Can be made under $5 !!!!!!!!!!!!!). Comfortable, light, tough billboard sign material (waterproof). To view instructions please visit: EEIO Golden Mean messenger bag instructions
In stores, nice bike messenger bags can be $200. Making your own not only saves money but also is good for environment.  I just saw a truck driver discard a big piece of truck tarpaulin and now it is lying on the street waiting to be made into bags.

March 03, 2010 by Designsquish

December 16, 2009 by Designsquish

Kaelyn Garcia’s Organic Cotton and natural silk sateen circle dress.

May 05, 2009 by Designsquish

Nadia Nour is a fashion designer based in New York City.  Nadia keeps manufacturing and sourcing supplies for her garments local and uses organics as much as possible - naturally dyed silks,  fabrics that are healthy for people and the environment.  Her clothing designs are sophisticated, high-end and chic but at the same time organic and sustainable. 

May 03, 2009 by Designsquish