Jointed Pieces and Knitted Vase

Bits ‘n Pieces is a traveling exhibition with work from a variety of artists, scientists and researchers who are trying to “..anticipate the next phase of the digital revolution, focusing on how society is imbued with, shaped by and shapes technology.”  It’s a great way for art and science to interact and lead to thought-provoking and inspiring pieces of craft and design:

Jointed Pieces by Alissia Melka-Teichroew (byAMT) is an example of craft made possible by science:

Jointed Pieces

Her jewelry is made of ball joints, which used to be impossible to create in one piece without assembly in the mediums of ceramics or plastics.  However, with Selective Laser Sintering technology, she can now create the ball joint and combine them for her line of bracelets and necklaces.

Another inspiring combination of technology, crafts, and design is the Knitted Vase by Ilona Huvenaars and Willem Derks, which is made to fit any amount of flowers, from a single rose to a bunch of wildflowers:

Knitted Vase

The vase is made from synthetic fiber and created through the Rapid Manufacturing technique.  It’s designed to stretch and wrap around the flowers like the neck of a knitted sweater.  Sounds comfy!

Check out these impressive prototypes and many more on the Bits ‘n Pieces website.  If you live near New York City, check them out in person at Material ConneXion at 60 Madison Avenue, 2nd Floor.

Bookshpan Buttons Short Lamp

I have been obsessed with Coraline lately, and this lamp looks like something the “Other Mother” would love to put in her living room!  Check it out at Studio mesila (site in Hebrew and English).

Stumbled upon the awesome via Design Milk.

St. Mark's Comics and Toy Tokyo

When I lived in New York City, I used to spend a lot of time in Greenwich Village.  Two notable geek stores on the block are St. Mark’s Comics and Toy Tokyo.  They’re both a bit difficult to find (St. Mark’s Comics is on a lower level than other shops, and Toy Tokyo is on the second floor, with only a sign and a painted Godzilla to guide you).  They’re both packed to the gills with their respective material: St. Mark’s Comics is full of comic books and old toys and collectibles; Toy Tokyo is full of fun, hip toys, from The Simpsons to Domo-kun.  But are these two shops worth the walk?  Find out after the break:

St. Mark’s Comics is probably best for its ambiance.  It feels like being inside of the mind of a stereotypical geek: dusty, crowded with old memorabilia, hidden away in some basement area.  Ironically, it’s not really a great place if you’re looking for a particular comic book.  I’ve bought more comics at Jim Hanley’s and Forbidden Planet, where the shelves are much better organized and the staff is much more knowledgeable.  Instead, I go to St. Mark’s for great geek inspiration, to see old toys and get a fun sense of nostalgia.  So if you have an ample amount of time to browse and want to remember when geek was as far away from chic as possible, this is the place for you.

Toy Tokyo, however, is hip and fun, with a wide variety of vinyl toys, plushies, kawaii trinkets from Japan, and both American and Japanese pop culture icons (a la Astro Boy, Star Wars, Godzilla, Nintendo’s Mario, and Peanuts, to name a few).  The Kidrobot store in Soho is much more minimal and manageable, but the crowded and frenetic nature of Toy Tokyo is also very enjoyable.

Has anyone else been to these stores and agree/disagree?  Anyone need directions?  Feel free to comment away!

Tentacle Ring + Wooden Skull Pin

Tentacle Ring by OctopusMe for $160.00: Modeled from a real octopus tentacle, this ring reminds me of mythological sea creatures like the Kraken and Cthulhu (and also puts me in the mood for some sushi).

Wooden Skull Pin by Driftwood for $110.00: Carved out of driftwood, this skull pin looks like it came straight from the prow of a pirate ship.

by arohasilhouettes and spinthread

The Vinyl Record Necklace by arohasilhouettes ($50.00) and the Embroidered Geometry Art Necklace by spinthread ($35.00) are two more pieces of jewelry that mimic the Q*bert cube theme, with gorgeous results!

From Beetlejuice by Tim Burton

I can’t have Halloween without Beetlejuice: ever since I was a kid, I’ve watched the movie every Halloween night.  I’ve always loved Tim Burton’s cartoony gothic style, with graphic black and white stripes and strange creatures galore!  Here is a collection of clothes and accessories that mimic the looks of Beetlejuice, from the miniature graveyard to the many cameras of Lydia (Winona Ryder):

Beetlejuice outfit

See product details after the break:

The Black and White Chiffon Dress by Sea ($203.00) will make you the most stylish girl in the waiting room for the recently deceased.

From Forever 21

Someone is always looking for a photo op with Once Upon a Polaroid Necklace by TillyBloom ($25.00).

From TillyBloom

Maybe the Vintage Key Ring from Eden & Eden ($22.00) will open the door to the undead.

From Eden & Eden

The Striped Bracelet with Neon and Silver by Arielle de Pinto + Anntian ($115.00) is the epitome of Beetlejuice style.

From Monster Commerce

Make your own graveyard with the Terrarium Décor Headstones by LBrandt ( $10.50).

From LBrandt

The Feathered Furfelt Cap by alicehartcouture ($195.00) looks perfect for a funeral.

From Alice Hart Couture

The creepy Marg Vase from Future Perfect ($205.00) looks like it could be Snake Beetlejuice’s twin sister.

From Future Perfect

Step into the perpetual duds of Adam (Alec Baldwin) with the Flannel Belted Woven Shirt from Forever 21 ($17.80).

From Forever 21

From the Bust Boobtique

However, ripping open your blouse to reveal these crime-fighting ensembles is not recommended.

Models, INC. from Marvel

Yesterday at the bookstore I picked up a copy of Models Inc., the Marvel comic about models trying to solve the murder of a set designer. The models are Marvel characters both famous (Mary Jane Watson of Spiderman) and lesser known (Chili Storm from Fantastic Four). The first issue also features Tim Gunn from Project Runway, and was distributed during New York Fashion Week this past September.

See more of Models, Inc. after the break:

I’m not a big fan of the storyline, but the covers are hilarious parodies of fashion magazines. My personal favorite is the zombie cover:

Models, Inc. from the Zombie-verse

Evidently, brains are hawt, and just in time for Halloween!

(All images of Models, Inc. are property of Marvel Comics)

Where the Wild Things Are collections

Where the Wild Things Are has been inspiring readers for generations, and the recent movie has spurred the creation of two great collections at Urban Outfitters and Opening Ceremony.  The Urban Outfitters collection has more of a cute, childlike feel, with whimsical patters on the Allover Woods Crew T-Shirt, and scribbles on the Wild Grass Pillow.  Where the Wild Things Are Dolls are adorable, and go well with the graphic canvas prints.

Opening Ceremony’s Where the Wild Things Are X collection is more refined and expensive, with lots of furry ensembles and quirky details.  My favorites include the gorgeously fuzzy Carol Flare Coat and the cute typography on the seen/done/loved T-shirt.  The Carol Headband is necessary for when you need to blend in with monsters, and the Ira Claw bracelet is perfect for when your wrist needs a hug.

Brutal Legend from Double Fine Productions

The much anticipated Brütal Legend came out this week, created by the always awesome Double Fine Productions and starring Jack Black.  As a big fan of Psychonauts, I’m really looking forward to this game.  The visuals look amazing and the story is unique, so I say rock on!  Here are some pieces that get me in the mood for metal:

Brutal Legend Outfit

See product details after the break:

Jewel Trim Pleather Vest from Forever 21 for $29.80

From Forever 21

DEREN Hex Bracelet-Cuff by giia at etsy for $35.00

From giia

Chuck Taylor All Star Pink Floyd at Converse on sale for $34.99

From Converse