BLOG : HANDMADE

Berea College Crafts

By Tom Ran

Published: January 13, 2010 under Handmade

Right: Various handmade brooms Left: Skittles Game

Photo: Berea College

In the small town of Berea, Kentucky resides a liberal arts college known for it’s unorthodox methods of operation. Though the college was founded in 1855, it’s socially and environmentally conscious approach are quite progressive. Housing includes an Ecovillage comprising of 50 apartments with an emphasis on sustainability. Tuition is completely free, students are however required to work 10 hours a week. Work that include producing crafts using traditional techniques dating back to the history of the region. Woodcraft, weaving and ceramics are all part of the duties, producing products that are then sold to the public. We have a great appreciation for their handcrafted items, even something as simple as a broom can be so profound to us. Learn more about Berea College and visit their shop.

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Herriott Grace

By Tom Ran

Published: December 8, 2009 under Handmade

Herriott Grace baby spoons made from black walnut

Photo: Herriott Grace

A spoon is just a spoon and nothing more. A Herriott Grace spoon on the other hand is a functional piece of art where its beauty supersedes its purpose. Nikole Herriott started her business with her father after receiving care packages that included hand-carved spoons. Her understanding and appreciation of the craft prompted her to launch this venture. Herriott Grace is exclusively sold online, offered in its catalog are spoons, bowls, plates, boards and rolling pins, all hand-carved and hand-turned by her father, Lance Herriott. Many of the items are sold out, however the site will be updated again today at 10am EST. Thank you Kelly for the lead.

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FEATURES

Billykirk Studio Visit

By Tom Ran
Chris and Kirk Bray of Billykirk

Photo: Rose Callahan

Billykirk’s studio is surrounded by things, equipments, flat files, paintings, photos, and memories.

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By Loft Visit

By Shawn Kelly as told by Sarah Williams
Before - Piero Lissoni for Living Divani - Softwall Sofa, Box series chairs and Metro2 table, Ile side table.<br> Vintage and Flea market accessory pieces. Lighting by Flos.

Photo: Jordan Provost © 2009

Anyone with a design fetish in New York City dreams of a cavernous loft space to create endless compositions of beautifully designed furniture punctuated with rare artifacts, and the luxury…

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Life of a Personal Chef

By Maggie Shi
Left: Jill Donenfeld Right: Whiskey Prawn Skewers w/Tomato Curry

Photo: Left: Jill Donenfeld Right: Melissa Ricketts

It sounds like an idyllic life—cooking inventive meals in private homes, working flexible hours, spending your days shopping at the greenmarket, and getting paid to do it all.

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