Paper, Glass, Metal

I caught MPR's Art Hounds on my way into work this morning and made a mental note to look up an artist that was highlighted on today's show - Michael Kareken. His name escaped me by the time I got home, but a quick Google search that included Minnesota Institute of Art, Michael and recycling led me to his website.

Michael's current work is a collection of paintings and drawings of the recycling industry. The local industrial recycling locations he selected "inspire metaphoric associations with life and death, growth and decay, order and entropy, structure and chaos." [MIA]

His exhibition can currently be seen at the Groveland Gallery in Mpls from now until April 10th.

[michael kareken]

Mottainai.

Some links to love.

Where have I been? It doesn't matter because I'm back and I'm here to share some links with you.

"Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets..."

Layered chain necklaces...love. Socially conscious fashion...love. Put them together and what do you get...The Andean Collection. "great fashion forward designs, while creating a greener planet, and providing a path out of poverty for artisans using fair trade principles." [via]

The fact that this girl discloses what materials she uses to make her bags makes me happy. [via]

The upcoming World Cup uniforms (aka kits) are made from recycled plastic bottles. I wonder how well those breathe? Nike is stating that they diverted 13 million water bottles from the landfill. [via]

Good news...greener packaging. Bad news...it is still Quiznos. Read about the changes Quiznos has made to their packaging. Looks like they are on the same path as Nike - uniforms (aka aprons) are going to be made from recycled plastic bottles.

Now you can take that beloved t-shirt from high school and turn it into a laptop sleeve. Now I know what to do with my favorite t-shirt from swim team with my name on the back and I'm not even joking. About the organization: Hello Rewind is a New York City based operation promoting two-fold renewal; to recycle old goods into new, and to develop a business aimed at supporting the reintegration of sex trafficking survivors into society. [via]

A dollhouse that is modern AND eco-friendly. Groovy. [via]

If you are in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area tomorrow, check out the citywide event that is helping two local restaurants recover after a recent fire took them off the grid.

[day sixty five {via: creature comforts}]

Mottainai.

Lovely linens

 

A fun housewarming, birthday gift.

Reduce paper waste.

100% cotton fabric.

Non-toxic inks.

[nina glaser {via: modish}]

Mottainai.

Other people's words. My thoughts.

"i packed a bag and i boarded a train.
and i spent the weekend
away from home.
i laughed with friends and i joked with strangers.
i ate good sandwiches, i drank great beer
and i had those kinds of moments, 

the ones when your tummy hurts 
you've laughed so much.
and when you catch yourself smiling at nothing at all."

 

-forty sixth at grace

 

 [via: forty sixth at grace: on sandwiches and beer and things that matter]

 

Mottainai.

Monday morning reminder.

 

[hijirik studio]

Mottainai.

Give the gift of travel.

Travel near.
Travel far.
To new places.
To favorite places.
By car.
By bike.
By plane.
By foot.
By boat.
See.
Hear.
Smell.
Taste.
Explore.

Giving gifts is one of my favorite things to do. It is important to me to give gifts that are meaningful, useful and a bit unexpected. Babies and toddlers are always a challenge for me because they don't necessarily know when they are getting something and they seem to have a ton of books, toys and clothes. 

Last year as my nephew's and niece's 1st birthdays approached, I decided that I would give them the gift of travel. This gift of travel wasn't a plane ticket or frequent flyer miles, but a travel account (aka. savings account) for them to use once they turn 18. My family is aware of the account, so if they feel compelled to add to it, they certainly can! Traveling has made such an impact on my life and is a source of inspiration for me - I wanted to give this gift to them.
 

Bon voyage, Tate & Olive!

[via: reading my tea leaves; (oh, hello friend) you are loved; design*sponge; stephane massa-bidal]

Mottainai.

Go now, and live.

That is all.

[via: loveology: when we wake up...]

Mottainai.

Monday morning reminder.

[hijirik studio]

Mottainai.

Look out for that...

 

  

 

pothole! I mean garden. Pete Dungey drives around Britain searching for potholes to fill with loveliness. I'd smile if I drove by one of those.

[via: Cup of Jo]

Mottainai.

Recycled Fabric.

 

  

  

  

Art around your neck. Lovely! I'll take one of each, plus more for my friends.

[foulard threads (via: modish)]

Mottainai.

Love.

Spread some love this weekend.

I need a silent true-way to admire.
Like you as a sunset, and I as a wildfire.
And I can let the day go...

I've locked up these words, in fear that I'd say them wrong.
Is it love as a mountain, or love as a simple song?
And the moment that the two meet
has now laid itself at your feet.

And love is not convenient; it does not cease at your command.
You might take and leave it, but love is all I am.
Love is all I am.

I need a boundless, soft way to commend
Like you as a temper, and I as it's tender end.
And however long your fits last
I will live within your shadow cast.

And love is still your stranger; it does not respect how much you'll stand
You might be love's reminder, but love is all I am.
Love is all am.

I need a graceful, proud way to let go
To smile and accept the things that you don't know
The losses and the gains blurred
The weight of these as last words

And love is not excitement; it's not kissing, or holding hands
I'm not some assignment; no, love is all I am
Love is all I am.
Love is all I am.  

-Dawes, Love Is All I Am

[Love Candy]

Mottainai.

Some links to love.

And to think, I loved school lunch. This article gives a little insight into what is really in a school cafeteria lunch.

Ordinary guys brewing extraordinary beer. A great interview with the founders/brewers at Minneapolis-based Fulton Beer.

On a beer kick today. New Belgium Brewery has recently announced the largest privately owned solar array in Colorado has gone live at their plant.

Are you looking for a compost bucket that isn't white or metal? Look no further. Don't compost yet? Why not? Here's a list of 75+ things that you can compost.

My family rocks. Love you all...this one is for you.

New eco-business ideas:

+ This one involves the transformation of cast-iron radiators

+ This one combines a board game and sustainable thinking

+ And this one converts steps into energy

Loving this company's concept of "focusing on slow design and sustainability." They sew their garments by hand in Northern Alabama. [via]

The Monterey Bay Aquarium has updated its seafood recommendations. Take a look.

Kind of want to be friends with this husband and wife combo who own and operate Quince and Apple, a small batch preserves company.

Usable goods made from repurposed items. Aprons, clutches and pillows, oh my.

[Alabama Chanin Fabrics]

Mottainai.