Laser cut from powder coated recycled metal from essentials.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Shadow Puppets
I know, we've all become acustomed to dinosaurs that don't drag their tails, don't show any real emotion when fighting another surian, and don't have crazy-eyes. But I miss the dinosaurs when I was a kid! Those ones that looking back now - and if the dinisuars had a good anti-defamation group behind them - were total steriotypes. Like the way old movies are really racist in the ways they portay minorities (I don't look back on that fondly - just to clarify). Anyway, I love these shadow puppets from Owly Shadow Puppets on Etsy.com!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Rhombic Triacontahedrons
These would make amazing light fixtures in translucent white (or any other color) plastic.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
100% Wool Felt Necklace
I think leaving in the circles for the consumer to punch out makes it truly unique... But I don't know if they do that.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Frozen 002 Exhibition
Laser cut Plexiglas, that looks like a sound wave to me or the grooves in a record.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
TLC Interview: studio_eQ
I first took note of studio_eQ by there laser cut scarves, which reminded me of a Rudi Gernreich piece... Enjoy!
The Laser Cutter: Who makes us studio_eQ, besides yourself?
studio_eQ: Jess Campion, Chris Burdick, Joey Fonacier = studio_eQ
TLC: So, Where are you from?
seQ: The three of us are originally from New York. Chris from
TLC: How long have you been… what title do you preferred title?
seQ: The existential answer is that we’ve been designers our whole lives, but the real answer is we met in architecture school almost 9 years ago where our formal design careers began. We all went to work professionally in the architecture industry but it seems that we all have creative ADD and through the years have branched out into any other fields of design that interest us. I’ve concentrated heavily on graphic design and computer animation. Jess and Chris in addition to architecture have branched out into furniture design, marketing and (other stuff). Currently, Jess is the only one the works professionally as an architect.
TLC: Where did you attend college?
seQ: The three of us met in architecture school at Syracuse University. Jess received her masters in architecture at USC and I went to Columbia University for a masters urban design. Currently I’m at Gnomon School for Visual Effects to formally switch my career path from architecture to computer animation. While our combined educations provided us a good foundation for the fundamentals of design, it’s really our inability to stay focused and our need to experiment with different things as well as our need to soak in design knowledge from as many places as possible that really helps us grow as designers. It’s also what keeps us passionate about design. We’re a young company trying to grow and really some our most valuable experiences have come through experimentation and getting thrown into the deep end of the pool and figuring out how to swim.
TLC: When did you first begin using a laser cutter?
seQ A: We were first introduced to a laser cutter in our last year of college. Our school had just bought one, but it was promptly broken by one of the freshmen who didn’t know how to use it. Jess, who is our master model builder used a laser cutter extensively with her firm. We had a pretty good summer last year in terms of work and we were able to buy our own. It’s sitting in Chris and Jess’s kitchen/studio.
TLC: How do you set up your files?
seQ: Because we’re architects we typically use AutoCAD to set up our files, but we’re starting to experiment with other programs, Photoshop, Corel, [Adobe] Illustrator. We’ll try any program just to see what kind of stuff we can get out it.
TLC: What’s your favorite material to laser cut?
seQ: Acrylic or plastic is a superior material for laser cutting or etching, the results are finished polished edges and incredible visual depth when etching, but we enjoy the unique materials the most, colored museum board, leather, canvas, various fabrics.
TLC: Do you have any laser cutting horror stories to tell?
seQ: In our very first attempt to cut the scarf, we had the brilliant idea of buying cashmere for like $25 a yard. What we quickly figured out was that cashmere is actually hair and smells like burning hair when its put under the laser cutter. We got our first prototype done but you could smell burnt hair for blocks.
TLC: Where do you get you inspiration?
seQ: If you were to ask us individually you’d probably get a hundred different answers. Our inspiration comes from everywhere. We keep an INSPIRATION folder on our server which is literally a couple of gigs of images and videos that we drag off websites. We compulsively search the internet for anything that that we find to be cool or beautiful.
TLC: Do you have any future laser cutting plans TLC may be interested in?
seQ: These scarves are our first attempt to create a product with the laser cutter. We think that we’ve just scratched the surface of what this thing can do. We have millions of ideas, the biggest problem is trying to find time to work these ideas out and getting them out of our heads. We have some crazy ideas rattling around.
TLC: So where can the readers reach you?
seQ: studioeqdesign.com is the website for our architectural or service work. We offer architectural firms computer renderings, physical models and laser cut marketing materials, such as business cards.
Veqdesign.com is our consumer online store where we sell our laser cut scarves and eventually our full line of products.
studioeq.blogspot.com is our blog. It has some of our latest work but we mostly use it as a inspirational exchange of ideas. Most of it is stuff that we think is cool and we want each other to see.
TLC: One last question… Is there any smell better than freshly laser cut wood?
seQ: I love waking up to the smell of laser cut wood. I’d wear it as a cologne if I could
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
Cup-O-Buttons
Cup-o-buttons, originally uploaded by Spikenzie.
From Our old friend at Spikenzielabs.com.
Laptop Stand... Again
This Instrucatble is on how to make a laptop stand and how to employ Adobe Illustrator to do it. It's pretty cool in the end but the scale of the wood seems off (the thickness I mean - he could totally get away with half the thickness because of the undulating shape and the way it is locked together).
Wave Laptop Stand (Making 3D Shapes in Illustrator) - More DIY How To Projects
Wave Laptop Stand (Making 3D Shapes in Illustrator) - More DIY How To Projects
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Plate Rack
Made to fit the designers very small kitchen. It holds two plates, eight cups, and a stand for knives and forks. Just a prototype in wood - the final version will most likely be in plexi.
Laser Cut Fabric From Elitis
ELITIS has an amazing line of laser cut fabrics. Needless to say they only deal with the trade, but their site is a treasure-trove of inspiration.
Picture courtesy of Furniturestoreblog.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Wrght Inspred Laser Cutting
I've begun to wonder how famous artist, designers and architects of the past would have employed laser cutting technology...
No real answer yet, but the above a gives good idea of how Frank Lloyd Wright would have employed it.
Above is an art screen made of cheery veneer called the From PrairieMod Store.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Pull/Pullover Lamp
Amazing use of laser cut stainless steel with a fabric sleeve. For my last semester at school, my investigation models consisted of fabric stretched over forms so these really stuck out for me.
Read more at MoCo Loco.
And for a better idea about the construction, read this Instructable.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Reversible Cheshire Chain
The Cheshire Cat was rockin' a chromed out grill way before ya suckas mad the scene!
Octo Necklace
This octopus necklace in black acrylic is amazing - the only way is could be any better is if its tentacles were holding the chain, as apposed to being "drilled".
They have many others, so check 'em out at Flickr (just clic-the-pic) and there is an Etsy.com store, but at the time of writing is closed for a break - so check back often.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
TLC Interview: Lauren Nicole
I first found out about Lauren though her her company Infraredstudio and the amazing jewelery she make there. Enjoy!
The Laser Cutter: So, Where are you from?
Lauren Nicole: Currently Minneapolis. I moved here in 1994 to attend the Minneapolis College of Art & Design.
TLC: How long have you been an artist, or do you prefer designer?
LN: In 1999 I graduated with a degree in Fine Art/ Interactive Multimedia. So I guess that puts me at about 10 years as a working professional designer. I originally went to school for fine art but switched majors during my junior year so that I could actually pay the rent.
TLC: Do you have any formal training as a jewelry maker?
LN: I am a self taught jewelry designer... but my most valuable training has come from working in the graphic design industry. Minneapolis is one of the top cities for graphic design & MCAD has a fantastic design program. Between work & college I've had some awesome mentors that have helped me refine my creative skills.
TLC: When did you first begin using a laser cutter? Who taught you? Where do you get access?
LN: About a year ago I decided I wanted to make graphic based jewelry. I liked the look of laser cut acrylic so I researched various vendors and outsourced the cutting. It's really not much different than screen printing, letterpress, or print. Once you design the graphic, you spec the materials, and find someone to make it for you.
TLC: How do you set up your files?
LN: I use Adobe Illustrator.
TLC: What’s your favorite material to laser cut? To etch?
LN: I like the look of stainless steel. When it comes to etching I prefer felt. The burnt edges can add a nice element to a design.
TLC: Do you have any laser cutting horror stories to tell?
LN: Not really. If I owned my own machine most likely I would have several stories to share. The worst part about laser cutting is the smell.
TLC: Where do you get you inspiration? Web sites?
LN: Music, urban subculture, street fashion, and art history. My source of inspiration changes constantly. I would have to catalog the sources by year. I watched a lot of MTV growing up and have always been inspired by album cover art.
Here's a few sites that I dig.
TLC: Do you have any future laser cutting plans TLC may be interested in?
LN: I am always coming up with new ideas. At some point this year I would like to design a series of laser cut clocks.
TLC: So where can the readers reach you?
LN: Shop: 1000markets.com/users/infraredstudio
Blog: infraredstudio.wordpress.com
Web: infraredstudio.com
TLC: One last question… Is there any smell better than freshly laser cut wood?
LN: Burnt felt. It smells like burnt hair.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
Cat Cacoon
The Cat Cocoon was designed of laser cut corugated cardboad by Warren Lieu.
Read more about it, and some other cat beds at Designsponge.com
Valentino Trench Dress Detail
The pleats make it stunning. You can't tell here - so I recomend you click through to flickr - it constructed like and actual trench coat.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Scott Campbell's Money
Tattoo artist Scott Campbell has created these really quite amazing laser cut stacks of bills.
Courtesy of Robot Nine.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Laser Cut Globe CD Rack
Very nice, but I'm not sure if you are bale to DW the plans anywhere, but visit the designer's site at www.lopenheaddesigns.com.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Bunnies!
Anything cuter ever? They make Hello Kitty look like a giant pile of puke!
The only question is: How are those black eyes, noses, and mouths get there?
Jaser Cut Iron-On
I don't know about you, but the real fascination is with the negative space left over. But what an amazing idea: laser cutting iron-on material. I wonder if you can laser cut contact paper?
From The Workroom, a sewing collective in Toronto.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Laser Cut Light Fixture
Not exactly sure of the process, but I think it would be amazing in another color or material - black or gray, or made out of veneer. Don't you want to touch it?
Hot Chip — Made In The Dark
Finally, actual laser cutting in art (as apposed to design). A colaboration between Wallzo and Blanka on Flickr.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
TLC Interview: Becky Ellis
I first found out about Becky and thinknow through Etsy.com. above is Becky and thinknow partner Ron Mitchell along with some of their stunning laser cut/etched jewelery work. Enjoy the interview!!!
The Laser Cutter: So, Where are you from?
Becky Ellis: We are a studio based in Seattle, WA and each Ron Mitchell and I have lived here for 10+ years. In addition to our sustainable products line, thinknow, we both manage an architectural design firm and complete projects around the world.
TLC: How long have you been architect?
BE: Ron has practiced Architecture, and was trained as an Architect for 30 years. He has many creative hobbies as well, such as wood-turning, and looks for design opportunities in a variety of outlets. I have been an architectural designer for 10+ years; and created thinknow with him this past February (2009).
TLC: Do you have any formal training as an artist?
BE: Yes, Ron received his Master of Architecture from Harvard’s Graduate School of Design & Cambridge University. I have undergraduate and masters’ degrees in Architecture & Environmental Design from Ball State University and the University of Washington.
TLC: When did you first begin using a laser cutter?
BE: We purchased a laser cutter in 2008 for building Architectural models after working with other independent modeling companies and wished to create models as part of the study/design process instead of simply a final finished product for presentations. We had basic training by the sales rep for Universal Laser Systems, and several hours of experimentation and refinement of the process. The laser cutter is housed in our Architectural Studio and has become a regular tool of design for both Architecture and the design of products for thinknow.
TLC: How do you set up your files?
BE: We use a combination of hand sketching, Adobe Illustrator and Autocad for the creation of our designs, and then set-up files for “printing” using Autocad/Windows. We also use a drafting program called Vectorworks, as we are on a Mac-platform, which we then convert to AutoCAD for final printing.
TLC: What’s your favorite material to laser cut? To etch?
BE: We have loved to collect wood samples from fallen trees, scraps from furniture crafters, and wanderings/travel – and each species produces such beautiful products when the rawness of the found wood is detailed with such intricacy as is possible with the laser cutter and the designs we’re enabled to produce. There is something absolutely wonderful about the simplicity of wood and the beauty of its variety. And simply speaking, wood etches and cuts beautifully.
TLC: Do you have any laser cutting horror stories to tell?
BE: In our R&D phase of materials research, we had run the gamut of eco-friendly natural products such as papers, matboards, and wood veneers upon which our designs are based. We decided to experiment with wool felt, which is 100% sheep’s wool and is available in varying densities and thicknesses. We had seen very cool bracelets with interesting fasteners, tableware such as intricately designed placemats and coasters, and even designer flower vases – all designed using thick wool felt and providing us with great inspiration as to the possibilities.
After deliberating over power, speed, and ppi settings at great length, we began to cut. Instantly we noticed a very…”natural”…odor from the cutting that smelled like…well, burnt hair. But as all laser cutting enthusiasts might relate….we persevered. Shortly thereafter, our front and back door to the studio was rattling off the hinges with urgent pounding, and in bursts the fire department armed and equipped with the entire range of fire-fighting necessities. Assuming that they had discovered the source of the smell that was invariably linked to the supposition of our amazing, historic, wood-construction artists’ studio burning down….and to discover that we were instead laser cutting wool felt – which was emitting a smell to cause the utmost concern for human and fauna sustainability in the building – lead to quite a scolding.
As you review our products, you will indeed see that anything made with wool felt did not make our Collections.
TLC: Where do you get your inspiration?
BE: We find market research to be absolutely invaluable as there are a tremendous number of laser cutting artists with products and designs to share. Our primary focus for inspiration is that of nature, as our “STORY” conveys, we find patterns in the geometries and abstractions of nature that inform our design. We have avid photographers on our design team, who provide inspiration with their work. We are often researching places and materials for our architectural designs that prompt ideas for product designs as well. And we find that travel sparks endless ideas whether from 30,000 ft or through a macro-zoom lens in appreciation of people and places.
TLC: Do you have any future laser cutting plans TLC may be interested in?
BE: We are always conducting R&D on new materials. And we’re particularly interested in translating 2D shapes/objects into 3D products – much like we do for our architectural models where each ½” thick building level is assembled to create a three dimensional hotel tower, for example. We are experimenting with this same concept for future jewelry/product designs as well.
TLC: So where can the readers reach you?
BE: We invite people to view our product websites at thinknowdesign.com and at thinknow.etsy.com as well as join our fan base on Facebook.
TLC: One last question… Is there any smell better than freshly laser cut wood?
BE: Haha! You’re right! And please do avoid “freshly laser cut WOOL!”
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