Browsing Tag

Community Voting App

Design

Fresh, Clean Style

October 5, 2011

Artist Bo Jia developed an admiration for smooth lines and understated beauty by taking in traditional Chinese architecture and landscapes while spending time in the Chinese countryside as a youth. While living in China, he studied fine arts, learning both traditional Chinese decorative arts and Western painting techniques. These influences are clear in his latest designs, Porcelain Dish and Laundry Detergent Vases

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These designs are a collaboration with his wife, Alison, who studied Chinese culture extensively. The couple aims to create designs that emphasis the beautiful craftsmanship involved in creating traditional Chinese ceramics, while bringing the art form to a new generation through modern design.

These striking vases are the perfect example of this modern execution of a traditional craft. The bold, colorful pieces are cast from actual detergent bottles. Although the vases are unique porcelain sculptures and have a coarse, unrefined texture–quite opposite of the texture of a plastic bottle–they embody well-known shapes.

Handmade in the Washington, D.C. area, Porcelain Dish and Laundry Detergent vases are now up for voting in our community voting app. If you love Bo and Alison’s ceramic bottles vote now.

Design

Comments of the Week

September 30, 2011

Last week’s favorites, Modern Cat Scratch Frames and Fortune Teller Napkins are still going strong in our community voting app, but we’ve also added a few new items for your voting pleasure this week!

Our community is speaking up to share their feedback on a cozy hoodie that keeps your phone comfy, extra padding for your baby’s little knees, and more potential uncommon goods.

We fully support your efforts to make your cat a lover of the arts. Thanks for the comment, Judy!

Continue Reading…

Design

Comments of the Week

September 23, 2011

This week our voting app is loaded with bold handmade jewelry designs, a fortuitous frill for your next dinner party, and home decor both you and your cat will love. Here’s what our voters are saying about these dynamic new designs.

Hmmm. Perhaps if we carry this Modern Cat Scratch Frame Christy can place the first order and finally have an excuse to get that cat she’s always wanted!

Don’t worry, Laura, these Fortune Teller Napkins are something of a cross between fortune cookie fortunes and table linens. No cooties involved!

Although Laura isn’t enthusiastic about the future of these fabulously folded cloth napkins, Elena has another view:

Either the ‘e’ key got stuck down, or Elena really, really loves this product! Either way, thanks for the comment, Elena!

Thanks for the feedback, Xena. Perhaps those with brass allergies won’t be jumping on these lovely Bar and Circle Brass Necklaces, but, fortunately, those folks have options! Artist Kathleen Plate also makes stunning pieces in sterling silver.

We love Kathleen’s jewelry, which is handmade from recycled glass bottles. Janine’s comment says it well:

If you agree with Janine that Kathleen’s 5-piece Brass Lariat Necklace is perfect for UncommonGoods, or want to weigh in on these other potential products, visit our voting app and leave some feedback of your own!

Design

Scratch That!

September 22, 2011

Shannon said: “If they come in more than one color it would be pretty cool to use as an art piece that kitty can enjoy”

Lisa said: “Interactive art for felines! Tres cool.”

@HurryHurryATL weighed in via Twitter: “@UncommonGoods Would it have to be hung at cat’s eye level? And a trend is born.”

Shannon will be pleased to know that this fun frame also comes in black. The functional feline accessory allows you to save space by nixing the traditional scratching post, while guests in your home will look twice at this chic modern wall art before realizing that the center is a nylon fiber insert, made for your kitty’s playful paws.

Although it does have to hung within your cat’s reach, eye level might be a bit low. Make that cuddly critter stand on tip toes and get in a good stretch!

If you love the Modern Cat Scratch Frame visit our community voting app and let us know if you’d prefer purple or black.

Design

Good Fortune

September 22, 2011

Heather said: “I love this idea. Among other things, these would make a perfect hostess gift. Very unique; very creative, and a definite converstion starter. I will be disappointed if these aren’t available for sale!”

Lisa said: “I love conversation-starters like this when I’m entertaining!”

Deb said: “LOVE! These are awesome, they’d be super cute for a dinner party.”

Featuring original text and illustrations by Lea Redmond, these Fortune Teller Napkins let you relive the good ol’ days of elementary and junior high school without the fear of catching cooties.

Instead of offering the name of the classmate you’ll marry, these clever cloth napkins open to show words of wisdom. Check out this video to see how they work, then visit our community voting app to tell us whether you see these Fortune Tellers in our future.

Design

Comments of the Week

September 10, 2011

Each week we share a few of our favorite comments from our community voting app here on our blog. This week’s comment selection is special, since our app is chalk-full of great jewelry designs from our Uncommon Jewelry Design Challenge!

Here’s what our voters are saying so far!

Glad you love Denise Harrison’s Beer Speak Jewelry, Sarah! I know what you mean. I could go for a refreshing summer ale right about now.

Continue Reading…

Design, The Uncommon Life

Naughty or Nice?

September 3, 2011

Ciara said: “These are HILARIOUS! Perfect for my little brother WHO SPIT GUM IN MY HAIR!!!!!”

These Little Lumps of Coal are a cute way to get back at someone who has been picking on you, without being mean. Made from organic cotton, the squeezable little lumps are much cleaner than the real deal.

Do you have a little brother who deserves a lump of coal in his stocking? Does your little one need a reminder that Santa knows whether they’ve been naughty or nice? Visit our community voting app and tell us whether these lively lumps should join our lineup before the holidays!