PrairieMod

Introducing Arrowroot

ODO (Organic Design Operatives) recently announced the launch of their Arrowroot Collection of furniture and home decor. Inspired by nature and the American Prairie School of design, this unique collection of home furnishings goes beyond the typical historical reproductions of the classics. Each piece is an original design created by ODO using the same organic design principles pioneered by Prairie School masters like Frank Lloyd Wright, Purcell & Elmslie and George Mann Niedecken. Check out the entire collection here.

Image copyright ODO

DIY: 2x4 Furniture

If you are looking for some deck furniture, but are short on cash, then check out these simple plans from the website 2822 Shop to make your own out of the most basic of building materials: the lowly 2x4. Check it out here.

Image via 2822shop.com

Console @ 54

Chicago-based designer and craftsman, Randall Kramer was nice enough to share a new piece that he just delivered to a Modern Chicago high-rise building. Randall explains:

"The Interior Design firm of Handman Associates were the genesis of this design and I made it. I really like how the hammered texture of the tapered angle iron legs appear with the black patina and the coating of the matte sealer. The custom cabinet handles were fabricated the same manner."

The piece is truly beautiful, embodying a Modern nod to both the Arts & Crafts and Art Deco era. Check out Randall's other work here.

Images copyright Randall Kramer

Birds And Bags

I recently came across the work of designers Shay Ometz and Jeff Barfoot at their Etsy.com shop called "Bee Things." The dynamic duo create bright and fun silkscreen prints of Mod birds, animals and veggies. I especially like their creative approach to dressing-up the common brown lunch bag. Check out their store here.

Image via beethings

Paper Landmarks

If you are good with an X-Acto knife and glue and love architecture than check out Paper Landmarks and start building your own collection of cut-and-paste wonders. Check out all the paper buildings here.

Image via paperlandmarks.com

Motawi's Magic

Here's an article from the Detroit News about the studio artisans and how they work their magic at the Motawi Tileworks in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Read it here.

Image via detnews.com

Speaking Of Art

I recently heard from a college friend of mine, Michael Wille, who now teaches at Illinois State University in Normal, IL. I cruised over to his website to check out his recent work and was loving his abstract and engaging geometric paintings. I can imagine what a show of his abstract work would look like at the Price Tower Arts Center or some other appropriate venue. Check out more of Mike's paintings here.

Image copyright Michael Wille

Hip Stuff On The Square

PrairieMod reader, Scott T. sent me some great info on the Art Fair on the Square (Madison) that he and his family attended this past weekend. They picked up some original and repro works from artist Dolan Geiman. They also saw the art of architect/graphic designer/painter Justin Racinowski, which included a painting of the Imperial Hotel. Follow the links to check out more of their work. Thanks Scott!

Image copyright Dolen Geiman

Good Design Is Smart

Mid-Century: Good Design in Europe and America, 1850-1950 is a new exhibit put together at the University of Chicago's Smart Museum of Art. The exhibit features objects from its collection exhibiting the show's namesake including several Frank Lloyd Wright works of furniture and art glass. Read more here.

Image via Chicago Sun-Times

Miller In Modernism

The newest issue of Modernism Magazine has a great article about Chicago's "handmade residences" by Edgar Miller. Reading about this amazing Modern Renaissance man and his work in Chicago made me really want to pick up a copy of the new monograph about him to learn more. Sounds like a trip to the bookstore! Read more about the magazine article here.

A Touch Of Sullivan

Fair Oak Workshops has brought back their line of indoor/outdoor urns, frieze panels and jardinieres which feature detailed Sullivanesque ornamentation. Check them out here.

Image via fairoak.com

Edgar Miller And The Hand-Made Home

Here's a book that's on my list to add to the PrairieMod library. Edgar Miller is relatively unknown, but thanks to this beautiful new book, Edgar Miller and the Hand-Made Home, his prodigious ability to master any craft for creating interiors can finally be appreciated. Read a short review and see lots of photos here.

Letterpress At Home

I recently came across the Epic Six personal letterpress printer from Lifestyle Crafts at the Paper Source in Chicago and was amazed. Finally, a way to experiment with the art of letterpress printing without shelling-out tons of money! Check it out here.

Image via Lifestyle Crafts

16th Workshop

We got an email from Chris Armes, who with his wife, run the 16th Workshop in Seattle, WA where they design and build hand-made modern furniture. I checked out their stuff on their website and love the use of natural materials, the supple organic forms, the Mod sensibility. In short, very PrairieMod. Check out 16th Workshop for yourself here.

Image copyright 16th Workshop

Forest Of Woods

Check out this sweet set of wooden trees designed by Mark Giglio on his website, Pen Pencil Stencil. Who knew scrap wood could be so great? See more of Mark's work here.

Image copyright Mark Giglio

Case And Grain

PrairieMod reader, Paul R. sent me a link to an amazing furniture design studio called Case and Grain located in Los Angeles. Their custom work uses the beauty of natural materials and features clean lines and subtle forms. Check it out here.

Image via caseandgrain.com

A Friend Of Modernism

Sebastian Smee of the Boston Globe reviews the current (if small) exhibit of Machine Age sculptures by artist John Storrs. Read it here.

Image via the Boston Anthenaeum

The Artistic Furniture Of Charles Rohlfs

The Los Angeles Times recently featured an article on the new Charles Rohlfs exhibit at the at the Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, CA. Read about it here.

Image via LA Times website

Get Hinged

Some friends and I visited the Chicago Antique Market this weekend and came across some very cool stuff. One of the cool things we discovered was Hinge. Hinge is a design community of local Chicago artists, furniture designers and antique dealers that use found, reclaimed, vintage and natural materials to make a sophisticated selection of home decor items. Check out their site, mission and products here.

Image via hingedesignstudios.com

Lloyd's Of Chicago

Join Unity Temple Restoration Foundation on their next Break::the::Box event with a visit to the S. Lloyd Natof furniture making workshop in Chicago's West Loop. Lloyd will present a collection of observations and commentary on Wright's furniture along with a tour of his studio. Lloyd is uniquely equipped to offer such information: as Wright's great-grandson, he has been living with and thinking about Wright's furniture all of his life. Tickets are $15 for UTRF members, students and seniors; $20 non-members. Space is limited to 25; registration required. Light refreshments and dessert will be served. Order tickets here.

Image via UTRF

Arts & Crafts Show In Chicago

Mark your calendars for May 29-30, 2010! The 5th annual Arts & Crafts Show and Sale in Chicago will be taking place at Concordia University in River Forest, IL. This show is always a treat and is your chance to see some the best A&C antiques, dealers and artisans in one place. More details here.

Image via eastwoodgallery.com

Little Mod Birdhouse

A PrairieMod reader sent me this great link to a very Mod DIY birdhouse project that I think might be a must-build for the "Little Red House". See it here.

Image via 2greenthumbsup.com

Freaky Furniture

Check out this article on Arts & Crafts-era furniture icon, Charles Rohlfs, and the traveling exhibit that features his unique designs. Read it here.

Image via www.buffalonews.com

Arts & Crafts Collector Feature: The Morris Chair

Bruce Johnson's Arts & Crafts Collector has a feature article about the legendary Morris Chair. If you love not only the Mod, but also the Prairie—this read might just be for you!

Image copyright Stickley & Co.

Spring Specials From Cobre Copper

If you have an appreciation for slightly pricey, handcrafted items like I do, then you might want to check out Cobre's Spring 2010 offering. I'm digging the Globe Vase (featured left) for $69!

Get details on their specials and be sure to peruse the rest of the amazing items they sell.

Image copyright Cobre

Eva Zeisel Lovers' Suite Prints

Room and Board announced the release of a limited edition set of prints designed by Eva Zeisel, in collaboration with KleinReid Studio. The prints depict the curving lines and organic shapes she is famous for. Read more about it here and see the pieces here.

Image via the New York Times

Urban Landscapes And More

A new exhibit of architecture-related watercolor paintings titled "Urban Landscapes and More" by artist, Robert Litvan is on display at the Oak Park Public Library in their Gallery. For more information, follow the link.

Go Greene In St. Louis

Interested in the connections between Greene & Greene and St. Louis? Then plan on attending "The Art and Craft of Greene & Greene: The Frank Lloyd Wright House in Ebsworth Park Annual Lecture," delivered at 7 p.m. at the Missouri History Museum. This free talk is given by Bruce Smith, an expert on the architects. More info here.

Image via Wikipedia

A Day Of Fun Stuff: Part 2

Following-up on the Mod Doll House post, here's a link to artist/designer Mark Giglio's painted wooden dolls as seen on his website: pen pencil stencil. The abstracted forms and bold color designs are reminiscent of Alexander Girard's wooden dolls he created for his Santa Fe home. See more of Mark's work here.

Top image copyright Mark Giglio/bottom image copyright Vitra

Yoshiko Meets Gustav

I'm loving this Yoshiko Yamamoto (of The Arts & Crafts Press fame) limited edition, signed, and numbered block print of the Log House at Gustav Stickley's Craftsman Farms. Read more about it here.

Image copyright Yoshiko Yamamoto

Etsy Searches: Roycroft

Looking for something to dress-up your Arts & Crafts Bungalow? Put in the word "Roycroft" into the etsy.com search and there's a handful of interesting things that pop-up, including this Roycroft Renaissance tablehere. runner. See more here.

Image via etsy user paintbythread

Talking About Textiles

Toronto-based artist Bev Hisey's carpets, runners, cushions and other domestic textiles combine interesting themes with striking nature-inspired colors. Read a MocoLoco.com interview with the designer here.

Image via MocoLoco

Global Influences: Women In The Arts & Crafts Movement

Pleasant Home Foundation and the Oak Park Library have announced their 2010 free lecture series, which focuses on the important women in the Arts & Crafts movement in Chicago and around the world, including architecture, decorative arts, interior design, and social influences. Read more after the jump...

Wright's House Beautiful

Interested in how the Arts & Crafts Movement impacted the ideas and living spaces of Frank Lloyd Wright? Find out more after the jump...

Shedding Some Light On The Arts & Crafts Movement

Old House Journal online provides a history of Arts & Crafts Movement lighting in all of its various forms. Read it here.

Image via oldhousejournal.com

Arts & Crafts Collecting Online

Bruce Johnson, Author, Columnist and Director of the National Arts & Crafts Conference at The Grove Park Inn since 1988 has ventured into cyberspace with the launch of a new website called "The Arts & Crafts Collector." Check it out here.

Image via artsandcraftscollector.com

Family Fun At Unity Temple

Looking for a fun winter activity to do with your family? Then plan on attending a Holiday Workshop for Kids during Winter Break at Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple. Read more after the jump...

Eshelman Pottery

PrairieMod reader, John T. sent me a link to the ceramic work of Paul Eshelman. I hadn't checked out Paul's work in a while and cruised over to his site to see what was new. Paul's making some very cool stuff, Beautiful and Useful! See more of Paul's work here.

Image copyright Paul Eshelman

See "Apostles Of Beauty" Exhibit

Last night I braved the bitter cold to go see the new exhibit "Apostles of Beauty: Arts and Crafts from Britain to Chicago." It was well worth the trip! The exhibit is set up in an approachable and well-designed way with many amazing examples of astoundingly beautiful works of furniture, textiles, metalwork, ceramics, glass, photographs, prints, and architectural elements. I was especially taken with the many pieces from the Prairie School, including Purcell and Elmslie-designed Babson House items, George W. Maher furniture, Teco pottery and of course several Frank Lloyd Wright-related items (including the Robie House's magnificent dining table). If you can, go see the show before it closes and then curl-up with the exhibit's book to continue the enjoyment from home.

Image via AIC

The Roycroft Campus Today

Did you enjoy the recent PBS special on Elbert Hubbard and the Roycrofters? Then you'll want to watch this video showcasing the Roycroft Campus as visitors can experience it today. See it here.

Image via wrightnowinbuffalo.com

See These Horses

If you caught the recent PBS special on Elbert Hubbard and the Roycrofters, then you may have caught a glimpse at a sweet set of whimsical seahorse fireplace andirons. Sotheby's has a rare pair of these andirons up for bidding in their Important 20th Century Design auction. See more here.

Image via Sotheby's

DIY: Hand Decorated Canvas Bag

Now that the holiday season is officially underway, consider going handmade this year for your gift giving. Here's a great DIY project I found via design*sponge to make a beautiful and useful canvas bag. If you're not a fan of doilies, any stencil design could be substituted. See more here.

Image via Ashley Ann Photography

Rare Teco At Toomey's

The next John Toomey Gallery auction is December 6th and there are quite a few great examples of original Teco pottery up for bidding. One is very notable: an extremely rare and large vase designed by Prairie School architect Hugh M.G. Garden. Check it out here. If you don't have $30,000 for this one, you can get a Modern-day version at the PrairieMod Store for significantly less.

Image via The John Toomey Gallery

The Curie Cure

Anagram Press has released their latest in the series of posters highlighting great women. Their latest one, featuring Madame Marie Curie, is especially timely, given the present debate over our nation's health care system. See more here and order one here.

Image copyright The Anagram Press

Apostles Of Beauty

The new must-see exhibit "Apostles of Beauty: Arts and Crafts From Britain to Chicago" just opened at the Art Institute of Chicago this weekend. Check out the details here.

Image copyright Art Institute of Chicago

City Cut-Ups

What do you get with an X-acto knife and a lot of patience? Some pretty cool map artwork! Check out North Carolina-based artist Karen O'Leary's map-cuts of New York and Paris here.

Image copyright Studio K

Material Master

PrairieMod reader Karlitos S. sent us a cool link to a website about the work of William George Mitchell. Mitchell is a groundbreaking artist who works with everything from concrete in many experimental forms to recycled glass to aluminum. Check out more here.

Image copyright William George Mitchell

Sachets With Style

If you're looking to freshen-up some of your dresser drawers or closets with both the sweet smell of lavender and the sweet look of nature block prints, then check out these beautiful sets of handmade sachets from etsy.com seller Jewelweeds. See more here.

Image copyright Jewelweeds

Felt Goes Back To Nature

Here's a cool set of felt storage pieces that look like stones, little mushrooms or a tiny mountain range. Check them out here.

Image copyright Etsy user Shkolnik

Cobre Copper Fall Specials

Cobre Copper recently announced some new fall specials, including a sale price on this sweet "Mission Style" copper lidded orb box. Check out more here.

Image copyright Cobre