DIY · Eco-Chick

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Wind to Light in London

I’m always on the lookout for interesting eco-friendly art, or creative projects that make a comment about environmental topics. Artistic endeavors are the primary way the future will look back on our time and judge where our priorities are. Whether writing, painting, sculpting, singing, or creating mixed-media pieces, art tells us where we are, where we’ve been and where we’re going. Of course creativity cannot be contained in a vacuum, and the goal of most of these endeavors is to show us how to change, and give us new ways to think.

Wind to Light is another London-based installation that I wish I could hop the pond to see (but can’t really justify, considering the CO2 emissions of a flight from NYC to London!); These gorgeous images will have to suffice until they bring it closer to home.

Wind to Light is a brand new installation that beautifully illustrates alternative, sustainable ways of harnessing energy.
Hundreds of tiny wind turbines generate the power to illuminate hundreds of mounted LEDS, creating firefly-like clouds of light.
Jason Bruges, the creator says: “Wind to Light is an experimental piece, an investigation into the viability of wind power. I hope it will prove thought-provoking as well as being an art piece that can be enjoyed by people of all ages”.
Wind to Light by Jason Bruges Studio is a onedotzero / RIBA London commission in conjunction with Southbank Centre Lightlab for Architecture Week 2007.
If you want to find out more please come down to a FREE talk 7pm, Thursday June 21 2007, Wren Room, RIBA, 66 Portland Place, W1B, where Jason Bruges, XCO2 and DIY Kyoto, all creatives working in this area will be presenting ideas and answering questions. Email Kate.Waymouth@anderselite.com to save your place!

What: Wind to Light | Jason Bruges Studio
When: 15 June – 1 September 2007
Where: Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof, Southbank Centre London, SE1

architecture, design, DIY, eating, Eco-Chick, emissions, Energy, farm, Home, London, media, News, NYC, sustainable, wind power

Swap-o-Rama-Rama

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by Starre Vartan · 10/10/06

I went, I saw, I crafted (well, kinda)! My first Swap-o-Rama-Rama (in Brooklyn) was a success. I got rid of lots of great clothes that I never wore (I saw a girl exclaiming with delight over two pieces of mine a few hours into the swap, and it was so fun to see someone else so happy with my stuff! I get so attached to my things).

I also picked up (just a few) new (to me) items.

The Grand Swap: Donated clothes are sorted by type and gender, and then it’s a free-for-all!

There were various ‘stations’ where you could get your found clothing modified in various ways. The screenprinting booth was the most popular; the printing guys were at it for hours with no break, printing one of seven different designs on shirts, skirts, coats, jeans, anything. Many, many thanks to the hard-working screenprinting crew!!

Here I am drying one of my newly printed shirts off. What was once a boring off-white long-sleeve is now a really sweet tee. (Image courtesy of Jill at fiftyRX3 who also has a great post on the Swap.)

Another station, run by everything, connected gave lessons in how to recycle knitwear. This group runs a store called twice+knit, which will custom-make an accessory (hat, scarft, glove/armwarmer or bag) in your choice of color, size and texture out of recycled and discarded textiles and yarn.

Textile paints transform yet another boring tee.

Jessica Delfino makes maxi pads out of unloved fabrics (she only uses discarded fabric, she never buys new). There are thick ones, and thin ones, and each has a fun pattern or print on one side. Why shouldn’t there be some kind of fun when you have your period? Jessica is a comedian who also makes ‘dirty folk rock’. Her cd is hilarious (the refrain on the first song about an ex-boyfriend is “you don’t treat my pussy right”!) Check out her video on YouTube…hilarous!!!

Craft Magazine has debuted, and it is filled with projects like severed hand pincushions and DIY electronic t-shirts. Gorgeously laid-out, with really clear instructions and really fun, different craft ideas.

Find a Swap near you…they happen all over the U.S.!