apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Beautiful hip tiny lamps . . .
and I'll Flickr a photo if I get back by there with a camera when the store is open

the base is a simple wooden knob
the shade is a graffiti-print slim cylinder
the whole thing is just over 12" tall, about 3" diameter
(P2, don't)
5th Ave between Lincoln and Berkeley, east side of the street
in Park Slope Brooklyn
in a small well-curated furniture store
whose name I don't know
:)

Tips? Oh, I've got tips!

A few writers and myself have started a tips site dedicated to getting rid of clutter in our spaces. Two out of the three of us live in tiny urban spaces and always have suggestions on the site about how to live in these types of quarters. I know that it's total self promotion, but, hey ... you did ask for tips :)

Unclutterer
http://www.unclutterer.com

Get rid of your toxic old computer screen this weekend!

Recycle Your Electronics
Sunday April 22, 2007; 8am - 2pm
Union Square North Plaza

computers & laptops
monitors & printers
scanners, keyboards & mice
TVs, cell phones

and you can also donate your used clothing and linen at this event...

http://www.nyc.gov/html/nycwasteless/html/recycling/spring2007events.shtml

And here's a cool swapping clothing event, also on Sunday (NYU): http://www.recyclethisnyc.org/calendar.jsp

I may be going to hell for this, but I just saw a movie about a monastery and one of the major things I kept thinking was "what wonderful interiors!" Since part of the reason I had that mindset was from reading this site I figured I would try to get a few more people here in this handbasket with me. The film is called "Into Great Silence," it's 2 1/2 hours with practically no dialogue, and no soundtrack. The filmmakers (who didn't use artificial light either) simply follow the monks, who have taken a vow of silence, around. Their monastery, the Grande Chartreuse, is remarkably beautiful, and of course very simply decorated. It's also kind of like doing a media fast while watching a movie, if that's possible. I just went to a regular show but at some screenings there is a Q&A afterward with a former monk. It's playing at Film Forum, but not for much longer: check it out!

www.fabprefab.com

a great site/resource for small living and new ideas in construction.

The issue of butcher-block countertops in kitchens comes up every now and then on AT, so I thought I'd share this.

If you want butcher-block counters without the headache of keeping them oiled, you can finish them with Salad Bowl Finish. I used a brand called General Finishes (generalfinishes.com), and according to the label, it's "a 'non-toxic when cured' finish for salad bowls (duh) wood utensils, butcher-blocks or any wood surface that is to come in contact with food. It is also ideal for children's furniture and wooden toys."

We installed our butcher-block counters several months ago and sealed them with this finish, and we are extremely happy with the results. They have a nice sheen and you can tell they're sealed but they don't have that plastic look that can sometimes happen when you poly something.

Louisa -- Great tip! I've been staring at my 10-year-old laptop for months, wondering what to do to get rid of it!

This is a great idea, and would be even greater if the search function could be improved...

I luv tips!!

thanks for the tip on the film @ the forum, beamish!! That looks awesome.

Guido, I'm looking for that store!

And thanks to all for all the tips. It's a fabulous idea to have a clearinghouse for all tips and have them be accessible in one area.

working on the search function! We should have a whole new rig in about a month or so...

I have a tip...to get water stains off of wood furniture, mix mayo and wood ash together, apply to the stain and rub vigorously while heating with a hair dryer. It works wonders. I just removed a twelve inch in diameter water stain from my mid century modern drop leaf pine table.

cool, maxwell, thanks!

guido, i want to see this lamp.

If AT and/or the Cure book has you pondering the meaning of home and how your home supports your emotional health, Winifred Gallagher's House Thinking is an interesting "think piece." (Don't look to it for advice on dimmers or hanging pictures, though.)

You can now register to get 100% of you energy from wind power via Con Edison

888-320-8991

Cost is an extra 1.5cents per kilowatt hr.

beamish, I'll see you in hell -- I saw Into Great Silence too, and was mostly interested by the objet/architecture. One of the more interesting things about the film...and I'm not just shallow, really.

ANOTHER TIP:
Remember those footed yellow melamine bowls at Crate & Barrel that reminded some of an udder? They are on sale, along with a very fetching nest of black and white melamine salad bowls, and a bunch of other melamine stuff, including long white rectangular plates for $2.50.

good tip on the RECYCLING EVENT
I went to the Prospect Park one last year. It was extremely well run.

The melamine bowls at Crate & Barrel are really cute...but I have started to un-appreciate mine. They (of course) can't go in the microwave and they can't go in the dishwasher. What's an insta-presto-Betty-Crocker-gal supposed to do? I hate when my stuff says "can't".

Earth Day freebies @ Home Depot:

http://www6.homedepot.com/ecooptions/index.html

Guido,

It sounds like you're referring to the lamp from re-surface. Rare Device carries a table and a pendant version.

http://www.raredevice.net/category.php?manufacturer_id=71

and the nancy drew prize goes to bird and beef!
the ones in bklyn have an unfinished wood base, and shade patterns that I prefer to those two, but yes yes and yes

here's one of the ones in the window, wood base
http://criticalsole.com/graffiti-urban-lamps-re-surface
and another
http://feministreview.blogspot.com/search/label/designer
and all of them, here
http://www.re-surface.net/a-wythe.htm

(so much easier to find with a name...)

design*sponge is selling a version, proceeds for scholarship fund. who knew! everybody but me!

I love this.
EdoLand-I'm looking forward to catching up on your blog.

Damn you guido... I want that lamp. Grrrrrrrrrr I want that lamp. Someone needs to hide my credit card.

Design*Sponge isn't selling anything right now, the site says the shop is taking a break and will be back in April (this is April).

HOT!!!

New York State tax & loan iniatives for building/converting to green:

http://www.dsireusa.org/library/includes/map2.cfm?CurrentPageID=1&State=NY&RE=1&EE=1

time, place and the ingredients.
http://www.stupid.com/stat/RTVV.html
https://www.hell.co.nz

additional color resource.
http://www.elogodesign.com/color-matching-guide/

Was going to post this separately, but thought I would try it out the Tips Section:

Sunday is Earth Day and just getting out in this weather and walking in the parks and the sidewalks will feel like a celebration - but there also are many events going on on Sunday. Here is a link to some:

http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_things_to_do/upcoming_events/events_search.php

I was out on Saturday and saw organizations planting in the parks. Daffodils, New York's new official flower, look fantastic everywhere now. Thompkins Square Park has so many ~ enjoy your Sunday!