Inspiring Video - Amazing Ethiopian Furniture Craftsman

Irwin Weiner ASID - I've been talking about furniture makers this week. Well, Sentayehu Teshale is an Ethiopian craftsman working around Addis Ababa, and he gives new meaning to the term "handmade." He has no hands, you see, but he uses the extraordinary strength and flexibility in his feet and legs to saw, measure, hammer, carve, and wield power tools to make stools and chairs. Life is a bit more precious, amazing, and inspirational because of Mr. Teshale's accomplishments, and I value his work over the finest custom-made furnishings in NYC. Enjoy this video, and a special thanks to my friend Drew Giehl for steering it our way.

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Interior Design Video - Vitsoe Shelving Systems

Irwin Weiner ASID - Yesterday, I posted about how Charles and Ray Eames defined mid-century modern furnishings, but there were so many designers who contributed to "the look" that's still popular today.

One lesser known, but still very important name in the movement is Dieter Rams, who designed the 606 Universal Shelving System in 1960 (see top photo, a living room scene that combines the shelving with Eames furniture). Vitsoe produces the entire product range to this day, garnering many fans because of its clean looks, versatility, and portability (take the entire system with you when you move.

In this video, you'll see Vitsoe demonstrate how the shelving system is

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Interior Design Video - The Story of Eames Furniture

Irwin Weiner ASID - Almost every frame of TV drama hit Mad Men captures a piece of the Eames furniture story. Charles and Ray Eames defined mid-century modern's ethos, verve, comfort, and futurism and made it ubiquitous.

They created a style sensation that's still going strong decades after it was created, and in this video interview, you'll see close Eames associates Marilyn and John Neuhart (they co-authored The Story of Eames Furniture) discuss the Eames phenomenon.  

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Support Independent Product Designers - Go to Groopti.com

Irwin Weiner ASID - Are you a design student or a furniture designer? Do you want to design and produce home goods and furnishings, but you have no practical outlet? With retailers playing it safe and stocking only from The Big Guys these days, being an indie designer means you'll likely have difficulty breaking through. Groopti.com may be a great solution for you - and if you're a homeowner, check out their Shop for inexpensive, original home goods from talented newbies.

Think of it as supporting a Sundance or art house movie versus purchasing a ticket to yet another major motion picture blockbuster. Case in point: check out Jessica Bogart's Conflicted Corrugation chair in today's featured video; see how

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