Hunt and Gather: Seaworthy Jewelry

By Amanda Rickenbach

Seaworthy is a local Portland jewelry line created by Marisa Howard. Her line began with all vintage parts and pieces and evolved to include a variety of handmade mixed metal pieces. All are hand shaped and hammered with 12k gold fill wire, perfect for sensitive ears. Seaworthy's jewelry is so in tune with the Americana trends we have happening right now, while somehow managing to remain soft and timeless.

"I am inspired by simple, geometric shapes and textile patterns from the 1930's. A customer told me that my jewelry has it's own language. I like that idea." -Marisa

Living Roofs

By Amanda Rickenbach

Chances are that you have either seen a green roof or have been inside a building that has one. They are growing in popularity both in residential and commercial design for a number of reasons, but I thought I would list just a few of the best ones.

-Living roofs help to lower urban air temperatures and combat the heat island effect.

-Living roofs help keep the interior of your home at a stable temperature. Plants and soil are really great insulators, which means you’ll save money on your heating and cooling costs.

-Living roofs filter rainwater. When the water falls on a typical roof, it’s often funneled off into storm water drains, collecting pollution along the way. When rain falls on a living roof, however, it’s filtered naturally just as it is in the wild. This means you can reuse this clean water in your home or garden.

-Living roofs attract native wildlife to your yard. And depending on what you plant, it can also be a food source for you, or your furry friends.

-Living roofs filter noise, keeping your home quiet.

Besides all the great stuff they do for the planet - they look fantastic.


photos: first - feldman architecture, second-fourth - ecoroofs everywhere

Portfolio: Oak Street Colonial

By Jenny Guggenheim

Today I am happy to share a few scenes from Fig's Oak Street Kitchen project located in the heart of Portland's Laurelhurst neighborhood.  The final product conveys a sense of history, permanence, and livable scale.  The fine craftsmanship convinces the viewer that this kitchen has always been a part of this beautiful 1923 center hall Colonial, and the careful millwork details further support the sense of longevity.

Oak Street is home to a beautiful and active family of five, with a sincere love for the meaning and connection to their space.  Our priorities were to first support their family's lifestyle then follow with aesthetics and texture.  This kitchen was created for copious amounts of cooking and baking, craft projects, origami folding, and welcoming parties.  I for one can't wait to see the patina develop on that 8 foot solid butcher block-- for which I'm sure their active 3-year-old will have no trouble helping out.

The decorative lighting and hardware were all sourced and fabricated only a few miles from the site.  While we were mindful with material choices, I do believe the most sustainable feature of this design lies in it's longevity.  There is nothing more sustainable that a space that never needs to be torn down or remodeled again.

Products and Materials:  Ann Sacks Tile, Caesarstone Countertops, Kohler Plumbing Fixtures

This project was a pleasure to complete and particularly special to me as I gained new friends as a result of the design process.  I predict many fun-filled evenings around the massive kitchen island and an unlimited supply of family time.  We are happy to be helping our client furnish their Sunriver home in the near future.  Stay tuned for more.

Project Team 
Architect:  Giulietti/Schouten Architects
Contractor:  Hammer and Hand
Custom Casework:  Bob Anderson
Photography Credit: Josh Partee Photography

More more, check out the Oak Street Album on Fig's Facebook Page.  We've included additional rooms and detail shots.

Local: The Art of the Camera

I ran across Mottweiler Studio this morning (I won't get into the dominoes that lead me there) and was surprised to learn that Portland has an incredible resource for handmade Pinhole and Stereoscopic cameras.  I'm particularly enthralled with the P.90 pictured above. Take a peek at Kurt's work here. 

Glimpse & Gander: Multnomah Falls In Winter

 Photo by Fig.

My first entry in my new journal recorded a short trip to the Gorge on New Year's Day.  My husband and I were not feeling so hot for the last few days and really needed something to help rejuvenate our bodies and spirits.  Our go-to spot for revitalization is the Bonneville Spa in Stevenson, WA.  For $35 you get your own private claw-foot tub, complete with a carafe of mineral water from the source and some grapes to ease the not-so-wonderful-but-oh-so-good-for-you mineral taste.  30 mins in the super hot mineral soak, then 30 mins in a super tight wrap in the relaxation room leaves you with little on your mind and a brand new outlook for the day.

Our usual Gorge outings pass Multnomah Falls with little thought, but on this day we knew we were in for a special treat only seen during an extended cold spell.  Layers of crisp white ice outlined the water's path and and the lagoon-colored pool at the base- a magical sight to behold and not to be missed. 

 

 Photo by Fig.

Hunt & Gather: Moonwoods Frames

These glasses are like tiny pieces of functional furniture!  I love them.  Handcrafted right here in pdx, Moonwoods offers custom frame styles for the most discerning clients.  When you're not wearing these beauties, they'll make the perfect table accessory.

Salt is the new Sauna

I am lucky to live in a city where I can pretty much walk to everything Downtown and NW pdx have to offer.  We regularly pickup our groceries for the week after a stroll to Stumptown or catch a second-run movie at the Mission Theater.  I even walk to Barre 3 where I get my tri-weekly dose of uber-fitness.  Recently, a new addition to the neighborhood peaked my interest (and frankly, my skepticism): The Salt Grotto. 

 "Salt Grotto is the first artificial salt cave on the West Coast of the United States offering a modern method of health enhancement - the Halotherapy" - thesaltgrotto.com

The design evokes a feeling of warmth (let's face it, that week-long Portland forecast makes you want to by an 8-hour pass) and relaxation.  I am particularly interested to see how the atmosphere affects mood and if visitor really feel like they've escaped the city for the day. 

The website claims that one session at the Salt Grotto is equal to three days at the beach.  If it works, I'm game!

To my readers:  have any of you visited The Salt Grotto of someplace like it?

Loaves and Fishes

We recently received correspondence from Kurt Huffman's Chefstable after spending an incredible evening at Christopher Isreal's Gruner, a new Alpine-inspired restaurant in Portland's West End.  (Go there now.  It's insanely comforting cuisine is probably best enjoyed while there's still a nip in the air.)

Their patterned stationary is incredibly graphic and bold and I couldn't wait to get it to the office to share with you all.  Part Alexander Girard, part Warhol.  I might just frame it. 

Can anyone help me identify the artist?

Portland's Barre 3

I've been attending Barre 3 classes for the past month to help prepare for my own walk down the aisle and as a great way to get my day started. I'm not much for regular gyms and truthfully I could use a few lessons in graceful movement. The combination of controlled ballet movements, yoga, and pilates has been an incredible lesson for my body and awareness of movement. I highly recommend checking it out for yourself if you are in the Portland area. Barre 3 has a great 3 for $30 intro price too!

Lovely photos by Lisa Warninger

The 3/50 Project

I discovered the 3/50 Project via Housemartin this morning. Yes, it is time to take action into our own hands, people! That little shop around the corner is what makes your city thrive and creates a clear community identity. Don't wait for a going out of business, 50% off sign to purchase that special something you've had your eye on. Support your local retailers, restaurants, and service shops on your block! Do it. You'll feel good, I'll feel good, and your view won't look like a ghost town.