how it's made: defy bags bowery tote

With characteristic fatigue—recalling anecdotes from a defining chapter in our nation’s history—authentic military tent canvas is expertly upcycled by Chicago based Defy Bags® for more action.

First and last used in World War II, the material is given an organic bath to remove decades of old must and dust. Pieces are then laid out for pattern cutting—all under the watchful eyes of expert craftspeople.

From the 100 year-old Horween Leather Company, Latigo leather pieces—supple, sturdy cattle hide which is a staple of saddlery and military gear—are used to make the straps and front pocket of the bag. The leather is tanned using centuries old techniques then pattern-cut and stitched to the
bowery tote—all by hand.

One of a Finds original works are offered one time only as a limited edition for collectors and enthusiasts—this hand-crafted bag of repurposed material has a release of 100.

how it's made: dondra bed

Much of the wood used to make the dondra bed is reclaimed from old teak doors, painted windows and doors, beams or flooring from inside old houses that are no longer usable or have been replaced.

Purchased as raw materials by weight, it’s often in a wide range of quality—broken/split, with nail holes, including nails, etc.

While the unusable pieces are discarded, the bulk of the lot is sorted, pieces are laminated together, holes filled with a mix of glue and wood, and finished by sanding and lacquer coating.

golden gate bridge 75th anniversary festival

photo by: zoonabar What: The Golden Gate Bridge 75th Anniversary Festival
When: Sunday, May 27
Where: various parks and venues

Set-up is already underway for a spectacular waterfront festival as the Golden Gate Bridge celebrates its 75th anniversary.

Highlights include a ‘road trip through history’ at East Crissy Field which will feature vintage cars and motorcycles from 1937 to today.

And, in the pioneering spirit of the Bridge, the Center Future Fair will showcase sustainability technologies and innovations—and the Marina Green Stage will feature music and dancing.

The grand finale fireworks begin at 9:30pm with a live soundtrack on KFOG, 97.7FM.

While traffic is rerouted around the bridge, calm is expected at the exhibit: SFMOMA the Golden Gate Bridge at 75. And make plans to visit the SFMOMA Artists Gallery at Fort Mason for a new exhibition of Golden Gate Bridge–themed artworks by Bay Area artists beginning May 26.

Note: traffic to the Golden Gate Bridge will be interrupted over the weekend for set-up, production, and break-downs. For the most up-to-date and detailed information, check local news sources.

on the road: india 4.2012

defining: benchmade upholstery

‘Benchmade upholstery’ is quite literal in its interpretation—still used today, it’s an old term that first described what a piece of furniture was placed upon while it was being built, made or upholstered.

A bench could have been as rustic as two saw horses, a low platform with a rotating top, or as elaborate as a table with adjustable legs or a hydraulic lift, allowing it to be adjusted for individual items—each different in construction or upholstery technique.

Depending on the product, more than one bench might be used. For example, a recliner is more complicated than a simple chair, so it may be worked on in more than one station.

Old school would be two specific people building a piece of upholstery—an ‘insider’ working on the seat, inside arms and inside of the back, and the ‘trimmer’ working on the outside arms, outside of the back, applying a black fabric underside, and the legs.

Today, pieces are most often made by many individuals—not just one or two—and each is held accountable for the specific quality standard that relates to their work.

While this can include sewers, who prepare sections of the upholstery, to an experienced framer, who builds the hardwood frame, ‘benchmade upholstery’ still refers to pieces that are not built in components and assembled together on an assembly line—but one that is hand-made piece by piece and hand finished detail by detail.