Stuffed Livestock Furnishings From Italy's Armin Blasbichler Studio.

Given my posts on tattooed pigs and pigskins received so many controversial reactions, I can only imagine how these tables from Armin Blasbichler Studio, which combine furniture design with taxidermy, are going to go over.

Orson I and Orson II are part of a limited series of tables which feature stuffed livestock incorporated into the design by the Italian multidisciplinary studio.

"ORSON, I'm Home” Orson I, 2010

“ORSON, I'm Home” I is a coffee table which has a stuffed sow as the base on which a laminated glass and cotton cloth tabletop sit:



dimensions: L 250cm, W 120cm, H 74cm, 210kg


"ORSON, I'm Home” Orson II, 2011

“ORSON, I'm Home” II is a console table whose legs are those of a stuffed deer and whose top is multi-layered plywood covered with real deerskin:


dimensions: L 141cm, W 44cm, H 76cm, 25kg

Armin Blasbichler Studio is a multidisciplinary practice based in Brixen/Bressanone, Italy specialised in cross-linking the fields of architecture, design and visual arts. The studio is committed to developing innovative projects that are built on critical research, transgression and the experience of chance both physically and conceptually.

Christian Louboutin Celebrates 20 Years With A Pill-Shaped Handbag, The $7000 Pilule.

Fashion designer Christian Louboutin, best known for his red soled sexy shoes, celebrates 20 years of iconic designs with a capsule collection compiled of favorite pieces from decades past. The "Pilule," handbag constructed in 100% resin, returns with the capsule collection.



Produced in very limited quantities, this is your daily dose of Louboutin and it is just what the doctor ordered. However, at just under $7,000, it may be a tough pill to swallow.







Color: Blue and white
Material: Resin
Interior: Red Grosgrain
Dimensions: Width 3.9" x Height 7.5" x Depth 3.9" (Width 100 mm x Height 190 mm x Depth 100 mm)

Pilule, No. 1120812BLB8, Collector
The bag, priced at $6,995 USD is already out of stock.

A commemorative book by Rizzoli, Christian Louboutin: 20 Years is also available.

Reclaimed Wood Mixtape Coffee Table by Jeff Skierka Goes Into Production.

This unique handmade coffee table has been getting so much buzz that Seattle-based designer/craftsman Jeff Skierka and his partner, graphic designer Roslyn Hyde are working as fast as they can to get it into production.



The Mixtape Table is a 12:1 scaled replica of a cassette tape turned into a functional coffee table. Made of reclaimed maple, walnut and lucite, the 47.25" x 30" x 5" handcrafted piece has a protective 3/8" plexiglass top. The table is completely reversible to feature sides A and B.



The first prototype and one of a kind table has been quickly gathering attention across the internet, with many fans requesting its production.




Jeff and Roslyn are responding to the demand with future versions which will be CNC machined out of high grade plywood (with a variety of ply combinations) and a glass top. Both plywood and handmade hardwood versions will be soon available.


above: Jeff and partner Roslyn in their Seattle workshop

According to Roslyn, Jeff is speaking with manufacturers with CNC capabilities, water jet cutters for the glass top, visiting local plywood and hardwood suppliers, among a list of other things over the next couple of weeks. He is planning on having a rough estimate for the plywood Mixtape Table by the end of the week. Jeff will also be creating 1 or 2 more prototypes as well. If you are interested in a hardwood handmade table, those will also be available to order soon.



Please email them at jeffskierkadesigns@gmail.com for more information and to be put on their mailing list.

22 Miniature Ice Fishing Hut Sculptures - One Empire Wide by David Trautrimas.

One Empire Wide is a series of sculptural works exploring discarded Canadiana through scale model ice fishing huts by artist David Trautrimas. The 22 miniature models shown here, made with materials and detritus from Canadian culture, will soon be on exhibit. Details at the end of the post.

1. 'The Avro' 10 cm x 12 cm x 12 cm Etched Acrylic & Spray Paint 2012:


2.'The Bloedel' 8 cm x 14 cm x 8 cm Baltic Birch, Acrylic & Japanese Linen Card 2012:


3.'The Bomb Shelter' 6 cm x 14 cm x 11 cm Acrylic & Baltic Birch 2012:


4.'The Brewers' 14 cm x 14 cm x 10 cm Baltic Birch, Etched Acrylic & Japanese Linen Card 2012:


5.'The Champlain' 9 cm x 11 cm x 12 cm Spraypainted Acrylic & Baltic Birch 2012:


6.'The Clairtone' 9 cm x 13 cm x 13 cm Acrylic & Baltic Birch 2012:


7.The Cooper' 8 cm x 15 cm x 10cm Baltic Birch, Etched Acrylic & Japanese Linen Card 2012:


8.'DEW' 11 cm x 16 cm x 11 cm Aluminum Foil, Baltic Birch & Acrylic 2012:


9.'The Dollar' (front and back view) 9 cm x 17 cm x 9 cm Baltic Birch, Etched Acrylic & Japanese Linen Card 2012:



10.'The Eaton' 10 cm x 10 cm x 10 cm Etched Baltic Birch & Acrylic 2012:


11.'The Metric Movement' (front and back view) 7 cm x 16 cm x 13 cm Baltic Birch, Acrylic & Japanese Linen Card 2012:


12.'The Nordiques' 9 cm x 14 cm x 11 cm Baltic Birch, Acrylic & Japanese Linen Card 2012:


13.'The Nortel' 8 cm x 19 cm x 11 cm Baltic Birch, Spray painted Acrylic & Japanese Linen Card 2012:



14.'The Robertson' 13 cm x 13 cm x 14 cm Baltic Birch & Acrylic 2012:


15.'Sams' (front and back view) 8 cm x 12 cm x 12 cm Etched Acrylic, Baltic Birch & Japanese Linen Card 2012:


16.'The Tear Drop' 8 cm x 12 cm x 14 cm Aluminum Foil, Baltic Birch & Acrylic 2012:


17.'The Timbit' 9 cm x 14 cm x 13 cm Baltic Birch, Acrylic & Japanese Linen Card 2012:


18.'The Smoker' (front and back view) 8 cm x 15 cm x 13 cm Etched Acrylic 2012:


19.'The Tonneau' 6 cm x 10 cm x 10 cm Aluminum Foil, Acrylic & Baltic Birch 2012:


20.'TTC ZED' 9 cm x 13 cm x 13 cm Acrylic 2012:


21.'The Neighbourhood Watch' (front and back view) 11cm x 12 cm x 13 cm Baltic Birch & Acrylic 2012:


22.'The Pool' 9 cm x 16 cm x 10 cm Aluminum Foil, Baltic Birch & Acrylic 2012:


In ‘One Empire Wide’ discarded Canadiana is reinterpreted by the artist as architectural models of ice fishing huts. Akin to their full sized counterparts, these scaled down versions engage the vernacular of reclamation, but in lieu of scrap building materials they reuse the detritus of recent Canadian history for their designs. From disposable fast food containers, failed companies, defunct government commissions, abandoned corporate branding to outdated military technology and emigrant sports franchises, these discarded cultural and social fragments are thoughtfully crafted into ingenious, inhabitable structures.

Each lovely little architectural model will be made in an edition of four and available for purchase at the price of $500 a piece.


above composite © If It's Hip, It's Here, images courtesy of the artist

David Trautrimas - One Empire Wide
June 1st to July 1st
Opening Reception: June 1st 6 to 9 pm

LE GALLERY
1183 Dundas Street West
Toronto Ontario
M6J 1X3
416.532.8467

Be back Monday!