DESIGN / Packaging / Lucky Strike Cigarettes

Lucky Strike is a famous brand of American cigarettes, often referred to as 'Luckies'.

Although I'm not a smoker myself (Lucky Strike is a brand favoured by my boyfriend) I do find the logo design and layout used on the packaging very attractive. Apparently Ray Johnson, a Pop-era artist, was also keen on the logo, it became a prominent fixture in his collages (for example, James Dean (Lucky Strike), Ray Johnson, 1957). The Lucky Strike logo was designed by Raymond Loewy, an industrial designer who also created the logos for Exxon, Shell, AT&T and Coca Cola.

The logo itself is very simple, consisting of just four concentric circles of four colours - red, white, green and black. The concentric cirles work to focus our attention and emphasise the brand name "Lucky Strike", and the brands slogan "It's Toasted". The circles are also suggestive of a lit cigarette viewed end-on. I'm sure it is also relevant to the brand that circles are symbolic of infinity, protection and security.

The font used on the Lucky Strike logo is FuturaBT-ExtraBlackCondensed Bold, slightly modified.

Source : Lucky Strike, Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucky_Strikes

Google's Tetris Logo

Google are well-known for redesiging their logo to commemorate special calendar dates or anniversaries. All Google's logos are very well-designed but I think their Tetris inspired logo (displayed today, June 6th 2009) is possibly my favourite so far!

This Google logo has been designed especially to mark the 25th anniversary of classic computer game 'Tetris'. Tetris is a puzzle video game originally designed and programmed by Alexey Pajitnov. It was released on June 6, 1984.

DESIGN : Flip Clock Screensaver, "Fliqlo"

I love vintage flip clocks! I can remember gazing up at one particular flip clock as a little girl when my dad would take me to the building society. I was fascinated by the apparent simplicity of the technology, the bound and determined moving parts, and the loud clicks as the numbers snapped precisely into place.

I don't own one myself just yet, so instead I make do with this digital version - "Fliqlo". Fliqlo is a free screensaver for Windows or Macs which imitates a flip clock. The time can be customised to display in 12-hour or 24-hour formats. You can also customise the zoom using the up and down arrow keys.

My only complaint is that it does not 'click' - oh well, I guess you can't have everything!

Download Fliqlo for free!

ART : Fine Art Degree Show 2009, 'Colliding Spaces' University of Cumbria

Final year Fine Art degree students from the University of Cumbria will be unveiling their degree show, entitled ‘Colliding Spaces', on the Lancaster Campus this June.

The Private View is to be opened by Lancaster artist Chas Jacobs and celebrates the end of the students three years of study at the University of Cumbria.

The students will also be offering up free wine and nibbles. :)

I will be going, and I hope to see you there.

Exhibition runs from:
17th June to 25th June

Mon-Fri: 09:00-17:00 Sat-Sun: 10:00-16:00

PRIZE DRAW WINNER: Black Acrylic Anchor Necklace

This months prize draw winner is Antony, who wins this cool Black Acrylic Anchor Necklace.

Next months prize in our monthly draw is a Black Monster Necklace, to be in with a chance of winning simply sign up to our exclusive mailing list.

RPF // redplasticfactory.co.uk

DESIGN INSPIRATION : Three Bauhaus Links

1. I love the simplicity of this black and white Table Clock by Marianne Brandt.

2. This Table Lamp by Wilhelm Wagenfeld and Carl J. Jucker succinctly expresses the essential Bauhaus idea that "form follows function".

3. Johannes Itten was a master colour theorist of the Bauhaus school. His Color Star is a valuable asset to any artist or designer.

How to Care for Your Acrylic Jewellery

1. Always remove your jewellery when showering, bathing, swimming or washing your hands

2. Never leave jewellery in extreme heat or sunlight as over a long period of time these conditions could cause colours to fade.

3. Do not spray perfume or any other beauty products on to your jewellery. The alcohol content in some products could cause costume metals to tarnish and acrylic pieces to crack.

4. Do not wear jewellery anywhere it may get knocked or crushed as some pieces can be fragile.

5. Store each piece of jewellery in its original box.

6. In a similar way to glass, fingerprints and dust will show on acrylic. You do not need to use harsh chemicals to clean your acrylic jewellery, a simple solution of mild soap and lukewarm water is all that you need. Dry your necklace with a clean soft cloth to prevent streaking.

7. Minor scratches can be removed from acrylic with a soft metal polish (such as Brasso) and a soft cloth. Simply dab a small amount of polish onto the soft cloth and rub into the scratch, keep on rubbing until the scratch disappears. After you have removed the scratch spray a small amount of furniture polish onto the area and polish as normal. If the scratch is deep enough for you to feel with your finger nail then you are unlikely to achieve an 'as new' finish, but the scratch appearance may be improved.

TUTORIAL : How to Make a Plectrum Necklace

Ah! Plectrum jewellery... beloved by punk rock chicks and guitar gods all over the globe... Now learn how to make your very own Plectrum Necklace with my easy-to-follow, step-by-step, full-colour, illustrated tutorial... yep!

What You Will Need

1. A Plectrum - I pinched mine from my guitarist boyfriend, you could buy yours from your local music store

2. A Drill and 2mm Drill bit - I use a small Draper multi-tool in this tutorial

3. A Necklace Chain - I use an 18 inch gold-plated chain in this tutorial

4. A 6mm Jump Ring - I use a gold-plated jump ring in this tutorial

5. Pliers - I favour the needle-nose variety myself

6. A Fine-line Marker Pen

7. A Small Block of Wood or Cork - not pictured

Step One

Position your chosen plectrum on your small piece of wood.

Using your fine-line marker pen, mark a small 'x' in the centre and approximately 3mm from the top of the plectrum - this is your guide for drilling your hole.

Step Two

Now it is time to use your drill with 2mm drill bit (a drill bit that you would normally use for drilling wood is fine to use). This is the exciting part! With your plectrum on your small block of wood, very carefully and fairly slowly drill through your plectrum where you have marked your 'x' with your fine-liner pen.

Step Three

All that remains to be done now is to attach your newly created plectrum charm to your necklace chain. And for this you need to use your pliers. To open your jump ring you should use your pliers to hold the ring and then push it open or closed with your finger. The ring is opened or closed by twisting it apart, not by pulling it open or pushing it closed. Open the ring only as wide as you need to and slip the plectrum and chain onto the ring. Now simply close thr ring the same way as you opened it.

Ta-dah! You now have your very own homemade Plectrum Necklace.

Wear it with pride, or give it as a gift!

Win an Anchor Necklace

My Sign Up and Win! giveaway prize for May 2009 is this Black Acrylic Anchor Necklace.

To be entered into the competition and be in the running to win the anchor necklace all you need to do is sign up to my monthly mailing list.

I will be selecting the winner using a random number generator on Friday 29 May 2009, so be quick as you have just one week left to sign up and win!

More About the Anchor Necklace...

The anchor charm itself is jet black acrylic and the necklace chain is 18 inches long and is silver-plated. It will be presented to the winner gift-wrapped in a ribbon-tied black jewellery box.
This necklace design is inspired by anchor tattoos.

Anchor designs are one of the oldest types of tattoos and of course they were really popular with sailors and pirates! Now, with the resurgence of interest in retro and vintage themes in tattoo designs they are really in vogue again, particularly with the rockabilly subculture group.

The anchor design is an ancient symbol of hope and has become a symbol of stability and a strong foundation. Sometimes people get an anchor tattoo to show their partner that they are the stability in their life. Wearing an anchor charm necklace could be something that helps to remind you to stay grounded, or you could wear an anchor necklace as symbolism that you have a particularly stable or grounding relationship. An anchor necklace makes a great gift for that special someone in your life!

I also currently stock Fuschia Pink Anchor Necklaces.

Carlie-Rose Laverack @ Supercollider Gallery, Blackpool

As you may or may not know, I am an art school graduate. As such I have a small number of artist friends. One of my closest friends, Carlie-Rose Laverack is a practicing installation artist. Carlie has exhibited extensively in NW England since graduating from Cumbria Institue of the Arts. Her most recent installation was hosted by The Vault Gallery, Lancaster.

During May and June 2009 the Supercollider gallery, Blackpool will play host to a new installation by Carlie-Rose Laverack.

Developed after a number of visits and conversations to and regarding Blackpool and underpinned by an interest in the towns’ history of performance (a history of both looking and being looked at) the new installation marks a new and exciting departure in Laveracks practice.

Made specifically for Supercollider (and Blackpool), the installation sees Laverack developing her investigations into ideas of ‘space’, audience, illusion and the unexplained.

The private view for the show is : 28 May 2009 6pm - 9pm

The exhibition runs from : 30 May - 21 June 2009

Supercollider opening times : Sat/Sun 1pm - 4pm or by appointment only

Supercollider address :

2nd Floor 32 Clifton Street

Blackpool FY1 1JP

I will be posting photographs of the installation work will on this blog within the next 14 days.

Fashion Trend Spring/Summer 2009 : Statement Necklaces

• Statement necklaces are HUGE for Spring/Summer 2009

• Two main trends : geometric or bauble

• Big, bold shapes are the key

• Bright, attention-grabbing colours with lots of detail

• Wear over matching high necklines

• Necklaces are worn over the collar bone, or long chain

I like the geometric trend most of all. My favourites are the designs by VPL. I especially like the origami necklaces by Lizzie Fortunato, the suggestion of a pliable material like paper and the gentle colour palette lend a touch of femininity to the otherwise fairly harsh geometric shapes.

Which is your favourite design, and why?

Valentino

Stella McCartney

Emilio Pucci

Marni

Philip Lim

Burberry Prorsum

VPL

Issa

Lizzie Fortunato for VPL

Christian Lacroix

Monthly Prize Draw - April 2009 Winner

Last months prize draw winner is Kaye, who wins this cool Pink VW Beetle Necklace.




This months prize in our monthly draw is a Black Anchor Necklace, to be in with a chance of winning simply sign up to our exclusive mailing list.

REDPLASTICFACTORY, www.redplasticfactory.co.uk

test shot #1

indoor lighting, no flash, Canon A620 PowerShot

Acrylic Cut-Out Diamond Necklace - www.redplasticfactory.co.uk

DIY Tutorial : How to decorate an acrylic diamond necklace with swarovski hotfix crystals or hotfix rhinestones

Here is a great video tutorial on You Tube by EvaParadijs. In this video tutorial EvaParadijs talks you through how to decorate an acrylic diamond necklace with hotfix rhinestones or hotfix swarovski crystals.



In the video tutorial EvaParadijs uses an iron to affix her rhinestones, but as she points out you could also use your flat irons (hair straightners) or for more accuracy I would suggest you use a soldering iron (if you have access to one!) - but be VERY careful as they do get extremely hot!

You can buy various colours of acrylic diamond necklaces from www.redplasticfactory.co.uk

You can buy hotfix rhinestones or hotfix swarovski crystals from eBay or your local craft shop.

Check out a few more of EvaParadijs videos on You Tube too, she has some great make up tutorials.

Norwegian Wood

Norwegian Wood is an indie company based in Montreal. Every single item is handmade, using a mix of new and vintage fabrics and trims.

Thanks to wishwishwish for bringing Norwegian Wood to my attention :)

Bianca and Sierra Casady

Bianca and Sierra Casady are sister-band, CocoRosie. I love their quirky, oftentimes 'genderless' sense of style.





Bianca Casady also works as an artist, creating paintings and installations.

"Casady believes her prose takes its shape as naturally in visual forms as it does in lyrics. Inspired by the "cosmic quotes on things in dollar-stores," her paintings, collages and drawings are rife with mythic imagery that ranges from rainbow corncobs, puffy clouds and the faces of genderless children, to skulls, swastikas and dollar signs."

www.cocorosieland.com
www.biancacasady.com

Cassette Tape Wallets

Check out these retro wallets / coin purses handmade by Italian designer, Marcella Foschi, using cassette tapes. What a fun way to make use of a plastic material that may otherwise end up in landfill.

These one-off designs are available to buy at designboom.

Crayon Rings by Timothy Liles

Wow wee! I love these fun and playful crayon rings, produced by US designer, Tim Liles. They are available to buy in a special box set of 8 colours from The Future Perfect... sadly for me they are only available in a ring size 7 (which is not my ring size, *sob*) ...

Cassette Tape Necklaces

I have added extra chain to the Cassette Tape Necklaces, these new designs are now available to buy in the shop.

Cassette Tape Necklaces
http://www.redplasticfactory.co.uk/