We round up our favorite products, shops and artists from Oregon for Spring and Summer 2013.
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Slab town When trees must be felled, Natural Edge Furniture comes to the rescue. The Bend company makes contemporary furniture out of wood and steel, using trees from yards and parks — the ones that fall during storms or are cut down for safety. Unlike commercial companies, Natural Edge air-dries the wood, which saves resources but requires patience. For every inch of thickness, the wood dries for one year. But it’s worth the wait. Pieces like this pedestal table add raw, organic life to any room. L.B. $2,200; www.naturaledgefurniture.com |
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Grow up Short on garden space? Plant vertically! The Bloomer Wall Vase is designed by Zoë Umholtz for Revolution Design House. The Portland startup focuses on quality, American-made design. The Slim Bloomer ($99) has a minimalist shape and comes with a self-watering reservoir, so you only have to water your plant every three weeks. The similar Hempster Bloomer (pictured, $79) hangs from a hemp rope and wood knob for those who prefer a more natural look. Bring some greenery to the smallest corners of your home or yard. E.H. |
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// Photo by Adam Wickham |
One-stop shopping Walking into Down to Earth Home, Garden & Gift in Eugene is like walking into the home of a friend with great style. You won’t even know where to look first. Everything from pet food to Fiestaware is available at the two Eugene locations (pictured is the larger Olive Street location). Down to Earth makes it easy to shop locally for gifts, cards, gardening supplies and home decor all in one place. The company also has never used plastic bags, so when Eugene implemented its plastic bag ban on May 1, 2013, the store decided to donate the city-mandated 5-cent fee collected per bag to local nonprofits. E.H. 532 Olive St., Eugene, and 2498 Willamette St., Eugene |
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Heavy metal Portland artist Travis Pond turns found metal into art. He creates all types of sculpture, including animated birds, beasts and fish, as well as objects for the home, such as outdoor screens and railings. While he does work with new steel, Pond says he prefers giving found and recycled materials new life. “My motivation is always to release the materials from their original use,” he says. We love this bold red bench ($4,500), which was made entirely from industrial scrap. L.B. Steel Pond Studios, steelpond.com |
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Meat market The charming Portland Homestead Supply Co. has been providing its neighborhood with chicken feed, canning supplies and more since 2011. Now the Southeast Portland store is expanding its charcuterie options so you can add meat to your list of DIY skills. Want to make sausage? Grab one of the hand-cranked meat grinders and a pack of casings and get to it. Or elevate your weekend brunch with a bacon press. The cast iron conducts heat evenly, so you get perfectly cooked bacon that is crisp on both sides. The store also carries some of owner Kristl Bridge’s favorite books on curing and smoking meat. Portland Homestead Supply Co. makes it easy to pick up a new — and delicious —hobby. E.H. 8012 SE 13th Ave., Portland; homesteadsupplyco.com |
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Oh, deer Handcrafted metal furniture company CRAFTSMAN 33 mixes sleek, shiny stainless steel and copper with subdued natural antlers from deer and Yellowstone elk. Artists Daniel L. Carpenter and Reinhold Sanders create the pieces together in Portland. “Our designs are a reflection of a combined love of Arts and Crafts era furniture and nature,” Carpenter says. E.H. $3,200; craftsman33.com |
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