Marcel Wanders design exhibition in Amsterdam

From February until mid June the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam is having a survey exhibition on Marcel Wanders to celebrate his 25th anniversary as a designer. In 1996 Wanders became world famous with his Knotted chair, made of macrame.

Wanders is renowned for his product, furniture and interior designs and his art direction. In the Stedelijk four hundred items are on display ranging from furniture, utensils, wallpaper, packaging and jewelry to images, sketches, prototypes and experimental work.

I spent a day at Museumplein also visiting the Rijksmuseum, but I enjoyed this exhibition most. I love Wanders' use of traditional techniques and images turning them into interesting and exciting new items. And I love his use of colors - often bold, like the size of many of the objects.

The lamp shade below of course appealed to me instantly. On the description next to it, it says it is woven, but I'm sure it's knitted. It's soft, wooly and radiant ánd it's really wearable.

Great exhibition. Go there, if you have any opportunity.

Turning trash into treasures

Local opp shop Het Goed is quite an experience. Besides goods they have inspirational displays, activities and they often sell some items for a good cause. That's where I found this 'spoorblok' (railway block) made of the yellow timetables that are on every Dutch platform and station.

I bought it as a gift for someone I know who worked at the Dutch railways for many years. A 'dienstblad' (service tray) was another option. They're made by Verdraaid Goed, a brand that has many more items made of waste, all with fun names. Look at their webshop if you like.

(photo by treinpunt.nl)

The woman behind this great idea is Lisanne Addink-Dölle. An engineer and designer who wants to make the world a better place, by reusing trash and turning it into treasures. I love this spirit and it's great how she makes it work out.

(photo by treinpunt.nl)