Repurposing ...The Telephone Booth

A couple of weeks ago I came across a 2012 Japanese art installation (below) involving old telephone booths and goldfish. It was such a beautiful and brilliant idea that I not only wanted to share it but investigate how others were converting this dated architecture. 

IMAGES BY KINGYOBU


CANADA
Contexture Design's 'Home Phone' sought to assist the homeless by providing them with the basic necessity –  a home.  While it may not be the best solution to conquering the homeless problem in the city, they believe it's an "opportunity for discussion."

IMAGES FROM CONTEXTURE DESIGN

LONDON

Seeking wifi? Don't pass by these vintage booths too quickly. Most, if not all of them, have been changed into free public wifi stations where you can plug in and recharge.

FRANCE

Creatives Benoit Deseille and Benedetto Bufalino created installations over several years that involved exotic fish throughout Europe. Unlike the Japanese one above this one lights up at night.

SMITTEN WITH ...Papercutter Catherine Winkler Rayroud

Catherine Winkler Rayroud has perfected the art of papercutting. With 30 years of creating intricate paper pieces under her belt, this Swiss born femme fatale is quite the scissorhand (sorry bad pun). Her work which has been showcased around the world has landed her many awards and accolades varying from 'Honorable Mention' to 'Best in Show.' Now based in Houston, Winkler continues to delight with masterpieces with works such as these lingerie pieces and accessories that inspire fans local and abroad. She's clearly a cut above the rest!

PHOTOS FROM CATHERINEWINKLERRAYOUD.COM

Not Your Average Rolling Pin

Anyone who knows me knows I'm not a baker -not even a little bit and though I come from a long line of exquisite bakers, I admit the skill skipped me and went directly to my brother whose an avid one. With that admission, I CAN say I support the trade in other ways umm ...taste tests anyone?

I recently came across an awesome culinary tool by artist Zuzia Kozerska that is both useful and artful. Sold through her Etsy shop, Valek Rolling Pins, bakers and designers alike can purchase beautiful graphic laser-engraved rolling pins out of beech wood. The patterns which include typographic and geometric icons like dogs, cats, robots and hamburgers are perfect gifts for a foodie friend or a hostess in addition to being a conversation starter. Note that they come in kids sizes too! Prices start at $41.67.

PHOTOS BY VALEKROLLINGPINS.COM