Recycled Houses: Dan Phillips and Phoenix Commotion

There's a great slide show and article about Dan Phillips and his recycled construction business over at the New York Times. His products may not be everyone's cup of tea, but the folky craftiness of his work is intriguing.

Container Condos

Rick and I frequently covet the potential of the shipping container as an economical alternative to traditional buildings or getaway retreats. Used containers are plentiful and cheap. Build them out close to home and have them shipped to your sanctuary. Here are a few of my favorites.

spice block

Remodelista featured this mahogany spice block today. While it's hardly a necessity, this would be a handsome way to serve condiments, and it is fashioned from reclaimed wood scraps. The spice block is made by Domestic Aesthetic and is available from Branch.

A Foot Powered Table

I came across this treadle lathe and loved the eloquence of the legs. I don't usually find machinery bases that are so delicate in proportion. It was the perfect size for a large hall table. The top is a beautiful slab of maple with much spalting, worm damage, and feathering. It was a diseased yard tree that was harvested locally. I inlayed walnut bow ties in a few of the cracks. The natural, organic slab is in direct contrast with the industrial, man-made base but it all worked together to become one. The shelf was also spalted maple and walnut.

Here is the original antique lathe in it's hey day.