By Algorithmic Artisans NERVOUS SYSTEM

Inspired by the complex forms of radiolarians (amoeboid protozoa that produce intricate mineral skeletons), where intricate pattern is integral to structure, these shapes derive from a simulation of spring meshes which form mirrored catenoid surfaces. Nervous System have created interactive software to morph, twist, and subdivide each design, transforming a simple mesh to a complex patterned structure.

The final design is built up layer by layer in durable nylon plastic using Selective Laser Sintering, a kind of 3D printing. These forms would be impossible to create by traditional manufacturing methods. The process imparts the pieces with a coral-like texture, while the slight flexibility of nylon and airy design.
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Posted in Design, Design Software, Digital Manufacturing, Duann Scott, Jewellery, Manufacturing, Mass Customization, Technology, Tools by Duann |
When you are happy and spend a good time, it doesn’t matter what time it is!

Well, more bracelet than accurate time piece, T1MEPEACE, by German artist and jeweler Denise Julia Reytan’s range bracelets are made of nickel free steel, silver and gold plated, grey, or and tarnished silver and will be available directly from her, but with a limited edition of 50 so you better be quick.
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Posted in Design, Digital Manufacturing, Duann Scott, Jewellery by Duann |
Under the tuition of Arthur Hash, State University of New York at New Paltz uses Ponoko to teach students digital manufacturing.

The Master of Fine Arts Program in Metal/Jewelry at the State University of New York at New Paltz has been ranked #1 in the nation in the recent 2009 U.S. News & World Report list of America’s best graduate schools.
The Metal/Jewelry graduate program ranked first in the nation in the Fine Arts category. In addition, New Paltz’s Master of Fine Arts Program overall was named among the 100 best in America, according to U.S. News.
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Posted in CNC, Design, Design Software, Digital Manufacturing, Duann Scott, Illustrator, Jewellery, Software, Technology by Duann |
3D printing/manufacturing company Materialise has a new 2009 series of products for .MGX : the E-volution Collection. Twelve new designs in accessories, furniture, and lighting were commissioned to seven different designers: Arik Levy, Bathsheba Grossman, Gernot Oberfell and Jan Wertel, Hani Rashid, Jiri Evenhuis, and Luc Merx.

NW: The Shaman pendant designed by Arik Levy was constructed of epoxy with stereolithography (SL) and coated in nickel. A version in black epoxy is available at Unica.
N: Mathematician and sculptor Bathsheba Grossman modeled her Gyroid lamp on a ‘minimal surface‘ structure that is infinitely connected and found in certain copolymers such as ABS plastic, a material often used in 3D printing. You can purchase one of these complex cubes at Generate.
NE & E: Stereolithography and selective laser sintering were used to make the Ubu and Roi vases, designed by Hani Rashid to evoke the motion of whirlpools. The Ubu is on sale at Moss.
SE: Peter Jansen is the mind behind the Tulip lamp. He also designed the floral inspired Julia lamp shown below, also available at Moss.
S: Luc Merx’s Stucco is a multifunctional modular, wall mounted system printed with epoxy. The structure intends to “transform the white emptiness of surrounding walls into a maximised density of form, colour, and material.”
SW: Another design by Bathsheba Grossman, the base form of the Wye table replicates the negative space of the gyroid.
W: A detail of Gernot Oberfell and Jan Wertel’s Fractal table. See the design in all of its arborescent glory in this post by Duann and this one from Roy.

Posted in Design, Digital Manufacturing, Fabbers, Furniture, Indigo Cheng, Jewellery, Lighting, Manufacturing, Uncategorized by Kristen |

Attention readers/makers in the Midwest of the US: Chicago’s Do Division Street Fest is coming up in two weeks, and a local boutique is looking for jewelry and accesssory designers who would like to sell their designs at the boutique for the weekend of May 30th. Do Division Street Fest is their “most profitable weekend of the year”. They’ll sell your stuff for you and split the profits. And if they really love it, there’s potential for your line being carried in the store. All of the details and contact information are in this Craigslist posting.
Thousands of people are expected to attend this $5 donation weekend of local retail, great food, and sounds from Flosstradamus, Menomena, the Handsome Furs, White Rabbit, Viva Voce and more. There’s also a DJ’d dance party at the car wash.
Posted in Crafts, Design, Events, Indigo Cheng, Jewellery, Makers by Kristen |

The prolific Tord Boontje has gotten in the jewelry game. His Charming collection of laser-cut pendants are plated in silver and 18k gold. The charms themselves are whimsical doodles of flowers and forest animals. They’re available for pre-order from Velocity Art and Design; $27 for gold and $22 for the silver.
If you like laser-cut jewelry, be sure to check out my compilation of Forty Designers from A–Z.
Posted in Design, Digital Manufacturing, Indigo Cheng, Jewellery by Kristen |

Like Clark Kent and Superman, Jekyll and Hyde, Spiderman and whatever his normal name is, It’s Not Exactly Rocket Surgery is the creative outlet of Gold Coast based science PhD student Nicole. Selling Science-Inspired Jewelry, Shirts & Cards for Cool Nerds.
Aren’t they all.
Items for sale on her Etsy store include A BRAIN- THE PERFECT ACCESSORY silver necklace from her Neuroscience Series shown above and FRANKENSTEIN ROMANCE silver Heart Necklace from her Old World Science Series, shown below

Necklace features a high quality silver-plated chain, silver-plated elegant lobster clasp, and silver-plated jumpring components. Pendant is lightweight white acrylic printed & cut cut by hand.
For more check out her blog or her other Etsy Store specializing in Gorgeous vintage princess prom dresses, bags & jewelry.
I am sure that someone as prolific as Nicole could generate some great designs using Ponoko’s services.
Found via That Unreliable Girl who turned out to be quite reliable in this instance.
Posted in Design, Duann Scott, Jewellery, Makers by Duann |

With the warming weather, nostalgia for my undergrad days at the Savannah College of Art and Design has really been picking up. While I wish I could peak in the corner of Poetter Hall to see what’s new at shopSCAD, the newly updated shopSCAD site is a nice reminder of the great work from SCAD’s students, faculty, and alumni.
After the jump is a selection of ten jewelry and furniture designers for admiration and inspiration in your Ponoko projects and a couple of my favorite alumni artists.
Designer Mia Hebib is shopSCAD’s current feature designer. She now lives in Brooklyn where she recently launched her line Oblik Atelier.

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Posted in Design, Furniture, Indigo Cheng, Jewellery, Makers, Sustainable Design by Kristen |

Check out this showcase of FORTY LASER-CUT JEWELRY DESIGNERS. Some we have featured before here; others I have just discovered. There are designers with Etsy sites, designers with Ponoko showrooms, and lucky designers with their own awesome online sites and stores. Hope you enjoy. (It took forever!)

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Posted in Design, Digital Manufacturing, Indigo Cheng, Jewellery by Kristen |
3D Glasses are So Passe

These reading glasses by Caroline Abram of Filao Paris. Inspired by her childhood in Senegal, Abram’s designs incorporate wood, ceramic, cotton, glass, leather, resin, mother of pearl, onyx, turquoise, tiger eye and crystal in her work. The chains she has handmade in Senegal.

You have to respect a company such as Filao Paris who’s company Description reads:
Once upon a time there was a pair of glasses, it made children cry while adults wore it for need reason. The pair of glasses begun to improve itself and to cultivate its look. And a day was love, charme and seduction. Filao put its chains until the passion.
Perhaps it is mistranslation but I like it….
I can see how easily this sort of design could be realized via Ponoko by popping the lenses out of your existing glasses and sandwiching them between the laser cut materials of your choice…
Available in Japan at Lunette du Jura or French Melody in the U.S.
Via Julie Wolfson at Cool Hunting
Posted in DIY, Design, Duann Scott, Jewellery by Duann |