Free Time Industries

TUMBLR

2011-11-15T07:56:00.000-08:00

we tumbl now
/////////HERE//////\\\\\\/////\\\\\\\\\\

it's only natural.

2011-10-23T14:53:00.000-07:00

order your very own 2012 Naturalist Almanac HERE.

Seattle Design Festival vs. London Design Festival

2011-09-18T12:54:00.000-07:00

Obviously, it is very unfair to compare the two festivals too much. London’s Design Festival draws about 350,000 visitors and is on its ninth year, and this is Seattle’s first stab at a design festival. London has committed to become the design capitol of the world, and I don’t think Seattle even knows what it wants to commit to. Oh and London is London.

It is interesting however that Seattle has decided to hold the festival during the exact same week as London, which is setting itself up for a little comparison. Right?

It is my sincere hope that the Pacific Northwest can come together and figure out a way to carve out our own niche event that, at least, strives to equal quality of the London Design Festival.

From my quick and dirty comparison, I have four suggestions:

1. Create a fund to invest in more installations.
2. Hire a cutting edge graphic design/ creative strategy team.
3. Get more technology minded designers involved (on the board and in the events).
4. Have a curated exhibit showcasing local design.

INSTALLATIONS:
Seattle
BUOYANCY:
Installation by Jay Atherton and Cy Keener

artists rendering

from my i phone during installation.
have not found any quality installation shots yet.

London
Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec: Textile Field

David Chipperfield Architects: Two Lines

Perspectives: St Paul's Cathedral

DWELL

2011-09-07T17:46:00.001-07:00

the firm I work for (workshop a|d) is in DWELL this month!
-amber

free time in thailand

2011-09-03T15:28:00.000-07:00

we are very pleased to have received our copy of the Thai magazine art4d. it is the first magazine to solely feature a free time product! it features work from all around the world, so we are very flattered.
xxx
-amber

evening cruise in the thousand islands / vacation before NYIGF

2011-08-09T13:00:00.001-07:00

american flag, classic boat, strapping young man, and pizza.
AMERICA!

driving up to anna's place to pick up the fine lady.

hi puppy!

cruzin.

american sunset.

of the thousands of islands, many of them have little adorable houses on them.

time for pizza and opening more beer!

xxx amber

NYIGF with JOIN

2011-08-08T07:42:00.000-07:00

In less than a week, I will be in New York City with JOIN for NYIGF.

JOIN, featuring the work of eight Northwest designers and collectives, will combine forces with the American Design Club and “A+: The Young Designers’ Platform” to assemble a new section dedicated to emerging design. Positioned just outside the entrance to Accent on Design, visitors entering and exiting the fair will have an opportunity to take extra time to experience new work from up-and-coming designers:

GRAIN
BLK PINE WORKSHOP
IACOLI & McALLISTER
FRUITSUPER DESIGN
plainMADE
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN STUDIO
FREE TIME
R&L COODS

xxx
amber

plainMADE

IACOLI & McALLISTER

BLK PINE WORKSHOP

FREE TIME

GRAIN

The New York International Gift Fair is located at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, 655 W 34th Street in New York, and will be open 9:00 am - 6:00 pm August 14 - August 17, 2011 and Noon - 6:00 pm August 18, 2011. 35,000 attendees from 50 states and more than 85 countries are expected to attend the five day fair. JOIN will be located in the new emerging design section at the base of the escalators leading to the Accent on Design exhibit floor.

About JOIN

JOIN promotes emerging independent American design by providing designers a forum to show work, get feedback, and share resources. By organizing design shows and events, we strive to be the adhesive and a resource that binds a thriving, but fragmented, furniture and product design community in Seattle.

AMBER'S NEW RAD JOB!

2011-07-16T20:51:00.001-07:00

I am very excited to say that I just finished a really amazing week at the office of Workshop for Architecture | Design and LAIR design. I was hired to work for both, so my days should always be full of a wide range of design problems to solve and communicate... which is my dream situation! Sometimes the two collaborate on projects, sometimes not, but each is stronger by having the other one there for expertise and input.

I first came into contact with them back in April when I was looking for architecture stories to write for Pacific Standard. I was so impressed with the execution of their design intent that I emailed them right away asking if we could meet up... but I didn't hear anything until just a few weeks ago when they were looking for someone to hire. Thanks Universe!

I will still be working on projects with Free Time, August, etc.

Here is some of their work.
xxx-amber

nearpoint

north capitol hill

gig harbor

coleman triplex

2012 Naturalist Almanac

2011-07-09T15:23:00.000-07:00

As you might already know, Free Time Industries is at the very end of a fundraising campaign via IndieGoGo. The goal was to raise enough money to send Amber to the New York International Gift Fair late this summer with three new products. So far we have raised over $1,000, which is amazing. THANK YOU!!!! This is enough for the plane ticket and the booth space, but we still need a little bit more to, at the very least, print the 2012 Naturalist Almanac.

We are confident that profits from the almanac alone will be enough to keep Free Time going for another year, and even be enough to bring the Emergency Button and Tool Holster to market too. This is why we need your help! Please visit the IndieGoGo site to watch our video, contribute if you can, and/or help us spread the word. //////\\\\\\HERE///////\\\\\\\//////\\\\\\\

More on the 2012 Naturalist Almanac:
Due to the particularities of time, we humans are in a constant diluge of change. The earth spins past the stars above, cultural events punctuate history, seasons renew, and living organisms go through their individual rhythms. But we have a choice: to let time overtake and inhibit us, or be prepared and become empowered by it.

This is why Free Time Industries (with the help of our amazing intern Riley Hoonan) has created the 2012 Naturalist Almanac - it is a tool to the essential and the natural. It tells you where you are, what is to come, and how to prepare for it, all in twenty-six-by-twenty-six inches.

Starting at the center, the almanac tells you how to find the North Star, length of daylight, solstices, seasons, daylight savings, important days, living via the astrological signs, and keep track of moon and menstrual cycles. The almanac also gives seasonal information on topics such as hunting, fishing, foraging, building, health, gardening, raising ducks, weaving, raising bees, starting fires, and natural cleaning methods. The almanac is meant to be rotated at each season, creating a new ritual for the passing of time. We have gone through an intense research and design process to bring all this information together in a meaningful way.

You can pre-order an almanac via the IndiGoGo fundraising campaign with a $50 contribution. I have attached progress images to peak your interest. Each will be printed in Seattle,WA and comes with brass brads at each corner and 4 brass tacks.

Thank you! Please feel free to email me if you have any questions. amber@freetimeindustries.com

Cheers!
Amber xxxxxx

thanks.

2011-06-28T10:52:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to send out a big THANK YOU to all the bloggers out there who have featured or mentioned Free Time in the past few weeks!

We will have more to send you all soon ;)

seesaw

for me, for you

miss moss

journal du design

design milk

mocoloco (on faraday and us)

mocoloco (on the sharpener)

dossier journal

notcot

the adventure school

white board journal

xxx
amber

emergency button

2011-06-28T10:52:00.000-07:00

Loosing a button used to be pretty annoying, but no longer. Just screw on your matte gold plated Emergency Button, and continue with your day. Replace your frustration with a little bit of bling!

Each button comes with a wood tray for safekeeping.

You can pre order a button AND help us bring them to market HERE.

Hope you like my funny gif! Anyone know how to make them without the silly tag?
xxx
amber

HELP FREE TIME!!!

2011-06-11T20:09:00.000-07:00

free time industries from Patrick Richardson Wright on Vimeo.

We need to raise some funds to bring three new products to market! Sales will keep Free Time going for another year or more.

Please visit our campaign on IndiGoGo to contribute and learn all the details: HERE

OTHER WAYS YOU CAN HELP
If you like what we are doing, please spread the word. Become friends with us on Facebook, email this link to your friends, and talk about us at cocktail parties!

THANK YOU!!!
OXOXOXOXOXOXOX

the swing blade desktop pencil sharpener

2011-05-06T15:37:00.000-07:00

Our swing blade desktop pencil sharpener was accepted into the "use me" competition hosted by the american design club. It was posted on mocoloco today, so we thought we should post some background information.

The American Design Club (AmDC) was seeking unapologetically functional design for its sixth show, set to coincide with the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) 2011. Submitted designs had to exhibit a strong sense of purpose, intelligent use of materials and the ability to do one thing extremely well.

The competition prompted us to look at a sharpener inherited from Amber’s great-great-grandfather; grade school teacher, Fredrick Clay. Because of the superior lead points created by the precision of the swinging blade, this unique tool has been handed down for generations.

We worked to reverse engineer the sharpener by examining the design decisions made by its originator. After striping down the tool to its basic architecture, we were able to combine elements and reduce unnecessary visual complexity. The stabilizing feet, the guide angle, and the collection bowl were integrated into one simple element. The resulting form factor is canted, providing the perfect angle for smooth stable sharpening.

renderings of our design.

original 1904 sharpener

adventurer profile

2011-05-03T13:03:00.000-07:00

our profile is up on the adventure school blog! yay!

images from nome. us on our bainbridge island idea camp weekend.

structures

2011-04-27T12:20:00.000-07:00

During these past few weeks of classes, I've been spending a lot of time in the wood shop. This is why:

By focusing on joinery, and not using any hardware, the goal was to build a wooden structure using 1.25" x 1.25" dimensional wood that can support 250lbs.

It can be a table, a plant stand, or a stool to put your shoes on, but it works especially well when you need to hold up the ceiling.

-Ariana
(For those who don't know, I am working with Free Time remotely from Eugene, OR. I am here studying Product Design at the University of Oregon.)

moss hobby

2011-04-18T15:55:00.001-07:00

my new hobby is to go on moss hunts while it is raining. here is a little bouquet i put together for ashley.
-amber

A CONVERSATION WITH SUZANNE STEFAN

2011-04-05T14:55:00.001-07:00

by amber r murray

When you are at the home of sculptor and architect Suzanne Stefan, there is one thing that becomes very clear; everything she comes into contact with has been carefully siphoned through her aesthetic filter. The colors are mostly nudes, creams, and bleached woods, the music is calm, the candles float in water, and the few books that she has on display are on the works of Peter Zumthor, James Turrell, and Luis Barragan – champions of light and space.

Stefan first learned to explore light through the medium plaster while attending architecture school. The school chose a few students to participate in a seminar led by sculptor Carlton Newton, and she was one of them. Following the introductory course, she continued to teach new first year architecture students the various techniques each semester. Ten years later, she still balances her professional life as a practicing project architect with her more abstract experiments of light and space through her sculpture.

the above images are from the artist.

AM: Tell me a little about your process and approach to sculpture.
SS: With each piece there is always a new discovery, so I need to pay close attention to the process: what type of plastic I used to create the folds, the ratio of mixtures, the heat and humidity, the surface I am casting against, and the additional fibers I sometimes add. There is an amazing range to be found in those variables alone.

In the beginning they were just about my fascination with light and shadow, but then I started burning away the form generating materials, so then they also began to be about the memory of light – which is different, but related.

AM: It sounds like your work is very much about the discoveries you make along the way, how do you plan future work?
SS: I always begin with images I create in my mind, if that makes sense. From there, I usually sketch and plan the order, scale, and intended surface, but the results always have an element of surprise.

For example, once I was making multiple sculptures for a series, and one of them was accidentally ignored. In my neglect to shake the mould thoroughly as the others, I was able to discover that the air bubbles created voids at the most beautiful points in the surface. The process of making is therefore a large part of the art itself.

above is a detail from Amangiri, for which Stefan was a project architect | photo by Marwan Al-Sayed

AM: Do you ever think about integrating your sculpture into architecture?
SS: Of course. For me it is only a shift in scale, and other tools and people would be needed. The scale I work in allows me to work alone and control many of the factors within the process. Everything is at the human scale too; the sculptures need to be small enough for me to handle, the folds are only as fine as my fingers can create, and the thickness depends on how much I can mix and pour.

Besides, I think a really good architect can see sculpture as potential architectual space itself. Architecture is just a larger form of sculpture, and a successful design is related to the quality of light it creates. It is even more successful if it functions too.

AM: Off the top of my head, I can name India, Belgium, East Africa, New York, Virginia, Switzerland, Arizona, and Washington as some of the places you have lived, are there any observations on light you have made?
SS: The type of light in the northern countries is very different from the ones positioned further south – not just the angles of the sun and the shadows that form, but the duration of its presence. That can make a big difference on how it is experienced, and how it is perceived. People all over have different relationships with - and understandings of - light. I observe them and try to integrate my understandings into my work. In the hierarchy of my aesthetic principals, light is certainly in the top position.

above is a detail from Amangiri, for which Stefan was a project architect | photo by Wendell Burnette

To see Stefan’s recent work, please come by {far4} between May 1st – June 3rd, with an opening reception May 5 for the First Thursday art walk.

Her website can be found here.

woodpeckers

2011-04-04T21:48:00.000-07:00

from the woodpecker book

Trees cocooned in spiders webs after flooding in Sindh, Pakistan

2011-04-01T15:25:00.000-07:00

An unexpected side-effect of the flooding in parts of Pakistan has been that millions of spiders climbed up into the trees to escape the rising flood waters.

Because of the scale of the flooding and the fact that the water has taken so long to recede, many trees have become cocooned in spiders webs. People in this part of Sindh have never seen this phenonemon before - but they also report that there are now less mosquitos than they would expect, given the amoungt of stagnant, standing water that is around.

It is thought that the mosquitos are getting caught in the spiders web thus reducing the risk of malaria, which would be one blessing for the people of Sindh, facing so many other hardships after the floods.

Photos: Russell Watkins/Department for International Development

i love you magazine manifesto

2011-03-31T12:12:00.000-07:00

I LOVE YOU

THE PRITZKER

2011-03-30T18:05:00.000-07:00

This years Pritzker Architecture Prize goes to Eduardo Souto de Moura.

Here are a few images from the Pritzker Site and Dezeen. My favorite prize winner is still Sverre Fehn - and we obviously need some more lady winners too. -amber

SCENIC DRIVE MARKET

2011-03-27T13:23:00.000-07:00

The last weekend of every month, we host an indoor market, featuring the work of fabulous local designers and supreme vintage vendors.

The next indoor market is Sunday, March 27th from noon to 7pm.

Idea Camp on Bainbridge Island

2011-03-26T13:44:00.000-07:00

ari and amber hair

2011-03-23T13:06:00.000-07:00

ashley made a really great post about a spring celebration and our hair was the leading feature. pretty. -amber

AmDC

2011-03-16T16:06:00.000-07:00

Last year was "Breakable", this year is "Use Me".
If you consider yourself a designer and live in the USA you can participate too. Last day to submit is April 18th.

trees in china

2011-03-13T18:23:00.000-07:00

I just got back from a trip to China and will be posting about some of the things I witnessed there.

The first one is a year round "flowering" tree.
-Kate

help japan

2011-03-13T13:52:00.000-07:00

here are three ways.

images from the atlantic.

while you are at SAM:Remix tonight..

2011-03-11T17:58:00.000-08:00

Make sure you take a look at the work of Betty Bowen award winner Ellen Lesperance [near the elevators on the 2nd floor, just past admissions desk] if you haven't yet.

of a /KIND

2011-03-10T10:55:00.000-08:00

Nice words about our feather laser nature from of a /KIND today. You can find them at Veridis in Seattle, Spartan in Austin, and the New Museum in New York.

{far4} exhibit series

2011-03-09T10:31:00.001-08:00

I am excited to announce that I will be helping {far4} with their summer art exhibit series. -amber

Tentatively the list includes:
May | Suzanne Stefan

June | Edison Osorio + Josephino Munoz + Luisa Restrepo + Hector Flores + Valerica Florescano + Edison Osorio

July | Trevor Jackson

August | Mike Levitt

September | Johnathan Hudak

URBAN OUTFITTERS

2011-03-03T12:41:00.000-08:00

Via the new Adventure School online store, some of our goods were on the Urban Outfitters blog today.

SAM REMIX march 11

2011-03-02T21:15:00.000-08:00

NICK CAVE | MEET ME AT THE CENTER OF THE EARTH
I will be volunteering at the event and would love to see you there. - amber

cartographies of time

2011-02-28T16:32:00.000-08:00

from peacay

OFWGKTA by kyle johnson

2011-02-27T15:31:00.000-08:00

free time's photographer, kyle johnson, was in LA last week and got some great shots of OFWGKTA. nice work kyle!

three reasons free time needs to design a boat.

2011-02-25T12:16:00.000-08:00

studio job

Gucci + Riva

Marian Bantjes for Wallpaper

designing water visions

2011-02-22T15:39:00.001-08:00

I want to draw a parallel between two things: the Erie Canal and the Seattle Waterfront.

In 1817, there were about 100,000 people living in New York City. Mayor DeWitt Clinton had drawn a Cartesian grid over the island of Manhattan, but it was sparsely occupied at that time. Then, through gathering private funding, Clinton built the Erie Canal. Within a few years of the canal opening (in 1825 officially) the grid filled up, and New York City established itself as the financial capitol of the world for the next 200 years.

Such a title could easily have gone to New Orleans, whose position at the mouth of the Mississippi was a more natural passage to harvest the massive commodities that lay on the interior of our virgin country. Instead, goods were taken from the interior, through the canal, and then out to the rest of the world. No other city had a chance after that.

Notably, Seattle is now faced with a unique opportunity to envision itself at the center. We are going to finally take down the double-decker concrete highway that separates Seattle form its waterfront, rebuild the seawall, and design an entirely new scenario.

To start the envisioning process, this past Thursday about 1,100 people met at the Seattle Aquarium. The evening was well planned with many multimedia incentives to get people talking about what they wanted for their waterfront - Mayor Mike McGinn and James Corner, the design lead from Field Operations, gave talks too.

Rightly so, McGinn’s primary point was to make us think “how are we going to pay for this?”, but left us with no answer. Corner on the other hand, using his “arsenal of eidetic operations”, painted a compelling picture of the Seattle waterfront becoming the literal gateway to a new powerhouse of commerce that has assembled around the Pacific Rim. Learning from Mayor DeWitt Clinton, it seems plausible that if we go about this project the right way, we could procure private funding and come out stronger than ever before.

Great cities are built, but they don’t stay on top forever – is it actually possible that Seattle, through major feats of vision, finance, and politics, could become the next center? I don’t think that anyone can say if that is actually possible, but I do think we should continue with broad-scale visions to make sure we don’t miss any monumental opportunities.
-amber

LINE_a journal

2011-02-21T14:15:00.000-08:00

Lauren from Line came by the studio today to chat with our studio mates, Iacoli & McAllister. Great journal and blog.

Image is from the journal editorial - The Off-Season on Newtown Creek

the adventure school

2011-02-16T13:40:00.000-08:00

The Adventure School has launched a new online shop, and we are SO HAPPY to be in it! They are selling our leather holsters and owl combs from the 2010 Laser Nature collection.

Design Profile: Tim Brown

2011-02-16T11:12:00.000-08:00

Tim Brown is CEO and President of IDEO. He also has an informative blog called Design Thinking and is trying to start a design revolution of the same name.

"Design thinking can be described as a discipline that uses the designer’s sensibility and methods to match people’s needs with what is technologically feasible and what a viable business strategy can convert into customer value and market opportunity." -Tim Brown

To learn more immediately, you can watch his TED video, read a paper he wrote for Harvard Business Review, or buy his book.

I am not sure how we can use these ideas in Free Time yet, but I am certainly keeping them in mind.
-amber

architecture + products + interaction + behavior

2011-02-11T14:50:00.000-08:00

Being an architecture historian/project architect/product designer, it only makes sense that I am really interested in the seamless integration of space, product, behavior, and interface right?

Well thankfully after sending out cover letters explaining why I am uniquely qualified to contribute to innovative user experience design strategies, there is a conversation in the current issue of Apartamento chaired by Jonathan Olivares that strengthens by position.

In it "Benjamin Pardo, Director of Design at Knoll, Mark Wasiuta, architect and theorist teaching at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, and Masamichi Udagawa, partner of the industrial, interface and interaction design firm Antenna met at Benjamin’s New York City apartment to discuss the effect of new technologies and products on our homes."

Read the full conversation here .

-amber

just kids

2011-02-02T10:36:00.000-08:00

I finished "Just Kids" by Patti Smith yesterday - a beautiful gift for all us creative types. What was inspiring for me was the collaborative strength of all the artists, poets, musicians, and patrons urging and supporting each other. I have to say that it makes me truly grateful for our own creative community here in Seattle: Kyle Johnson, Emmett Smith, Patrick Richardson Wright, Strath and Emily Shepard, Suzanne Stefan, Jenny Klimenkoff, Ashley Helvey, Frank Correa, Jean Le, Nicholas Kamuda, Lauren Max, Charley Schuck, Jamie Iacoli, and Brian McAllister... and the list goes on! -amber

Images above from top to bottom: smith and robert maplethorp, smith and bob dylan, smith and bruce springsteen, smith and sam shepard (wrote basketball diaries), smith and the ramones

meeting mark dion

2011-01-21T20:00:00.000-08:00

I volunteer at the Neukom Vivarium in the Olympic Sculpture Park and this week I got to meet the artist. Such an inspiring and inquisitive individual! Watch the first video from 2006 to see how much the plants have grown around the "nurse log". I chose to show the second video because I can really relate to his creative methodology - I can never proceed on an design without a little cultural or technical research first. -amber

Australia.

2011-01-16T13:10:00.000-08:00

Just sharing some inspiration I found on my trip to Ballarat and Sydney, Australia over Christmas break. It's such great place, and the people are so nice. Love those accents! -naomi

Free Time Industries at Object Show.

2010-12-05T19:36:00.000-08:00

Free Time Industries at the pop up store of natural curiosities and objects of design by Charlie Schuck.
Open this December, Thursday through Sunday-ish and by appointment.

Montmarte Mention

2010-10-28T12:46:00.000-07:00

Freetime was honored to be featured on one of our favorite blogs. Montmarte blog is Renee's well curated collection of fashion/photos/design & other pretty things whose aesthetic we love.

Chain Gang @ Far4

2010-10-14T08:57:00.000-07:00

Chain Gang is now available at the lovely downtown Seattle store Far4. Orders are also available online at Far4.net Check them out for more information on size & color options.

WALRUS

2010-09-07T07:32:00.000-07:00

The lovely people at WALRUS are now carrying Free Time. We were beyond flattered to read their lovely introduction on their blog. Read it here: WALRUS BLOG. If you are in the Vancouver BC area check them out and let em know we sent ya in!

NYGF Summer 2010

2010-09-05T18:04:00.000-07:00

FTI had a blast at the New York Gift Fair this past month. This photo of our Seattle JOIN group via Core77.com. Ariana representing for Free Time in the back! Good news to report soon from the fair itself.

CHAINGANG Released!

2010-08-20T13:49:00.000-07:00

Free Time Industries is proud to release CHAINGANG. CHAINGANG uses a repetitive linking technique to repurpose heaps of scrap leather into versatile accessories. CHAINGANG is available in various shades of tan, brown, and metallic; our commitment to utilizing otherwise discarded materials results in slight variations in color and texture.

FTI in NYC's New Museum

2010-06-24T08:14:00.000-07:00

Photo: Ian Allen

Laser Nature is now available at the New Museum Shop - The New Museum New York’s only museum to be exclusively devoted to presenting contemporary art from around the world. Laser Nature is intended to complement the exhibit which opened last night entitled ‘Rivane Neuenschwander: A Day Like Any Other’ – the show will be up 6/23/10 - 9/19/10.

Dirty Mag! Issue: 1

2010-06-24T07:57:00.000-07:00

Free Time Industries featured in issue no. 1 of DIRTY MAG. “DIRTY is a new creative quarterly and curatorial endeavor, showcasing the work of a new generation of artists & designers. Inspired by the subversive, the sarcastic and sometimes the absurd, DIRTY features the best in art, design, entertainment and food. Check out our feature with the NYC online publication at http://dirty-mag.com”

Laser Nature now @ SAM Shop

2010-06-24T07:55:00.000-07:00

Laser Nature is now available at Seattle Art Museum's SAM SHOP – SAM SHOP takes pride in showcasing local designers. Its an honor to be involved with such a great organization and Seattlest largest art museum.

ICFF "Breakable" Success

2010-06-01T22:45:00.000-07:00

The Breakable/ICFF opening featuring our Faraday project was a huge success. We miss NYC Already. Here are a few photos from the event.

FTI Now In Veridis

2010-06-01T22:31:00.000-07:00

FTI is excited to have our Laser Nature line now available in Seattle's Veridis Boutique.

Faraday is Completed

2010-05-08T18:44:00.001-07:00

A sneek peek at our completed Faraday project. Currently featured at The Heller Gallery in NYC, who will be presenting a collection of contemporary design based on the theme of Glass entitled "Breakable" coinciding with ICFF 2010. On display now till May 18th.

FTI Spring/Summer Look Book

2010-04-27T20:24:00.001-07:00

The Spring/Summer Laser Nature Look Book's are in!

Laser Nature Spring/Summer Release Party 4/10

2010-04-05T15:22:00.000-07:00

Laser Nature's Spring/Summer 2010 Line Release Party in conjunction with Primitive Hut Art Show 4/10 6-9pm @ White Sage Gallery

48 popular states... the black series

2010-03-22T09:50:00.000-07:00

MusaDesign has recently completed a lifestyle showcase design home, now on display at the Escala Tower. Free Time Industries supplied various custom pieces, including the black "48 popular states" seen here on the table. To learn more about the project, watch the interview Polina Zaika of MusaDesign gave Evening Magazine: http://www.king5.com/on-tv/evening-magazine/Decorating-like-a-pro-88703557.html.

Back on the Chain Gang

2010-02-19T10:11:00.000-08:00

A sneek peek at Amanda rocking FTI's new Leather Chain Necklace.

Photo By: Kyle Johnson

Boys like Laser Nature too...

2010-02-12T18:30:00.000-08:00

These photographs of boys with laser nature were taken by Patrick Richardson Wright at "Birds, Bees, and Bourbon". It was a great event - thanks to all those who helped out and came!

Birds, Bees, & Bourbon

2010-02-09T11:56:00.001-08:00

"Birds, Bees, & Bourbon" a Valentine's edition trunk show with very special one of a kind jewelry pieces. Featuring Laser Nature...laser cut birch necklaces and earrings of birds, bees, wolves, oh my! Also featuring...Cocoa Beach Party dangle earrings that every guy should get their gal. The perfect pair of earrings for spring/ summer seasons.

Don't know what to get your loved one for V-day? No worries...FTI and Musa have got your back! Complimentary gift wrapping! Enjoy a night of buzzin and chirpin and sippin on bourbon. And did somebody say cupcakes?

FARADAY for BREAKABLE

2010-02-02T13:15:00.000-08:00

The American Design Club in association the Heller Gallery, will be presenting a collection of contemporary design based on the theme of Glass entitled "Breakable". For this event, they hosted a competition which FTI made a submission called Faraday. Breakable will coincide with ICFF 2010. May 15-18.

Tempered glass and maple tea service. Faraday merges the task of preparing tea with the social experience of consuming it. The use of induction technology allows the boiling of water to take place at the table, without a stovetop or a steal kettle. Nither the serving try nor the objects upon it get hot while the water boils within the glass vesse

52nd Annual Grammy Awards

2010-01-31T21:46:00.000-08:00

Jordan didn't win, but Ellen looked amazing wearing her custom laser nature! fox bracelet and large tree cut earrings with gold leaf.

Follow us on Twitter: FreeTimeInd

2010-01-29T09:25:00.000-08:00

Freetime Industries On Twitter

Now in Veloria!

2010-01-24T23:56:00.000-08:00

FTI Is extremely excited to have our Laser Nature line now be available at both the Capital Hill & Ballard locations of Velouria. This boutique sells local designer goods, clothing, and jewelry. Go check us out there today.

Bo Concept Show Press

2010-01-23T13:41:00.000-08:00

This week FTI recieved two lovely writeups mentioning our ongoing January show at Bo Concept's Pop Up Gallery. Both Laura Cassidy (Seattle Metropilatan's Style Blogger) & Aesthetic206. Head down to the show to see it before its over and click the links to see each of the writeups:

Seattle MET What Wear When: Art, Commerce, Community Writeup
Aesthetic206 FTI Writeup

Polina knows Luxury:

2010-01-22T13:55:00.000-08:00

Today I visited Escala to consult with Polina Zaika of MUSA design and shot this video. We were discussing mink coats - Polina is so charming that I had to post this to share her with the world.

Polina Discussing Mink-Video Here

The place is going to look amazing with the perfect blend of luxury and story telling from Polina. Free Time Industries will be working on some custom and prototype pieces for the project. Sign up for the Luxury Life tour and see for yourself - Starts February 20, 2010.

Flickr Group

2010-01-21T15:59:00.001-08:00

Free Time Industries Flickr group is now up. Check it out and feel free to joing and submit images with our products and jewelry.

http://www.flickr.com/groups/freetimeindustries/

BoConcept Success

2010-01-09T20:46:00.000-08:00

Tons of people came, everything looked amazing, and we got some great shots.

Check out our Flickr group page [and join!] for new photos from all: www.flickr.com/groups/freetimeindustries/

Thanks Jay and Melenie for making it all happen!

"48 Popular States"line.

first thursday + bo concept + 48 popular states

2010-01-03T07:52:00.000-08:00

FTI has been invited to join a talented group of artists and designers at bo concept for a gallery store!

therefore, yesterday i searched all the thrift stores north of seattle i could to find [and then assemble] second-hand chain for a new and exciting "48 popular states" board. we love the textures and unique composition each piece has... especially texas... it is so brilliant and big!
oxoxo amber

gotta represent.

2009-12-31T09:42:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we spent a full eight hours at the Seattle Public Library in the special collections, ravaging the bookshelves for inspiration for the Spring 2010 line of Laser Nature. We are killing two birds with one stone this time - we wanted our line to have a specific Pacific Northwest Native American Vibe, AND we are participating with a few other local designers and artist on a project were we use the special collections to inspire us in our work. As you might notice, the girls did not notice I was recording them :D.

We are excited to announce that Naomi Parker, a Pacific Northwest Native American herself, is now working with FTI. Nome - as we lovingly call her - is going to graphic design school, is a founding member of "power craft" [a crafting club we all started], and is a member of the Nia Bay Mekah people.

Thanks to all the librarians who have been so helpful!

Laser Nature + Seattle Public Library from Amber R. Murray on Vimeo.

a sneak peak into the future...

2009-12-29T20:31:00.000-08:00

.. "super futurism" that is [for those of you that do not know, "super futurism" is a new line in the works]. This pair is just a mock-up - the final will be made of pvd coated copper and very thin chain. The line also includes the integration of hand made ceramics with glazes that will make your jaw drop.

FTI is coming to Brooklyn!

2009-12-29T14:19:00.000-08:00

While Ariana was back in NY for the Holidays, she did a bit of legwork and it totally paid off [she is so rad and loved by us!! oxoxo]!

We just got our first Laser Nature order in from Dijital Fix - a newly renovated - extra awesome - boutique on Bedford Ave.  It is THE place to be, for all your design and electronics needs. They have a really cool blog - The Daily Fix - Check it out! Here is a description from their blog:

"Dijital Fix was founded in 2006 by and for people who grew tired of the major chain stores and their lack of attention to quality, design and style. We opened our first store in Williamsburg, Brooklyn in December with the intent to combine fashion, design and electronics together in an environment not only for geeks but for everyone.

We do our best every day scouring for the world’s best designers and companies for the latest products in all categories ranging from home audio, headphones and toys, to unique design accessories ranging from watches to wallets and our inventory is constantly being updated.

Dijital Fix is the first store in NYC to combine these elements together under one roof and in June 2008 we opened our webstore to bring our selection to those who haven’t yet ventured to Williamsburg to see our store."
oxox amber 

Cocoa Beach Party! @ Fancy

2009-12-06T23:30:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone-
We dropped off our new Cocoa Beach Party Earring Series @ Fancy this weekend for their annual earring show. The new earrings (which are on display all month) are inspired by our Designer Amber Murray's recent trip home to CoCo Beach, FL. Her late night skinny dipping adventures inspired us to keep the spirit of the beach alive all winter long. The earrings themselves feature hand lacquered cocoa Beach Shells, re-purposed chain and oxidized sterling ear hooks. Go check them out at Fancy .

Fancy Earring Show 12/4/09

2009-12-04T18:09:00.000-08:00

Our Designer Amber Murray is back and rested from her recent trip to Florida. Were in the studio late tonight putting the final touches on our entry in Fancy's Earring Show tommorow night!! 12/4/09.

No photos yet... but well say the earrings were inspired by hear late night skinny dipping experience on CoCo Beach, Fl.

Design Shoppe Success!

2009-12-04T17:59:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who came out last weekend. The night was packed and we had a great time.

JOIN did a wonderful job and were looking forward to working with them again soon!

Design Shoppe Pop Up Store!

2009-11-15T18:27:00.001-08:00

Free Time Industries is going to be part of the Design Shoppe Pop Up Store put on by Join Design Seattle.

Location: Vermillion Gallery in Capital Hill
1508 11th Ave.
Seattle, WA 98122

November 28, 2009
7-11pm Deign Objects Sale
7-9pm Silent Auction
9:15pm Silent Auction winners Announced

SCRAP Success

2009-11-15T18:18:00.000-08:00

Thanks everyone who was able to come out to Fancy on friday night. The show was a huge success and we had a blast. Here is one photo of a Free Time Industries Satisfied Customer.

SCRAP Tonight!

2009-11-13T10:01:00.000-08:00

Hope to see some of you out tonight at Fancy for Scrap! Featuring the debut of our new line. 48 Popular States as well as 8 other designers lovely work using re-purposed wood.

Seattle Metropolitan Feature: Coming Out Of The Woodwork

2009-11-13T06:50:00.000-08:00

Seattle's Laura Cassidy featured the new 48 Popular States Line this week. In an article about our upcoming show Scrap at Fancy. The show features Furniture/Jewelry Design using re-purposed or scrap wood. Read the Article HERE

Osiris The Greatest

2009-09-22T13:44:00.000-07:00

FreeTime Industries Laser Nature Line receives a nice little shout out from the lovely Osiris Navaro. Osiris's Blog The Greatest covers all things the Seattle Stylist/Designer is into; Fashion,Photography, and Design based. Thanks for the love!

Seattle Metropolitan Feature: Cut it Out

2009-09-18T17:34:00.000-07:00

Seattle Metropolitan's Style blog mentioned us in todays Cut It Out feature. Discussing several Seattle Jewlery Designers using Laser Cut Designs.

Writer/Stylist Laura Cassidy commented; "Laser Nature is a Kate Bailey project; the industrial designer and artist sketches natural elements then transfers them to wood with a 650 watt CO2 laser. Whoa. Her delicate yet earthy pieces are available via her site as well as at Gossamer Collective."

Read the article HERE

Laser Nature In the Works

2009-08-15T19:57:00.000-07:00

The new Laser Nature line I've been working on is finally in production. Here is a sneak peek of Laser Cutter in action. The pieces involve precise, industrial grade, machine laser cutting and hand crafted style drawn from Northwest plants and wildlife. Each piece is assembled via the same process, beginning from a hand illustration. This sketch is then transferred to wood though a 650 watt CO2 laser, resulting in an artifact burned from the surrounding material. The rough piece is then individually finished, while leaving the blackened edges of its conception intact.

Photos of the Finished Pieces to come in a Line Sheet im still working on.