Moments after Apple announced their new and improved iPhone 4, Grove posted photos of their new bamboo iPhone 4 case. Thanks to a leaked prototype, we were able to actually build an iPhone 4 case before the product launch. The new Grove case will be available 3-4 weeks after the iPhone 4 goes on sale. Reserve yours today with a introductory price starting at $49. Aside from being 24% thinner than the iPhone 3g/3gs, the new version features an improved display, HD video capabilities, multitasking, and FaceTime video calling. The Grove bamboo case will only add 1/16″ to the iPhone 4 and will protect the glass back surface from damage. Like Grove on Facebook for the chance of winning a bamboo iPhone 4 case.

I recently had the privilege to collaborate with Im:mortal, a new Portland accessory design studio. Their first collection, “Future Primitive”, is inspired by the poetry of the earth. “Each piece we create is a token of our appreciation for the natural world around us. We draw from nature, from the places that are sacred to us. Inspired by old-world techniques, we craft artifacts that unite form with function to serve the modern-day sage.”



Above is the “canyon pouch”. A Laser-cut Ultrasuede circle pouch with leather feather cinch closure. Includes clear quartz crystal points inside pouch.
Below is the “desert bag”. It features laser-cut leather details and engraved bamboo pulls.



If you happen to be in New York this weekend, check them out at the New York Market/ Launch Pad Showroom. I’m excited to work with Im:mortal in the future!

For the past 5 months I have been busy starting up a new business with my friend Ken Tomita. He runs a custom commission furniture company called Tomita Designs which specializes in sustainable bamboo furniture.



Our new collaboration, grove, will focus on environmentally friendly laser customizable products made of bamboo. We are using FSC certified bamboo and making all of our products in Portland, Oregon. Finishes are all natural and packaging design will focus on reuse and recycling.

Here is a sneak peak of our first product:



We will be launching in a couple weeks, stay tuned.

Consistently, one of my favorite materials to laser engrave is wood. The endless variation of grain patterns makes every outcome unique. Each species reacts differently to the laser light; balsa engraves deep and cuts like butter, laser-cut Plyboo edges are turned a dark ebony, the varying grain density of Pine creates deep waves of grain. When Nemo Design asked me to engrave pine presentation boxes for them, I gladly agreed to the project. The designer took full advantage of the 3d nature of engraved wood with this letterpress motif -

Two passes were used, creating multiple levels of depth in the pieces to separate the blocks from the gutters. The art was bled over the edges of the boxes and tapered around the rounded edges perfectly. This close-up shows how the varying grain density of Pine accentuates the ridges -

Possibly the best aspect of engraving pine is the smell, which instantly reminded me of cold winter nights spent reading by the fireplace.

New to the Artist series: RAZAUNO! on Vimeo.

I’d like to welcome Venezuelan artist Max Vogel aka RAZAUNO to the Engrave Your Book artist series. This isn’t the first time Max has experimented with laser art; he was featured in the February issue of Juxtapoz magazine for his laser engraved wood pieces.

The pictures below are from his recent solo show in Paris, “Better Known As Brooklyn”, which featured wall size hand-painted letter-forms, custom skateboard decks, and laser engraved wood panels. Be on the lookout for other laser collaborations with Razauno.

One word - BRILLIANT! UK-based designer and artist, Nicky, AKA “monster-munch“, designed this clever engraved Moleskine. The strap takes place of the more traditional fig leaf - what a great parody of the classic Adam and Eve paintings! When Nicky is not crafting cheeky ad campaigns for the creative firm Poke, she is busy making one-of-a-kind sock monsters like this scary guy below. Great work Nicky!

Design your own custom engraved Moleskine at Engrave Your Book for the chance to win the next design of the month competition and two free engraved books.

Check out these wooden bearded men I just laser engraved for french artist/designer, Christopher Bettig. Chris has designed for Urban Outfitters, Carhartt, and has had several solo exhibitions. To see more of his work, check out The Mountain Label. His next solo show opens on May 8th from 6:30 - 8:30 at Candystore which is located at 3153 16th Street SF, CA 94103

I’d like to welcome Portuguese artist and designer, David Carvalho (aka Hello Karpa).



David has been creating since he was a child, and has designed everything from logotypes to skateboards. David launched the first design related PDF magazine, Camouflage, in 2002 and has participated at exhibitions in London, Paris, Bruxelles, Berlin, St. Petersburg, Moscow, Tokyo, Barcelona, Lisbon, Porto, Milan, and São Paulo. Check out more of his work at Hello Karpa.

His new Moleskine design, “Diamond Ruin”, can be purchased at Engrave Your Book