Meredith Launches 50 Innovative DIY
Ideas in its New Readymade Magazaine
on newstands today
Last fall, Meredith Corporation -- the publishing house responsible for releasing a whole host of regular favorites . . . Better Homes and Garden, Traditional Home, Renovation Style and other shelter magazines -- announced a contest. They were on the search for the 100 most innovative ideas. And, so, they invited creative types to vie for this grand prize:
* Three-night stay in NYC.
* VIP guest at ReadyMade 100 party.
* The cover of the April/May 2011 issue of ReadyMade
* $500
* The opportunity to contribute regularly throughout the year to the magazine.
The Grand Prize Winner
Tess Wolfe-Stelzer from Seattle, WA, was named the grand prize winner or “Main Maker.”
She will be feted at party this month in NYC, along with 24 other top innovators.
Her winning Literary Lamps (above) are made from old book pages and spines recycled into three-dimensional—working!—lamps in various complex faceted shapes.
“I work in a hematopathology lab by day and make arts and crafts by night. I have my late grandmother’s contempt for waste, so I make every effort to repurpose, reuse, and recycle.”
You can visit this link to see what the judges said -- and what her project looked like upon entry.
All entries got a stylist's touch -- by Rational Beauty.
All photos are by Patricia Heal.
The Other Winners
Staircase Bookshelf, by Adrienne Romine (Orlando, FL)
Build a multifunctional and space-saving solution (that’s also pet friendly).
“When I found myself constantly lifting my faithful terrier, Chiquita, into the new bunk bed I bought to maximize work space in my bedroom/studio, something had to be done.” —Adrienne Romine
Geeky Bar Top, by Liz and Nate Gordon (Ames, IA)
It doesn’t get much better than this custom-made bar top covered in keys that double as a word search.
"What’s better than a custom-made bar? A custom-made bar with a top covered in keys that double as a word search.” —Liz and Nate Gordon
Snug Mug Spoon Wall, by Christian Ward (Austin, TX)
Store utensils with this sustainable design.
“I was asked by a committee of students and teachers to come up with a method for storing reusable personalized mugs for 60 students. The storage system uses an assortment of secondhand metal spoons, where the convex head of the spoon acts as a clip to hold the mug snugly in place against birch plywood.” —Christian Ward
Recycled Lightbulb Chandelier, by Kelly Malone (San Francisco, CA)
Create a statement light for less than $100.
“I made this from recycled bulbs that I collected in our studio over a few months. It’s now the centerpiece here at Workshop, and it cost less than $100 to make.” —Kelly Malone
Can Decor, by Ebony Towner (Emeryville, CA)
Craft a towering art piece using paint cans and use vertically or horizontally.
Make this hanging wall or doorway decoration out of used paint cans. Lean or hang it vertically or horizontally.
TV Shelf, by Julie Brzezinksi (Green Bay, WI)
Put those old TVs to use with this funky and functional storage unit.
“I work full-time as a catering supervisor. When I am not creating food displays on the job, I am re-creating items at home or restoring vintage mopeds.”
