It seems like everyone gives out totes these days. Go to a conference, get a free tote. Start a new job, get a free tote. They’ve become ubiquitous, mainstream… dare I say, common. However, I really dislike how… disposable they’ve become. I understand they need to be available at a lower pricepoint to make them accessible and easy to use, but at what point does it work against the environment we are trying to help when the totes are so cheap that they tear after a few uses? As you can tell, I am exasperated!

Enter Forestbound Originals. Boston-based designer Alice Saunders hunts for well-worn vintage fabrics and hardware in the ever-plentiful flea markets of New England. Alice then uses her findings to create one-of-a-kind totes. For example, this tote is made of sturdy canvas salvaged from a WWII era US Navy sea bag and trimmed with a 1940′s era lumber apron and cowhide. Because each tote is made from re-purposed materials, it’s almost like you get bonus points for sustainability!

Rugged, vintage, and raw, I love the way these totes look, too. I have a deep admiration for vintage typography and signage, so the more graphic design-inspired fabrics really speak to me. They just don’t make ‘em like they used to…

images via Forestbound Originals

I’m not a big ring-wearer. I work with my hands, whether it’s drawing, painting, constructing soapdish models out of bristol paper (it happened), I’m hard on rings. These though… these feel different. I’d make exceptions for these beautiful handmade rings from Dear Rae. Based out of Cape Town, Dear Rae Jewelry is constructed purely of gold, silver, brass and copper; with the occassional gemstone. While each piece is delicate, they are meant to be worn every day and celebrate the ease of simplicity. And I think they do just that!

images via Dear Rae