Soft Light

I have a soft spot for handmade lighting, especially those sculpted from eco-friendly materials. Austrian designer, Rainer Mutsch created a series of pendants from recycled fiber cement for Molto Luce using water and cellulose fibers. Natural cellulose fibers are minimally processed. Recycled fiber cement is highly durable and non-flammable.

Each individual luminaire shade is molded by hand. The shades get stability from their slightly rippled geometry .

Beautiful, wouldn't you agree?

Photos: via: Contemporist

Report From The Porch: DIY Sun Jar Light

You may have noticed a few things have been on my mind lately: renewable energy, getting the most out of outdoor living spaces, and a seemingly obscure, but wildly popular idea: Ditch Your Lawnmower, Hire A Flock Of Sheep (over 100 comments and 1000 facebook "likes" on this post). At the moment, I could only figure out how to combine two of these ideas. Collecting sunlight to illuminate the screened-in porch is the perfect convergence of two delightful concepts.

What? You were hoping I hired a flock of sheep to munch up my lawn? Stay tuned...

DIY Sun Jar Ligh

sun jar

Creating solar lights that harness the power of the sun are easy to make and maintain. When energy is generated during the daytime, the light will keep glowing into the evening. These aesthetically pleasing lights are perfect for a sleeping porch, pool, outdoor shower, hot tub or garden.

I spied the Sun Jar Solar Light (right) at the MOMA Store in New York City. It was created by designer, Tobias Wong. I contemplated purchasing a few (5 or 6), but at $50.00’s a pop, a “few” seemed a bit exorbitant.

I Goggled around the DIY sites hoping some creative soul had DIYed a homemade version. I found this fabulous Instructables tutorial. Careful, once you dive into Instructables you may never buy anything again.

Enjoy the glow!

(For three more ways to elevate an outdoor living space, check out this post.)

Photo credit: Instructables, MOMA,