Platform 21

What makes Dutch design so inextricably Dutch? Stop recycling, Start repairing. I completely agree. www.platform21.nl

Yuken Teruya

Teruya morphs paper bags back into what they once were: trees. A unique piece of art. www.yukenteruyastudio.com

Gem Market News

According to Stuart Robinson, gemstone editor of Gem Market News, the prices of diamonds and tanzanite have fallen quite dramatically while emerald prices, particularly of the finer Colombian emerald, have stayed steady and even risen is some cases. www.gemguide.com

The Wallace Collection

Hertford House, an imposing red brick house on a leafy London square was one of several impressive properties inherited by the fourth Marquess of Hertford (1800-1870; he is also called Lord Hertford). In 1900, having been bought by the government, it became the Wallace Collection, a national museum. With its many treasures and its domestic setting, it has been a haven for connoisseurs and dreamers ever since. So true. A must visit.

Useful link:
www.wallacecollection.org

Multicoloured Chrysanthemum

I have never seen one flower head that is split exactly down the middle, but this flower is very impressive. They looked like bi-colored tourmalines. Stunningly beautiful, really.

Useful link:

www.rhs.org.uk

The Fine Art Of Investing

Miles Brignall's opinion piece for the Guardian on contemporary art + the ability to recognize quality and value was interesting.

Useful links:
www.newbloodart.com
www.rca.ac.uk

Botanical PaperWorks

I liked their plantable business cards, eco-calendar, etc. You can bury them in the backyard and watch them sprout into flowers or herbs. Brilliant idea.

Useful link:
www.botanicalpaperworks.com

Bram Geenen

The Gaudi stool was stunningly beautiful. The shape of the stool was defined in the same way that Antoni Gaudi designed the structure of his churches, by making a model out of hanging chains, and so letting gravity determine the strongest shape for taking forces. www.bramgeenen.com