Design
Why a Mortise-and-Tenon Joint Holds Together
Learn why a mortise-and-tenon joint resists movement through fitted bearing surfaces, how shoulders and grain…
The reading shelf
All stories
Read about material choices, useful design, everyday care, thoughtful repair and what happens when an object is ready for another life.
Materials
Cotton, Linen or Wool: Choosing a Tablecloth for Regular Use
Cotton, linen or wool tablecloths suit different routines. Compare feel, drape and care to choose a cloth that fits…
Repair
Visible Mending: Why Clothing Repairs Became Part of the Design
Visible mending can strengthen worn clothing while making repair part of its design. Learn how to choose patches…
Reuse
The Jar Reuse Myth: A Container Is Not Automatically the Right One
Jar reuse works best when shape, closure, cleanliness, and contents match. Learn how to choose a jar that stores items…
Passing On
A Moving-Day Plan for Giving Useful Objects Their Next Job
A moving-day plan for useful objects helps you choose what to keep, offer, donate, or recycle before packing, with…