A Twist On The Classics

SKATE STUDY HOUSE, also known as ‘SSH’, is a line of products conceived through the eyes of a skateboarder. The furniture aims to mix contemporary lifestyle, art and sports culture, and align with some of the bestselling modern furniture, while paying tribute to the renowned Case Study House. “The SKATE STUDY HOUSE finds its inspiration here by recreating furniture, and giving a feel of déjà vu-with-a-twist by incorporating skateboard decks. The introduction of this new element responds to the popularity of action sports, street art and design culture with a consciousness on our environment.” You might ask where they got all of these decks from which to construct the furniture. It’s easy to realize when you discover that the project is a collaboration between Jim Gray and Jonjon of ACME, Steve Lake of Sector 9, Chris Bullard and Al Collins of Premier Displays, and designer Eric Crandell.

Learn more at skatestudyhouse.com

Recycling Skateboards With Style

Looking to get rid of those old skateboards? Rather than throwing them out with the trash, put them to good use and give them to Beck Hickey.  She’s the creative mastermind behind the innovative line of skateboard handbags called Sk8bags.  Hickey began her company after being fired from a waitressing job.  Inspired by her love for skateboarding and its surrounding lifestyle, she envisioned combining old skateboards with posh fabrics to make hip and stylish handbags, and already had some ideas of what it would look like as a final product, but needed a little help.  She called upon a few friends to get a prototype together, and it ended up looking even better than she had imagined.

A lot of work and effort goes into each individual bag, which is really what makes them so unique.  Each bag originates from its own board, making it a one-of-a-kind product - essentially, no two bags are the same.  Hickey makes sure that during the process the skateboard’s design withholds its original character, which is really, the main part of each product.  From her New York workshop, she uses tools such as drills and large table saws to cut and put skateboard parts together, and a sewing machine to stitch it all together with fabric.  She hand-produces each product, which is very time consuming in the end.

Business has quickly picked up for Hickey in the three years since beck(y) was established, mainly because of her distinct style and because she uses recycled goods. As of right now, beck(y)’s Sk8board line consists of three women’s handbags, two messenger bags, and an assortment of belts, belt buckles, and money clips.

Recycled skateboards are what keeps beck(y) going, so in order to keep them coming in, Hickey has established a program called Boards 4 Bowls, whereby for every used board she is given, she donates to a non-profit organization dedicated to building and maintaining public skate parks.  It began for the sole purpose of getting access to more boards, but now she feels good about being able to do something positive and give back to the community.

beck(y)