Ponoko allows you to design products such as jewelery and furniture using vector software. You design your pieces, select your materials, and then send the file to them to be manufactured on demand.Plenty of examples and further explanation can be found at their site:http://www.ponoko.com

just found this guy (or guys – i have no idea) on the fwa page.  really cool style that uses a 70’s palette and has the feel of those old 7 inch records.  everything has a yellow tint that gives it an aged look as well.

A contest being run by eDR Solutions, a Greenville, S.C. based technology company and creator of the Hard Drive Crusher. 

The contest will consist of two parts: a poster design contest and a Web site design contest.  The poster should be designed to inform people about the Hard Drive Crusher in a creative way, and the web design should be aimed at creating an original, exciting image for the Hard Drive Crusher’s new Web site, www.harddrivecrusher.com.The winner of each category will receive $1,500, and the winning students’ schools will be awarded a Hard Drive Crusher, valued at $11,500. 

eDR’s Hard Drive Crusher, which won Best Product of TechnoSecurity in 2006, is a machine that physically destroys obsolete computer hard drives.  This ensures that no confidential information can ever be recovered and prevents identity theft. The Hard Drive Crusher is the only product of its kind that provides visual verification of destruction, which gives users confidence that their private information is protected.  Current users of eDR’s Hard Drive Crusher include the U.S. Senate, CIA, Department of Defense, National Security Agency, Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, Royal Mounted Canadian Police and many universities.

There are no creative restrictions, which allows students to freely express their talents.  However, there are guidelines about information that must be included on the Web page or poster to ensure that they accurately represent eDR Solutions and the Hard Drive Crusher.  More information about the contest, including rules and guidelines, can be found at www.harddrivecrusher.com.

Students can submit their entries any time before 12 p.m. Friday, April 11, 2008, and winners will be selected and notified by Friday, April 18.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me by phone at 864-350-5042 or by e-mail at LJenkins@edrsolutions.com.  More information about the company and product can be found at www.edrsolutions.com.

I think those that were involved with ryan’s class that designed pieces based on bringing back detroit should definitely send in their stuff. 

detroit.aiga.org/celebratemi for all competition and submission information.
Call For Entries	Download the Call for Entries (PDF) here. Note: AIGA Detroit Members will be receiving a Call for Entries poster next week.
Cost	Free
Deadline	May 15, 2008
	Michigan has had a long-standing and prominent reputation as the home to many great and influential designers and artisans, many of whom have defined past generations and continue to be influential in our state, national, and global economies. From art and design schools to furniture companies, from the big three to the many smaller firms, Michigan hosts a world-class collection of artists and designers residing and working within its bounds. Often overlooked, we must remind ourselves of the robust history that is woven into the fabric of our state. It is now time that we not only look back at our history for inspiration but forge ahead to cast a new vision for Michigan design. As an introduction to a series of events that will unfold over the next two years, AIGA Detroit proudly presents the Celebrate Michigan Design Poster Competition. We encourage you to share your thoughts, experiences and ideas about the future of design in our state. There are many stories to tell. This competition is a chance to give a voice to the design community by creating a poster showcasing the positive power of design and its influence on technology, culture and society. Sponsored by AIGA Detroit in partnership with Phoenix Press