It’s time for upcycle design tripod lamp that uses an object that I wouldn’t expect to be upcycled. Okay there are lots of objects and materials that one wouldn’t expect to be suitable for upcycling. But sometimes I come across an object that immediately catches my attention. And it is no surprise to me who came up with this brilliant idea.

Tripod: a forgotten object

I’m talking about chopsticks used to create a tripod lamp. The design is officially called Take-Out Chopstick Roaster Pan & Tripod Floor Lamp and is by T.O.M.T.™. Founded 1994 by Rodney Allen Trice and is based in Brooklyn | New York. “The key to saving these forgotten objects is just keeping our eyes open and being open and ready to spot what we like to call ‘objects of desire’ – old appliances, tires, whatever!”

And now the chopstick tripod lamp. “This lamp has lifted the guilt of the many times i forgot to tell the Chinese delivery to NOT put chopsticks in the bag. Turns out, I think I may just let them keep putting them in. I like chopsticks as a building material! Here it is a sophisticated lamp made from true discards!”

Object career counseling

T.O.M.T.™ is dedicated to object recovery and reassignment on ‘God’s Green Earth’. “That’s why we’re here, and as we grow, it continues to be an interesting journey! Though recycling seems to be the obvious mission, we prefer the term ‘refitting‘. Our process is more ‘object career counseling’ than waste-handling. Simplicity is paramount, and integrity to both mid-century modern aesthetics and the original object’s first identity a must.”

On the website of T.O.M.T.™ it says that his awareness of our need to conserve the Earth’s resources has grown significantly since his endeavor began more then 12 years ago. As has his concern for a future where no one will be insulated from the need to make the most of the objects around us.
“I believe we all must do our part, think beyond just separating plastic, paper, glass,” says Rodney. “We must teach ourselves and learn as habit to see more than just a ‘rain shield’ in an umbrella, a ‘dust collector’ in a vacuum and a ‘shoe for our car’ in an old tire. When we do that, the Earth will become a safer place for the children of the 21st century and, from my experience, A LOT MORE FUN, TOO!”

Photos © T.O.M.T.™

Rodney: “refitting the planet for today, tomorrow and all the days to come!”
Please visit his site to see his collection and check out his new stuff.

Design by T.O.M.T. | Etsy