Fall Into Design!

News and Events from Derita Design

Oct 10, 2023

Parti Party : Urbanized

This past September we had our 3rd installment of the Parti Party, a meet-up club for Design Enthusiasts from all walks of life coming together to discuss ideas related to design and culture.

This time we watched Urbanized, a documentary that serves as a rich introduction to urban design and provides contemporary examples and issues that we face as our cities change.

While we watched the movie, we all sketched our ideas about the movie or about anything. When the movie finished, we hung up our drawings and discussed over La Croix drinks and Taquito bites.

We finished the night with long sit around the fire pit before saying our goodbyes. Stay tuned for the next installment!

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Archwell Health: Snowflake Making

In mid-September we partnered with Archwell Health on the corner of Graham and Sugar Creek to create snowflakes for the Derita is Cool Mural. It was a chance to connect with the seniors in our community as well as check out the offerings of the new space in town. We also created Christmas greeting cards.

If you have an organization or community in the Derita area that wants to make Snowflakes, please reach out to hello@derita.design for more information.

Laser Wallet Workshop

In Late September, we hosted our monthly workshop. This time it centered on learning to use a laser cutter to create wallets. Thank you to Upcycle Arts for providing the upcycled leather at a steep discount.

Participants not only learned how to design a wallet using software but got to learn to use a heavy-duty sewing machine to execute their design to perfection.

Marlon Blackwell : Dinner and a Book

I, Hasheem, had the privilege of being invited out to dinner with Acclaimed Architect Marlon Blackwell along with a select group of architects and educators in Charlotte. It was a night filled with laughs and great insights into how he has managed to create a robust and iconic architecture practice in his 30 years based out of Fayetteville Arkansas. For me, a person just getting started in their career, it was so helpful to hear his practical advice for navigating the industry as well as his personal takes on where design should be heading.

After the dinner, I had to add his book, Radical Practice, to the Derita Design Library. As always, the Library is always free to visit if you book your 2-hour block on our website.

Corridors Connect: Handstitch Wallet

We were invited to host a creative making workshop at the @openstreets704 community event held at Hidden Valley Elementary.

We designed these card/change holder wallets by thinking through how to hand stitch them with one piece of material (upcycled/reused leather). The maker gets to choose the material and pick the color thread before learning how to sew them up! Last but not least, they choose a laser-cut monogramed fastener for another layer of customization.

Everyone of all ages enjoyed themselves and got a boost in confidence that they had the power to create something beautiful and functional with their own two hands. We made twenty-one wallets!

We will be back at it next weekend if you want to create your own! See below for details.

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Events:

Corridors Connect 10/15 - 1pm-5pm

Anita Stroud Park - 2215 Double Oaks Rd · Charlotte, NC

In this mini-workshop we will be making custom Coin-Purses/Clutches out of your choice of upcycled leather, thread, and custom button. Only tools you need to bring are your hands, we will have everything else!

This mini-workshop is a part of the Corriords Connect program by the City of Charlotte. Come by and make a purse and then enjoy the rest of the creative programming happening in your neighborhood.

Sketchy Open House 10/28 - 11am-2pm

Derita Design - 2731 Gibbon Rd · Derita, NC

In honor of Inktober, we will be opening our doors to sketch enthusiasts and our wonderful Derita Community for a day of free hand sketching and conversation.

Sew Social 11/4 - 10am-1pm