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Multi-Directional Shape Retaining Plastic

This version of the Shape Retaining Plastic is a 4 ply vertically and horizontally laminated, flexible sheet that can be bent in any direction. The sheet will retain the shape it is bent into. The material can be die-cut and re-sized with other plastic cutting tools. Contact Inventables for more information and to order samples.

Performance Cushioning: Impact Absorbing Foam

Here is a great demonstration of a new material from a US based supplier that recently joined the Studio. On the left is a traditional 6MM EVA Foam and on the right is our supplier's impact absorbing material-Poron XRD. Their performance cushioning material comes in a variety of densities and thicknesses, including a more sustainable version utilizing 45% less petro-based polyol.  Contact us to schedule an appointment to explore the entire collection.

JDSU Color Event

Register now to attend a presentation of ANTHOLOGY, the 2011 CCS color-trends forecast—an important tool for product designers and brand managers worldwide. Suitable for a wide variety of products and markets, the forecast is the result of considerable research and hands-on work with color professionals just like you.

JDSU color expert Barbara Parker will present ANTHOLOGY at 7pm, March 9, at Uliko Studio, Beaverton, Oregon. The show will feature:

• an appetizer and cocktail reception
• a forecast presentation with renowned JDSU color designer Barbara Parker
• networking with experts in color and product design to discuss the latest trends in the design world.
• You'll also receive a complimentary copy of the ANTHOLOGY boxed set that includes all of this year's trend swatches.

Register now to attend! We're looking forward to seeing you at the show.

Happy New Years!

Embossed Polyester Woven Fabrics

These beautifully embossed fabrics are part of the latest Spring/Summer 2012 collection from our woven textile supplier partner in Busan, Korea. They are ideal for apparel or other applications requiring lightweight fabrics. Contact us to schedule a visit and explore the entire collection. Minimum order quantities required.

LED Ceiling Panel Repurposed as Light Table

Uliko Studio commissioned Seattle designer Ken Jasinski to repurpose 2 LED ceiling light panels and create these one of a kind light tables with remote control and adjustable dimmer. Ken had the metal tube frames bent here in Portland, Oregon, painted them and hand built the wooden hemlock surface frames. See more table photos here. Check out more of Ken's work on Coroflot.

Drop Pattern On Split Leather

This "Drop" pattern is part of the latest Spring/Summer 2012 collection from our split/full grain leather supplier partner in Northern China (Dalian). Contact us to schedule a visit and explore the entire collection. Minimum order quantities required.

Recycled Leather

Uliko Studio recently partnered with a Korea based supply partner to provide recycled leather made from the usual scraps and waste from leather tannery processing. The recycled substrate goes on to be finished in thicknesses (.35mm-1.4mm) and surface treatments that are appropriate for applications such as wallpaper to footwear. Contact us to schedule a visit and explore this unique material. Minimum order quantities required.

YOUR future is here - design & hold it within 10 days!

3D printed porous bracelet, inspired by the complex forms of radiolarians where intricate patterns are critical to the structure....buy it at Shapeways. Click here to see the software used to create it. Computational design by Nervous System.

Uliko Celebrates One Year!

We finally reached our first year as a new business in one of our nation's toughest economic times. It has been an amazing journey of learning, building relationships and discovering new value opportunities for our brand clients and supplier partners.

As a result, we have revised our Vision and Mission statements to reflect these learnings and opportunities (click here). We also updated our studio branding and established a material design language centered around Consumer Benefits. We hope you enjoy our new look and messaging.

Uliko Studio extends our sincere appreciation to all who have been involved with us this past year and for making it a memorable journey. We look forward to another year of bright opportunities for everyone in our industry.

We also invite you to post a comment below about your most inspirational material experience at the studio this past year. Thank you for being a part of our community.

Kind regards
Uliko Studio Team

DESIGNING THE FUTURE

University of Oregon's experimental materials class collaborated with local businesses (Arcimoto and Uliko Studio) to create a sustainable car interior. The class included U of O students: Michael Bartell, Phuong Nguyen, Nitchakarn Sidthilaw, Perry Kveton, Eugene Tseng, Alex Zelaya and Sara Tepfer. Class instruction led by Wonhee Arndt. The above prototype is currently on exhibit at Uliko Studio. Read more at the Daily Emerald.

PECLERS PARIS at ULIKO STUDIO - REGISTER NOW!

Click to view larger image here

"BUTTERY" SOFT METALLIC LEATHERS

Material Type: FULL GRAIN LEATHER
Material Name: ANTIQUE CRACKED, MATRIX, STARLIGHT
Material Status: COMMERCIALIZED
Studio Partner: SHINWOO LEATHER
Consumer Benefits: COMFORT, LIGHTWEIGHT
Availability: Contact Studio
Notes: Foil Laminates on buttery soft full grain leather. Ideal for luxury bag, garment, dress shoes, accessories, etc

CHAOS RUBBER FILM

Material Type: SPUN FIBER + RUBBER FILM
Material Name: CHAOS RUBBER FILM
Material Status: COMMERCIALIZED
Studio Partner: FINE RUBBER + DAEWON
Consumer Benefits: LIGHTWEIGHT, PROTECTION
Designed by: ULIKO STUDIO
Availability: Contact Studio
Notes: Applicable for interiors, bags, footwear and other industries.

TRANSMATERIAL 3 - JUST RELEASED!

Check out Blaine Brownell's latest book: Transmaterial 3

NEWSPAPER BLINDS

FORMOSA TING SHO is a Uliko Studio Partner, based in Yuan Lin, Taiwan. This screen material is made from everyday Taiwan Post newspapers and has potential use for a variety of industries such as interiors, footwear, accessories, bags, interiors and other industries. It is a beautiful example of how industry is also looking to repurpose everday materials. Material viewing is available by appointment only. Sourcing information is also available by contacting Uliko Studio

MATERIAL DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT & SOURCING

Uliko Studio is now open by appointment (mon-fri | 9-5) in Beaverton, Oregon. We are primarily a footwear industry resource and have partnered with leading suppliers to assist them locally in connecting to brand customers and other industries in a creative and productive environment. We also want to invite other industries (interior design, auto, technology, military, medical, law enforcement, etc) to visit and explore us as a resource. If you are a brand material decision maker, contact us to arrange a visit and meet with our supplier partners. If you are a supplier interested in partnering with the studio, please contact us for more details and availability. If you just want to try our espresso machine, that's cool too. Contact Uliko Studio.

TAKING A BREAK | PHYSICAL STUDIO BUILD-OUT

ULIKO is currently working on a material design studio space (http://www.tinyurl.com/p8h4b2) and website expansion plans. No more postings will be done until this is complete (I just don't have enough time). However, in the meantime, please feel free to explore the archives or use the SEARCH A MATERIAL field (to your left) to find a specific material. Thank you for visiting and please check back again soon.

LEATHER BELT FLOORING

TING is a company that produces luxury products to sustainable, ethical principles. The above example highlights this by taking typically discarded leather belts and recycling them into beautiful flooring tiles, using water-based adhesives. Check out their site for more upcycled creations. (read more)