It's long been used for software and geek exchanges. Now furniture and accessories makers are using Creative Commons to help distribute their ideas. Some are small like the makers on Ponoko. And then there are the more established designers like Ronen Kadushin who are getting into the mix.

http://www.ponoko.com/showroom/product-plans/free

http://www.ronen-kadushin.com/Open_Design.asp

Novel ideas can come from anywhere. How would you solve a drought?

This Friday Gary Hustwit came to Montreal to show his new doc "Objectified". Missing some more industrial design voices (he suggests waiting for the DVD), it felt a little empty in the middle — without enough interviews to show why design has become so transparent.

They are everywhere now. Tag clouds can get really boring and out of control (see left). But everything deserves to be made into art.

We love the idea of being able to build almost anything you want. The DIY society has changed the landscape of hobby building.

There's a lot of people who try to become popular. It's not necessarily an accident. Sometimes it's earned.

Concrete is no longer just for sidewalks. New surface treatment techniques have caused concrete designs to become one of the most sought after materials for concrete patios, floors, entryways, countertops, pool decks and more.

Because of concrete's porous qualities and neutral tone, it is the perfect blank canvas for topically applied color. Using acid-based chemical stains, decorative concrete contractors have been able to achieve rich, earth-toned color schemes resembling natural stone, marble, wood, or even leather, giving a completely custom look to cement floors, concrete driveways, patios, walkways, pool decks, concrete walls and more.

There's a lot of talk about mashing up music but an entire movie? The Beastie Boys and Radiohead have asked listeners to remix and replan their music. Now Opensource Cinema, which just released RIP: A Remix Manifesto uploaded every chapter of their movie for remixing.

Interior design ideas can come from limitless inspiration. They come from nature, the city, art, sport, people, animation, color, patterns, architecture, technology, landscape. Interior designs have the floor, walls and ceiling as their canvas. There are many interior elements to design with. Interior designers today are taking full advantage of digital printing and graphic design software to create customized patterns for interior walls. One great product of digital printing popular with some interior designers today is vinyl wall stickers and adhesive wall stickers. Adhesive wall stickers are reusable and repositionable wall décor. They can be placed on any flat surface. They do not damage wall and are made to be paint and wallpaper friendly. Durable and reusable, they are easy to apply and can be repositioned easily. Reusable wall clings minimize errors and can be affordable alternatives to constructing architectural details or buying furniture accents like tapestries, paintings, murals or relief sculpture.

DIY culture is making it easier to do up your home with smart design pieces. Here are two examples: one easy the other a little harder.

Harder first: http://lindseyadelman.blogspot.com/

A little easier: http://ideas.veer.com/portfolio/1769