June 2, 2008

Tripping the Light with Plastic

Tupp-a-Lamps

A bevy of spices. Those vegetable peeling gloves that seemed so handy. Oh, and the orzo you haven’t used in years.

Poking through your kitchen cabinets isn’t always inspirational.

But for Frank Criscione, Tupperware — particularly the vintage colors and styles of the ’70s — sparked a stroke of brilliance.

Criscione, a local industrial design student, repurposes retro colanders, Jell-O molds, and classic storage containers into glowing pendant Tupp-a-Lamps. It’s only natural: He’s been collecting the fantastic plastic for years.

Nowadays he scours eBay for supplies; gives everything a bath; and meticulously works each piece with drills, epoxy, and wiring. Changing the bulb’s a breeze — just “unburp” the lid.

It’s enough to make you beam.

Available at Artifaktori, 22a College Avenue, Davis Square, Somerville (617-776-3708 or artifaktori.com); Oak, 31 Gloucester Street, Back Bay (857-362-7311). For more information, e-mail onehead.industry@gmail.com.