Fascinated with the simplicity of a paper bag, Bangkok born- and Munich-based graphic designer Ploi Malakul knew that the first collection of handmade bags for her company twelvetwelve would somehow incorporate this simple inspiration. Read on to learn how she balances the digital design world with the hands-on work of creating handbags from scratch.

The next time you stick your Juicy Fruit under the table or throw it on to the sidewalk (which you really shouldn’t do) think of it like you’ve just tossed an artist a canvas. Literally – gum is London artist Ben Wilson’s canvas. We recently sat down with the artist on the Millennial Bridge in London as he finished painting a tiny picture on a blob of discarded chewing gum—a woman in a bikini sunning herself.

In 2009, IDEO.org published the Human-Centered Design Toolkit to introduce creative problem-solving to nongovernmental organizations and social enterprises working with impoverished communities. Thousands of printed copies of the toolkit have been sold, and it’s been downloaded over 150,000 times. Designers, entrepreneurs and key figures in the social sector embraced this resource and used it to make a difference. Six years later, new ways of teaching and implementing human-centered design prompted IDEO.org to create new tools.

Let’s face it: Plenty of brands and businesses out there embrace social entrepreneurship by way of the one-for-one model. You know what we mean – you buy a bag or a pair of shoes and someone in need gets a version of the same thing. While ESPEROS follows the same model, this Austin, Texas-based bag brand takes that model a step further by providing one year of education for a child in need for every bag purchased. We spoke to the founder of ESPEROS, Oliver Shuttlesworth, about social entrepreneurship and the power of ignorance.

They say that sometimes what you’re looking for is right under your nose. But for the residents of Hale County, the answer was growing in the backyard. Thanks to an excess of naturally harvested bamboo, an interest in handmade bikes and a newly transplanted designer from out west, a small nonprofit put the tiny rural town of Greensboro, Ala., on the creative map. Eleven small businesses later, nonprofit HERO shows what the power of design, community and entrepreneurship can do.

About a year and a half ago, 17-year-old Megan Grassell took her sister, Mary Margaret, then 13, bra shopping for the first time. “We couldn’t find anything that wasn’t super sexualized, padded or push-up,” Megan recalls. “I have a very vivid memory of my sister walking out of the dressing room, and I was like ‘Oh my God, Mary Margaret, you can’t wear that!'” It was the same at every store they tried. “I remember thinking to myself in anger: ‘What is the hurry to grow up so fast?'” Megan says.

Houston’s Daniel Anguilu isn’t one to abide by the rules, so it’s no wonder he was drawn to street art. While the self-taught street artist has shown at fine art galleries across Houston, executing concept using the “proper techniques” is not Daniel’s cup of tea. But give him some cans of aerosol paint and he’ll create a colorful, vibrant and fun masterpiece with a splash of rebellion. His stunning large-scale pieces are painted without a thought, just his desire for honesty and understanding.

What do you get when you assemble a small group of creatives who want to give back to teens? Project LOOP. Started by photographer Brent Humphreys and run by a board of internationally recognized designers, artists and musicians, this nonprofit has gone from mentoring teens in Taylor, Texas, to a nationwide movement that is bringing a much-needed skate park to a small Texas town.

It was long thought that brick-and-mortar stores had an advantage over e-commerce shops. After all, it’s hard to replicate attentive employees or that fancy-store smell online. But e-shop Huckberry has found a way to get past any potential shortcomings. Now over 3 years old, this men’s lifestyle site uses top-notch brand and product curation, storytelling and beautiful design to create one of the finest e-commerce experiences available.