bltd

Say what you will about synthetic paper, but don’t knock its affordability in the lighting department. Designer Amanda Betz was inspired by the Sheikh Lutf Allah Mosque in Isfahan, Iran, and, as you can see, she created a honeycomb-like pattern to mimic the design on the mosque’s dome. Be sure to take a look at the shadows cast by this light, for you’ll not be short on ambience if you get one. The description states that you can adjust the shape of the Shayk light with your hands, so there could be a little wiggle room if you want it to be less/more of an oblong sphere.
(more…)

It’s safe to say I’ve not cooked anything complicated, much less anything involving the word ‘casserole’, yet I’m certainly drawn to this bold red dish designed by Jens Quistgard. The handle design seems almost too (dare I say) pretty, but the weld points actually limit heat transfer. The lid can also be inverted for use as a trivet. And can you guess when it was designed? Was it a: 1923, b: 1956, c: 1972, or d: 2006?
(more…)

Don’t let your nice writing instruments get lost or damaged; keep them safe and sound in a nice leather case like this one. A zippered compartment holds smaller items while two pouches leave room enough to store several pens/pencils/rulers/etc. Maybe bookmark it for a nice gift idea?
(more…)

Sleeping under the stars? Make sure you stay warm with a camp blanket like this wool/cotton blend designed by Best Made Co. (of the Axes) and made by Pendleton Woolen Mills. It gets extra points for its included leather blanket sling, and you’ll get extra points for having a warm blanket that’s easy to carry to and fro the campsite (or the linen closet, as the case may be).

(more…)

I hope you aren’t sick of seeing Kickstarter projects, because here’s another worthwhile one. The Clip Tree is a configurable valet that allows you to keep your miscellany in one spot. Attach it to the wall in the bathroom, hallway, or office and then sit back and congratulate yourself in advance for never losing anything ever again. Customize the Clip Tree with its various options; there’s a hook, bowl, tray, peg, hoop, and mirror clip. Lots of things to play around with, isn’t there?
(more…)

Fun! Check out this new mobile designed by Clara Von Zweikbergk. It’s a twelve-sided geometric shape (otherwise known as a dodecahedron, correct?) that has both warm and cool colors, all carefully chosen, of course, for the best contrast and visual appeal. At 12″x12″, it can hang by itself or in clusters.
(more…)

Bookplates! Maybe not that exciting if you’ve fully abandoned paper pages, but if you still harbor a love for the old fashioned tome, you might just like to have a few blank bookplates on hand. Keep track of the place/date you bought the book, inscribe a special sentiment before giving as a gift, or, as I might do, write in your name so the book will eventually find its way back to you if it’s ever borrowed.
(more…)

X marks the spot. Solid walnut provides a sturdy surface to cut your fruits and vegetables on, with a simple maple inlay to help make the experience just a little more special. Finished with FDA approved mineral oil.
(more…)

If you receive no letters in the mail, good for you. For the rest of us, there are times when we are in need of a letter opener, and it would be nice to have one that did not offend the eyes. The Letter Opener by ANYTHING is just about as utilitarian as things get, and has that modern sensibility that our optical systems like so well. Do be sure to take a look at the collection of ANYTHING Desk Accessories if you’re not familiar with it already.
(more…)

Don’t wet your pants just yet, the Geneva XS Sound System is not the cheapest thing around. However, it is small enough to travel with, and especially suited for such with a clamshell case that flips open. Never mind that, you’re thinking, get to the goods. There’s the digital FM clock radio and Bluetooth® for wireless audio streaming (of course) and then there’s the alarm clock and illuminating touch-sensitive controls. A rechargeable battery will keep you in business for five hours of play time. Okay, now you have permission to wet your pants.
(more…)

It’s like building blocks, except dangerous (does it not look like an ice pick without the beads?) if one’s temper is out of sorts. The wooden beads are removable, which gives you a chance to reconfigure the design as you wish. Right now the Les Perles Candlesticks are a little less with DWR’s Dining Sale, fyi.

(more…)

If you’ve ever played around with a spirograph, you know where this mirror gets its name. Rubber cord creates the repeated line gestures on this mirrored stainless steel and gives texture and interest to its reflective surface. Available in 18″ and 24″ diameters with many different cord colors to choose from.
(more…)

Puzzles! Why does it seem that kids and older people are crazy about puzzles and most of us young-to-middle-aged folks dismiss them as a pleasant pastime? Perhaps because we see ourselves as too busy? Hmm. Time to fix that.
(more…)

Bottle openers should be sturdy things, and with this stainless steel option you’ll have no worries about it opening up thousands of bottles in its lifetime. The ‘thousands’ value is intended to encompass the drinks of the many guests of parties and informal get-togethers you’ll have, not the amount you’ll imbibe on your sofa.

(more…)

Why would you pay $28 for three pencils? Good question. Maybe because each pencil “explores our primal desire for soothing haptic response and fulfills our need for tactile gratification.” Does that sound about right? Snap each pencil out of its frame to use. Note: could be a good gift for someone that likes to sketch.
(more…)