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– It’s an artist’s canvas, and it’s also a speaker. The Soundwall® Chalkboard is pretty neat too.

– Say goodbye to stripped screws: Knife Edge™ Screwdriver Bits on Kickstarter

– Modern Cornhole on Kickstarter

– Donna Wilson Sweaters!

– Deaths from gun violence vs. deaths from terrorism, in one chart

– I saw this in person last night at Houston’s Contemporary Art Fair, and it’s pretty fun: Finell Poke Container. This one also looks neat: Crawl Silicone Container.

– Robot Guides Soybean Plant To Light (via we-are-star-stuff)

– The Rich Color Variations of Pluto (via npr)

Enjoy your weekend!

Who doesn’t want a 5-foot strand of ultra-bright, waterproof, and USB-powered LEDs? You could hang one or two strands up in the trees for late night dining, take one with you camping (use the bag as a lantern), or tie or hook one around whatever is handy whenever you need light. Watch the Kickstarter video below for more ideas, and see if you aren’t tempted to get one for your future outside-exploring self.
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Well, hello there, you set of delightfully minimal side tables. Would you like to come live with me? I promise to only put you in the best of spots, and to only split you up when extra guests show up and need a spot to set down their tea or coffee cup (there will be a coaster, of course) or maybe even their phone, or, if they’re brainy, their books. Otherwise, you’ll be free to sit together unencumbered so your clean lines and solid surfaces will be shown off to the best of their ability.
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Tuck your trinkets away inside a Balance Box, which gently tilts depending on the weight of what you put inside. Might it inspire you to lighten your load, and keep only your prized possessions? Perhaps. Use it in the office for storing supplies or in a dressing area for your oft-used jewelry and see if it encourages you to whittle down your collection. Available in Pink and Forest.
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Okay, get ready for an influx of wall hooks, straight from Etsy. Whether you need just one for a towel or several for all the coats and scarves soon to be strewn about your entryway, here’s a bunch that are quite pleasing to the eyes and not too terribly expensive.
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Origami textiles? Yes, indeed. We might have featured Mika Barr’s work previously, but right now our search isn’t working (sorry, we’re tweaking the site), so forgive the repeat if we have shown off her throws and pillows before. The throws are especially eye-catching, as the printed fabric shows off its faceted nature best when casually draped across a sofa or chair. Can you believe they’re machine washable? Pretty impressive.
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Remember how I shared that I am building a lake house? Well, that endeavor also involves finding furniture to fill that lake house somewhat soon. I am against the idea of filling up a house all at once, because schedule constraints should not force one’s hand when it comes to collecting pieces that one will live on/around for the next several decades of one’s life. Plus, do you really need every room to be stuffed full? No, of course not. Personally, I like furnishing a home bit by bit, adding a piece here and there only when you need (or badly want) it.
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This wooden trivet folds into a small, architectural “objet d’art.” That in itself is pretty cute, but it also means that it’d be easy to tuck away in a drawer or on a shelf when not in use. There’s a leather loop for hanging as well. Note: this would make a great housewarming gift for a friend or coworker.
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I know, shelving is rarely exciting, but this shelving system sort of is. The shelves are made from aluminum- nothing new, I know- but these shelves can be up to 2 meters (>6′) long and they’ll support books and other weighty items, unlike some of the lesser quality aluminum shelves that bend and/or dent under the slightest stack of books.

There’s also an option of open or closed units, back panels, side panels, and folding doors that allow you to customize the look you need. Hide away what you don’t want to see, leave open other areas for display and easy access. There are quite a few colors as well, which just makes everyone happier.
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And, now, it’s time for another guess at the game of ‘What is it?’ You see an item made from cast iron, so it’s pretty heavy. It’s in the shape of a scoop, so that adds a little more mystery… what could it be? Answer below.
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This is the nicest toolbox ever. You certainly wouldn’t want to hide it away on dusty shelf in the garage, so think beyond just nails and hammers. Maybe it could keep sewing supplies organized, or your jewelry collection tucked away safe and sound. Made with Nogal wood (a.k.a. Tropical Walnut), each toolbox is made by skilled Nicaraguan craftsmen and features comb joints and an interior tray for smaller items. The tray and lid slot easily through the handle for a clean, streamlined look. On a personal note, I’ve had my eye on this Toolbox for a year now, and recently I was able to see it in person; it’s beautiful and well worth the price point.
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Yes, you could just staple a piece of fabric on an existing side table and call it portable, but I very much doubt it would look as nice as the Serra. The belt across the Serra’s middle is high resistance, so it’s ideal for carrying the steel table from sofa to chair or from room to room. Use the table’s surface for your laptop or for a cup of tea, either way, it’ll be nice to have a versatile table that’s easy to move around as needed.
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– For three days from October 1st through 3rd, Superpowers of Ten, an alternative version of Charles and Ray Eames’ film Powers of Ten, will be shown in Chicago for the inaugural Chicago Architecture Biennial.

– Self-Rolling Fitness & Yoga Mat

– Is this a good or bad idea? MasterPan All-In-One Frying Pan

– 3 strategies for replacing your lawn (via Gardenista)

– A Personal Security App: Virtual Halo

– Interesting: New Architectural Collages by Matthias Jung

– Listen: If a Tree Falls in the Forest… These Megaphones Will Amplify Its Sound

Have a great weekend.

We’ve featured Cashmends before, but they’re just too good to forget. We all have favorite sweaters, and it’s so very sad when they get worn spots. Cashmends are iron-on patches that spruce up the elbows (or other areas) so you can continue wearing your warmest garments. There’s now Tweedmends as well, so you have the opportunity to upgrade an older blazer or jacket as well as your sweaters. Personally, I’m tempted to buy a few just to make some boring sweaters a little more interesting (a la Chinti and Parker). Elbow patches!
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The Toboggan Pull Up Table is more suitable for a workspace than one’s living area- just take a look at those little plastic feet- they basically scream ‘put me in a shared office environment!’

So, if you happen to have some influence with the person in charge of ordering furniture for your office, you’d do well to point out that the table can serve as a small work surface or as a casual perch/stool. It’d be easy to move around a shared space, and it is available in several different finishes. To sweeten the deal, be sure to mention Knoll is having its Annual Sale, so you’d get 15% off if an order was placed before 9/29.
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