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Want to learn a new language? The Language Learning Notebook will help, as it has lines specifically for you to write your word or sentence, its pronunciation, and its translation, all in a neat and orderly fashion. Keep track of your dates at the top of each page, and, if you’re particularly optimistic, get the set of 3 ($18.95) for tracking your progress to fluency.
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These notebooks are just what they say they are: light. With over 600 blank pages to fill with your creative ideas and drawings, you’d expect them to be dense and heavy. However, they’re made from high-quality eco friendly paper, so they’re surprisingly light. And, for those of us that like to fill the whole page, the binding lays flat. Thumbs up.
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If you go weak in the knees for stationery stuff, you’re in trouble. Normann Copenhagen recruited Denmark-based designers Femmes Régionales to create over 200 different designs in the Daily Fiction collection. There’s 18 colors and four abstract terrazzo prints all over notebooks, stickers, pencil sharpeners, scissors, pens, pencils, and more… all that’s left to say is good luck picking which ones you’ve got to add to your collection.
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Yes, you could rely on your smartphone for the weather forecast, but wouldn’t it be more fun to read an an aneroid-capsule barometer, bimetallic dial thermometer, and mechanical coil hygrometer, all from your desktop or kitchen counter? Those three tools are all in this Compact Weather Station, which measures in at 5″ diameter and 1.5″ depth. You’ll be able to read just what to expect from the climate, indoors and out, and look like an old school smartypants (in the best possible way) whilst doing so.
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Similar to the Golden Section Finder, this little pocket sized gazing device helps you break images into the Rule of Thirds (first written down by John Thomas Smith in 1797, fyi). This ratio is found all over the place- in photography, art, advertisements, etc.- and once you start looking for it, there’s no doubt you’ll find it. It might also encourage you to “create compelling compositions” of your own in photographs or other artworks by placing your subjects just off center.
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That’s right, there’s the smaller Prism Magnifier, and now there’s the larger 120mm version. Through the prism, images and texts are shown at 1.5x the actual size, so we can study things a little closer and maybe squint a little less. As a bonus benefit, if sunlight happens to hit the prism at the right angle, you’ll get a little rainbow across your desk.
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Update your cutting tool options by adding the Spring Scissors to your desk drawer or toolbox. Made from a a single piece of metal, the flattened and sharpened blades hold tension purely from the bent spring of the handle. Oh, and need it be pointed out that these scissors are appropriate for both left and right hands?
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Do you use a stylus? Here’s a pen-plus-stylus combo that’s sleek and stylish. Made from aircraft-grade aluminum, it features a fine-line ink pen with a retractable digital stylus. The blue option will grab attention, but if you (or the intended recipient) prefer something understated, go with the gun metal or champagne gold option.
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All those little pieces of paper and bits and bobs scattered about, just where are you going to put them? Maybe on a perforated metal sheet, with a partial cork backing like this Pinorama Board by Inga Sempe for HAY? I’d say it’s as good as any other place, especially as it has a range of accessories (shelves, mirrors, cylinders, an elastic net(!), and hooks) to customize it just the way you want.
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More Hay office miscellany, and this time it’s a tray for your writing implements and other small stuff. A sloped, scalloped surface provides ledges for odds and ends, and there are three sizes to fit however much you need. Do consider stacking several sized together for a bigger organizing option.
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Shall we talk tape dispensers? They’re somewhat necessary in our homes and office environments, yet most are clunky and boring. Not the HMM TapeDispenser, though, as it has a magnetic core holder which holds the tape gracefully in one-third of a traditional dispenser’s size. A weighted base allows for one hand to pull and tear the tape, so your other hand can juggle, sip coffee or give someone the bird.
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An entirely new measuring tool that combines three in one is just the thing to reduce desktop disarray. Matching silhouettes of traditional rulers is how Tomas Kral created Outline, and it’ll last well past your drawing days as it’s made from stainless steel with laser engraving. The Outline’s form includes a protractor and right angle with measurements in both inches and centimeters.
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If you’ve got a weakness for nice pens, pencils and pen cases, then you’re in trouble. Ystudio’s offerings are made of brass and copper and wenge wood, and the various pieces are all beckoning to belong to your collection. Take a look at their Mechanical Pencil and the Rollerball Pen*- each have a satisfying heft in their cool, streamlined brass cases. Either (or both) would be excellent gifts, as the brass has a nice, understated elegance to its matte sheen. Consider adding a Pen Case or the Pen Container to keep your writing implements close at hand.
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Do you remember the harmless Pon Push Pin? The same folks have a new version (aptly named Pon+) that’s a bit bigger and has a smart pull tab. Pull the tab and slide your pictures/artwork underneath for easy display and no puncture wounds. The bigger size means it can hold larger loads as well.
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Running low on notebooks? Don’t let those ideas float away- jot them down in one of these notebooks by Metaphys. The Blanc Notebook’s pages are rounded to avoid snagging and bent corners while the semi-rigid cover protects the high-quality Japanese paper. Pages take ink beautifully and tear out easily. Did you notice the subtle gray dotted lines? They give you a graph if you need it; they’re light enough to ignore if you don’t.
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