This could provide endless amusement...

"A frame that you can truly make your own. Comes with an 80 page sketch pad and photo opening. Notes, doodles, comments...just have fun with it then rip it off and repeat."

$16.00, Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

This sushi set certainly evokes a lily pond; I like how the forms are handled simply and how they manage to be fun in an understated, elegant way.

It is important to remember that the objects presented here, just like the ones in the Chin Family, characters or flowers and fruits, each performing the roles of domestic household objects, are made partly in hand-decorated plastic and partly in fine bone china, also hand-decorated. The magic of Giovannoni’s design lies in the fact that these objects recall the grace of 18th century ceramic trinkets, while at the same time being utterly contemporary...

Sushi set composed of: plate and chopsticks in melamine, small plate for soy sauce and chopsticks holder in fine bone china. Hand-decorated.
$94.00, Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

This delicate leaf patterned cup is available in black leaf on a white background or white leaf on a black background, so you can pick whatever floats your boat.

"The Leaf Cup is a remarkable piece because of its artist quality pattern. The silhouette edge is finely detailed, as if actual leaves were placed around the cup. This porcelain cup is finished in a matte back glaze."

Material: Porcelain
2" dia. x 3.5"H
Designed by: Masahiro Mori
Produced by: Design Mori, Japan
Black Leaf or White Leaf
$18.00, Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

These rock vases are a great way to incorporate some natural materials into your home, plus, they're interesting whether you use it as a vase or just as sculptural item.

"these are all natural river rocks. to prevent from leaking all holes are finished with urethane...each article has a different stone as it's all individually natural material. which design is sent to the on-line shoppers will be a surprise!"

4.5"~5.5" height
$25.00/ea, Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

I'm completely in love with these vessel-like shapes by Ernst Gamperl. Taken from trees that have naturally fallen due to effects of time, each one is meticulously carved from wet wood as it dries in order to expose the grain in a new way and form. The detail is really quite amazing, and pulls wood from an otherwise normal material into an extraordinary art piece. If I am ever lucky enough to own one I would honestly consider it a prized possession.

Circular patterns carved into [Gamperl's] sculptures follow ancient Sufi customs and are deep synchronicity with the nature of the raw material itself. After the pieces have been moulded, waxed and polished into their finished shape, those same sculptural objects, appear to highlight the life of the grain and the ineffable force of nature which, in Gamperl's case, has withstood the test of time.

Pricing starts at $546.00 approx. and go up to $7,700.00 (approximately).
Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

Two new(?) items from Muuto that I'm particularly liking are this vase and carafe.

Closely Separated Vase: (also available in yellow, 10.6" h), $162.00, Buy it here.
by Michael Geertsen for Muuto

Abstract bowls, plates and cups are merged in an intuitive way. Reminding us of the beauty in disharmony and how old things can lead to new, if we change our perspective. The object works on its own, but is given a function if flowers are added.

I'm Boo Carafe: (3.39" dia. x 10.8" h), $94.00, Buy it here.
by Norway Says for Muuto

Boo is like the skin, or a balloon surrounding the water with openings that tell the simple story of fluid motion in and out of the glass. The carafe exudes a strong personality, as if it's saying "I'm Boo, who are you?"

[posted by katie]

Here's a perfect little weekly planner for the analog set. I like that it allows you to keep track of movies you've seen.

Besides our great weekly pages, we built in other sections to organize aspects of your life that don’t happen on a daily basis. There are easy reference pages for personal information, your important dates (like appointments, events, travel), special occasions, gifts, and entertainment interests (books, movies, music). We’ve also included mini reference calendars for 2007-2009, address book entries, and notes pages. We’ve even made a bookmark that doubles as a list of dates to remember so that your important days are always at hand. The (approximately) 5.5\” x 4.25\” book is perfect-bound and printed locally by a family-owned press with vegetable-based inks on 100% post-consumer recycled paper.

Thanks Vicente for the link!

[posted by kris]

Having the right tools certainly helps a job go faster, and with these brightly colored hex keys you might just have the urge to whistle while you work.

"Rainbow hex key L - wrench set for hexagon socket screws, powder coated with color code for the different sizes."

[via the function key]

[posted by katie]

This might be sort of a cute gift idea...

Measures 9 x 4.5 x 6.5 inches.
Made from glazed ivory ceramic.

[posted by katie]

On first glance this bookstand looks to be rather small, but when made from stone and measuring 8.5" across it's got to be quite hefty.

Alone, this hand-carved natural stone sculpture is a handsome addition to a coffee table, side board or desk, but add a treasured book and this cubist rock becomes the coolest bookstand around. Whether it’s a photography book from a favorite artist, a vintage first-edition novel by a beloved author, or a cookbook containing your next culinary challenge, Liveroche holds your tome firmly and elegantly. The resulting angle of the book keeps the pages open yet encourages browsing.

[posted by katie]