The impressive thing about this watch is that it was originally designed way back in 1975.

LIP watches have been around for over 150 years but were unavailable in the United States until very recently. The company has reintroduced some of their most important models from a modern collection that was first unveiled 35 years ago. In the 1960s and 1970s, LIP enlisted a handful of creative architects and designers to design contemporary watches. Among them was the prolific Roger Tallon, who designed everything from high-speed French TGV trains to the 1964 Helicoid Staircase (part of the MoMa Design Collection). Tallon's LIP designs include the iconic Mach 2000 series.

materials:mineral glass, stainless steel case, leather strap
$380.00, Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

Hmm...does anyone else find the set of 'extra hands' to be a little bit creepy?

This extensive collection of kitchenware was inspired by the witches and wizards of Western lore. Originally designed by Tord Boontje, each piece was then handcrafted by artisans in one of three South American countries: Colombian artisans hand-molded the black ceramic cookware, Guatemalan craftsmen handcarved the wooden kitchen utensils, and Brazil’s Coopa-Roca women’s cooperative hand-sewed the kitchen couture. Infused with a strong sense of local tradition, this collaborative effort in sustainable design succeeds in preserving the folkloric nature of witchery... without, of course, any of the lingering stigma.

Saucepan & Lid/Bowl: $239.00
Casserole & Lid/Bowl: $369.00
Extra Hands: $329.00
Set of 6 Assorted Utensils: $769
Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

This will save you hours of patiently waiting for wax to drip. And, if an extra zero doesn't send your wallet into hiding, turn your attention to the Vesuvius Candlestick (pictured above right) by Ted Muehling.

"This surreal candlestick appears to be dripping wax. However, upon closer examination it is made entirely of china (Earthenware.)"

20 x 12cm with a diameter of 8.5cm. $35.00 CAD, Buy it here.
(Vesuvius Candlestick, $350.00)

[posted by katie]

These delightful papier-mâché creatures will be your friends through thick and thin, so they're well worth the price tag. And, most importantly (who needs friends anyways) they're available in all sorts of colors. Doesn't that make you happy?

Available in white or in any of 13 luscious colors - all in low VOC paints.
Rendered in papier mache by hand by artisans in Haiti.

Bird, $45.00, 6''h x 8''l x 4''w
Peacock, $200.00, 30''l x 17''h x 10''w
Cow (Ferdinand), $275.00, 20''h x 20''l x 25''w
Pig, $185.00, 13''h x 24''l x 10''w

Crab, Deer with Flowers, Fish, Love Bird, Pagan Goat (head), Peace Antelope (head), Praying Mantis, Snail, and Spider also available (not pictured).

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]

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]

Seeing that Father's Day is next weekend, this might be an excellent option for showing your appreciation.

A Picnic Trunk that raises the bar (or table) when it comes to outdoor dining. With a well-planned interior that keeps everything organized, and an extendable table on which to serve your feast, this Trunk will have you on your way to an adventure in no time. It’s made from durable canvas and comes with a hefty polyester carrying strap for easy transport. The trunk comes with two wine glasses, two melamine plates, cutlery, a corkscrew, two cotton napkins and salt and pepper shakers.

[posted by katie]

These vases are intriguing (and a little disturbing).

Gala Vase, $230.00, Buy it here.
Georgia Porcelain Vase, $440.00, Buy it here.
Salvador Vase, $90.00, Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

An excellent choice for a gift, perhaps?

"Designers Marina and Susanna Sent belong to a family which has worked for generations in Murano, the ancient center for the production of Venetian glass. The sisters continue the ancient tradition, giving a contemporary edge to the timeless art form. This refined piece resembles a cluster of bubbles, which sparkle with reflected light."

Made in Italy
Size: 20.5"l

[posted by katie]