bltd

These notebooks from WRITERSBLOK use old fashioned string tie closures to keep your notes secure. Note: if you are particularly picky about paper, do a little research and read a few reviews on WRITERSBLOK journals- a few people have commented that the paper is a little thinner than Moleskine notebooks, so you might have some ink bleed-through if you prefer heavier/thicker ink. Available in small or medium, brown or black,...Read more

Geographical! Created from actual elevation data, this wooden topographical map of the United States is laser-cut and hand-assembled in Portland, Oregon. The 48 contiguous states are $750, but get in touch with 54/40 for individual state pricing....Read more

Oh, yes, you do see an entire periodic table indented into the surface of this concrete top coffee table. Just think of all the fun you'll have testing your knowledge and showing off for your guests. Ds? Darmstadtium! Sg? Seaborgium! Appropriate for indoor or outdoor use; designed and made in LA by James DeWulf. Indentation is slight, so the surface remains flat enough that glasses won't tip over. The legs...Read more

With the recent disaster of Hurricane Sandy, many were (and still are) without power, which means no means of communication with friends, loved ones, or emergency personnel. Don't let yourself fall into the same scenario- take stock of your own disaster kit and make sure you have an adequate wind-up charger for your mobile phone. Etón has a new rechargeable USB battery pack with a hand turbine power generator; one...Read more

If you're in the market for a classic wall clock, and would like something quite small and elegant, do turn your eyes toward the collection of timepieces designed by Henning Koppel for Jensen. Choose between the 10cm (~4") or 15cm (~6") size, stainless steel or black stainless steel, and white or black dial. Also, you can save your pennies in hopes of one day adding a barometer, thermometer, and hygrometer...Read more

If you happen to remember the Forêt Noire Scenic Wallpaper, you might recognize some of these little guys. Designed by the same Nathalie Lété, these vinyl wall stickers are sure to keep you in good company. They're self-adhesive and could be an excellent alternative to wallpaper wherever you want- and don't go putting these in the 'only suitable for kids' box. In fact, you are hereby challenged not to put...Read more

Brave those long lines and cast your vote today; if you don't, you forfeit the right to complain about the government. Not sure where your polling place is? Google has a polling place lookup that's quick and easy. Shown above, Vote Cards, $16, from the Cooper-Hewitt Shop....Read more

Remember Haptic Lab's Great Lakes Quilt that was featured last week? If you like the look of a modern city quilt and are known to be handy with a needle and thread, think about purchasing one of their DIY kits. Choose from several cities- each basic kit comes with a 36" x 42" single-use map template and sewing instructions while a full kit ($74) includes the material and thread in...Read more

You might scoff at the price tag, and that's understandable, but the point is that this rope has hooks on the end of it, making it appropriate for a variety of uses. Perhaps the most notable (and fun) use is best demonstrated in the image below of a child using the rope as an impromptu swing, but there's sure to be lots of ideas of how it could be utilized...Read more

These new desk accessories from 22 Design Studio are sure to snazz up your desk/workspace. The 4th Dimension Clock, Sketch Pencil and Sketch Pen are cast in concrete and provide the pragmatic functions needed in a workspace; they also stand as works of art on their own....Read more

Nice! Woolly Pocket is adding a new product to their selection: the Living Wall Planter. It's modular (like the regular wall pockets), yet it has a hard vented shell that is equipped with a self-watering tank. The vented shell allows extra moisture to evaporate so that roots are healthy. So, just when you thought gardening couldn't get any easier, it does. The planters are easy to hang and are safe...Read more

We finally got our stuff together and set up a BLTD newsletter; now you won't miss anything ever again. Get a load of this weekend retreat by MW Works (via adventure-journal) Quick trick: Lighting a Candle Using Smoke (and a lighter) Awesome. The Rijksmuseum Puts 125,000 Dutch Masterpieces Online, and Lets You Remix Its Art What’s Really Happening In Blacked-Out Manhattan Overcoming Creative Block in 10 Easy Steps by Debbie...Read more

True story: I currently have skinned knees and 4 inch bruise on my chest. Why? Because I completely wiped out going down a parking garage when my left handlebar grip slipped off. Anyways, don't be like me and have properly maintained grips and bar-ends on your bike. But do it with some style! These new GripRings from Spurcycle are individual silicone rings that make up a complete handlebar grip. Each...Read more

Hmm, these get a slight frown because of the fact they're intended for one use only, but they would be excellent placemats for a party or special dinner where regular linens just won't work. Blueprints of appropriate place settings can't be ignored, after all, because of the technical aspect, so you'll know everything will be in its proper place no matter who sets the table. Also available in kraft paper....Read more

Yes, it is another icosahedron, that wonderful 20-sided shape that we all know and love, yet this one is in the form of a pendant light- a pendant light handmade in Brooklyn, NY, no less. Now, the retailer is being a little mysterious (or maybe just forgetful) by not listing the actual artist's name (nor the cooperative), but let's congratulate the artist for creating this acrylic glass and brushed aluminum...Read more