bltd

What's the best gift, a plane ticket to the Caribbean or a hand-stitched Star Chart showing the overhead sky for any date, time, and location? As if you even need to think twice about that answer. Possible jet lag. Sunburn. Getting your wallet stolen, plus the crappy hotel that looked nice on their website. Yeah, that all sounds like a barrel of laughs, doesn't it? I'm being sarcastic, of course....Read more

This flashlight utilizes micro-spherical solar cells to harness the sun's power. Micro-what? Mirco-spherical solar cells. They're tiny orbs that capture sunlight from all directions, which means a lot of light is absorbed. The Sphelar® Solar Flashlight will provide you with up to four hours of LED light, all powered by the sun. A wooden base is included for stability while charging. Now on sale from $150 to $99.95. Made in...Read more

This is a different sort of shell chair, made of multiple 4mm wire rods lined up for a symmetrical seat. It reminds one of Bend's Seating collection, does it not? The ergonomic wire seat connects with a circular rim, giving the chair its lightweight appearance and minimal feel. As it's made from painted aluminum, you may use the Shelltwo Chair indoors or outside. There's a Counter Stool as well, fyi....Read more

Add the 'Originals' Bar Stool to your list of acceptable seating solutions, for it features a comfortable seat and nicely tapered legs. Fun fact: Ercol founder Lucian Ercolani designed this stool in the 1950s for Ercol's own designers and draughtsmen, who drew the company's designs on large drawing boards. You think it's safe to say it won't go out of style anytime soon? The 'Originals' Bar Stool features classic wedge...Read more

You're familiar with the golden ratio, yes? Parsons & Charlesworth has made this "pocket sized gazing device" to help you find "the proportional perfection in your surroundings." You'll be a mathematical sleuth, whipping out your finder to ascertain which things around you follow the ratio, and maybe you'll find that proportionally pleasing things have the ratio demonstrated in one way or the other. Designed By Parsons And Charlesworth Materials: Plastic...Read more

- Tiny (amazing) Vacation House / Hristina Hristova - Not liking your current can lights? Here's a quick fix: EzClipse - Kickstarter: Water Wasp is the best off-grid survival solar watermaker. - Cute: Watch To-Do organizer - House in Hatogaya by Schemata Architects (via leibal) Have a great weekend....Read more

Not a lot of art has been popping up on the must-feature list, but there's just something about a Star Chart that always grabs the eye. By the way, if there's anything particular you'd like to see more of here on BLTD, please let us know- email us or send us a tweet. -Hand-screened with silver and black ink on high quality, white, acid-free drawing paper. -Linen-backed and mounted on...Read more

Oh, what to do with a ho-hum vase, plant, or weird thingamajig? Put it on a pedestal! That phrase might sound like a pop song's title (and maybe it is) but placing an item on one of these wood pedestals elevates it into special viewing territory, which makes it slightly less tchotchke-esque and a little more 'oo-what's that?' They're sold as a set of two, so starting thinking which two...Read more

Fond of concrete? How about a super minimal option with an iron shelf? Oh, and don't worry, because it's not oodles and oodles of dollars like most minimal table options that we all love. It's not cheap, either, but it won't give you a heart attack. There's a corresponding coffee table as well, but don't get too matchy-matchy; most of the time it's better to mix up textures and materials...Read more

Now this is a handy key ring. It hooks quickly onto your belt loop, yet it's smaller and way less obnoxious than a carabiner. If you just thought to yourself wait, a carabiner is obnoxious?, I'm so, so sorry to be the one to break the news to you*. If you think a carabiner is the bomb, and are clutching yours right now very, very tightly, we'll let you go...Read more

Brilliant! You can customize the color and shape of these pendants. And if you don't think you'd be interested, just give it a go and see if you don't find a perfect color pairing that would fit somewhere in your home. There's 8 different shapes, each with their own color besides the basic black and white. It gets pricier as you add to the grouping, but you can always just...Read more

Boxes, caddies, compartments, all these things help us organize the accoutrements necessary for our daily lives. The Toto Storage Boxes are pretty simple- they're composed of birch wood and metal handles/shelves. Choose the right size to fit your needs. Perhaps the larger is fit for the office or studio? Maybe the smaller sizes are appropriate to organize bathroom accessories, makeup or jewelry? Designer: Sung Wook Park -Stamped metal shelf that...Read more

Say hello to the Butler, a curved brass lamp with a hand turned oak tray. Clamp it on to a tabletop or shelf for an ideal spot to keep necessities- perhaps your keys, wallet or phone? It always helps to have just one area for important things; set it down in the same place every time and it'll be there when you go to get it (if you don't live...Read more

For those of you that didn't read my post on Friday, I'm building a lake house here in Texas. This is an experiment in sharing, as we normally don't get too personal here on BLTD. However, for such a large project it'd be a shame to not share some of my lessons learned. So, on to the first building stage: concept. Initially we had thought we would buy a small...Read more

Who else makes a point to watch Etsy's stock price (for curiosity's sake) but forgets that there are several stand-out furniture makers selling their wares? Or just plain forgets to check Etsy for furniture in your time of need? Raise your hand, come on. Yeah, me too. Take a look at this bedside table from Habitables and tell me it's not a decent option. There are various color options (they...Read more