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Do you still read paper books? If so, you may enjoy using this Mirror Bookmark to find palindromes, as intended, or, perhaps more likely, to see if you have food stuck in your teeth.
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Suffering from a creative block? Well, no need to discuss it with an actual art director. With just a simple roll of this dice*, you’ll get snippets of constructive feedback. It’s professional advice in your pocket, and you can ignore if you don’t like it. Score!
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Is there anything wrong with your tape dispenser? Because if there is, you have an excellent reason to try out this circular approach by the Japanese brand METAPHYS. Not only does the case allow you to hold the dispenser firmly in your hand, but it also lends itself to easily hang on a hook. Less desktop clutter? Yes, please.
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Arm yourself with these shears and there will be nothing you can’t cut. Designed to cut through Kevlar (a para-aramid synthetic fiber, by the way), the Sheffield Shears will cut through practically any household material- tape, cardboard, thick fabric, you name it- as they’re extremely sharp and indestructible.
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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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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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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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One thing is for sure, these desk accessories aren’t going anywhere. They’ll not be tipped over or jostled easily, as they’re made of hefty concrete with subtle, curved edges. We first posted this collection back in 2011, so you know they’ll not be lumped in with those ‘trendy’ sorts of office supplies. All pieces are hand-cast from solid concrete.
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Cork + cube + tape dispenser. Sounds like a good idea, doesn’t it? Cork is very eco-friendly (100% sustainable, biodegradable, recyclable) and oh-so-handy to use as a pinning spot as it has self-healing surface. Throw in a tape dispenser on one side and you’ve got a two-in-one desktop tool that will help keep your notes and pictures tidy.
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What do you get the pickiest of design aficionados? Any item from Craft Design Technology, that’s what. How could you not fall head over heels for a collection of high quality work tools designed to be “beautiful, functional and enduring”? I want all of it (specifically, the scissors have been on my wish list ever since ’08). Available in the US from rikumo. More of the collection below.
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It’s a very, very large paperclip. Use it as a bookmark, as shown above, or as a paperweight. Considering it’s designed by Carl Auböck, and hand-crafted from solid brass in Auböck’s fourth-generation Viennese workshop, it will retain its value for years to come. Don’t believe me? Do a search for Auböck’s pieces on any collector’s site (or Ebay) and you’ll see. Consider this as a very nice gift for that someone who has everything (except a huge brass paperclip).
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