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Articles Written by Katie

Katie

About Katie: Katie has been a product and textile designer, an art restoration specialist, and an interior designer/merchandiser. Her interests are focused on finding well designed items that improve daily life as well as reading fiction and making stuff. (View Profile)

 
 

Dash 4-in-1 Measuring Spoon

Instead of fumbling around for that one right measuring spoon, simplify things with this 4-in-1 spoon by Jordan Murphy. It efficiently combines all “spoon keys” in one unified body, making it a space-saving tool that’s quick and easy to clean. Available in smoke, avocado, and red.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $8.00
Available from: Umbra

Drum Poufs

Poufs with trays! That’s just what we never knew we needed. Without the tray, it serves as an excellent spot for resting your feet and/or extra seating, and with the tray, it’s a functional side table or an impromptu in-front-of-the-tv dining surface. Keep in mind that the trays are sold separately and can be used anywhere as well- so don’t be afraid to pull it into the dining room if you need a big tray to shuttle things back and forth from the kitchen. Available in High or Wide.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $275.00 - 509.00
Available from: DWR

MaKey MaKey

Use fruit for your keyboard! Tech-smart or not, there’s fun to be had with this simple circuit board kit. Turn almost anything into touchpads/keyboard/controller by attaching the included alligator clips, then connect to circuit board and computer. Think of it as an invention kit- might be a good way to familiarize yourself or others with electronics. See the video to see how it all works- and what possibilities await you.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $50.00
Available from: Uncommon Goods

Rope Frames by Dollinger and Fleveau

Yes, these frames are a little more expensive that what you may be used to, but they’re made of cotton rope (probably by hand). Traditionally used as piping in furniture, the cotton rope is used in a traditional style to playfully mix historical periods. Frame whatever you choose- a picture, a mirror, or leave it empty as a piece of art on its own.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $244.00 and up
Available from: elemental

Correspondence Kit

Um, isn’t there some event in your near future where you might need to send a nice, thoughtful gift? Mother’s day? Someone’s birthday? Instead of sending something they may or may not like, give them something they’ll cherish- and they should, as you’ll need to spend a few hours embroidering the message. A piece of cotton ‘paper’ and embroidery thread from this Correspondence Kit by Lauren DiCioccio will be your mode of communication to express your heartfelt sentiments, or maybe just the weather. Either way, it will be a surprise and (let’s hope) a keepsake. Pre-stamped envelope and supplies included. And, if you’d like a more budget-friendly version, here’s a poetry paper kit for $16 that just has the basics (lined cotton fabric, thread, needle).
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More information:

View Correspondence Kit here

Graph Cork Board

Like these graphic, silk screened cork boards? You could easily point-and-click purchase them and no one will think less of you because, hey, you’re busy, and it’s nice to have a little pattern on the wall. Or, you could go to your local craft or office supply store and buy some regular cork board tiles (like these on Amazon), mask each corner half off with painter’s tape and paper, and then spray or brush on black paint to create the same sort of look. Remove taper/paper and ta-da! You have your patterned cork board. It’ll take a little more time, but it’ll save you a little cash.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $30.00
Available from: Umbra

Bluelounge Messenger Bag

Do you recall the Bluelounge Backpack we featured a while ago? This messenger bag is similar in its simple exterior style and multi-pocketed interior, yet suits the over-the-shoulder mode of carrying around your goods. A quick release buckle makes the on/off process easy and (of course) it’s also got an ergonomic fit that’s pretty important if your commute is longer than, say, 5 minutes. Just like the backpack, the fabric is made of 100% recycled PET plastic bottles.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $139.00
Available from: Bluelounge

Scrabble Letter Pillows

Scrabble pillows. It was only a matter of time, really, before these hit the radar. And, if you want to shop around, it looks like Etsy has quite a few sellers offering their own versions in different sizes and such. These pillows (available from Spoon Sisters) are printed on organic cotton and measure 15.75″ square.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $25.00
Available from: Spoon Sisters

Friday Links

  • More historical images colorized by Mads Madsen.
  • What is light?
  • Claustrophobic Hong Kong “Cubicle Apartments”
  • The church dome painted by graffiti artists
  • Just what activities are you involved in that you would need a Titanium Escape Ring? (via twentytwowords)
  • Any Two Pages on the Web Are Connected By 19 Clicks or Less (via Explore)
  • We Found Our Son in the Subway (via kottke)
  • Have a nice first-weekend-of-March. The nice weather is just around the corner, I promise.

    Scout Security System

    Home security systems aren’t all that exciting- long term contracts usually dissuade renters and homeowners alike- but this one offers something new. You install it yourself. There’s no wires or technicians required, and you can take it with you if or when you move. There’s also no required monthly fees. Sounds pretty good, right?

    There’s a base station, which works over WIFI and allows you to use the security system on your smartphone or computer, an arm/disarm panel to place on main doors, open/close sensors on any door or window you want monitored, and a motion sensor to cover other areas where open/close sensors might not work (glass breakage, for example). You pick and choose which ones you want, and how many. Read more about the software at Scout.
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    Purchase Information:

    Price: $120.00
    Available from: Scout

    Tatlin Color Magnets

    This is getting filed under toys instead of desk accessories, as the fun potential is much higher than the somewhat boring/functional office usage. They’re simply a set of 288 cardboard magnets, to be placed on your magnetic board/wall or fridge, for making shapes, animals, landscapes or whatever else your imagination wants. Share them with the kids or keep them in your office space, up to you.
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    Purchase Information:

    Price: £29.00
    Available from: SCP

    Public Art Tote

    Are you though? Or do you only appear to be? Such questions, such statements. Designed and printed by Izabella Dennis for Fifi du Vie. (Sound familiar? You might recognize some of her work that’s recently been pinned/posted around your regular (internet) haunts: Adventurers and Good People Print .)

    Screen printed using non-toxic ink on 100% cotton tote bag.

    Purchase Information:

    Price: $25.00
    Available from: Fifi du Vie

    T-frame T-shirt Display

    Now, some might say that framing a favorite t-shirt is for a 20-something’s decor, but we’ll politely ignore them and carefully put ours behind this frame from Umbra. Never say donate! (Never say donate to the one (or two) worn out shirts that are worth keeping, that is, but donate the heck out of the clothes you don’t wear.)
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    Purchase Information:

    Price: $40.00
    Available from: Umbra

    Stick-lets

    And just when you thought you were too old to enjoy the outdoors, Stick-lets comes along. Sure, they’re meant to help kids get back outside and build forts with sticks, but who says you can’t enjoy them too? Be sure to share with others (team building, anyone?), and stay away from trees and branches that don’t belong to you- that could cause some problems- but other than that, have fun. Made from 100% silicone, each Stick-let stretches to meet your construction needs, whether you use natural branches or wood dowels. On the count of three, what’s the first thing you’d build? (One..two…three) a TIPI! Other answers are acceptable, of course. Need it be mentioned that this could be an excellent gift?
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    Purchase Information:

    Price: $11.99 and up
    Available from: Stick-lets

    Math Dishtowel, Mug, Pencil Case

    For your favorite mathematician (a.k.a. mathemagician), how about a dishtowel, pencil case, or mug? Or all three? Chalk white lines on a black background evoke memories from past math classes, and no matter if you liked/loved/hated them, you (or someone you know) can still enjoy a little math imagery with appreciation.
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    Purchase Information:

    Price: $12.95 - 17.95
    Available from: Fishs Eddy