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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)

 
 

SIWA Cases and Bags

It’s impossible to ignore these cases and bags, even if the SIWA briefcase is my favorite. With several different sizes to choose from, you can organize your belongings in whatever way you see fit.

All pieces are produced by the Onao paper company in Japan and are highly water-resistant and capable of carrying heavy loads (tested for up to 10 kgs/ 22 lbs).

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Purchase Information:

Price: $24.00 and up
Available from: baum-kuchen

SIWA Briefcase

How long have you been waiting for the SIWA (pronounced shiwa) collection by Naoto Fukasawa to hit the stores? It feels like forever, doesn’t it? The briefcase stands out the most to me, but only because I need/want one and I’m partial to the details. I’ll do a separate post on the pouches.

All pieces are produced by the Onao paper company in Japan and are highly water-resistant and capable of carrying heavy loads (tested for up to 10 kgs/ 22 lbs).

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Purchase Information:

Price: $130.00
Available from: greenergrassdesign.com

Etch Pendant

Tom Dixon’s brass Etch light is digitally manufactured, which allows for intricate patterns without a too-terribly-expensive price tag. Apparently the geodesic shape creates some interesting shadows, too. (fyi, DWR carries it exclusively in the U.S.) Also, check out the Etch Candleholder ($55).

Purchase Information:

Price: $375.00
Available from: Design Within Reach

Sliced Grandfather Clock

Well, look at this. Back in 2007 when we first posted this clock it was around $80, and now, surprisingly, it costs half of what it once did. How often does that happen? I actually bought this clock for my own home (pictured here) and I still love it.

Update: Kikkerland is now producing the clock and selling it globally, hence the reduced price (it used to be handmade in Vermont). You can read a short interview with Rob Price of Thwart Design over at the Kikkerland Blog.

Purchase Information:

Price: $39.95
Available from: mxyplyzyk

Cinnamon Bun Apron

Agh, something so terribly ‘cute’ about this apron, very Donna Wilson-esque with clouds and polkadots and such. 100% handmade and hand-screened with with soy-based ink in Los Angeles.

Also available at zakka nouveau : market.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $65.00
Available from: satsuki shibuya

Tongue Bookmark

Core77’s 2010 gift guide is out, and it’s got more than a few gems. This Tongue Bookmark would be a nice little addition to any library.

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Purchase Information:

Price: $12.00
Available from: Studio Ve

Source: Core77

Zebrano Party Plate

How many times have you juggled your glass of wine with a small plate of hors d’oeuvres, wishing fervently to not to make an ass of yourself by dropping either (or both) when the inevitable shaking of hands/introductions are made? Such awkwardness can be avoided; these plates hold your wine glass for you, allowing a free hand to feed your face or shake the hand of some new acquaintance. Though, may I suggest not bringing one of these to someone else’s party, rather, that you get some for your guests, and hope that they’ll have the ‘ah-ha’ moment and do the same for you at their next soirée.

Purchase Information:

Price: $8.00
Available from: UMA

La Lune print

Man, I need to stay away from Svpply, there’s so many things that I’d love to buy, it’s downright dangerous. This print was inspired by old classroom wall charts and is printed with archival quality inks. The A4 size of this print has already sold out, so you better act quick if you want one of your own. There’s also an A1 (23.4 × 33.1 inches) size for €95.00.

Limited edition of 50.

Purchase Information:

Price: €50.00
Available from: Double Merrick

Source: Svpply

Right Wrong Gloves

More cuteness from Donna Wilson… no confusion as to which goes on what hand with these 100% knitted lambswool gloves. Available in Camel, Coral, Green or Grey.

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Purchase Information:

Price: $58.00
Available from: The Future Perfect

Tool Set by Jonas Damon

This tool set by Jonas Damon includes an LED flashlight, level, screwdriver, and ruler. Each tool measures 6 inches and comes with a handy storage bag to keep them all together. Could be a good gift for someone’s housewarming.

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Purchase Information:

Price: $95.00
Available from: Areaware

Loft Access by Tamir Addadi Architecture

Let’s just take a moment to admire this small staircase connecting a cramped hallway to a loft attic space. Seeing the ‘before’ and then the ‘after’ pictures (both below), you get a sense of just how much of a difference the narrow staircase makes, especially in that oodles of additional light is gained from getting rid of the old attic hatch, and, of course, the ease of accessibility to a formerly underutilized space. Really, it’s an A+ job from Tamir Addadi Architecture.

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Hex Watch Band for iPod Nano

If you’ve got the newest iPod Nano (Gen 6), you know it’s pretty slick and über tiny. So tiny that it would be more at home, say, on your wrist than in your pocket. Enter in the Hex Watch Band, a silicone strap that allows you to pop-in and pop-out your iPod as you wish. Could be a good gift this holiday season perhaps?

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Purchase Information:

Price: $29.95
Availability: Buy Hex Watch Band for iPod Nano here

Native American Teepee

You just know your kitty cat(s) will love this recycled cardboard tipi, not because it’s recycled, but because it’s cardboard. (The teepee is much better to have around than a regular ol’ box, isn’t it?)

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Purchase Information:

Price: $24.00
Available from: Loyal Luxe

Fred Tomaselli Tree

I do hope you’re navigating Cyber Monday with aplomb. There are so many sales offering 15%-30% off it’s pretty much impossible to name them all, but I’m sure you’ve snapped up some bargains, or will have done so before the day is done.

As the holiday season is officially in full swing, might I direct your eyes to this self-adhesive tree wall sticker by Fred Tomaselli? Measuring in at 72″ high (6′) and 17″ wide, it’ll fit into any tight corner, and, with no annoying needles to sweep up and no ornaments to worry about, it’s just about the easiest tree to have.

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Purchase Information:

Price: $125.00
Availability: Buy Fred Tomaselli Tree here

KOOSTIK

Hmm, this is pretty neat. Using natural acoustics (specially designed sound channels), this dock amplifies the iPhone’s built in speaker by 2 to 4 times. While not intended to replace electronic amplifiers, the size and style might suit your needs for low to medium volume music. All of the external buttons and controls of the phone are easily accessible while the phone is docked and there’s several different wood bodies to choose from.

To learn more, visit koostik.com.

More information:

View KOOSTIK here