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You remember doing a potato clock back in school, don’t you? Or at least you remember the idea? Well, using the same sort of principle, this clock creates electricity using wet soil from your own two potted plants, enabling you to have your own tiny electrical generator.

It uses electricity created by a reaction between zinc and copper electrodes, which are buried in the soil (you supply two potted plants). In this case, the wet soil becomes the electrolyte (the conductor) that enables the passage of voltage between the two electrodes. This battery can deliver 1.5 volts, but the earth must be kept moist, so don’t forget to water the plants! Handmade in the Netherlands.

Note: the zinc electrode will be consumed after several years of use. Not recommended for use with herbs or other plants you intend to eat.

$39.95, Buy it here.

From the same company that brought you the “I Am Not A Paper Cup” comes the Eco Cup. It’s the same sort of idea except it’s a single-walled (non-thermal) porcelain cup with silicone lid and sleeve to keep your fingers safe.

Stop using disposable cups for your coffee! Great for the whole office, our Eco-Cup is a porcelain cup with silicone lid and heat-protective sleeve.
The silcone lid can withstand temperatures of up to 230 degrees celsius (446 F) and helps keep hot beverages hot and cold beverages cold.
The porcelain Eco Cup holds approximately 450ml of your favourite beverage and the silicone sleeve will ensure your fingers don’t get burnt whilst enjoying your drink.

Colour: white porcelain cup with white or brown sleeve (sleeve colour is random)
Care: microwave and dishwasher safe

$9.95, Buy it here.

£9.99, Buy it here.

Yep, this does have a certain psychedelic edge to it, but the color choices are intriguing in a bright sort of way and you know it’s got to be a nice quality for that kind of price (ouch, huh?). Other pieces within the Couture Collection are quite lovely as well, and even if you can’t quite see one of the rugs fitting into your budget, it might be worth taking a look at some of them to get color inspiration.

Shown: “Rain,” adorned with Swarovski crystals.

$14,000.00, Buy it here.

Now you’ll know if you’ll be hit with fees or not, or maybe you’ll just get some satisfaction with knowing exactly how much weight you’re lugging around. (Sometimes it helps to be precise when looking for sympathy: ‘Wait up, this thing weighs 25.7 pounds!’, ‘Ack, my back is killing me, I carried around 19.5 pounds through three different airports today!’ etc.)

Upto 77lbs(35kg) Including Tape measurer 39″(1m)

$10.00

Using textiles as inspiration, this collection of dinnerware by Gry Fager was influenced by “the atmosphere and the character of the kitchen, particularly older kitchens from [her] grandmother’s time.”(-normann-copenhagen)

“The Mormor series is made for the modern kitchen and dining table using ceramics as its point of departure, and it definitely applies to the traditional kitchen. Not only that, structures and patterns along with familiar kitchen items such as cloths and dishcloths are contained in the visual expression of this series.”

Designer: Gry Fager

On? Off? Either way this magnet will keep things right where you put them.

Like turning on and off the switch, turn the magnet “on” to stick memos on the fridge, or turn it “off” to use a pair as a photo stand. It’s simple, yet versatile and fun to play with during those “off” moments!
Package comes in a set of 4 on/off magnets.

W2.0″ x L1.0″ x H0.4″

$16.00, Buy it here.

This is a little similar to the OTO100 Storage System obviously, but it’s different in that it’s made from paperboard rolls and is velcro’d together. Anybody see a DIY project waiting to happen? Just have to find some paperboard rolls…

Made in Sweden, Rock’n’Roll is a unique eco-shelving system. Made from paperboard rolls and velcro’d together however you like – fun and functional.The price is for five units in different sizes.

The rock’n roll shelves comes in set of five different sizes: 32cm, 37cm, 41cm, 47cm and 52cm diameter.

£80.00, Buy it here.

Here’s a new sofa to add to your list of considerations. It’s got that Danish Modern feel that we all know and love (right?), and if you lean towards neutrals for large furniture pieces, there’s five excellent shades to choose from.

The Luna sofa is a modern take on a classic Danish design. Its beautifully simple shape is upholstered with a comfortable and versatile cotton blend fabric. Button tufting on the back cushions gives the sofa a retro feel. The solid wooden frame and legs give it a sturdy, confident stance. Luna’s removable back and bottom cushions sit atop an upholstered well-tailored deck. The Luna sofa is available in five color choices: Charcoal, Chocolate, Pewter, White and Khaki. Wooden legs are available in two finishes: Honey and Espresso.
TrueModern uses sustainable birch and low VOC finishes, making them a green manufacturer.

Materials: Metal legs with white enamel, fabric.
Specs: (inches) 84w x 31h x 36d

$1,499.00, Buy it here.

Ever expect a waste basket to be described as beautiful? This one certainly is, no doubt about it.

Designer Chris Collicott’s Geometric Waste Bin sets an architectural tone to any space. Ships flat. Folds into shape in minutes. No tools needed. Plastic snap rivets included.

Designer : Chris Collicott
Measurements : 14.15″ X W9.8″ X H 0.2″

$22.00, Buy it here.

This is pretty funny (I think).

Tough times call for tough cases and that’s where the recession case comes in! The recession case lets you keep cash in your pocket without sacrificing on unique design for your beloved iPhone! But just in case one isn’t enough we have the BAILOUT BUNDLE – 10 cases for $7.99!

We are now offering FREE “Sharpie Script “personalization on the recession case! Just leave “Albertus Medium” selected and you will get your very own personalized recession case! If ordering a bundle we will personalize the first case.

$0.99 each or 10 for $7.99, Buy it here.

[via craziestgadgets]

In Eric Rasmussen’s home, the material Skatelite was used in several areas, which got me thinking about cost and availability. If you search for it online, you get a myriad of skateboard ramp suppliers, but as far as getting your builder to install it as a exterial cladding/countertop/flooring/screen (some of which are shown above), I’d recommend some further research.

Skatelite is made of plastic-impregnated wood fiber. During its manufacture, the contents are heated hotter than the seven hills of hell, at which point the wood and plastic molecules flow together. Once cooled, they form a super-strong sheet material perfect for ramp surfaces. Available in two types, Skatelite Pro costs about 150 dollars per sheet, and regular Skatelite retails at 95 dollars per sheet. The former is used for pizza trays, and the latter is what you’ll find on most skateboard ramps. –skateboarding.transworld.net

Skatelite Pro is an eco-friendly material made primarily of paper from certified managed forests in the U.S. Between 98-99.3% of the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) involved in the Skatelite manufacturing process are captured and destroyed. –Skatelite

Pictures shown above, via NYTimes.com

To inquire on further pricing/availability: Buy it here.

Yes, this has been posted before, but I recently bought one for myself, so I had to share a pic of it in my home (shown right, and a couple of extra pics here). I’m quite pleased with the useful dimmer switch, and of course there’s no worries as to the messy cord situation. It has my two thumbs up along with a personal stamp of approval.

From a snake nest of winding cords, this lamp shoots straight up and stands tall on its own. Surprising the eye by challenging the unexpected, the Cord Light is simple, yet characteristic. The cord, one of the most disturbing decorating details has been made useful. The piece is made out of a standard bulb, textile cord and steel tube.

Textile cord, H 130 cm (51.2″) Bulb included (GLOBE opal 40 W.)

$169.00, Buy it here.

For those of you that keep up with the various other design blogs, you might remember when this first hit the stands. These caps fit onto your own saved jars, enabling you to re-use them in various ways. They’re now available for purchase, so if you’re a fan, you can snap some up.

Material: Polypropylene
Jar Tops (Set of 5): Cocoa Shaker Cap: Dia 6.3 cm., Sugar Shaker Cap: Dia 6.3 cm., Long Handled Cap Dia 7 cm., Creamer Cap: Dia 5.8 cm., Oil & Vinegar Cap: 5.8 cm.

Two color choices, charcoal or green.
$25.00, Available at UMA.

For something you use everday, the details do make a difference. A well designed glass can add a tiny bit of happiness to your table, if not your drinking habits.

Ideal for everyday use as well as special occasions, these glasses have rippled hollow bases and are suitable for serving a variety of beverages. Made of non-lead clear glass. Dishwasher-safe.

Designer: Georg J. Riedel, 2009

“O” Pitcher, $50.00 ($45.00 Members), Buy it here.
“O” Red and White Glasses, $35.00 ($31.50 Members), Buy it here.

My oh my, only $10 for some delightful animal portraits. These would be great grouped together like a family picture wall. There are a ton of animals to choose from, so don’t be discouraged if these aren’t your favorites. I’m tempted to collect a few myself.

5×7 print, $10.00
8×10 print, $18.00
11×14 print, $35.00

Buy it here.