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Here’s an excellent idea: a paper paper clip that’s safe to put through a paper shredder.

Made from 100% sustainable wood pulp.
Each clip measures 1 inch long and will hold up to 20 sheets of paper.
50 clips to the pack.

Man, this book is chock-full of late nineteenth century letterpress design. I tend to lean towards simple design, but there is something altogether fascinating in the full-on fanciness of that period. Whether you like intricate embellishments in your graphics or not, this book does provide a context for the rise and fall of this particular aesthetic, which (don’t you know) all ties into the trends and preferences of today. It’s also interesting to see how both artistic printing andlate nineteenth century interiors share a “penchant for spatial saturation, eclecticism, and excess.” (pg.172)

Authors Douglas Clouse and Angela Voulangas explore the style’s origins in the British Aesthetic Movement and analyze its distinctive features: idiosyncratic color harmonies, eclectic choice of type and ornament, compartmentalized compositional strategies. They also present a landmark portfolio of letterpress printing samples, drawn from some of the most important public and private print archives. More than 150 examples of period ephemera, printers’ own tour de force promotional pieces, and specimens of type and ornament are reproduced, many for the very first time since their initial circulation more than a century ago.

$40.00 (£23.50), Buy it here.

Uh, how much do you love these tables by Mr. Loebach? If you didn’t say ‘very much’ or were stricken speechless then I don’t know what to do with you. First off, they are tables and step stools, which makes them functional for small spaces, yada yada yada. Second, they are available in some of the best color choices (charcoal, green, and the most delightful shade of blue (in my opinion)). Third, and perhaps most importantly, each table/stool opens at the top (with safety hinged lids) for extra storage. Fourth, they are a little awkward in just how humble they look, and doesn’t that just make you love them more? All that said, I think it’s the colors that make them stand out as wonderful little nesting tables/step stools. Take note they won’t ship until mid-October.

Material: Wood and MDF with safety hinges

Dimensions: 17.25 x 14 x 18 inches
Available for pre-order.
Approximate ship date: 10/15/2009

$400.00, Buy it here.

With ergonomically designed handles and an anti-slip rubber grip, these kitchen scissors are much fancier than the pair I have at home…and, when taken apart, it becomes a paring knife, which kicks the living daylights out of my kitchen scissors.

Nizor is a simple idea, a kitchen utility scissor that when taken apart, becomes a fully functioning paring knife. Whether cutting paper, snipping flowers, chopping herbs, seafood or poultry, Nizor scissor knife adapts to your needs. The design features professional grade blades made of the highest quality stainless steel – a sharp lower cutting edge and notched upper blade for griping meat or herbs. Product is dishwasher and food safe.

Designer: Rama Chorpash for CulinHome

$25.00, Buy it here.

This Matryoshka doll-like ceramic set functions as a piggy bank (or banks?) for coins. How ’bout that?
(more…)

I know that some salvaged building materials don’t exactly ‘fit’ the look of a modern home, but often times they can add more character to a room than something brand new (plus, you know all about how saving items from the landfill is a good thing, so I won’t lecture you on that). NYTimes recently featured an arcticle on Dan Phillips and his construction company, Phoenix Commotion, who together build low-income housing out of salvaged items. Not all of the ideas are applicable in your own home, of course, but it might get your brain thinking about alternative materials for your next remodeling project.

photos (all by Michael Stravato for The New York Times), left to right, top to bottom:

Wood-burning stove from an old ship installed in a new home.
Wine Bottles function like stained glass in a Dutch Door.
Countertop made from slices of osage orange wood, a local East Texas material.
Scrap wood for siding.
Old shingles, arranged by color, reused.

[via NYTimes.com]

Jens Risom, perhaps best known for his Lounge Chair (you know, the one with woven straps) has designed an upholstered rocker that looks decidedly mid century yet feels current somehow (perhaps that’s the magic of classic Danish modernism?).

The Risom Rocker (2009) has a nine-button tufted back; a nod toward the classic Danish modern aesthetic that can be found in all of Risom’s work. Made in U.S.A.

* A high back supports your head while you rock.
* The armrests are sculpted for comfortable support.
* A hidden counterweight in the front rail helps ensure a smooth, deep rock.

Materials: Solid walnut frame; Maharam Milestone fabric, 78% post-industrial recycled polyester, 15% polyester, 7% nylon.
H 39″ D 36″ W 29″ Arm H 24.5″

$1,680.00, Buy it at DWR.

So, if you’re letting loose of the purse strings in preparation for the autumnal nesting period (a.k.a. Thanksgiving, holiday season, etc.), you might want to consider DWR’s Mix or Match Sale. Basically, if you order four or more (specially marked) dining chairs, stools, credenzas, and tables, you get a 15% discount.

To give an example, if you ordered the Tondern Table ($2,500, shown upper left) with 4 Salt Chairs ($98, shown lower left), you’d save about $400. Or, if you just needed chairs, you’d save about $288 when ordering 4 of the
20-06 Chairs, Limited Edition ($480 each, shown third from lower left). As always, it’s worth a look when you’ve been ogling something specific and feel ready to take the plunge.

The 15% discount is valid September 5-October 6, 2009.
The Free Standard Shipping offer is valid September 5-14, 2009.

See all items applicable for Mix or Match Sale here.

Ooo, how fun are these pixel pencils? If you know anyone that’s suffering from back-to-school-boringness, maybe these’ll pep them up a tiny little bit. And, since you’re ordering them for your friend/child/coworker(?), you might as well get a set for yourself…you know, to show solidarity.

Set includes 12 colors and one #2 pencil. Measures 6.5″

$10.00, Buy it here.

Hmm, this Magisso towel/cloth holder looks to be a smart way to store your kitchen dishcloths. A magnet holds it in place, so it’s easy to move/remove, and you can choose between a curved or straight handle.

Magisso Magnetic Kitchen Cloth Holder is developed and designed in Finland.
Available in plastic curved: $19.99
Stainless curved: $49.99
Stainless straight: $49.99

Buy it here.

Hopefully you’ll be enjoying your Labor Day* outside in the sunshine, maybe with some of the usual refreshments, and, if so, perhaps you’ll consider how this picnic set would be ever so much nicer to use than ordinary throw away plates.

Save the planet from one more throway picnic plate! Part of the Urbana series of thoughtfully designed to-go products by Simplicitas in Stockholm, this uber-compact, five-setting picnic set by Wolf Udo Wagner is made of durable, dishwasher-safe ABS. Yet it’s lightweight and ready to move. Each sectioned plate features a cup for hot or cold bevies and an all-purpose flatware triangle–fork, knife and spoon all in one. When not in use, the plates stack and cover the cups and cutlery, which stays locked in place by the screw.

Size: 11″ dia x 3″ thick

$28.00, Buy it here.

*Seeing as it is Labor Day, there’s just one post today. Posts resume tomorrow as usual.

Oh, what will we ever do without Polaroids? You do know you can get a Special Edition Polaroid One 600 Classic Camera* at UO don’t you? If you don’t feel like spending 180 smackers, you can use these notecards to relive the magic.

These Polaroid-inspired notecards are
made to look like the real thing! Using
dreamy Polaroid images, the set comes
with 20 different notecards and includes
envelopes. Each is truly beautiful! Made
by Chronicle Books.

Box is 4.5”x 5.5”

$14.95, Buy it here. or here.

*see The Impossible Project for more info.

[via swissmiss]

Back in November of ’05 one of us posted this Sway Stool. Fast forward to today where it’s $102 more than the orginal price but just as entertaining to own (I’m sure), hence the update.

These stools are made completely from cork that originates as the waste material from the bottle stopper industry. The central column of the stool, located directly under the spine of the user, is flexible, solid cork while the rest is perforated. The result is a seat that flexes and pivots under the weight of the user, responding to the slightest body movement. The user’s muscles remain slightly engaged to maintain balance, improving posture and circulation. Many have reported this to be a perfect seat for working at a desk or computer, enabling the user to move and rock while working and thinking. – dmfd

Designed by Daniel Michalik of dmfd
Material is completely recyclable.

Approx. 18″ tall x 15″ wide x 15″ deep
$450.00, Buy it here.

If you’re the type of person that enjoys an inspirational kick in the pants every now and then, maybe one of these pillows is for you. Don’t worry though, after a while you’ll get used to the large text and i-can-change-the-world-feeling and you’ll go back to being the same ol’ you*.

Why Not Pillow (shown in Scarlet and Soy), $60.00,
Buy it here.
You Are Pillow (shown in Scarlet and Chocolate), $60.00,
Buy it here.
Since When Pillow (Shown in Cornflower), $60.00,
Buy it here.

*that all your friends know and love, of course. I just had to throw in some cynicism for good measure.

The picture is self-explanatory, of course, so there’s no need for descriptive phrases, but as far as flattery, this little basket has me itching to tidy up my office space (though I’d need more than one for that).

Design by Josh Jakus for FUZFARM
Small – 9″ x 6″ x 3″ – $28.
Large – 15″ x 10″ x 4″ – $48.

$28.00, Buy it here.