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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)

 
 

Happy 4th of July!

This is the ‘Merica Hammock. It’s very patriotic in an over-the-top-wonderful sort of way, so it’s particularly appropriate for the upcoming holiday weekend.

I know I’m looking forward to a break (time away from the computer is a good thing), so here’s hoping you have a lovely, fun-filled/relaxing 4th of July weekend. Of course, do take care should you decide to light any fireworks- those fingers of yours are important!

‘Merica Hammock, $195.00

Color(s): Cobalt Blue, White, Candy Apple Red
Capacity: Classic Double: 400 lbs / King-Size: 550 lbs
Dimensions: Classic Double: 120″L x 72″W / King-Size: 132โ€ยL x 108โ€ยW

'Merica Hammock

Edyn Garden Sensor

Have you heard the hype around the Edyn Garden Sensor? It’s now available to purchase, and those of us with gardens are pretty damn excited. The Edyn is a solar-powered sensor that continuously monitors all the conditions necessary for healthy, thriving plants. Light, temperature, humidity, moisture, fertilizer/nutrition needs- it keeps track of all of that and sends it to the Edyn app so you can learn which plants are growing best and which ones need more attention. It knows the weather forecast, so it’ll give you guidance on saving water as well. Your garden = happy. Your thumbs = super green.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $99.97
Available from: Home Depot

July 4th Weekend

Can you believe this Saturday is July 4th? Prepare yourself for the festivities by perusing this random list of summer-y things, mostly picked for their fun and outdoorsy-ish nature.

1. Flatware Caddy, $11.97
2. Star Spangled Spatula, $75.00
3. Apron with Built-in Oven Mitts, $32.00
4. Iced Carafe, $32.00
5. bodum ยฎ fyrkat picnic charcoal grill, $69.99
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CW&T Jump Rope

This might be the nicest jump rope anyone has ever seen. CW&T (of Pen Type-A fame) recently released this beauty to the world, and it’s got handles machined out of solid 6061 aluminum and a leather cord. The handles’ inside edges have a precise fillet to make sure the rope is held at a tangent as it spins. Should you ever wear out the leather cord (way to go you- you’re just like Rocky!) you can simply replace it by tying a couple of knots.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $75.00
Available from: CW&T

Concrete Lamp by Menu

Here’s another smallish lamp, and this one is a charmer. A round concrete base holds an oversize glass light bulb with a little brass button to control brightness. That touch of brass keeps the design dressed up- think of it like a hint of expensive jewelry on an otherwise utilitarian outfit. A friend of mine who has one talked about it with reverence, and, as this friend knows good design and quality, it’s a safe bet you won’t regret adding it to your abode for the right sort of ambient light.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $174.95
Available from: Gessato

Fredericks & Mae Playing Cards

There’s something about lazy summer afternoons that demands a stack of playing cards nearby. And, should you be short a stack, please do take a look at these colorful cards from Fredericks & Mae, as they have a sunny disposition with their full display of the color spectrum. You’ll find a nicely contrasting black and white pattern on their backs. The pack includes a mini booklet with history and lore, along with game instruction.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $12.95
Available from: Fredericks & Mae

Merge Concrete Tape Dispenser

Need a tape dispenser? How about a concrete one that won’t move around when you tear off a piece of tape? The Merge Concrete Tape Dispenser from 22 Design Studio is basically a couple of concrete blocks and one cylinder, which gives it a utilitarian sort of style that won’t go unnoticed among your other desktop tools. Does anyone else see a little Bauhaus flavor in the brutal blockiness, or is it just me? Be sure to take a look at the Merge Cardholder Tray and Pen Holder (shown below), as they’d be excellent companions to the tape dispenser.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $65.00
Available from: Gessato

Terracotta Funnel by Grain

Why do you need a Terracotta Funnel? Beats me, but I know I’d use it for moving my matcha latte from a mixing bowl into a coffee cup, similar to the one shown above. Maybe you’d use it for funneling other drinks into other cups, or soups into fancy, small containers, but any way you use it, know that you’re using a natural, sustainably made, and foodsafe tool.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $80.00
Available from: Cooper Hewitt Shop

Sandwich on Board Box

Another aluminum lunch box? Can we be so lucky? Apparently so. This handy little lunch box is from black + blum, and, just as expected, it looks to improve upon those sub-par lunch carriers that have left your lunch squashed in the past. It’s aluminum (or, aluminium, if you prefer) with a naturally antibacterial, sustainable bamboo lid that provides a surface for ingredient assembly if needed. Available in silver, lime, or pink.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $21.00
Available from: black + blum

Picia Table Lamp

Cute, right? The Picia Table Light is a smaller sort of lamp, you know, the kind you would tuck into a corner of a small writing desk or nightstand. With a soft, natural cork base and a clear blue glass shade it will easily make friends with its surroundings. The shade measures in at 16cm diameter (that’s 6.3 inches) and the height is 23cm (9 inches)- be sure to take your measuring tape out so you’re not surprised how small (and cute) this lamp will be in your home.
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Purchase Information:

Price: โ‚ฌ141.13
Available from: Enrico Zanolla Design Studio

Friday Links

  • Hooray!
  • Can the Bacteria in Your Gut Explain Your Mood?
  • Strange: jyo john mullor models a set of custom-made human head helmets
  • Take A Hike To Do Your Heart And Spirit Good
  • DIY No-Sew Rope Coil Basket
  • Want that jacket a character in a movie is wearing? Visit The Take. (via kottke)
  • Mountain House by Atelier Bow-Wow


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    Enjoy your weekend!

    KeySmart

    Until technology allows us to enter all buildings and vehicles without physical keys, we’re going to have to deal with the mess that is the usual keyring. KeySmart aims to organize keys in a swiss army style holder, with keys folding into a compact handle instead of jingle-jangling all over the place. Would you believe it could hold up to 100 keys? That’d be one hefty keychain. You can also add in a USB for convenience.
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    Purchase Information:

    Price: $19.98 - 38.98
    Available from: KeySmart

    Sand Containers

    Do not, I repeat, do not underestimate the value of containers you look at and use everyday. Sure, a toothbrush or pen holder is meant for function, but there’s no reason why it can’t be a pleasure to look at as well. The Sand Containers are handmade from a mixture of natural stone powder and resin with a wood divider/lid to keep things tidy. I think they’ve won the top spot when it comes to bathroom accessories, as they’re simple and elegant, and those words are rarely used as adjectives in that particular department.
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    Purchase Information:

    Price: $19.90 - 26.90
    Available from: MilkDesign

    Weight Vase by Decha Archjananun

    You’ve seen the Weight Vases in the regular concrete grey, but get a load of the colors available. Are they not spectacular? Blue, yellow, and red round out the collection, giving you the option for a pop of bright, fun color to liven up your arrangements. I’ll be saving up for the low ‘A’ blue vase, I think.
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    Purchase Information:

    Price: $340.00 - 430.00
    Available from: Pamono

    Sphere Bottle Opener

    It’s a smooth, round bottle opener that fits the palm of your hand perfectly. What else could you ask for, besides a good beer or two? Consider it for your next housewarming or host/hostess gift if the new homeowner or host/hostess likes a certain bottled beverage. Available in black or natural wood.
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    Purchase Information:

    Price: $18.00
    Available from: Areaware