bltd

This has been making the rounds lately, but considering the countless times I’m sure we all could have used this it’s most likely worth another post.

Using rotating electrical outlets eliminates this problem and allows you to insert bulky or tall power boxes where you once had no space. Simply rotate the outlets to the angle needed to fit your power cord. Both heads are fully rotational (360 degrees) and move independently.

(Beige / White / Black)

$10.00, Buy it here or for $11.99 here.

(also, remodelista posted a triplex outlet that would solve the same sort of problem)

I bet $10 that if you call this tulip tree by it’s proper name, Liriodendron tulipifera, your friends will either be impressed or alarmed. That said, the whole idea of seeds in a bag seems entirely fool proof.

“Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) This newest addition to our Blooms.in.a.Bag lets you grow a tulip tree any time of the year. Everything is included to start this beauty from our 100 percent certified organic soil and organic coconut husks for drainage.”

$8.50,
Buy it here.

These pots allow you some versatility in placement. I like the idea of switching them around whenever the mood strikes.

A set of five ceramic pots, perfect for growing a range of herbs, plants or wheatgrass. Arrange them into an X as its name suggests… and if you get bored of the look, a quick rearrangement easily transforms your X Tray into an L or I Tray instead.

22″W (arranged in a line) x 4″H

$99.00, Buy it here.

I really love little miniature figures. These are tiny tiny at a 1/87 reduction. They remind me of this artist’s work or this necklace by Anne Gerricke.

[posted by kris]

I really like the stark nature of these porcelain figures.

Canadian souvenirs often reflect nature in a gimmicky way, with overtones of cuteness. This series of porcelain figurines tells the story differently. Familiar souvenirs from Blue Mountain Pottery and Huronia are stripped of colour and their forms altered, casting light on a more realistic and often depressing narrative of place: Eskimos are seen to melt and disappear into a puddle as the Canadian artic is warming, and Polar Bears are sinking into oblivion.

Despite the serious overtones, these pieces have a humor and beauty, which makes them highly desirable.

[posted by kris]

At $9.95 per egg, you could possibly fill up a windowsill with seedlings. Three in a row would look pretty darn cute…

“Inside of each of these little ceramic egglings is enough soil and seed to grow a new plant for your garden. Just crack the top of the egg, water it, and watch it grow.”

Manufacturer: Noted, Japan
Color: White
Size: 2.25″h.

Even though it’s a little past the rainy season, this umbrella stand might be a great purchase…maybe even as a large vase?? Or something?

“This umbrella stand is an excellent example of the woodworker’s art. The knottiness of fir wood makes it hard to fashion. But with a high level of craftsmanship, it was turned into this outstanding piece.”

Dimensions: approx 14.5″dia x19.5″h

Here are some various (smaller) items worth a post…(especially the planter- I love the way it looks more like a sculpture than a plant stake). The baskets could be perfect for gardening supplies or a catch-all for newspapers and magazines, and while a regular shoe box might be okay for storing shoe cleaning supplies, the Cleaning Shoes box seems to store those same supplies while adding a little more specialness to the ritual.

My Beautiful Garden: $72.00, Buy it here.
“My Beautiful Garden, designed by Arik Levy, each ceramic pot includes a shapely stake to help the baby plant grow.” Materials: ceramic and solid wood. W4.75 x D4.75 x H5 in.

Wire Log Basket:$175.00,
Buy it here.
“Simple and sturdy, a straightforward log basket devoid of rustic overtones.” Materials: Iron,
W24 x D17 x H19 in.

Cleaning Shoes Box: $99.00 $59.40, Buy it here.
“Keep your favorite shoes in top form with regular cleaning and polishing. This simple shoes box by Donata Paruccini allows you to store your polish, brush and cloth required to keep your favorite footwear looking sharp and lasting long.” Materials: beech wood, nylon brush, W8.25 x D4.75 x H4 in.

Spirograph Log Basket:$95.00,
Buy it here.
“Inspired by shapes created using the popular ’60s toy, this hand-crafted wire log basket, which is deceptively strong, is exclusive to The Conran Shop.” Materials: Iron, W23 x D23 x H17 in.

This seems a little on the high side of the price range you would normally expect for a laundry hamper, but if you look at it every day, it might be worth paying a little more for the aesthetic value. (The red is especially nice, though it looks like that color might not be available- such a shame.)

“Marie Pi, expanding laundry hamper, light wood stand with natural fabric.”
Colors: Natural Fabric and Light Wood
8″dia. when closed, 24″ fully expanded

Oh Flat Pack, I love you.

CNC cut flat packed hammer. Ideal for woodworking, cooking, furniture assembly or as a child’s toy.

(This item’s link and price was updated 11/19/09.)

Roger Arquer built a better mouse-trap.

“Mouse in a Pint is a beer glass upside down. It has a bread stick attached to a spring, tilting the glass so the mouse can get in. Once the breadstick is being nibbled, it breaks and the glass collapses, keeping the mouse inside. Box contains Pint Glass, spring and bread sticks.”

[posted by kris]

Despite the skepticism some have on this ‘green’ tree, I still think it’s worthy of a post. It’s a different take on the traditional idea of a tree, and there’s quite a few people who like that, not to mention the reusable aspect.
(more…)

These are intended for use in architectural models, but they can be used for many other applications.

Much better than any tissue box…

“When placed on top of a stack of tissues, this mountain-like dispenser creates the impression of plumes of smoke, billowing out from its hollow core. Translates as ‘volcano’ in Japanese.”

2.75″Ø x 1.5″H

Set of polished granite dumb bells by cheeky design group Big Game. Limited edition to 15 sets. Admittedly, these are a luxury item and well out of my price range, but sometimes it’s nice to see how the other 2% lives.