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Say hello to our new sponsor, Shades of Light. Out of their vast array of unique lighting, rugs, furniture, etc., this pendant stands out for its materials: it’s made from repurposed automotive rotors. Industrial simplicity is always nice to see, especially when reclaimed parts are involved.

75 watts (medium base socket).
(22″Hx10″W) (each piece is one of a kind so measurements are approximate)
5″ canopy

Time for an update: this breadboard has long been a favorite, not because I spend much time in the kitchen, but because it’s just so simple and lovely. There’s a lift-out perforated top so you can catch all the crumbs and dispose of them easily. Gift note: while this might not be a jump-out-of-your-seat kind of present, it certainly is a thoughtful and well crafted item.
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If you’ve been a loyal reader you’re no stranger to perpetual calendars; I’ve documented every decent one that I’ve come across. Here’s another one to add to the list, by none other than Enzo Mari for Nava. Change the plastic cards according to the day/date/month, year after year.

Size: 14.5″ W x 4.25″ H x 3″ D
Designer: Enzo Mari
Manufacturer: Nava

Here’s something new for the wall: Sprinkle Wall Hook from Naft Design. When not in use, they’d almost look more like wall art rather than hooks, especially as some interesting shadows would occur in the right light. The hook is sturdy too, as it’s made from bronze.

Designer: Jin Kuramoto

How about a pattern notebook set to brighten up this Thursday morning? Unfortunately for us in the States, this retail shop is over in the UK, but it sure has a great selection of stuff. This set of A6 notebooks, for starters, is designed by Brighton-based eco designers, Nineteenseventythree and can be purchased individually should you prefer (£ 3.75 each). The patterns are also available in gift wrap, if you can believe it. And, because I got sucked into the cute, you should too: check out the shark sleeping bag, frog and duck feet by Ruth Hawkins, all of which would make truly excellent baby gifts.

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Seeing as you cannot (and should not) carry around a real Magic 8 Ball in your pocket, briefcase, or purse, this pen will get you out of those moments of indecision with just a click. Need I stress that this pen is $7, and your hopes should not be too high as to the quality or longevity? If you’re in holiday shopping mode, make note: stocking stuffer.

The pen’s sayings:
Not For A Million Dollars; Dude, No Way; Hell Yeah! If You’re Lucky; It’s Unclear, Ask Again; Without A Doubt.

I like this guy’s design mantra: ‘eliminate ugly’. Tissue boxes rarely have decent decoration (if ever), and the quickest way to fix the problem is to cover the whole thing up with something like this cute silhouette. I’d recommend the white, of course, but it does come in a couple of other colors. Of course, there’s always the Kazan or Toro Tissue Ring as a super minimalist option.
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How’s this for a beautiful and classy mug? It may not replace your “Best Mom/Dad Ever mug”, but if you’re in the market for a new coffee-sipper this could do the trick. It has a similar charm to the Pantone mugs, but a closer inspection will reveal handmade qualities such as the glaze being hand dipped. Made in Japan and microwave and dishwasher safe.
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If you’ve looked up what wine goes with what food, only to find that there’s a ton of sites to sift through, hold up your hand. Now, use that same hand to add this tea towel to your wishlist, because it’s a heck of a lot handier to check a tea towel when you’re in the middle of preparing dinner than finding a sommelier online that knows what they’re talking about*. Available in red and white wine versions, each covering 68 popular wines and 56 different food entries.
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Upon closer inspection of this rug you might find yourself thinking of teddy bears, and the uncomfortable thought of ‘how many teddy bears had to die to make this thing?’ Not to fear, though, as the rug was made from the extra material left over from plush animal production. This up-cycling means you can now lie down on a carpet of cuddly teddy bear arms; it would be a nice refuge after a cruddy day, wouldn’t it? More colors available.
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These stacking vessels by Pia Wüstenberg are something else. It’s tempting to file them under ‘art’ instead of ‘vases’. Be prepared for a little sticker shock though, as piece is handmade and consists of three individual containers. See piadesign for more images showing how light filters through them; it’s simply lovely. One of these would make a very special gift.
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This type of thing seems unnecessary until you drop a cord behind your desk, only to spend five minutes retrieving it in the most unflattering position possible. It’s simple enough; the Sumo acts like a paperweight for your cables. It keeps them from slipping off the work surface with its weight and micro-suction pads. For $12, keep your dignity intact.
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Baskets aren’t normally something to fawn over, but the idea of a collapsible basket is certainly intriguing. When you need to corral anything from toys to towels, it’s a rather large (22″dia.x12″H) container, and when it’s empty it collapses to what seems to be an inch or two high. Just the size to store under the bed or sofa, or maybe even hang on the wall.

Handmade from iron with natural finish.
Indoor use only.

Your photos are meant to be shared and displayed, not stuck on your computer. If you’re having trouble deciding on how to print and frame your photos, Fracture has you covered by combining both processes. A ‘Fracture‘ is a digitally photograph printed directly to glass, providing an archival quality print as well creating a display frame. Upload your photo via the Fracture website and in 48 hours you’ll have a print on your door step, with all hardware included to hang it. Prices range from $8 for a 4 x 6” to  $35 for a 14 x 10”. I’d say that’s a pretty decent price for what you’re getting. Also, you can contact Fracture for custom sizes. I bet a wide panoramic landscape would look killer in this format. The prints are shatter-resistant (they’ll even replace it if it breaks!) and because the artwork is printed beneath the glass, it will never scratch. Visit Fracture for more information.
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Now, let’s not be hasty in calling each other dinnerware-obssessed nutcases (as referenced in the 24h Tuokio Tableware post). At times, it’s entirely appropriate to remember the name and pieces of certain collections, especially if they’re as graphic as this one. All pieces are dishwasher and microwave safe, so they’re appropriate for everyday use (thank goodness).
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