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Here’s a rather nice textured pendant to shed light in a corner or above a dining table.

Double Stray is a flexible white ceiling lamp inspired by the simplicity and translucence of Chinese paper lanterns. Packaged flat, the piece unfolds accordion-style to reveal an intricate moiré pattern. The name Double Stray is derived from the two overlapping line grids that serve as both the focal point of the lampshade’s visual style as well as the source of its structural integrity.

Tyvek with white hanging cord.
dia. 11.4″ x H 13.0″

$158.00, Buy it here.

This will take care of your valentine cards for 40 years, or cover your 40 different valentines…or maybe it’s just a good thing to have on hand throughout the year when you want a clever little way to say those three words on paper.

Whether you’re penning a romantic valentine or sending a note to a friend, this collection of 40 unique postcards will help you say “I love you” in a fresh, creative and clever way. Printed in China.

Size: 6.75″ L x 5″ W x 2.25″ H; 40 postcards

$12.00, Buy it here.

I heart this embroidered pillow- for the script on front, yes, and also for the embroidery on the back (click on link to see detail).

Our over-sized Fair & Square pillow is an embroidered cushion in Chinese hemp. The cushion’s deco-design was developed by FairTrade Designers with inspiration from traditional ethnic chinese embroidery and Danish embroidered tradition with the ‘Home Sweet Home’ cushion, which carries a message that signals personal values.

Available in collegiate lettering or script.
The back side of each pillow is brightly embroidered with the name & hand print of the person who made it.
24″ x 24″

$115.00, Buy it here.

Since today is the inauguration for our next president, I thought it only appropriate to post one of many, many items commemorating the event.

This oversized ballot was printed specifically for the old-fashioned, pull-lever voting machines used in New York City. These hulking gray machines have been in commission since 1962 and after 46 years of service, are slated to go into retirement this year. We are fortunate to have a limited number of these official, uncut, unused ballots. Sections of the ballot feature voting instructions and a full list of candidates and parties.

37″ x 45″ x 1.5″ D
estimated ship date January 30th.
$350.00, Buy it here.

While you might have to take out a small loan in order to own all of this collection, it’s certainly worth considering a piece or two.

highball glasses, set of 2, $195.00
whiskey glasses, set of 2, $200.00
wine glasses, set of 2, $270.00
whiskey bottle $275.00
champagne flutes, set of 2, $320.00
ice bucket $635.00

VerTerra specializes in eco-friendly single-use dinnerware and their signature collection (shown above) is a heck of a lot better looking than paper plates.

“Each piece is made from 100% renewable and compostable plant matter and water. No chemicals, waxes or dyes, like those found in disposable paper and plastic options. No harmful toxins that can leach into your food. No worrying. It’s also the most durable and versatile single-use product available; use it to reheat in the microwave, bake in the oven, or cool in the fridge.”

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After some sleuthing (and pdf downloading), I found out this foldable watering can is actually a topical re-design from the 1970s. Does that matter? Not really, but it’s floral and foldable, which makes it oddly intriguing. Go figure.

winner of the design plus award, this watering can is foldable for easy storage or colorful enough to hang on the wall when not in use.

measurements: 14″ 11 x 3 when open.

$18.50, Buy it here.

If you’re serious about losing some pounds, this scale might help with its fancy ‘bioelectrical analysis’…plus, if you’ve got to have a scale, you might as well have a futuristic (or old-school eighties) looking one, right?

With a digital readout over four inches tall, this body-analyzing scale measures several critical health metrics and displays them in numbers large enough to read without glasses. In addition to precise weight measurement in 0.2-lb. increments, the scale uses bioelectrical impedance analysis–a harmless electrical impulse–to calculate body fat percentage, body water, muscle mass, body mass index, and basal metabolic rate, providing important data that helps you maintain a healthy lifestyle…The scale’s memory stores data for up to 12 individuals. Rust-resistant stainless-steel platform has black mirror accents. 400-lb. capacity. Requires four AAA batteries.

1″ H x 11 3/4″ W x 11 3/4″ L

$99.95, Buy it here.

[via coolmaterial]

I think it’s appropriate to say we’ve come full circle, considering we can now purchase a more sophisticated version of a stone for multitasking in the kitchen.

Marie Garnier designed these beautiful sandstone Homo Sapiens that can be used as a knife sharpener, crushing or grinding stone (pestle).

2.75″ x 2″ x 6.5″h

For those of you who prefer to not grab a glass when thirsty, this contraption will make your life a little bit easier.

turns a faucet into a drinking fountain
easy to install, just slip it on
does not interfere with normal faucet use
use in kitchen or bathroom
fits faucets approximately .75″ diameter
plastic

1.5″w x 2.5″ d x 1.5″h

$3.95, Buy it here.

This lamp combines materials in a thoughtful, functional design that’s somehow new and vintage at the same time. I absolutely love it.

Update: Apologies, I didn’t catch that it’s available for preorder from DWR…thanks LYD.

“We have chosen honest materials that carry clear messages,” says Ilse Crawford, designer of the w084t Lamp (2008). “Iron for its feelings of stability, reliability and trust; wood with its warmth and life; and a glass, chalk and plastic blend for its intimate glow and tactility.” Even the fabric-covered cord was chosen for its familiarity, and along the stem, it remains visible by following a groove in the wood. It would be an understatement to say there is nothing slick about this lamp, and that’s exactly the point. A hands-on experience, the lamp swivels on a cast iron base that grinds a bit as the two plates slide against each other, and the arms are adjusted by turning wing nuts. The light source, however, is a new generation of low-heat halogen, which is energy efficient and dimmable.

H 23.5″ W 23.5″ D 5.25″
available 02-06-2009

$550.00, Buy it at DWR.

(or for £323.00, at twentytwentyone)

Here’s a porcelain and maple board that eases the transfer from cutting to pot or plate, though I might say the Rinse and Chop Board seems to do the same with the extra added function of draining.

Cut & Paste is a useful design by Klaus Hackl. Simply cut, slide and pour! Porcelain maple.

Dimensions: 11.25″l x 5.75″ x 2.25″h

$70.00, Buy it here.

This is a beautiful table lamp…one of those items to put on the ‘when-I-can-afford-it’ wish list.

Table lamp composed of a satin ribbon that envelops a delicate black metal frame. Dress is a dynamic garment that expresses both solidity and transparency, the elegant personality of a garment dressed in light.

Manufactured by Fambuena.
Small: 10 3/4h x 8w, 60w bulb, $463.50
Medium: 17 3/4h x 15w, 150w bulb, $1,012.50
Buy it here.

If you’ve ever tried stacking bottles in the refrigerator, you know how handy these would be. Even outside the fridge, it’d make for a very inexpensive wine rack solution.

You can use a single wedge for stacking against a wall, or a pair of wedges to create a sturdy pyramid of bottles or cans. Think of it as a virtually invisible wine rack. With just two Wine Wedges you can safely stack 6 wine bottles or 10 beer bottles. Wine Wedges also work on wire rack fridge shelves…Wine Wedges are precision-engineered from high-quality rubber and their sloping edges have been specifically designed to secure curvy objects.

Each Wedge approximately – 0¾”(H) x 1½”(W) x 6″(D)
Comes as a pair

$9.95, Buy it here.

Nani Marquina has an excellent selection of floor coverings, and luckily right now you can get 20% off this one from DWR (Rug and Upholstery sale through January 27, 2009). Update: Sale over.

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