bltd

In this day and age of never ending cords for our multiple gadgets and their myriad functions, it's nice to see a charger camouflaged in an old book. Yes, for true (sentimental) bibliophiles, it hurts a tiny bit to know that a book has been put out to pasture, but it's certainly a relief to know it's not been chucked into some landfill, and it's doing a different job altogether....Read more

Do you recognize a certain designer's hand in the design of this mortar and pestle? Perhaps if you note the rounded forms... similar to the iconic Ball and Bubble Chair? Yep, it's Eero Aarnio. Alessi has made the Aroma Mortar and Pestle in stoneware, with a notable thick body and a cylindrical pedestal. The Pestle features a round handle (= comfortable) and an oval pestle (which keeps it from rolling...Read more

Designer Brendan Ravenhill makes a third appearance on BLTD with his newly released Wall Clamp. We previously featured his fabulous Facet Lamps and Cord Lamp, and we're excited to see he's continuing an industrial theme with this pair of shelving brackets. Inspired by the functional beauty of working tools, these brackets have nothing to hide in their appearance, and work exactly you expect them to work; mount them on your...Read more

TBD: SPARKED The microvolunteering network. How many slaves work for you? (via @brainpicker and Fast Company) Steal Like an Artist: Austin Kleon on Combinatorial Creativity GOOD: When Science and Religion Mix Just Fine The Economics of Urban Trees (via @aarieff) Really old finger painting: Prehistoric cave etchings 'created by three-year-olds' (via ARTINFO) SocialGift.com (via swissmiss) The 99 Percent: What Daily Meditation Can Do for Your Creativity Funny how 'good sense'...Read more

Add this to your desktop tools wish list pronto (along with the Eraser Brush). It's a ruler and bookmark all in one, which makes it perfect for planners or journals. Make note that this is marked with mm and 1:500 scale, as you'll not find your usual inch markings. -Laser engraved clip -Measures 10cm long and is marked with mm and 1:500 scale....Read more

Hrm. After the recent Urban Outfitters debacle (you know the one), it's a bit hazy as to whether one should patronize the shop, yet it's unavoidable to feature this lamp by none other than Rich Brilliant Willing. You know they did some store fixtures (via designboom), but actual exclusive lighting at a price point under $100? I had no idea. Perhaps the Lamp is a bit more successful than the...Read more

If you're handy enough with a sewing machine (or needle and thread) you could whip one of these up in no time, but for anyone else that would prefer immediate gratification, these cloud pillows by Donna Wilson are slightly on sale from Tate Online Shop. Also, if you're into the whole cloud shaped pillow thing, check out the super cute Giant Ricestorm Cushion from noodoll (it has a tiny lightning...Read more

Yep, this isn't the first you've seen of the Plumen Lightbulb, as we've posted it before, but it's now on sale over at Fab.com*: $30 for one or a set of four for $98 (regular retail of $120). *If you've not heard of it, Fab.com is an invite-based site, fyi....Read more

If you're dismayed at the thought of $48 for each Neutra Number, perhaps you'll welcome this 'Neutra Font' alternative from Modern Dwell Numbers. Starting at $21.99 per number (and $25.99 per letter), it's similar in style/look, yet significantly less money out of your wallet. Choose between 4", 6", 8", 12", 16", and 24" tall (prices increase as numbers/letters get higher, fyi). -Each modern house number is made from recycled 3/8"...Read more

Highlight those presentation notes without bleeding through the page, and minus the fumes. The Eco Highighter Yellow is a dry alternative to highlighter markers. I have a feeling a plain yellow colored pencil would work too, but this one does have eco-cred; it uses no ink solvents, no volatile organic compounds, and is fully biodegradable....Read more

Smart! These handlebars have an integrated basket, meaning less rattling as you're out and about. Made from sturdy aluminum tubing, this mounts just like a normal handlebar (removable faceplate stem required) and can hold up to 60 lbs. For those of you in Europe, the Bike Porter (available through flow berlin, € 135) is in a similar vein. 648mm wide Also available from bikesomewhere.com, $60.00, and mybikepro.com, $60.00....Read more

So, take a look at this vintage inspired task lamp. Industrial and quite authentic looking, isn't it? Thankfully, there's no worries as to old wires and faulty electrics, as this baby is brand new. Three swivel ball joints allows for proper lighting while the heavy stone base keeps things stable. Stone Base Measures 12.7 x 10 x 6.3 cm/5 x 4 x 2.5 in Metal Lamp Measures 91 cm/36 in...Read more

Give the gift of flowers, freshly printed flowers, that is. Designed by Sandra Bautista, Fresh Flowers is a 32 page newspaper with flowers replacing headlines. It would be a good gift for someone who has an appreciation for art and design, and definitely less tacky than plastic flowers. I personally would forgo the vase and dedicate a place on the wall for these and rotate in a new print every...Read more

This rug needs Also sprach Zarathustra, Op.30 to accompany each new viewing. It's a moon rug, so therefore I'm obligated to wax poetic nonsense regardless of whether you or I can afford it (if I could afford it, I would pretend I was an astronaut every single day). Interestingly enough, it's actually a re-edition from the '80s that comes from Oscar Tusquets' La Tierra and La Luna rugs. Photographic techniques...Read more

Bring out that inner geometry teacher in you with these neat graph stamps. These are indeed the real-deal and are actual teaching tools, but if you're like me, you'll be using these for crafts projects instead of graphing inverse trigonometric functions. Specifications: Comes in a set of three; two rectangular coordinate stamps, one polar coordinate stamp. Each block measures 3x3''...Read more