clampology

Speaking of variations on an old classic...Jorre van Ast has warp-sped your average hardware clamp into an entirely new dimension. His plastic pieces (which are called "Clampology" when referred to as a whole) may look like stick figure renderings for "The Nutcracker, " but are actually multifunctional tools that can do anything from serve as sleek book ends to provide an as-needed coat hook for all the minimalists living in walk-in closets. And when you short a fuse because of mistaking your electrical cord clamp for the dish towel one, you can use the candlestick clamp to light the rest of your way.

recyclism

A new type of design. Recyclism.com has updated a 70s classic. Pong! Or, as the new version is called, De Pong! The concept of the game hasn't changed, but it's location (and size) have. Outer surfaces of city structures have replaced the traditional monitor screen (via digital projection) and the difficulty level has been bumped up a few notches as windows, doors, etc. become new obstacles for the bouncing ball. Just imagine...Empire State Pong...Petronas Towers Pong...Pantheon Pong...

cup

This just feels right. What can I say? Steve Watson's Skase tea cup does a body good.

world map

Call me a nerd, but I've been looking for a decent world map for a while and it hasn't been easy. This is the best I could do. In fact, I think it's the best anyone could do. These things are stunning. Futuremaps calls them Equal Area Projection, which means the countries are in proportion to one another--a rare thing--and they come in three different styles/colors. Study them!



(sorry about the small pic, it's the best I could steal)

terrariums

Ok. Paula Hayes deserves some cred on this page. Done as part of a project called "Terrariums, Aquariums, and Dry Gardens," these living works have an appealing sensitivity and almost surreality to them. I don't know whether it's fair to call them cute, but I would like to rescue one from the pound and let it fall asleep on my lap.

pinhole camera kit

This kit allows you to enjoy all the artistic freedom of the homemade version minus the frustration of taping and spray painting the inside of a shoebox black only to find out it still leaks a ton of light. There are other models in existence, but this one is sleek and simple, and the packaging is pleasantly minimal. Visit the official site for more info.

friendly sporks

Remember those little wooden paddles that came with your vanilla ice cream for kindergarten Fridays? Well these bamboo sporks are like those, only better. They're eco-friendly and adorable, and the website says that you can throw them away...but why would you want to? If these had been packed in my elementary lunchbox, I would never have complained about the fruit leather and sloshy yogurt.

posties

There are some great posters (and other things) over at Soma Gallery.
The two below are by Craig Ward (top) and Hannah Telford (bottom).

who are these people?

Or more importantly, who is this photographer who has taken such rough subjects and turned them into something so beautiful? I'm in awe! I can't stop staring! All hail the Polaroid Kidd!

spare chair...

Called the Spair. Get it?
It's a collapsable seat that, when not in use, can be hung flat on the wall as a design element.
Just clever. And it's made by the people at & Made.

living stones

Smarin Design calls these plush pieces Living Stones.
Use them to pretend you're sleeping in a boulder field, or film elaborate gladiator scenes in your livingroom. You choose.

diy silverware

Some of the designs at 5.5 Designers are cool. Some are crazy. This one is both.

Blake Dollahite

Holy house!
Blake Dollahite's Austin "farmhouse" is perfect down to the very last detail. I don't know who he is, but I do know I wouldn't mind having him around. You know how I can tell? It's the blue sink.

grocery bags

Susan Bijl is cute and all, but I just can't bring myself to spend 28 bucks (+shipping) on a shopping bag. Enter Baggu. This mother and daughter team have dreamed up the simplest design in the greatest colors and have also--Gasp!--made them affordable. The bags are durable, stuffable, and come in eight colors ranging from fuchsia to olive. Plus they have great customer service.

Peter Marigold

Peter Marigold has the ability to create objects that are at once familiar and foreign. His designs are subtle and smart and make me feel the same way chemical-free toothpastes do--as if I should have been using them a long, long time ago.

more food fun

Oh, come on!
Why do I find out about things like this so far after the fact?

Amy Sedaris put on a radio-hosted craft challenge in which contestants transformed their food using googly eyes.
These are the results.

Keep posted for Oil & Ice's own versions.

animal forks

Some things just make me smile.
How in the hell do you eat with an 8-point buck?
Who cares! DaiSung KIM know how to design for fun.

toilet sink

This is beyond brilliant.
If I were a home owner, I'd have one in every bathroom.
If you are, you should.
The water is pre-bowl, so it's clean! Trust it!
"But won't I be forced to flush and rush?"
Nope. FAQ included for the non-believers.

Below is a handsome DIY version.