Month: November 2011

Cardboard Christmas Trees

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As I’m heading to London next month, I’m excited to learn that London’s Design Museum has commissioned former Designer in Residence Giles Miller to design a custom six meter tall cardboard Christmas tree, possibly the tallest in the world, to hang in the museum’s public atrium. Going up on December 2nd, the tree is made of 3,600 individually cut and handmade pieces, resulting in a swirl of three fans of card that will cascade in a spiral like form. It will be adorned with woodland animals, including foxes and squirrels designed by illustrator Daniel Heath. Miller has also produced a range of smaller cardboard Christmas trees, shown here, which will be sold exclusively at the Design Museum Shop. The limited edition trees will sell for £25 (small) and £40 (medium).

Spiderpodium

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Warning: This post is not for arachnophobics. The Spiderpodium from Breffo is a multifunctional travel accessory that works as both a holster and a stand. Available in a handheld or tablet size, this adjustable little guy features eight notched “legs” that allow it to hang from (or be secured to) a car mirror, car seat back, bicycle frame, desk, or other surface. While it can seem a bit creepy-crawly, it also looks like it’s very practical at keeping your device exactly where you need it to be. I just wouldn’t recommend renting a certain Jeff Daniels film while it’s around. Designed and manufactured in the U.K., Spiderpodium is made of soft rubber and comes in either black or white. $19.99 USD.

Animal Boxes

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These hinged Animal Boxes by American designer Karl Zahn for Areaware can work as a toy, treasure box, sculpture, or lucky charm. Made from sustainably harvested, new-growth Beech wood, the line includes a Bull, Rhino, Whale, Llama, Walrus, and Polar Bear to represent “power animals” or totems. Native American, Chinese, and other cultures associate certain animals with symbolic meaning; one could represent wisdom or creativity, for example. As a working mother, I’m going to go with the llama, as they are beasts of burden known for their endurance. Available in the U.K. from the British design house SCP  and in the U.S. through Areaware.

D’E-Light Lamp by Philippe Starck

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In addition to being an awesome ’90s house band, D’E-Light is a new task lamp from the Italian lighting manufacturer Flos that houses a USB socket above the light diffuser to charge and display an iPod, iPad, or iPhone. By combining a charger with a high-efficiency, polished aluminum lamp, designer Philippe Starck helps clean up the desktop and bedside surface areas that are getting a bit crowded these days with electronics. Retailing for $396 USD, D’E-Light will be available next month in limited quantities in the United States through the company’s New York City showroom at 152 Greene Street.

Brinca Dada Blocks

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These irregular, sculptural blocks from New York-based Brinca Dada are hand-carved from teak hardwood. According to Brinca Dada founder and CEO Doug Rollins, the blocks aren’t meant to be used in just one way but are “a puzzle with infinite solutions.” What I like, is that this means the set will still work even if you lose a piece or two (which happens constantly with small kids). Better yet, it’s not something that kids (or parents) will get bored with easily. Ideal for aspiring architects and artists of all ages, the sets are available at the Brinca Dada site for $59.00 USD.