These laser-cut, cardboard animal puzzles were developed by Japan’s Aki Co., Ltd. through a 3-D manufacturing technique that allows the material to be divided and cut along three axes and reassembled. These adorable creatures, now available in a range of new color options, are part of a line of 3-D objects including mannequins, packaging, and interior furnishings.
The folks behind the New York City shop KioskKiosk have come up with a clever way to help support their favorite candidate for president. From now until Election Day, they are selling Obama re-election souvenirs in their shop and on their site, with all proceeds going to the Obama campaign. Those who prefer to volunteer their time are in luck, as the shop has opened up an “Obama Call Booth” during store hours, where you can earn credit for the items depending on how many calls you make urging folks to vote (10 calls gets a “We Shall Over Comb” comb, 15 calls gets a “Our Guy is Fly” glider, etc.). And if Obama doesn’t win, supporters can still console themselves drinking whisky from a glass with his face all over it, or by playing with the irreverent “Gawd Dam” Mitt paddle. KioskKiosk is open Monday to Saturday from 12-7 pm. 95 Spring Street, 2nd Floor, NYC.
While walking around this summer’s New York Gift Show, i spotted these colorful and glossy Bento Boxes. Handmade in Japan by Takenaka, these adorable containers have removable partitions and come in 13 colors and seven styles, making it easy to remember which one is yours when you have to run out the door in the morning. The color choice can also make sure one is only used for veggie dishes or kosher dishes, if so desired. Dishwasher and microwave safe.
The team at San Diego’s x.pollinate studio has upcycled discarded modeling basswood from architecture studios into custom-designed and lasercut dog tags that even the most picky perrito would be proud to wear. The tags are part of a line of products the studio has crafted from leftover materials, including lights from recycled lasercut cardboard and a spice rack made of reclaimed wood from local woodworking shops.
Sophie Davies is a designer living in the South East of Kent in England, where she makes minimal, modern jewelry for the wonderfully named Oh My Clumsy Heart. Her collections range from classic jewelry with a modern twist, to geometric designs, to her latest collection of geology-inspired pieces adorned with titanium quartz and pyrite. We asked Sophie a few questions about her work, and where she finds inspiration. Quartz Necklaces Designy Things: When did you start designing jewelry? Did you study jewelry design in school? Sophie Davies: I started making jewelry around 18 months ago. I wanted to make something I would buy and wear myself —minimal designs that are lovely to look at. Mostly everything I have learned has been self-taught. When I want to make something, and I don’t know how, I teach myself. I do, however, have a degree in Media and Popular Culture with a heavy focus on advertising, design, and branding — something that comes in very useful. D.T. Where do you source the stones from the geology line? S.D.: When I have decided on what …
For a clever pop-up shop concept in Tokyo, the Japanese design firm Nendo designed a library-like space where visitors could review “books” in nine different colors that correspond to a different espresso drink. Once a visitor finds a drink that they want, they would “check-in” the book for an actual espresso drink, but keep the “book” cover with info on their beverage. The reverse side of the book cover can be punched out and used as an insert for tall or short size tumblers. The shop only lasted for a few weeks in Tokyo in September…but perhaps we will see one popping up in another city soon?
