momento mori |

My Embroidery Kit by Lisa Grue

Published by designy things

Embroidery. The word conjures up the vision of wall hangings in the hallway of your grandmother’s house and delicate handkerchiefs that seem too nice for blowing your nose. Or, in the case of a new embroidery kit from designer Lisa Grue, a grinning skull that cheekily reminds you that “Shit Happens”. Created by Danish graphic designer and artist Lisa Grue, the collection is based on the concept of Memento Mori — the idea that we must remember our mortality and pause once in a while to enjoy life. The modern embroidery kit contains everything you need to create a piece of quirky decor in the same stress-releasing, meditative way that has been done for centuries. You can pick one up for yourself, and your hippest grandma, from Grue’s web shop in June.

Mr Jones Watches

Published by designy things

With clocks displayed on our cell phones, computers, and even on screens in the subway, no one really needs a wristwatch anymore. This doesn’t bother London-based artist/designer Crispin Jones however. His line, Mr Jones Watches, is about the concept of time. More than just another pretty line of jewelry, these pieces remind you that time is fleeting, help you to make split decisions, and give new meaning to the hours that make up our lives. In the ancient tradition of the memento mori (items intended to remind us of our mortality), Jones collaborated with comedian William Andrews to create The Last Laugh, a smiling skull where the time is displayed on the teeth (the gold teeth give it a bit of a Live and Let Die vibe). The Accurate watch literally reminds you to “remember” (on the hour hand) that “you will die” (on the minute hand). Morbid? For some perhaps. But for those that always catch themselves getting too worked up over the small stuff, this is a fantastic way to remember to keep your priorities straight. …