All it takes is imagination to redesign something that’s been taken for granted, like say a stick of chalk. Nikolas Bentel is ridiculously creative (he’s currently a resident at the New Museum design incubator program NEW INC.) and also ridiculously nice (I spent some time with him at ICFF last May). His ingenious Chalk Drawers are architectural drawing toys made of chalk, designed to create original patterns that are geometrically precise. The three drawers are designed to make dots, circles, or straight lines to give the user tools to create the three fundamental building blocks of drawing.
Half of November is gone already, so if you include an advent calendar in your holiday traditions it’s time to start thinking about this year’s. Here are 25 you can buy or DIY – no judgement either way! The Tree Advent Calendar is what we’ll be using to countdown the days in my home this December.
I’ve admired Haptic Lab for years, but after having the chance to meet Emily Fischer a few weeks ago and see her latest creation in person I might be classified as a fangirl. The Flying Martha Ornithopter is a flying machine that uses a flapping wing motion to fly, just like a real bird. The simple mechanical toy powered by a rubber band is named after the last passenger pigeon, Martha, who died in captivity at the Cincinnati Zoo in 1914. To make Martha take flight, simply wind up the bird and gently release like a paper airplane. (She also makes a charming companion when displayed in your home.)
1/ Birthday Box: Twenty Birthday Cards
This box of twenty birthday cards created by five different artists has saved my butt not once, but twice this month alone. Every single one is gorgeous and printed on thick paper stock, so it won’t look like you forgot to pick up a card.
3/ Petit Collage 5pc Mealtime Set (Dinosaurs)
Petit Collage offers the best modern designed children’s toys and decor, and it’s al sustainably made. I picked up a few things for two of my cousins’ birthdays this month, including this mealtime set. Get 15% off your purchase with code DESIGNCRUSH.
4/ Kristen Ess The One Signature Shampoo and Conditioner
I took some travel sizes of these along when I had to travel last month and really fell in love with the way they made my hair feel. The scent is more powerful than most hair products I’ve tried, but I don’t dislike it and feel like it helps cover any second day hair smell.
5/ MyChelle Lip Hints
These conditioning lip balms have been valuable players in keeping my dry winter lips moisturized. The light tints are a nice added bonus.
6/ Sqwishful Pop Up Sponges
These guys are 100% renewable plant-based, 100% biodegradable, and compressed to reduce their carbon footprint. And they come in a fun shape.
7/ Striped Knit Crop Jumpsuit
Wish you could wear your pajamas all day? Get this jumpsuit. Not only does it make you look super pulled together, but I guarantee lots of compliments will follow. (Note: I’m 5’2″ and it fits to my ankles, not cropped.)
What kind of stockings did you grow up with as a kid? Mine was the red felt kind that you can still buy literally anywhere, with my name written on the white part in glitter. I loved it and it still hangs at my Mom’s house every Christmas! Stockings are my favorite part of gift opening, so I thought it apt to do a Buy or DIY post dedicated to this very special holiday tradition.
