July 29, 2008

Shit Happens.

Shit Happens dog poo bags strike me as both hilarious and awesome at the same time. Hilarious because, well, who wants to think about dog poo ever let alone before 9:00 am. And awesome because they combine functional design (you don’t have to get too close to the actual poo) with great packaging (check out those color choices and type). A definitive two thumbs up for taking a product that is decidedly un-fun and making it just the opposite.

Their tagline? “Shit happens – just be prepared.” Couldn’t have said it any better myself.

:: via NOTCOT

Posted In grand design, packaging, pets
3
July 28, 2008

Ethnic Kettle Chips.

Kettle Chips are definitely some of the yummiest potatoes I’ve ever tasted. They’re super crunchy and you really have to take your time chewing, lest you impale the roof of your mouth with a jagged edge. Yeah, that kind of crunchy. You know what I’m talking about.

Recently Kettle Brand released their Ethnic Chips which boast some really beautiful packaging. A simple white bag with a belly band constructed out of kraft paper and printed with colorful, eye-popping inks. Really, really lovely design.




:: link via The Dieline

Posted In food, packaging
3
July 28, 2008

Basic Shapes Growth Chart.

It seems like every time the seasons change I have another friend popping out an addition to their family. There are lots of great baby gifts out there, but clothing only lasts a few months and toys a little longer. I like the idea of giving something that’s going to have a little more staying power.

Check out this growth chart that’s home to a family of animal characters created exclusively by combining the square, circle and triangle. It’s so well designed and better than the doorframe I had, that’s for sure. Available in blue, yellow, orange and green and printed on recycled paper using vegetable inks.

:: via Simple Lovely

Posted In kids
0
July 25, 2008

Hang On Outlet.

Thanks to designer Paula Oh we can all rid ourselves of Power Vampires. You know, those appliances and whatnot that suck electricity even when you’re not actually using them. Her Hang On Outlet encourage you to unplug the little money suckers when not in use by incorporating a notch to hook the plug onto. Gotta love that smart design!

:: via geeksugar

Posted In features, grand design, house and home, technology
3
July 24, 2008

The Daily Eat: Crab Dip.

I like the chef’s idea of pairing this easy crab dip with a bottle of wine and a baguette on a sunny afternoon. Preferably one involving a cool breeze, not 100ยบ temperatures which makes today less than ideal.

:: photo and recipe via Lazy Susin

Posted In recipes
3
July 24, 2008

Askinosie Chocolate.

What happens when a criminal defense lawyer is a chocoholic baker on the side? Askinosie Chocolate of course. In May 2005, Shawn Askinosie quit his day job and pursued chocolate making. (His story is a lot more interesting that that, but you’ll have to check it out for yourself!)

I love chocolate. But if it’s possible, I may love good packaging more. And this here is some very good packaging design. The earthy palette and materials feel very true to what Askinosie was originally out to accomplish – honest to goodness chocolate. Not something that been processed to there and back. Everything feels just rustic enough – like it came to you directly from the source.

Oh, and I bet the chocolate is pretty yummy!





Posted In food, packaging, web design
0
July 24, 2008

Furniturea.

Furniturea (fur-ni-chur-ah) designs, manufactures and sells contemporary wood furniture out of their Portland, Maine workshop. I love the clean lines and great palette options. Choose a style. Select one of their 22 standard colors. Or challenge them with a custom request.




Posted In furniture, house and home
2
July 23, 2008

Essential 1800.

1800 Tequila is currently featuring artwork by those they deem “essential artists.” Those creating the world’s most vital work at this very moment. The featured works are as diverse as the artists themselves, hailing from the world over and creating work which reflects not only their personalities, but their backgrounds as well. The art hasn’t been restricted to canvases either. Try pixels and street corners as well. On that same note, the artists’ creations will not only be shown in outdoor exhibitions, but also on limited edition 1800 bottles and custom-designed shoes. How’s that for thinking outside the box?





Posted In food, packaging
2