September 24, 2007

Sushi-Rolling Machine.

Sushi is a big time weakness of mine. I could eat it once a day, every day. I’ve been in the process of learning how to make the little rolls of goodness myself and getting the roll to be tight enough is where the biggest problem lies. Well, that and getting the right stickiness of the rice.

Last week my prayers were answered – in the form of a toy no less. Check out this sushi-rolling machine by toy manufacturer Bandai Namco. It’s so simple – just put in seaweed, rice and the ingredients of your choice, turn the lever and you have sushi. It’s that easy.

Now I think I need to go and have a sushi party.

(Tokyo Mango)

Posted In kitchen
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September 24, 2007

Red Maloo Laptop Sleeves.

I adore these stylish and functional industrial grade wool felt Red Maloo laptop sleeves. Stylish because, well, just look at them. And functional because they not only act as Protector of Your Baby, but also as a mousepad when you unfold the sleeve. We can all thank designers Katja Hettler and Jula Tüllmann for their genius handmade idea. Currently they’re available in blue, grey, khaki, lime, magenta, orange, red and pink.

Posted In technology
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September 21, 2007

EmmaRose Papery.

It’s always reassuring to come across ex-advertisers and graphic designers who are only exes because they’ve found their true calling career-wise. These are people who I am in awe of. And I’d be lying if I said I weren’t the tiniest bit envious.

The latest case I’ve found is EmmaRose Papery, started by Eszter Rabin in 2005. Originally an ad girl, Eszter now spends her days creating custom-designed wedding invitations, stationery and cards. Seems like the thought of having a complete and comprehensive “campaign” followed with her collections of invitations, menus, table cards, etc.



Posted In invitations, paper goods
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September 21, 2007

Dollhouse Madness.

When I was a kid I wasn’t that into dolls – art and books were more for me. But these I would have loved. They’re both so clean and fun and a great way to bring out the inner architect in your child. Don’t laugh! I’ve managed to hang on to a sketchbook of house designs I drew up when I was 10.
Modular Contemporary Dollhouse.
Anna Pfeiffer, an architect, and Ulrike Rumpenhors, an artist, managed to create and entirely modular dollhouse. There are even choices involved: three different room sizes, 4 wall colors and a set of stairs. They also offer a Suitcase Kit – wooden box that comes with two small rooms, a medium size room, a salon and stairs. They also offer modern furniture for decorating as well as dolls to live there. You can pick up your own at Hase Weiss, a Berlin-based kids toy and furniture company. (Thanks, Nesting!)

Constantine Dollhouse.
Designer Jeanette Domeisen went a different route with her Constantine Dollhouse design. Slightly more simplistic, but equally imaginative. The houses are handmade with plywood and Unica wallpaper. You can even make special color requests. They’re up for grabs at Kidsmodern.

Posted In kids
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September 20, 2007

Eco-Friendly Wooden Cards.

Well, technically postcards. These eco-friendly wooden cards from Night Owl Paper Goods are beautiful and such a novel idea. The postcards are a product of sustainable-yield forest management. The wood is cut thin and very little power and no water are used in the process. According to Night Owl, the wood grain varies from card to card, creating something that’s one of kind for every print. The earthy colors used add to the eco-friendly feel very nicely. I’d love to come home to one of these waiting for me in the mailbox.

Besides their awesome wooden cards, they’ve got a nicely-designed site working for them. Love the little owls in the logo!

Posted In cards, paper goods, web design
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September 20, 2007

Chiasso Fruit Stack.

Fall = Apples.
It’s as simple as that.

This Fruit Stack by Chiasso would be perfect to store my favorite Pink Lady apples. The vertical design allows the fruit to ripen without bruising and – my favorite part – doesn’t take up as much space as your average fruit bowl. i generally just put all of my fruit in the fridge, but this would be a great excuse to put it out on display.

Posted In grand design, kitchen
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September 20, 2007

The London Design Festival.

This would make for an incredible Thursday. Or any other day for that matter.

The London Design Festival is in its fifth year and fast becoming a solid fixture on the creative calendar. The Festival boasts over 200 projects and audiences of 300,000. It’s serves as an umbrella by working in partnership with a network of organizations and individuals – from museums and retailers, to educational institutes, creative businesses, trade shows, magazines, designers and cities. The Festival aims to mirror the unique eclecticism that the city of London eminates.

Pentagram is responsible for the identity of the Festival and did an incredible job with the branding and design.

Posted In graphic design, travel
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September 20, 2007

Yellena.

Etsy would not be what it is were it not for shops like Yellena. Run by an artist/graphic designer who lives on the Central Oregon Coast, Yellena purveys beautiful, vibrant, almost other-worldly illustrations of flowers and plant life. I love the way the artist makes something so bright and original feel so organic and fluid.

Posted In create, illustration
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September 20, 2007

Clay-Pot.

I’m such a jewelry junkie.

Clay-Pot is a neighborhood staple in Park Slope, but it’s also a nationally recognized source for America’s premier jewelry designers. Seventy-five different artists represent a incredible range of styles. Along with incredible every day pieces, Clap-Pot also offers engagement rings and wedding bands (no worries, there are two certified diamond specialists to help you out).

Clockwise from top Left: Melissa Joy Manning – White Gold Wishbone Earrings $115, HINU – Large Disc Pendant $100, Jane Hollinger – Coco Necklace $100, Dana Kellin – Small Wrap Blue Topaz Earrings $150, Becky Kelso – Rosecut Aquamarine Sterling SIlver Ring $252

Posted In jewelry, wear it
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