Soul Sanctuary

Dumb Fun for the Holidays. Cheap Gifts Guaranteed to get a Giggle.

2011-12-03T00:00:00.000-08:00

I know not everyone loves a gag gift or novelty gift. But for those who do, you need not look further than Stupid.com.

Wellies, Cowboy Boot & Suede Ugg stockings
Why hang the typical Christmas stockings on the mantel when you can personalize the tradition with either Wellies, Cowboy Boots or Suede Uggs instead? These 'stockings' are great for the Seattlean (or Brit), The Two-stepper or the trendy Los Angeleno:

Made of sturdy and high quality fabric these stylish Christmas Boot Stockings measure approx. 19" tall x 15" wide. $14.99 each. Buy them here

"I Still Have The Receipt" Bow and Ribbon
Did you take a risk with that gift? Are you fairly certain the recipient will be disappointed? Then spare them embarrassment by wrapping it with these ribbons and bows on which are printed "I still have the receipt."

$3.99 buy them here

Glitter Bacon Ornament
What Christmas Tree would be complete without a sparkly glitter Bacon ornament? For the pork-lover in your life:

$15.99, buy it here

Jeez-its Sticky Notes
Nothing like a religious reminder to keep you organized. The Jeez-its Sticky Notes come in a colorful little book and ask WWJD?

$6.49, buy them here

Hanukkah Candy Canes
Everyone likes Candy canes (even us Jews), so here's some Chanukah Canes:

The Hanukkah Candy Canes are peppermint flavored and $7.95 a box, buy them here

Bacon Candy Canes
And some for the decidedly Non-Kosher crowd... Bacon Flavored Candy Canes!

$7.49 a box, buy them here

Pooping Moose Christmas Sweaters
Holiday Sweaters are awful to begin with, so why not just go for it and rock the Pooping Moose Holiday Sweaters?

On sale right now for $27.99, buy them here

Santa Claus Beard Beanie
Keep your head and your face warm with the wool and acrylic knit santa hat complete with beard and stache:

$29.99, buy it here

Stupid.com carries tons of other stocking stuffers and holiday gifts, be sure to check them out.

Beth Katleman's Folly. Three Dimensional Ceramic Toile Wallpaper Installations.

2011-12-02T00:00:00.001-08:00

“Folly” is a three-dimensional rendering of traditional Toile de Jouy wallpaper by artist Beth Katleman. On close inspection, the elegant, Asian-inspired pavilions that comprise the landscape of “Folly” are populated with kitschy figures, cast in ceramic, from popular culture.

The artist created 12 separate installations of Folly, the first of which sold for $200,000 through Todd Merrill Studio Contemporary to a private Australian collector in 2010.

As Katleman, shown above in front of one of her Folly installations, explains:
“I have long been fascinated by Toile de Jouy, the printed fabrics that drape the walls and beds of 18th century France. Peasants cavort in bucolic landscapes decked out with flowers, all in the shadow of classical ruins. There is something surreal about these scenes, which float, disembodied in a world without gravity. I love the contrast between the ornate sensuality and frivolity of the scenes, and the incongruous setting. Often the 2nd and 3rd generation knock‐offs catch my eye, especially those that project a sense of optimism, as though they long for a grander existence”

In Miami, Folly was installed on a Royal blue painted wall instead of the Wedgewood blue seen at both the Greenwich House's Jane Hartsook Gallery and Todd Merill Studio Contemporary.

"Folly" has received recent coverage in The New York Times, The Art Economist, The Art Newspaper, Ceramics Art and Perception, France’s La Tribune, Shanghai’s Grand Design and Taiwan’s Cacao. “Folly” was exhibited at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York in the Fall of 2011 and will be on view at The National Trust in the U.K at Claydon House in 2012.

Materials: Porcelain, wire, steel rods and heat-shrink tubing
Dimensions: 192" W x 108" H x 11"D (487cm W x 274cm H x 28cm )

images and info courtesy of Jane Hartsook Gallery, Todd Merill Studio Contemporary and Go Ceramics!

Sound You Can See. Transparent Speakers From People People of Stockholm.

2011-12-02T00:00:00.000-08:00

A well established definition of sustainability is to satisfy the needs of people, planet and profit. This speaker design by Stockholm design group People People tries to accomplish exactly that.

The transparent design lets the speaker blend in to any living room out there. The size can be big enough to offer a good sound quality, yet the speaker takes little visible space. The box is transparent, but the sound creating components are clearly emphasized.

The speakers come with a small rechargeable WiFi antenna that plugs into any headphone socket. It can plug in to any computer, music player or smart phone out there. It will also work for old stereos or vinyl equipment. The aim is to set the music free regardless where it’s stored.

The speaker is then assembled at home, IKEA style. This also means that the components that breaks first (the rubber ring and the speaker cone) can be easily replaced, keeping the product away from any landfill.

Being big is good for sound quality, but not so good for shipping. Any other speaker will ship a lot of air around the globe before ending up in your living room. This speaker ships in a small, flat package that goes in through your mailbox. The glass sheets making up the box is being ordered through the glass repair shop closest to every single customer. In that way the speaker reduces shipping with up to 90%, and supports local handicraft in one go. A very economical and ecological solution.

all information and images courtesy of people people

The speaker is still under development, and not available for purchase yet. If you are interested you can drop a mail to speaker@peoplepeople.se and we will keep you posted on the progress.

People People

Hairvetica. Pubic Hair Alphabet & Other Wild Type Designs by Vladimir Koncar.

2011-12-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

Condoms, pubic hair, cigarette butts, raw meat, pills, Gummi Bears, beer caps, cactus, four leaf clovers and more are used to comprise complete alphabets in a typography project by Croation designer Vladimir Koncar.

Diary Type is a personal typographic diary that Vladimir started as a experiment in 2007. He collects various objects and from them form the letters of the alphabet. With those letters he writes his thoughts down and they are a symbolic link between the font and the reflections.

Hairvetica- an alphabet designed from actual pubic hair (whose? I do not know):

Condom Alphabet:

Cigarette Butt Alphabet:

Pill Alphabet:

Raw Meat Alphabet:

Gummi Bear Alphabet:

Beer Cap Alphabet:

Cactus Alphabet:

Four Leaf Clover Alphabet:

Vladimir Koncar:

All images used with express permission from Valdimir Koncar.

To see his alphabets made of soil, paper clips, daffodils, beans, teabags and toothpicks, check out his site.

Furniture Made from Reindeer Parts (apologies to Rudolph).

2011-11-30T00:00:00.000-08:00

The "A Part from Reindeer" collection by Thailand's Anon Pairot Design Studio are unique furniture designs which incorporate the body parts from reindeer. No, real reindeer were not killed for this project, but instead fiberglass casts of reindeer parts were painted either antique gold or black and made into the limited collection of benches and seats, which are available for purchase.

The pieces are able to withstand the elements so they can be placed indoors or outside. Anon Pairot can also customize the pieces with engraving upon request.

A Part from Reindeer #1:

On display:

A Part from Reindeer # 02 - $3,199.00 (USD):

A Part from Reindeer # 03 - $4,199.00 (USD):

close-up details:

A Part from Reindeer # 04 - $4,799.00 (USD):

on display:

A Part from Reindeer # 05 - $2,499.00 (USD):

A Part from Reindeer # 06 - $1,999.00 (USD):

On display:

Materials: glass reinforced polyester, colored gold antique or black
Period: 2009-2011
Designer: Anon Pairot
Dimensions: each piece varies
Location: Bangkok

Anon Pairot's Statement about the A Part Collection:
Nowadays we are living with things full with counterfeit things, sex transforming, plastic surgery, artificial nature, richest cosmetic make-up, a man able to transform to woman, a woman affix to become a man, house is not a home, building is not just an architecture, endeavor of aroma developing beyond than its natural existed till do not know its merit. It seems to be that human is looking for maximum perfection of their life and love.

Nevertheless, pre-known of perfection should be recognize should be recognize after understanding in imperfection.

Do we need the most beautiful thing from our boundless desire? Do we try to set value of maximum beautiful to set value of maximum beautiful of the finest thing by its excess price; it does not mean that costly things reflect its owner great taste? Luxury may reflect bad taste.

Thus, Does people looking for finest material super furniture, super functional, someone’s predicted trend in modern world, best proportion which defined by small group of people?

A part exhibition is not answering all those questions. Now, question we want audiences to find the answer from their mind. However, it seems to be an undone design. Be just a thing from something we naively integrated. Be embellished from different things or inexistence combination way of these things.

Things from history, ancient are just an obsolete object we should praise or be tools for us to recreate new things from them. This project attempt to make it seems undesigned, fearless and most innocent understandable design.

Finally, a part which is done by human will not be just “a part”. Furthermore, Will a part be just a part? Does existence of our finished work available? Our dreamt beautiful life has its programmed path or just need to follow the existed social, norm, culture civilization?

Intended of “a part” exhibition is pass forward goodness message to the others more than just the best furniture design.

The pieces #2- #6 can be purchased (free shipping worldwide) from their facebook page. For pricing and availability on A Part from Reindeer #1, contact Detnk

Anon.Pairot Design Studio
Lumpini Place Narathiwat-Chaophraya. Block C, 1103
78/968 Rama III road, Chong Nonsi
10120 Yannawa
Thailand

If you like these, you'll enjoy similar work such as Julia Lohmann's Leather Bovine Benches:

and Maximo Riero's Animal Chairs:

The $13,500 Orgasm. Lelo Introduces 24 Karat Gold Plated Pleasures for Both Sexes.

2011-11-29T00:00:00.000-08:00

If luxury turns you on, the Luxe editions of pleasure objects for men and women from Swedish-based LELO are just the thing to get your juices flowing. Four sex toys available in Gold (24k gold plate) or Silver (stainless steel) are the first of their kind ever on the market.

Packaged in luxurious velvet-lined wooden boxes printed with "Lust Objectified" inside the lid, the Inez vibrator, the YVA pleasure object, the Earl plug, and the Olga dildo are the most exclusive ways to pleasure oneself or someone else.

INEZ - The Most Exclusive Vibrator Ever Created

In Silver (stainless steel):

INEZ is an elegant and luxurious pleasure object with an energetic buzz, crafted in stainless steel or 24K gold-plate. The metal, enticing and evocative against the naked skin, offers exciting prospects for users inclined to the sensual utilisation of hot or cold. Five pre-programmed stimulation modes and a virtually silent vibrator engine provide the basis for a multitude of enjoyable experiences. Her petite frame ensures discreet yet reassuring company, eager to sate daily desires. INEZ is rechargeable and a 2-hour charge provides up to 4 hours of bliss. Comes presented in an elegant wooden gift box, accessorised with charger, manual, satin pouch for stylish storage and a 1-year LELO warranty.

Gold (24k plated) $13,500 USD
Silver (Stainless Steel) $7,900 USD

YVA - The First Ever LELO Pleasure Object in 24-Karat Gold Plate

in Silver (stainless steel):

YVA is an elegant and luxurious pleasure object, crafted in stainless steel or 24K gold plate, with a deep and resonant vibe. The metal, enticing and evocative against the naked skin, offers exciting prospects for users inclined to the sensual utilisation of hot or cold. Bring her as a discreet guest to the most exclusive gatherings; she is small, exceedingly quiet and never in danger of outstaying her welcome. YVA is rechargeable and a 2-hour charge provides up to 7 hours of bliss. Comes presented in an elegant wooden gift box, accessorised with charger, manual, satin pouch for stylish storage and a 1-year LELO warranty.

Gold (24k plated) $2180 USD
Silver (Stainless Steel) $1300 USD

OLGA - The Luxury Dildo in 24-Karat Gold Plate

In Silver (stainless steel):

OLGA is an elegant and luxurious pleasure object, crafted in stainless steel or 24K gold plate. The metal, enticing and evocative against the naked skin, offers exciting prospects for users inclined to the sensual utilisation of hot or cold. With one end precisely designed to reach and stimulate the G-spot area, and the other fashioned for conventional erotic stimulation, she is truly a lady to be reckoned with. For the most sustained and creative enjoyment, use her in joint play with YVA to combine clitoral pleasure and intense sensations. Beautifully smooth and seamless, OLGA is a joy to the eye as well as the body, and her two individually crafted ends allow a varied experience and a fuller exploration of the user desires. Comes presented in an elegant wooden gift box, accessorised with manual, satin pouch for stylish storage and a 1-year LELO warranty.

Gold (24k plated) $1790 USD
Silver (Stainless Steel) $390 USD

EARL - The Most Distinguished Gentleman's Plug in the World

In Silver (stainless steel):

EARL is an elegant and luxurious gentleman's pleasure object, elegantly sculpted to provide exquisite tension and profound pleasure, crafted in stainless steel or 24K gold plate. The metal, enticing and evocative against the naked skin, offers exciting prospects for users inclined to the sensual utilisation of hot or cold. As a gentleman's plug for deep internal stimulation, including male G-spot massage, he helps the user sustain sensation and reach a new intensity of release. Hygienic, stylish and ready for play, he is smooth and designed with a ring for full control of the sensual experience. Use EARL as you wish, whether it be with a partner for added enjoyment or as a secret companion, worn discreetly. Comes presented in an elegant wooden gift box, accessorised with matching cufflinks, manual, satin pouch for stylish storage and a 1-year LELO warranty.

Gold (24k plated) $1190 USD
Silver (Stainless Steel) $590 USD

Buy the Luxe Pleasure Products here at LELO.
all images and descriptions courtesy of Lelo

Nick Gentry Puts Obsolete Technology, Floppies, To Good - And Artistic - Use.

2011-11-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

above: Next Generation by Nick Gentry (detail), floppy disks, acrylic paint, mixed media mounted on wood.

Nick Gentry is a British artist from London whose majority of his artistic output has been generated with the use of contributed artifacts and materials.

above: Contemporary artist Nicholas James Gentry (image courtesy of Miami New Times)

He states that through this process "contributor, artist and viewer come closer together." His art is influenced by the development of consumerism, technology and cyber culture in society, with a distinctive focus on obsolete media.

above: Constructed MemoryScape (full and detail), 2011, Mixed paint and used computer disks on wood, 84cm x 90cm

Best known for his floppy disk paintings, which combine the now obsolete tech storage with acrylic paints, metallic leaf and mixed media mounted on wood, Nick places an emphasis on recycling and the reuse of personal objects as a central theme.

Life Story:

below: Life Story (detail)

Index:

Elements of Existence:

Profile Number2:

Switchblade:

Profile #1:

Alterra:

Archived:

Voyager:

Next Generation:

The following 2011 works by Nick Gentry are available at the Robert Fontaine Gallery:

Nick's recent solo show at the Robert Fontaine Gallery in Miami (which ran from August 25th through September 2, 2011) included the first pieces of the Invicta Watches Artist Series which featured Nick's "The Secret Key":

Nicholas James Gentry is a graduate of Central St. Martins in London. Notable exhibition venues include Art Paris, Verge Art Fair (Miami) and appearances at Bonham's and Dreweatt's Urban Art Auctions in London. International press for Gentry has included the Mirror, the Huffington Post, La Repubblica, Juxtapoz Magazine, Wired Magazine and the Wooster Collective. Gentry's work was a part of the inaugural Artist Series from the Invicta Watch Group, presented by Ocean Drive Magazine in Miami. Gentry lives and works in London.

Nick has tons more of his work available to view on his Flickr photostream.

images and info from Nick Gentry's site, flickr account and Robert Fontaine Gallery

The CardSharp, Cutting Edge Design (literally) and Beautiful Packaging.

2011-11-27T17:30:00.000-08:00

The CardSharp 2 from Iain Sinclair is a cool little functional utility knife that is beautifully incorporated into its package design.

Just three ingenious folding operations metamorphosize the card into an elegant pocket utility tool.

Measuring the size of a credit card, the lightweight, ultra thin Card Sharp 2 has stainless steel surgical blade that measures just under 3" long and is both waterproof and rust-proof.

Updated features (from the original Card Sharp) include a stiffer, non-slip armor rubber coated body and unique safety lock (cannot accidentally open when in a pocket or drawer and is child proof).

For only £15 GBP ($25 USD), the Card Sharp2 makes a great and handy gift or stocking stuffer, especially with the option to customize the blade (as shown below):

Only $25 Buy it here.

Impressive Augmented Reality Allows People To Enter The World of National Geographic.

2011-11-27T00:00:00.000-08:00

In an impressive display of augmented reality (video further down in this post), people in a shopping mall in Hungary got a chance to pet a cheetah, play with velociraptors, stand within biting distance of a T-Rex, endure a thunderstorm and walk with an astronaut amongst other exciting experiences via technology from the UK's Appshaker.

Appshaker recently launched a unique way for people to interact with the amazing world of National Geographic Channel's content from around the globe.

Using the principles of augmented reality, people could immerse themselves in different scenes such as dolphins, leopards, the space landings, dinosaurs and more.

Thousands of people interacted with the National Geographic Channel brand in the process as it toured Hungary, with thousands more people sharing snapshots and video on Facebook as a result.

For more information on appshaker, please head to appshaker.co.uk and a huge thank you to Vertigo Digital whom they worked with to create the amazing 3D.

Pin-Up Lamps by Designer Richard Hutten for Brand Van Egmond.

2011-11-26T00:00:00.000-08:00

Pin-Up is Richard Hutten's newest lamp for Brand Van Egmond. Guest designer Richard Hutten created this fun and sexy iron lighting sculpture, inspired by people. According to BVE, Richard has always been fascinated by people, especially by people having fun.

This suspension lamp shows its soft sides with its round shapes and female silhouettes and it's fun side with it's glittering interior.

Available in four sizes, three external finishes; black, bronze or white, and your choice of a gold leaf or silver leaf interior.

White:

Black:

Bronze:

interior finishes:

dimensions:
pin-up 40: Ø15.8” x 7.9”h - uses a 1 x E26
pin-up 50: Ø19.7” x 9.8”h - uses a 1 x E26
pin-up 60: Ø23.6” x 11.8”h - uses a 1 x E26
pin-up 70: Ø27.6” x 13.8”h - uses a 1 x E26

pin-up is available in the following finishes:
bronze
bronze with goldleaf inside
bronze with silverleaf inside
black matte
black matte with goldleaf inside
black matte with silverleaf inside
white matte
white matte with goldleaf inside
white matte with silverleaf inside

Buy them here at Unica Home

Richard Hutten:

Brand van Egmond

Two New Modern Architecturally Inspired Dollhouses, The Dylan and the Edward.

2011-11-25T19:30:00.000-08:00

Just in time for the holidays when a new dollhouse makes a wonderful gift for children and adults alike, brinca dada, manufacturers and designers of some of the most beautiful modern dollhouses have released two new products. Like their Emerson House and Bennett House, these modern toy houses have been inspired by well-known architects as Richard Neutra and Tadao Ando.

The Dylan House:

Inspired by the minimalist masterpieces of Paul Rudolph and Tadao Ando, Dylan House features a concrete-and-glass feel, but with the breezy openness of a beachfront home. Floor-to-ceiling windows open to allow natural light into the house and play from many angles. The Dylan House has five living spaces on three levels: living room/dining room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and roof patio. Dylan House is created in 3/4” scale. Furniture (shown below) is sold separately.
$139 USD

Specs:
23” x 15” x 16”
Eco-friendly MDF
Non-toxic and lead-free paints

Furniture for the Dylan House:

The Dylan House Furniture set contains twenty-three pieces...enough to fill five living spaces on three levels: living room/dining room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and roof patio. Dylan House is made of durable foamboard and is created in 3/4” scale.

Specs:
Designed by: Michelle Everett
23 pieces
Durable foamboard

Also new is a variation on the Emerson House (about which I have blogged and I actually own), The Edward House:

Inspired by Neutra’s Kaufmann House and Gary Cooper's home designed by A. Quincy Jones, brinca dada’s Edward House features many distinguishing architectural features like glass corners, minimalist cut stone fireplace, and hardwood floors. The Edward House has six rooms including a living room, kitchen, library/office, master bedroom, bathroom and child's bedroom. With its large, open floor plan and floor-to-ceiling windows, the Edward House enjoys year-round sunlight. Finally, the dollhouse is easy on the environment with only eco-friendly woods and non-toxic and lead-free paints. Assembly required.
$349 USD Edward House Ships Dec 5th.

Specs
Designed by: Tim Boyle
25” x 21” x 18”
Scale: 3/4”
Made of eco-friendly woods
Non-toxic and lead-free paints

Both houses and furniture are available for purchase from brinca dada

Bing Brings Back Rankin/ Bass Stop-Motion Rudolph For A Holiday Ad Campaign

2011-11-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

above: Microsoft executives Aaron Lilly, left, and Sean Carver, pose with figures from the animated show 'Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.'

On November 23rd, Microsoft's Search Engine, Bing, kicked off the holidays with a new twist on some of the most beloved characters of all-time. Building on the iconic Rankin-Bass production of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, the stop-motion animated classic that first premiered in 1964, they are introducing a series of new stop-motion animation shorts (all shown in this post) featuring the original characters.

above: a still from one of the four stop-motion animated Bing commercials for Christmas 2011

Produced by Bent Image Labs, the new shorts will appear in select holiday TV programs including holiday specials like “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”, “Frosty the Snowman”, and “South Park Christmas”, and in movie trailers for hotly anticipated winter movies, “Arthur Christmas”, “The Muppets”, and “Happy Feet Two.”

Bing Bumble-Less:

“Bumble”, the more beloved name for the Abominable Snow Monster, features the lovable Bumble, who has lost his scary roar. He uses Bing to search for “scary monster” and once inspired by a few Bing Videos, perfects his roar to be appropriately scary again.

Bing Hot Yoga:

Yukon Cornelius becomes exhausted from pulling Hermey and Rudolph on his sled and collapses in the snow. Luckily, Bing helps him find the closest hot yoga studio using Bing Local.

Bing Social Search:

Hermey, Yukon and Bumble are tired of the winter weather and are in dire need of a vacation. Bing Travel saves the day via a “fabulous island resort” search, highlighting Hermey’s friends who have “liked” specific resorts, leading to Bing Travel and the perfect destination.

Bing You Won't Believe This:

Santa and Mrs. Claus get a little crazy in the workshop with bubble wrap, search on Bing Video for bubble wrap how-to’s, and hilarious antics ensue.

Microsoft Corp. licensed the rights to the characters from Rudolph's 47-year-old holiday special after convincing their owners that the Bing commercials would add an endearing chapter to the reindeer's story. The rights to Rudolph and the rest of the cast are owned by the children of Robert L. May, who wrote the story in 1939 while working as a copywriter at the Montgomery Ward department store (May's brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, later wrote the famous song).

Aaron Lilly, a Microsoft executive who helps conceive Bing's promotions, came up with the idea to build holiday ads around the Rudolph story two years ago. It didn't happen then because the Aflac insurance company had already bought licensing rights to the characters for that holiday season.

Microsoft declined to say how much it's spending on the Rudolph campaign.

Thanks to Sean Carver and Aaron Lilly of the Bing Team for information

Special Online Shopping Deals From Free Shipping To Discounts. Happy Thanksgiving.

2011-11-24T00:01:00.000-08:00

For those of you who do your shopping for the holidays online, here's a collection of special online offers (coupon codes, free shipping, thanksgiving day sales and early specials for the holiday). Just click on the boxes below and start saving!

Nail Lacquers Inspired By Everything from Bruises To Dickens, STRANGEBEAUTIFUL™

2011-11-24T00:00:00.000-08:00

This sophisticated line of nail polishes is the brainchild of Jane Schub, an illustrator turned cosmetics designer. Sold in color "libraries", the individual polishes are nameless and instead grouped as collections of color inspired by various and sometimes, disturbing, things. Each bottle in the 10 piece libraries is 0.5 fluid ounces.

The following descriptions of color collections provided by STRANGEBEAUTIFUL.

Volume 1

Above: Josef Albers Color Theory, A Mid Century Modern Knoll Fabric, Oscar Wilde, the exuberant paint colors used to decorate the walls of the Federalist period, a color of an Andy Warhol painting at the Dia Museum, the color Puce which I remember mixing when oil painting as a child, a green - winged teal, the dark inky blue of a never ending deep lake at night and the fear of swimming in it, and of course the red Valentine typewriter.

Volume 2

Above: An interesting color palette of camo called Tan and Water Camo used by an elite German anti- terrorist unit. The slate blue color of a uniform in an 1846 N.Currier print “The Death of the Gallant Major Ringgold).Violette (Pansy Violet) ink from the venerable French ink company J. Herbin founded in 1670, the dull red color of a lobster shell immediately after it has been removed from boiling water.

Volume 3

Above: The veins of green mold running through Roquefort, the artist Sean Scully, the rich black olive green color of Loden cloth, aged Armagnac, the dull brown red of Red Rope files, the saturated rusty iron color of an Irish bog caused by the reaction between tannin, wood and iron, Raymond Loewy, the belly of a pigeon, and the dreadfully wonderful dirty almond color used on kitchen appliances.

Volume 4

Above: The gradation of color on the fur of a taxidermy caribou head; Oeil De Perdrix (partridge – eye); Pink color of Rose champagne; The poem Lapis Lazuli by William Butler Yeats; A very wrong color choice of a cheap foundation; Verdigris; An orange turban in a 15th Century Florentine portrait titled Matteo Olivieri; Aged Chartreuse; Borscht.

Volume 5

Above: The vampiric gradations of a healing bruise; the moody rusts of menstrual blood; sooty, phantasmal India ink; the profile of a gray blue Heron scooping fish against a background of gooey river runoff and the apocalyptic color palette of Medieval Flemish paintings.

Unlike traditional nail polishes, the Volume 5 shades coat the nail in a gossamer bath of color. Not quite transparent, the effect is fluid and semi opaque, as if the nail itself had taken on a mysterious life of its own.

Library of Camo Nail Polishes

Above: The neutralized sand- pink background of the French desert camouflage “Daguet”, a washed out color palette of Snow Shadow camouflage used to match snowy terrain for winter hunting, Tropical variant camouflage of the Russian Federation, the simple elegant palette of the 3-way desert battle dress camouflage used by the Israeli army, Belgian desert jigsaw camouflage, the beautiful watery blots of color almost “Fragonard” in feeling of the Czechoslovakian 5 color desert camouflage.

The Dickension Volume

Above: For this collection, creator Jane Schub drew inspiration from photographer Joel - Peter Witkin, Edward Gorey‘s The Loathsome Couple, the Brothers Grimm, a lump of coal, a piece of broken shale and Dickens.

Each 10 piece set costs $85 and is available to purchase online here.

About STRANGEBEAUTIFUL™:

STRANGEBEAUTIFUL™ Library of Color was inspired by the vibrant Red Valentine typewriter designed by Ettore Sottsass (shown above) and his work with the Memphis Group of designers who rejected the rules of “good taste” and functionalism and regarded design as fashion with outrageous style appearing for a season and quickly disappearing.

INSPIRATIONS
Color is understood through experience, color can be deceiving and is constantly changing, when you look at a color you don’t see that color by itself, it is interacting with its surroundings, I designed STRANGEBEAUTIFUL Library of Color to be housed together and interchangeable within the box so one can see that each color will look slightly different depending on the order of the colors.

STRANGEBEAUTIFUL™ colors are deliberately nameless “I find it thought provoking and stimulating to remember and refer to each color by its reference or inspiration.”- Jane Schub

Jane Schub the designer, is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design and had a distinguished career as an illustrator before turning her hand to cosmetics. “With this carefully edited and richly perverse library of colors I have drawn inspiration ranging from the Ettore Sottsass Red Valentine typewriter to Josef Albers color theory” -. Willful and provocative, vibrant, eccentric and ornamental my intent has been to develop a new creative approach to nail color and position STRANGEBEAUTIFUL™ more as an accessory for your hand than just another nail polish.”

STRANGEBEAUTIFUL™ stunningly provocative but wearable colors blend the best elements of beauty, science, and design. Every polish has been developed and evaluated with an artist’s eye producing hues that are deeply and richly saturated throughout. The elegant, efficient packaging has been designed with the customer in mind. Six steel ball bearings ensure that each intensely pigmented saturated color of STRANGEBEAUTIFUL™ nail polish is evenly dispersed throughout and consistently creamy. A 220 strand brush guarantees an effortless, even application every time.

STRANGEBEAUTIFUL™ is a 3 FREE product completely free of Formaldehyde, Toluene, and DBP (dibutyl phthalate) .

STRANGEBEAUTIFUL™ can be found at Lucky Scent or at any of these stores.

Luxury Custom Leather Goods & Luggage That Won't Fit In The Overhead Bin.

2011-11-23T00:00:00.001-08:00

Sarah Jane Williams of the UK creates custom crafted luggage, trunks and cases in incredibly unusual shapes and designs under the name Williams British Handmade. Made with elegant bridle leather and hand-forged metal work by Joe Macneil of Macneil Metalcraft, these bespoke pieces from Sarah Williams are both unusual and beautiful.

Sarah set out to create a collection of original and fashionable artifacts utilizing historical and traditional methods of craftsmanship. Incorporating solid brass frames, trim and badging, the high quality leather pieces are entirely saddle-stitched by hand.

Day case with milled brass frame, trim and hardware:

Briefcases with milled brass fittings and frames:

Each case is embellished with an engraved brass badge:

Luggage trunks with solid brass frames and trim:

Picnic case with solid brass frame, locks and trim:

Satchels:

Various other cases:

Sarah Jane Williams poses with one of her trunks:

above image courtesy of Centurion Magazine Other Images courtesy of Sarah Jane Williams and Joe Macneil.

Enquiries or orders please contact Sarah Jane Williams
sarah@williams-handmade.com
phone: 07792419454

Four Fun and Fabulous Finds For The Family This Holiday Season.

2011-11-23T00:00:00.000-08:00

A selection of new items that would make great gifts for everyone in the family, even the pet. Cigar ashtrays, pet bowls, glasses holders and a very cool ride on toy for the toddler.

The Ashtray Factory:

Ceramic cigar ashtray designed by Ramon Middelkoop and Chris Koens for Invotis Orange

Modern Pet Bowls:

Phorm Dishes by Unleashed Life are great looking dog bowls of cast resin with a stainless steel insert. Available in three sizes and three cool colors. Buy them here.

Bit Bike Ride-On Toy:

Made from curved wood, aluminum and EVA, the BIT is an artisanal toy with cutting-edge technology for the world of today. By Glodos of Barcelona for Kid O. Measures 26.7" L x 8.2"W x 12.5" H For ages 12 months +. Buy it here

Pinocchio Eye Glass Holders:

By 25togo, these wall mountable eyeglasses holders are made of carved wood to emulate pinochhio's nose. They simply stick on the wall. Maple or Cherry. Buy them here.

Drunter and Drüber's Bent Wood, Leather and Felt lined Bags for Vonetti.

2011-11-22T15:30:00.000-08:00

Trier-based four-piece Drunter and Drüber designed these fabulous bent wood and leather bags with felt lining for Vonetti.

Refreshing design incorporates unusual materials for the bags which are available in three different sized styles; the Maya, the Ina and the Lola.

For purchasing information contact Vonetti:
E-Mail: info@vonetti.com

Drunter & Drüber // Trier
c/o Galerie Feuergefühl // Spielesplatz 13 // D - 54293 Trier
Tel: 0651 / 9664888

Light Emitting Doors for Your Home by Marisa Richter Turn Utility into Design.

2011-11-22T00:00:00.000-08:00

Doors & Style is a young label from Cologne headed up by designer Marisa Richter. They focus on designing unique stylistic doors as their work. Rather than looking at a door as something to open or close, they look at 'connecting' two rooms as their focus.

With minimal modifications of a typical door, Doors & Style adds new functionality to the ordinary door and transforms it from a piece of utility to a piece of design.

The Full-size Scape Door:

Full-size Scape Door connects two rooms without limiting the actual function. Depending on the time of day the door senses whether a light source has, or has not, been turned on in another room.The monotony of an ordinary door is replaced by the incisions in the customized door. You can admittedly not recognize what is concealed behind the door, but the imaginative images trigger positive emotions for that which lies behind. The door is made of solid wood in RAL 9016 with cut out decorative images and double-sided laminated foils. It is suitable for an interior space and available as flush edge or with an angular frame. On request they can also deliver the door frame.

At the moment two different designs are available (Birdie's and Forest) but they are also able to manufacture your own design or integrate your corporate logo. Depending on the number of units and after clarification of all details, delivery time is between six and eight weeks. They reserve the right to make technical modifications, namely alterations, to the design template.

Fittings (exclusive door handle) are supplied and incorporated in the price.

The Down-Scape Door:

If light falls onto the Scape Door from behind a totally unique interplay of light and shadow appears on the floor. With a small alteration the ordinary door acquires a greater prominence. It is more than an opener: a piece of jewelry as well as a source of light.

The filigreed door slot creates better ventilation and can be used as a substitute for doors that have a ventilation grille – for example bathrooms – or for 'Passive' houses. The down Scape Door is available in RAL 9016 colours and special colours are available on request.

With this door you create a landscape in a dark room. It's an interior wooden door with a chipboard core and is available as a door with flushed edge or with an angular frame.

At present there are two different designs available (Landscape and Skyscape) but they are also able to manufacture your design or to incorporate a logo. Depending on the number of units and after clarification of all details, delivery time is between six and eight weeks. They reserve the right to make technical modifications, namely alterations, to the design template. Fittings are supplied and incorporated in the price. They can also deliver the door frame on request.

“There are many things in our daily life we never think about. But in some special moments we recognize things which are around us.”- Maris Richter

Doors & Style
Creative Director Marisa Richter
+49 173 521 42 96
+49 180 355 185 07 49

info@doorsandstyle.com
www.doorsandstyle.com

KAWS Designs Signature Light Bulbs for The Standard That You Can Buy For Your Home.

2011-11-21T17:00:00.000-08:00

The Standard Hotel has announced a Limited Edition series of light bulbs designed specifically for them by artist KAWS. This is the first time KAWS has created an item so unique compared to his existing body of work which includes the highly coveted toys, shoes, T-shirts, wallets, etc.

above: KAWS is well known for replacing the eyes in many of his pieces with the double XXs used as the filaments in the bulbs

“I love The Standard and the different projects they have been doing” shares KAWS, “when invited to create something I wanted to redesign something basic that could be found in every hotel room in the world so we decided to make a light bulb.”

above two images of bulbs in situ courtesy of Curated Mag.

The collection of light bulbs come as a set of three - Red, Purple, and Green filaments bearing the KAWS’ signature XX. Dimensions of each globe is about 4.75” x 2.25” and they screw into any standard incandescent fixture. Each bulb is crystal clear emanating 3 watts of electricity for a dreamy low light experience.

$65 for a package of three, one in each color*.
Buy the KAWS bulbs here.

*Sadly these sold out very quickly and now can be found for exorbitant prices on eBay. However, I bet they end up producing more.

Nonpareil Pet Portrait. One Sweet Beagle Made of 221,184 Colored Sprinkles.

2011-11-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

What began as a university fine arts project on Pointillism and Georges Seurat by student Joel Brochu, evolved into a remarkable artistic idea.

What looks like an image of a beagle getting a bath (above) is actually a 4’ by 1 ½’ high definition photograph covered in 221,184 nonpareil sprinkles, each placed painstakingly by hand.

At a distance of 16 feet, the sprinkles blur, tricking the human eye into believing that it is looking at a large photograph. Only when you closely examine the work do you realize that it has been created entirely with tiny spheres of rainbow nonpareils.

Meticulously placed by hand using jewelry tweezers, the sprinkles adhere to the board with the help of double sided tape and a thin layer of glue.

Using only 6 colors of sprinkles (Red, Orange, Green, Blue, Black, and White), a myriad of hues was created.

Joel used a customized computer program, in which a template was created from the original image which guided the placement of each sprinkle. Taking just under 8 months to complete, once finished, it was permanently preserved with a clear acrylic resin.

Sweet, huh?

A big shoutout to Betsy Wills and her wonderful blog, Artstormer, for bringing this unique piece to my attention. Most images courtesy of Joel Brochu

Wendy Legro's graduation project, a modern Hot Water Bottle, gets produced by Droog.

2011-11-20T12:00:00.000-08:00

A hit at 2010 design shows in Milan and the Netherlands, Wendy Legro’s graduation project for the Design Academy Eindhoven, Hot Water Bottle, is being mass produced by Droog.

The flocked hot water bottle has been on show at Sotheby's London, Salone del Mobile, Milan, Nike's design conference in Beaverton, Orlando, Designersfair at IMCologne, Graduation Galleries 2009 at Dutch Design Week and has been picked up by Wallpaper* and Frame.

above image courtesy of Wallpaper magazine

above image courtesy of Core 77

Specifications
Year: 2011
Material: PVC, ABS with flock outer lining
Product Size: 16.6" x 9.4" x 2.5"

Droog's press release:
Generations of people know that a hot water bottle is a simple way to stay warm. With its soft skin and unique aesthetics, this one becomes too beautiful to hide. “The sensorial and visual qualities of this hot water bottle completely change the role it plays in a room. From something that is often hidden, it is now an object you don’t want to put away,” says co-founder and director of Droog Renny Ramakers.

Designer Wendy Legro states: “The hot water bottle tends to be an underappreciated product. It has a beautiful function but an outdated appearance. I wanted to reflect the feeling the bottle gives you in the aesthetics of the product.”

Too beautiful to hide - hot water bottle is available at Droog Amsterdam and in
Droog’s online store for € 59,-. Soon available at resellers worldwide.

Q&A with Wendy Legro, designer of Too beautiful to hide - hot water bottle

What do you think makes the use of a hot water bottle particularly relevant today?
The hot water bottle never really disappeared; it has always played a part in the background. With this new design I hope more people will get re-acquainted with a very simple way of keeping warm. After all, comfort is something we are always looking for.

What are the benefits above a regular hot water bottle or electric blanket?
I find the comfort and support you can offer a beloved with a hot water bottle really beautiful. But the touch of rubber to skin is not comfortable and the material can be a bit smelly. Hiding it in an extra layer brings down the beauty and warmth. As for other ways of local heating like the electric blanket, my mother used one at our home but for me there was a lack of charm. My goal was to give an aged product with a warm use the look and feel it deserves.

How does this hot water bottle relate to your other work?
When I design I let my senses guide me. By doing so I hope to add an emotional value to my products. Finding beauty in shape and details, to me, is the most important thing. The use of colour and material should complement this.

How does this sensorial value translate into Too beautiful to hide?
The shape with its curves and flat areas is formed to fit a human body. The round lines on the surface let the bottle stay warm longer, while they make you want to touch the soft ridges to sense what it feels like.

Wendy Legro (Enkhuizen, NL 1984) graduated with distinction from the Design Academy Eindhoven in 2009. In 2010 she founded Studio WM. with Maarten Collignon, based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Based on affinity with the senses, the designer couple develops products that show a keen sense of atmosphere and detail. Work by Studio WM. can be characterized by a use of intuition and a sensitivity to material and aesthetics.

Droog

Oh Lord! Five Fun Items Inspired By Jesus.

2011-11-20T00:00:00.000-08:00

Nothing like a few blasphemous products to get people's ire stirred up on a Sunday morning. Here are five functional items inspired by the Savior.

Jesus Wall Clock:

By Studio Mango, this wall clock has a silhouette of 'He who died for your sins' upon a wall mounted cross. His rotating arms function as the hands.

Jesus Salt or Pepper Grinder:

Also designed by Studio Mango, the Holy Moly Spice grinder is available in black here or in hot pink here

Jesus Cookie Cutter:

German designed stainless steel cookie cutter.
Buy it here

Lookin Good For Jesus Mirror Statuette:

He stands 5" tall and has a small oval mirror embedded in his stomach.
buy it here

Jesus Saves Coin Bank:

Designed by Rocket, this statuette will not only save your soul, but your allowance too. Blue JESUS SAVES Money Bank Christ Savings Coin

And they make great stocking stuffers, too.

eBay & Toys for Tots use QR Codes to Window Shop for "Good" this Holiday.

2011-11-19T00:00:00.000-08:00

Created by eBay's ad agency, Venables Bell & Partners, eBay and Toys for Tots have launched the GIVE-A-TOY STORE.

An interactive window display in New York (at 35th and Broadway) and San Francisco (at 117 Post St.) lets you donate a toy by scanning its tag (a QR code) with the eBay mobile app.

Once scanned, the animated toys come to life, encouraging passers-by to get into the holiday giving spirit.

It's a clever, engaging and cute way to be charitable this holiday season and to make many a child happy.

And, for those of you who can’t stop by in-person, you can donate some joy at ebay.com/giveatoystore.com

There is also a Facebook application called "Build a Toy."

Users donate by customizing one of the classic, virtual toys at Facebook.com/eBay. eBay will donate $1 for every toy customized, up to $50,000.

Toys for Tots
Ebay Give A Toy Store
Facebook.com/Ebay Build A Toy

CREDITS:
Client Name: eBay
Name of Ad: eBay Give-A-Toy Store
Agency: Venables Bell & Partners
Live Date: 11.11.11
Executive Creative Director: Paul Venables and Will McGinness
Creative Directors: Lee Einhorn, Tyler Hampton
Art Director: Brad Kayal
Copywriter: Kelly Diaz
Director of Interactive Production: Heather Wischmann
Interactive Producer: Elissa Polls
Print Producer: Jacqueline Fodor
Account Director: Anne Cummings
Account Supervisor: Lindsay Cole
Account Manager: Kim Claytor

(OUT-SOURCED BELOW)
Interactive Production: Brand New School East
Executive Creative Director: Jonathan Notaro
Interactive Director: Justin Bakse
Developer: Brian Tobin
Producer: Jeanette Etchebehere
Associate Producer: Joe Balint
Post Production: Brand New School West
Executive Creative Director: Jonathan Notaro
Director: Robert Bisi

Designers: Andy Bernet, Sakona Kong, Ed Laag, Angela Li, Waka Ichinose
CG Lead/VFX Supervisor: Marco Maldonado
3D Modeling: Andy Kim, Derrick Sesson
3D Animation: Hao Cui, Max Keane, Alfredo Ramirez, Derrick Sesson
2D Animation: Maithy Tran
3D Artists: Martin Furness, Andy Kim, Ryan Kirkwood
Storyboard Artist: Max Forward
Compositor: Ryan Kirkwood, Maithy Tran
Executive Producer: Jason Cohon
Producer: Jeanette Etchebehere

Media Company: Monster Media
Creative Producer: Radhames Almanzar
VP of Marketing & Client Services: Natalie Brokaw
Client Services Coordinator: Lindsey Fuller
Project Manager: Sloan Jenkins
SVP of Sales & Marketing: Tim O’Brien
Original Music: Jingle Punks
Sound Design: Brad Kayal, Chris Konovaliv

Eye Popping Pill Portraits of Celebrities Amy Winehouse, Heath Ledger & More.

2011-11-18T16:30:00.000-08:00

Get a load of Jason Mecier's portraits of celebrities Amy Winehouse, Michael Jackson, Heath Ledger, Courtney Love and Kelly Osbourne made with actual pills. While it's true that some of these subject's undoing was the medium itself, others, like Kelly Osbourne have successfully kicked the habit. Either way, these are interesting homages to them.

Be sure to check out the Red Vine, Candy and Junk mosaic portraits by this same artist, Jason Mecier and the self portrait comprised of Ecstacy tablets by bar code artist Scott Blake.

Tattoos and Tentacles. Julian Murray Captures Inked People with Things That Squirt Ink.

2011-11-18T00:00:00.000-08:00

Tattoos and Tentacles is a new coffee table book featuring a collection of photographs of inked people, wearing very little except their body art, and draped in cephalopods that squirt ink (that's a fancy way of saying octopus and squid).

The slimy but sexy photos were taken by Minneapolis based Julian Murray with the art direction, digital retouching and layout by Lacey Haire.

Below is a selection of 20 images from the book, some of which have been cropped for this post.

Shopping for props:

Shooting the book:

The 9"x12" 144 page book in hardcover format has full color photographs throughout.

In addition to the book, 11 of the photos are available as posters:

Buy the book and/or posters here.

About Julian Murray Photography and Design:
Minneapolis based Photography and Graphic Design team specializing in the music, fashion and advertising industries. From creative concept photography, marketing campaigns and family portraits to website design, company branding, and print collateral + everything in between.