Geometric Abstraction Art: Zanis Waldheims

As a kid, I had a coloring book filled with images reminiscent of Zanis Waldheims's geometric abstraction art. I can say with full certainty that my final products never looked this incredible. Yves Jeanson has a jam packed flickr set of Zanis' work.

(Found via Dear Ada)

The Birthday Party: Vee Speers

I've seen this series of photographs by Vee Speers pop up several times on various blogs. Each time, they catch my eye and interest as much as the first time I saw them. In 'The Birthday Party' series, Speers tries to break the conception of boundless happiness associated with childhood. In doing so, her photographs address issues of premature adulthood. The photographs are both intense and overwhelming.

(Found via Vondy)

Bike Bag: One Language

Love this bike bag by One Language. It's simple, clean and fun. Although, I'm not sure I'd be able to actually bike with it, judging by the strap size. Eitherway, I quite like it.

(Found via Oh Joy!)

Compact Kitchen: Ilja Oelschlägel

When it comes to organizing, I'm a firm believer that everything should have a home. The Compact Kitchen designed by Ilja Oelschlägel sort of takes that idea and exaggerates it.

(Found via TheJunction)

Binta Armchair: Philippe Bestenheider

How wild are these armchairs by Philippe Bestenheider? The shape of the Binta Armchair is modeled after African wood carvings, while the multi-patten upholstery is reminiscent of the textiles worn by Senegalese women, according to the artists statement. I especially love the bright colors and bold patterns.

(Found via Dezeen)

Gutter Gardens

I've been adding to my sun room garden weekly. It should be no surprise why this repurposed rain gutter garden struck me as brilliant. It's aesthetically pleasing and green in more ways than one.

(Found via Make)

Mini Monsters: Emma Kidd

Emma Kidd of Benconservato has a lovely collection of illustrations called Mini Monsters. Her gouache and pencil creations are really adorable and impressively done.

(Found via Pikaland)

Wood Load: Mike Rea

Mike Rea makes things out of wood and these things turn out pretty awesome. His art is so very much more than that, however, and you can read about his artistic vision on his site.

(Found via Inspire Me, Now!)

Wood Work: David Esterly

I once tried to whittle a layer of wood from the top of an old dresser I had. It took way longer to complete than I want to admit and I nearly lost a finger in the process. Naturally, the work of David Esterly nearly left me breathless. The intricacy and detail of his ornamental works of word are incredible.

(Found via Craft)

Branch Lighting: Isabelle Sicart

I absolutely adore this lighting fixture by French artist Isabelle Sicart. It's exquisite, don't you think?

(Found via CubeMe)

Songs About Shapes: Hearh Killen

Pretty self-explanatory and also a pretty awesome series by Hearh Killen: Songs About Shapes.

(Found via Design You Trust)

Breakfast at Sulimays

Breakfast at Sulimays is both hysterical and adorable. The video series features a panel of three elderly music critics discussing the latest hits in alternative-rock, hip-hop and just about every other genre of music you wouldn't expect them to be listening to.

Stamps: Adapt or Die

Stamps, a Flickr collection by Adapt or Die, showcases postage stamps of the 1970's from an array of countries. I especially love the bold colors.

LOVE-E: Lorena Vigil-Escalera

There is something incredibly catching about the work of Lorena Vigil-Escalera (a.k.a. LOV-E). Dare I say I love her work? She's a graphic designer working out of Spain and her entire repertoire is phenomenal.

(Found via Polkadot)

Obviously: Audrey Corregan

Audrey Corregan photographed the backside of birds for her series Obviously. I totally do the same thing when a camera is in my face.

(Found via Whorange)

Invisible City: Levi Wedel

Photographer Levi Wedel has an awesome series of photographs called Invisible City. They look like they were all taken during the witching hour when everyone is hiding out or fast asleep.

(Found via Fubiz)

Catalina Bartolome

Hiding out is exactly what the subjects in Catalina Bartolome's amazing photography are doing. I love the odd images they've hidden themselves behind. I think I'd be behind a book if I were a part of the series.

(Found via Booooooom)

Collection of Spinning Tops

Random? Yes. But, nonetheless a very cool photo-collection of spinning tops. I can't remember the last time I played with one of these.

(Found via Quipsologies)

Frank Chimero

Frank Chimero does some really wonderful work. It's simple, uplifting.

(Found via Modest)

Patchwork Headboard: Lockwood Design

I haven't had a headboard on my bed since I was in grade school and this one makes me want to change that immediately. The Patchwork Headboard by Lockwood Design is fabulous!

(Found via the style files)

Soap Leaves

Aren't these lovely? The delicate little leaves are actually individual sheets of soap. They're almost too pretty to use.

(Found via Design Verb)

The Telegram Shop

We were just talking about snail mail here last week and I vowed to start sending more of it. Then I discovered the Telgram Stop and got even more excited about going old school postal. For $4.70 you can send your very own personalized telegram. How fun would it be to recieve one of these?

(Found via Springwise)

Working Couple's Cookbook Art: Craig Torlucci

The Working Couple's Cookbook, released in the 1970s by Peggy Treadwell, contains some incredible illustrations by Craig Torlucci. It's stained glass meets folk art. Image from the this adorable cookbook are from Flickr user Kyle Katz.

(Found via Cool Hunting)

Paper Crane Mobile

I've wanted to incorporate paper cranes into my home decor for some time now. There is something so elegant yet artsy about them. I just adore what Cheri Messerli and David Rager have done with this paper crane mobile in their home as pictured on the Selby. Isn't it lovely?

(Found via Oh Joy!)

Watercolors: Will Laren

These watercolor illustrations by Will Laren put a smile on my face this morning. He has a whole Flickr set full of them and they're everything from sassy to witty. I think his illustration style perfectly matches the written content. Awesome.

(Found via BettyJoy)

Shameless Plug: I'm on Smitten!

A tiny shameless plug and one last little post for the day. Joanna from A Cup of Jo and Smitten asked me if I'd be interested in writing a little story for her Glamour blog and of course I jumped at the opportunity! Well, the post went up today and I just wanted to share it with you...eeek! Have a wonderful day dear readers!

Reading the Stars: MiniatureRhino

How wonderful are these Reading the Stars embroidered constellations by Etsy user MiniatureRhino? Seriously, they are fabulous! I have a constellation globe in my house and I think these would be a great companion to it.

(Found via Rare Bird Finds)

Rebel Green Packaging: Wink

Really stellar packaging for Rebel Green, a brand that believes "consumers can be change agents, and inspire others to rethink their habits." All their products are made in the USA and eco-friendly. The super chic packaging was done by the design firm Wink.

(Found via TheDieline)

Cut Paper: Michael Velliquette

Absolutely loving Michael Velliquette's cut paper creations. There is something very storybook-ish about the subjects and color palate. His entire site is full of fabulously impressive work.

(Found via Craftzine)

Dolce Heavenly Concert

When I first read about the Dolce Heavenly Concert, I pretty much had one word come to mind, perfect! Haagen Dazs hosted a private concert in Tokyo for 100 lucky couples. The night featured prominent classical musicians, big comfy beds for sitting in during the show and unlimited ice cream. Like I said.....perfect!

(Found via Imprint TALK)

Blind Dinner Date: Dans Le Noir

Patrons at Dans Le Noir get a dining experience that gives new meaning to the concept of blind dating. The restaurant's main dining room is pitch black. Food is ordered before entering the room in the lit bar and lounge area and served after parties are seated. Dans Le Noir builds off the idea that when one sense is removed or impaired others strengthen, inevitably enhancing the eating experience. One of the coolest aspects of the establishment is that the entire waitstaff is blind. Their website explains that the visually disabled are more comfortable in the dark and in turn, the entire dining experience strives to bring awareness to visually disability.

I'm curious, has anyone been to either the Paris or London location? I'd love to hear what it was like.

(Found via blog.FABRICA)

Lovers' Land Bike Tour

Three men by the names of Nathan, Dustin and Salsa set out on a spontaneous motorcycle trip across Australia. "Theirs was a voyage through the Lover's Land of van demons, on a highway to swell." Lovers' Land is their blog inspired by the trip and documenting aspects of it. It's the epitome of eye candy and absolutely inspiring.

Vintage Wallpaper Colletion: Secondhand Rose

Those of you from New York City might already know of Secondhand Rose, but as a Missourian this is the first I'm hearing of it. The store's attic houses the world's largest vintage wallpaper collection. Dating back to 1860, they have papers ranging from floral to Frank Lloyd Wright designs. I would love to go kill a few hours in this place.

(Found via Materialicious)

HighSnobiety Frames

Glasses are not a new topic here on Double Takes. In fact, I've posted about my love for sunglasses several times before. I know I'm not alone on this so I couldn't resist posting these awesome frames by Super. They're part of a collection designed by HighSnobiety, but really all the frames on the site are...dare I saw super?

(Found via Kitsune Noir)

Toilet Paper Roll Sculptures: Jacquet Fritz Junior

Jacquet Fritz Junior is a sculpture who uses a medium I can honestly say I rarely see utilized. These awesome little faces are created from toilet paper rolls. There is something really fun about them, right?

(Found via Loudreams)

Textile Creations: Kjoo

Design Milk never ceases to amaze me with the content of their posts. A perfect example are these textile creations from Etsy seller Kjoo. I couldn't peel my eyes away from my screen after first seeing them. They are stunning.

Flora Jute Rug: Johnathan Adler

I've got nothing but rug love for Jonathan Adler's Flora Jute Rug. It's handwoven and really fabulous. As awesome as it'd look on the floor, don't you think it could work nicely as a giant piece of wall art? Especially against a bold or brightly painted wall. Lovely!

(Found via Better Living Through Design)

Monuments: Henrietta Swift and Christopher Smith

Fact, I've never been good a making shadow puppets. Henrietta Swift and Christopher Smith, however, are quite skilled in that area. The two University of Brighton students created a series of famous monuments in shadows using only their bodies. Truly and unquestionably awesome work!

(Found via Design You Trust)

Real Superheroes: Dulce Pinzon

Dulce Pinzon has a truly amazing series of photographs called Superheroes. The concept behind her work is so much more complex and meaningful than I realized before reading her statement.

In sum, Pinzon photographed 20 Mexican and Latino immigrants dressed as popular superheroes in everyday work settings. As she notes, the definition of hero truly changed after the events of September 11th. Through her series, she strives to recognize another type of hero, the Mexican immigrants living and working in New York under extreme conditions so they can send money to families back home in Mexico.

(Found via The Junction)

Hendekagram: qed* Design

I've always thought it'd be cool to have an old fashion gramophone, even if just for looks. So naturally, I was pretty stoked when I saw the Hendekagram on Polkadoit. While it's not a gramophone, the horns have a certain resemblance to one. They serve as headphone extensions and attach to various mp3 players. The shape amplifies the volume from the earphones enough to be heard in a small room setting. Pretty cool concept and awesome execution in terms of design.