The AppleSac

I'm generally pretty good about taking care of my belongings. I've gone to several lengths to protect my laptop. The top is covered with a protective sticker displaying Starry Night. Besides keeping the outside scratch and smudge free, it's attractive. However, when it comes to a laptop case I haven't done so well. Mine is currently calling a hideous tan laptop sleeve home. I haven't seen many better options out there until I saw the AppleSac. The sleek sleeve is made from 100% burlap and I absolutely love it!

(Found via PicoCool)

Who Done It Shelf: Jim Rosenau

Jim Rosenau of This Into That is a functional artist who creates products out of old books. While Rosenau cites the Nicholson Baker essay Books as Furniture as his inspiration for the project, growing up in a house with more than 5,000 books may have something to do with it as well.

Many of his projects contain themes based on the book titles used, such as the Who Done It shelf pictured above, featuring the titles “Who Pushed Humpty Dumpty?” as well as “All the King’s Men” and “Anatomy of a Murder.” Check out his online gallery for all his themed selves and more.

(Found via TrendHunter Magazine)

PopMat Placemats

Elegant and just plain lovely, the PopMat Placemats by Publique Living are works of paper like I've never seen before. The mats not only look lovely, they serve as name cards and are made from 100% recycled paper.

(Found via Oh Joy!)

Delicious Jewelry: VentoNaPraia

It doesn't get more summery than Etsy designer VentoNaPraia's delicious fruit slice jewelry. Choose between an orange, kiwi, or pineapple. The items are made of rubber and look incredible realistic, not to mention yummy.

(Found via PicoCool)

Love Anna James

A fitting name for her online portfolio; Love Anna James is the website of London artist Anna James and her work is nothing short of lovely. She converts "twentieth century furniture into unique pieces of contemporary art." The items are fully restored and incredibly creative.

Banner Canvas Bag: Demano Marbella

I'm typically a fan of anything made from recycled materials. The Demano Marbella bag is no exception. Made from recycled (PVC) canvas from banners, it's a creative grocery, beach, or shopping bag.

(Found via PicoCool)

The Labels Project: Luca Pizzaroni

As part of visual artist Luca Pizzaroni's Labels Project, he's photographed a series of made-in tags on the inside of clothing. The collection is a unique look at where our clothing comes from, as well as a showcase of design in unsuspecting places. I'm often quick to cut these tags out of my clothing, occasionally preserving one here or there if it's a vintage item. I'll definitely be paying closer attention in the future.

(Found via Fabrica)

The Hamburglar Bike

Earlier in the month I posted the American Cheese Burger coasters and vowed to stock every table of my fantasy burger restaurant with them. After seeing Harry Sperl's The Hamburglar Bike, I now know by what means I'll do deliveries. The Florida resident and hamburger enthusiast couldn't think of anything more appropriate to customized his Harley after.

(Found via TrendHunter Magazine)

Dutch Coiffure Award

The 2008 Dutch Coiffure Award for hair design recipients were recently posted in a gallery on their website. Most interesting are those in the avant-garde section. I rarely do anything with my hair, it's long and straight, but the winning designs are certainly inspirational. While the gallery does feature male designs, for a less female themed hair post see The World Beard and Moustache Championship from last December.

(Found via Neatorama)

Range Studio: Stephanie Perruchon

Stephanie Perruchon's new concept furniture, called the Range Studio is fabulous. The French designer's space saving creation is multi-functional. The furniture can serve as a bench, ottoman, and table all in one. I can't help but see this and think how perfect it would have been in my dinky previous apartment. If only...

(Found via Furniture Fashion)

Metal Artist: Steve Cambronne

I love the work of metal artist Steve Cambronne who has been perfecting his craft for the past 20 years. While he started in women's jewerly design, years on the road traveling from one art show to the next has found him designing retro inspired clocks, shelves, and novelty art to name a few. I love the throw back to 1950's and 60's shapes and color.

(Found via Furniture Fashion)

Milk Bottle Collection: Kenneth Keith Kallenbach

Some people collect bottle caps, others collect milk bottles. As is the case with Kenneth Keith Kallenbach; actor comedian, musician, part-time milk bottle collector. The collection is not only impressive, but the design and typography of the bottle labels are fascinating.

(Found via Quipsologies)

Porcelain Paper Plates: Virginia Sin

There seems to be a current design trend of making disposable products out of non-disposable materials. First I saw the I Am Not A Paper Cup followed by the Fast Cup. Now there's the Porcelain Paper Plates by designer Virginia Sin. The plates are made from porcelain paper clay which comes from actual shredded paper plates. Maybe it's the result of everything going green, maybe it's just creative.

(Found via Inspire Me, Now)

Munna on the Run

Back in April I posted The Reader's Alphabet poster by Hemant Anant Jain. Shortly after doing so I received a lovely e-mail from the artist and have enjoyed a correspondence with him since. He recently turned me on to his blog Munna on the Run where he showcases a lot of his recent work. Among my favorites are the What Are You Reading series done for the Midland Bookshop in Delhi, again book related so no surprise that I loved it.

The Pikasso Guitar: Linda Manzer

There's no question where the inspiration for The Pikasso came from. Designer Linda Manzer created this double sound-hole, quadruple neck, and 42 string instrument back in 1984 after critically acclaimed jazz musician Pat Metheny asked her to design a guitar with "as many strings as possible." She re-did the design in 1992 creating the Pikasso II, which has been on display at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. Visit Nanzer's website for video and sound samples of The Pikasso.

(Found via TrendHunter)

Mic Check - One Two

The SOLO pendant light by Re-Surface Design is a new take on the classic mic. The light emitted from the mesh top gives off a disco-like glow. I liked their suggestion for DJs to use it over their turntables to see disc and record labels better.

(Found via Subcontinental.giant)

Lamp Lamp: Hironao Tsuboi

Lamp Lamp by Tokyo designer Hironao Tsuboi can turn a very dull light fitting into quite the conversation piece. I'm not sure I even realized what I was looking at when I first saw this. But once I did I really loved it.

(Found via Sheynk Dot Com)

The Face of Disaster Typography

Awesome hand-drawn typography by illustrator Andy Smith. Look closely and be amazed.

(Found via Changethethought)

Scrabble Couches

I love these Scrabble inspired couches designed by Stephen Reed Industrial Design and Alistair Willmott. They can be found in the Bloomberg offices in London. The best part, employees can leave each other playful messages with the cushions. Also, notice the double and triple word score inspired tables. I love it!

More scrabble inspired posts on Double Takes:
Scrabble Charm Necklace
DIY Scrabble Coasters

(Found via Oddee)

Loaf Toaster

The Loaf Toaster is the "best toaster since sliced bread" according to the designer. What a creative concept! I imagine this would be great for big families.

(Found via Idealist)