Packaging Geography. Laser Carved Topographic State Magnets Are Beautifully Presented In Unique Package Design.

Mette Hornung Rankin of the Bureau of Betterment and Greg Jones of Fifty-Four Forty have collaborated on this set of laser cut topographic US State magnets and the prototype packaging for them. Set inside chipboard whose printed design mimics the surrounding area (and doubles as a display stand), each magnet-backed state carving is accompanied by a small folded two-sided pamphlet with facts and engravings.









Mette tells us of the inspiration and process behind this project and the prototype packaging:

"My dad was a geography teacher, so growing up in a small town in Central Oregon my family participated in the local radio station’s morning Geo Quiz with the 3 other families in town who were also partial to such shenanigans. Over the years of answering questions correctly I collected a world placemat, spin-top globe pencil, globe keychain, and numerous stickers and erasures.

While the days of the Madras Radio Geo Bee are long gone, I still have a fondness for geography related trivia. So when I met Greg Jones at an ADX Feedback Loop event where he presented an idea for a topographic series of state products, I was psyched to help him make it a reality.

After some talk, we decided to collaborate on packaging prototypes for a small batch of products he wanted to sell to gather interest in his idea: a set of magnetic-backed US states made out of laser cut wood that show the topography of America. AWESOME!!!

The packaging structure was inspired by the jig used to assemble each state. A piece of charcoal colored chipboard is sandwiched between layers of thick cardboard that mimic the topographic nature of the product. The front of the packaging is laser cut with the pattern of surrounding states while product information is shown on the back panel.

The product is easily nestled into its’ own shape with a small finger hole on the back to help pop it out for use. The packaging doubles as a free-standing display for the state.

To highlight each state’s unique attributes, a small pamphlet with state facts was created with images and notable geographic landmarks. The pamphlet folds in 3 each way and slides into a recessed slit on the back side of the packaging structure, making the product and packaging a fully integrated solution.

This project was in collaboration with Greg Jones from 54-40, logo design by Ashley Stevens, a designer I worked with previously while at Morrow McKenzie Design. ADX is a Portland-based community space for makers to use various large-scale equipment and resources to make their own products. ADX also hosts a variety of events and classes."



Images and information courtesy of the Bureau of Betterment

Alcohol Infused Whipped Cream in 11 Flavors. Whipped Lightning aka Whipahol.

I recently wrote about Smirnoff's new flavored vodkas, one of which is said to taste like whipped cream. This got me thinking.... what if there were an actual whipped cream that tasted like vodka instead of the other way around? So, I did a little googling and found something even better.... Whipped Lighting - Alcohol Infused Whipped Cream in a can in 11 delicious sounding flavors.



Whipped Lightning (which I prefer referring to as its urban slang nickname and their url... Whipahol) contains 18.25% alcohol (36.5 proof) with the exception of four flavors (Caramel Pecan, Chocolate Mint, German Chocolate and Hazelnut Espresso) which contain 16.75% alcohol (or 33.5 proof).






Whipped Lightning can dress up many a drink (and a dessert). Whether you prefer a martini, shot or shooter, cocktail, frozen drink, coffee, pie, ice cream or just straight from the can, Whipahol is one of a kind. Okay, not really one of a kind since a competitive product named Cream with 6 flavors, 15% alcohol content and much better designed packaging has recently hit the market.


above: Cream, another recently introduced Alcohol-infused whipped cream

As you would expect, many college campuses, concerned parents and special interest groups are up in arms over this product because of its obvious appeal to underage drinkers who are likely to abuse the product. Ingesting one full can will give you an effect equal to about three beers - and probably a stomachache.

Below are some answers from the folks behind Whipahol you're bound to have about this creamy booze in a can.

Do I have to refrigerate Whipped Lightning?
No, Whipped Lightning does not need to be refrigerated, ever. As a matter of fact refrigeration will cause the alcohol to separate from the cream and Whipahol will serve rather muddy. Don't worry though, refrigeration won't hurt it; just let it return to room temperature and all will be fine. Whipahol is infused with grain alcohol and pressurized inside a sterile environment. Although it will not go bad sitting out on a hot summer day we recommend trying to keep it somewhere around 70 degrees.

Should I shake the can?
You should shake Whipped Lightning vigorously before serving. This will help to mix up all the tasty ingredients.

There is still product in the can but why is nothing coming out?
Whipped Lightning is under pressure, if the can is relieved of pressure the product will not dispense. Do NOT spray Whipahol while the can is pointing up or sideways because the gas will be used up before all the Whipahol is dispensed from the can. Be sure to shake well, point the can downwards and spray.

Can I leave Whipahol in my car on a hot summer day?
No, you should not leave Whipahol in a hot car. Any aerosol product can become over pressurized by the heat in a parked car. This will cause the valve to fail and Whipahol will end up all over your upholstery rather than where it belongs, in your mouth.

How many calories are in a serving?
We've never had Whipped Lightning tested to determine how many calories are in a serving. Whipahol is not a food product and is not subject to FDA labeling requirements; it is an alcoholic beverage. You should consume Whipahol in moderation, please enjoy it responsibly.

Do you have to be 21 years old to purchase Whipped Lightning?
Yes, Whipped Lightning is an alcoholic beverage so you must be 21 years old to purchase and consume in the United States.

What is the shelf life of Whipped Lightning?
Whipped Lightning is best used within 12 months of being made. Please see the label for either a born on or expiration date. We make Whipahol to order so your can of Whipped Lightning is fresh and has not sat in a warehouse for months after production.

Why is Whipped Lightning not available in my state?
If Whipped Lightning is not currently available in your state, more than likely we are working on finding a distributor. You can help us by asking for Whipped Lightning at your local liquor store.

Click here to find where to purchase Whipped Lightning and some recipes as to how to serve it.

By the way, that fabulous image of the girl covered in whipped cream at the top of this post is from the photo shoot of Herb Alpert's Tijuana Brass 1965 album cover for Whipped Cream & Other Delights (courtesy of Esquire magazine's archives and composited by yours truly)

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

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.

Hair Dryers That Will Blow Your Mind From Ferrari, 2Much, Barbie, Ed Hardy and More.

Seems like lately everything utilitarian is getting into "design" and hair care tools are no exception. Blow Dryers from high-end salon brands like BaByliss, T3, Conair and even custom ones by designers are hitting the market.

The first one I'm sharing with you is more about what's inside the dryer than the look of it.

Hair Dryer engine made with actual Ferrari parts:



In 2010, a unique collaboration between BaByliss and Ferrari brought together the technological and engineering expertise of these two industry giants. The result puts the world's first Ferrari-inspired high performance engine into a professional hair appliance.


above left image courtesy of ModernSalon

Designed for maximum airflow, minimum weight, low vibration, extended life and turbo-speed power, the Ferrari engine makes this BaBylissPRO the ultimate drying machine, and creates a brand new category in styling: the performance luxury dryer.

Ferrari and BaByliss, both noted for speed, power and performance, are recognized and respected around the world. As a sponsor of the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli Championship, BaByliss is proud to lend its support to the greatest name in racing.

The BaByliss®PRO VOLARE comes in two sizes –a medium and a compact one- and in two colours –in black and in the worldwide original FERRARI red colour- and is the world’s first professional luxury hair dryer driven by a FERRARI engine.

The V1 - Ferrari designed engine Hair Dryers:


The V2 - Ferrari designed engine Hair Dryers:



The following hair dryers have all jumped on the Graffiti and Tattoo inspired bandwagon.

Custom Graffiti Hair Dryer
This custom hair dryer by Patrik Blundell of 2much was exclusively made for Millenium Hair Design and is embellished with Graffiti:




Ed Hardy Geisha Hair Dryer:


Dragon and Koi hair Dryers by Hair Religion:



The TS 2 Vintage Hair Dryer:


The following are simply hair dryers worth noting.

The Special Edition T3 Barbie Hair Dryer:

The T3 Barbie hair Dryer is available exclusively at Bloomingdales.

For when you're really packing heat, The 357 Magum hair dryer:


above images courtesy of this etsy listing.
There's also a similar hair dryer with various colored handles called the Western hair dryer.

And of course, there's a Swarovski Crystal Clad hair dryer by 77th and Park. The 1871 watt Ionic hair dryer comes in 3 color variations and comes in an alligator bag:




Not quite as blingy, and certainly not nearly as expensive is the Conair 213L Limited Edition Swarovski Crystal Infiniti Dryer:




Of course there are hundreds of interesting concept designs for hair dryers, but I wanted to you to see the actual produced ones.