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

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.

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.

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.

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