i (heart) odd-toed ungulates

Origami Rhino Unfolding

A simple, silent little treat... by Mabona Origami of Switzerland. "Stills" from previous Mabona projects below. *I'm so in love with the character of that pink rhino - wish it were life-sized and made out of fabric... just look at the focus in those perky little ears!

Behold, The Badgermin

In case you missed this little gem when it was set loose on the interwebs in January, behold - one of the most bizarre musical instruments ever fashioned: the Badgermin. Dreamed up and constructed by UK-based engineer/sculptor David Cranmer, the Badgermin is a magical, mythical, nightmarish hybrid of 2 cult favorites: a Theremin - that mysterious hands-free box of an electric instrument that gave eerie b-movie sci-fi soundtracks their unmistakable alien spook; and a Badger - portly, tunnel-digging member of the skunk family, known for his tenacity and penchant for grumpiness (and most recently, a flamboyantly badass cousin, of the Honey variety).

To hear the Badgermin in action, you can find video on Cranmer's website. A friend and I were in general agreement that the Theremin commands enough novelty that anyone in it's presence will desperately want to hear it played... for all of about 60 seconds... after which everyone will wish for it to be unplugged. I'm not convinced that cloaking such an instrument in a Badger pelt changes that observation, though I give this project high marks just the same. Well played, Mr. Cranmer, well played.

(photos by David Cranmer)

Best. Brother. Ever.

To anyone who hasn't met him, I'd like to introduce one of the coolest guys I know - my incredible brother, Karl. I don't think I've ever doubted his amazingness, but there was definitely a long period, roughly between 5th and 12th grade, of deliberate denial (an unfortunate but usually unavoidable consequence of surviving through the irrationality of adolescence with a sibling). Thank goodness for growing up.

Karl currently lives in Brooklyn, and when he isn't crafting beautiful - often simultaneously functional - objects, he's thinking about what to make next. He has a sweet, slightly spazzy cat, cooks awfully delicious food for someone who's diet used to consist solely of chicken wings and chocolate milk, and in more ways than I can count, the kid is my absolute hero. And fortunately for this blog, it just so happens that he and I share a very warm fondness for animals, and many of his designs are fashioned in the likenesses of gentle creatures, like the whales above. 

I'd celebrate him on any given day, because I love him, and he deserves it, but today is kind of a big one. Happy Birthday, bro. Here's to staying passionate, and doing what you love (really effing well!).

Karl's recent projects include the Phrena lamp, produced by Artecnica, and the Animal Box series (pictured below), for Areaware.