Design Swan

Incredibly Intricate Paper Cutting Designs by Hina Aoyama

Vivian — Wed, 30 May 2012 00:14:50 +0000

Hina Aoyama, a Japanese artist living in France masterfully cuts details into sheets of paper to create these super fine, lacy, and fragile artworks. With just a simple pair of scissors, Aoyama is able to create super fine lacy-paper-cuttings like small butterfly wings, the fine script of a handwritten letter, and the details of a lotus flower. With intense patience, attention to detail, and a steady hand, Aoyama’s distinctive technique results in these hand-cut masterpieces, created across the course of hours and sometimes months. Her designs truly amaze me; I’ve never seen such delicate and perfect paper cutting on the scale of Aoyama’s work, and I’m particularly impressed with the cursive text cuts shown below. Just can’t imagine how much effort and patience needed to get that fine script of a handwritten letter. [source]

Related posts:

13 Cool and Unusual iPhone 4 and 4S Cases

Vivian — Tue, 29 May 2012 01:31:22 +0000

It has been a while since our last collection of cool iPhone cases. And apparently, there are more and more new cool and protective cases popping out in the market for our beloved iPhone. After some research, we prepared another collection of 13 Cool and Unusual iPhone 4 and 4S Cases. Some of them are really cool, like the Knuckle Case and Gun shaped case; some are pretty bizarre like the Flip Flop case and big ear case; some come with useful features like built-in charger or dial lens. Pretty cool? Just take a look and hope you like them.

1. Knuckle Case [source]

Toughen up your iPhone with this knockout accessory. Your will never drop your iPhone again. Made entirely in the USA of machine crafted solid aluminum and totally recyclable. This is the only case with the fit and finish to go toe to toe with the iPhone.

2. Mug Shape iPhone 4/4s Case [amazon]

Made of high quality and Eco-friendly silicone material, this rubber case has a mug shaped handle to the back of the iPhone, perfectly fitting and protecting your iPhone 4/4s. The most useful feature of the case is the ability to use the handle as a built-in stand, as shown in the video below. But the strange part is the mug totally block the rear camera. Not sure about whether the iPhone owner would like that. It’s very functional on a desk, but with the coffee mug handle, it may be too bulky to carry around.

3. Revolver iPhone Case [source]

Gun shaped iPhone case will help you stand out in the crowd; or get you in trouble….

4. Flip Flop TPU Skin Cover for Apple iPhone 4 (AT&T) [amazon]

Form-fitting cover protects your phone from the elements
Fun and stylish flip flops design
Semi-hard, semi-soft Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) material resists taring and deformation
Prevents scratches, chips and fingerprints from accumulating on your phone.
Glossy finish with the look of a hard case while providing shock-absorbing protection; Allows access to all functions

5. iPhone 4/4S guard [source]

Full guard (back+frame) for iPhone 4/4S, made with resin material. This resin material offers superior scratch protection, nice touch&feel, and improved grip. You can even hold for a moment your device on your Mac screen or similar glass surface.

6. iPhone 4 / 4S Quartet Case [amazon]

Custom designed by Erik Arlen, features four interchangeable modular sections
Form fit feature made specifically for the iPhone 4 / 4S
Contains 6 modular pieces in Sensuous Silk, Rustic Tweed and Vintage Flannel color sets
Impact resistant, flexible shell
Access to all ports and functions

7. Twelve South BookBook for iPhone 4/4S [amazon]

Handmade, genuine leather case protects iPhone with style
Includes wallet pockets for ID, cards and cash
Unique book design disguises iPhone for added security
iPhone 4 (AT&T and Verizon)

8. Speck ToughSkin Rubberized Phone Case for iPhone 4 [amazon]

To guarantee you receive new, authentic Speck merchandise, please select “ships from and sold by Amazon.com” product only
Rugged and tough dual-layer iPhone 4 protection
Rubberized and textured exterior for maximum protection and grip
Durable protective hard inner case can also be used separately
Detachable holster with rotating belt clip also works as a viewing stand;Fits both Verizon and ATT iPhone 4

9. Ear shape cover for Apple iPhone 4 4G / 4S [amazon]

100% New Soft Case Cover For iPhone 4 4G /4S
Special design and processing,made by high-grade soft silicone material,100% durable and flexible
Shockproof,Well protects your phone from dust,oils,scratches,stains and some other damages
Lovely design,to keep your phone in an outstanding appearance

10. Coin IPHONE 4 / 4S Protective Case [amazon]

This coin iphone case, back with different line and you can use a coin to be as a holder front different angle. Six colors show your personality: Yellow, white, red, grey, black, blue.

11. Tank Rugged Case for the Apple iPhone 4 and 4s [amazon]

Military grade, protective iPhone case
Polycarbonate hard shell with silicone cushioned interior
Retractable screen shields from impacts, cracking and condensation
Soft touch exterior that easily slides in and out of pockets
Tested #1 in impact resistance against the leading brand

12. JuiceTank iPhone 4S Case [source]

The JuiceTank features a built in wall charger, which means you can just plug your iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S directly into a wall outlet to charge your device.

13. Xcesories Tri Eye Lens Dial iPhone case [amazon]

It is a case but also something more just a case:

Conveniently switch between lens just by rotating the dial
Choose between Fisheye Lens, Telephoto Lens, and Wide-Angle Lens without taking them off from your iPhone
Full aluminum body keeps your iPhone safe
Sturdy and extra weight gives more stability while shooting
You can use any standard camera tripod screw to mount your iPhone in landscape and portrait mode (This package does not come with tripod or mount)

Related posts:

© Vivian for Design Swan, 2012. | Permalink
Post tags: iPhone accessories, iPhone case, iphone case design, iphone cover, iPhone gadgets, iPhone Skin

24 Beautiful Garden and Patio Design Ideas for Better Summer Experience

Vivian — Sun, 27 May 2012 23:11:39 +0000

With the summer finally arrived, it is a better time to hang out in the garden/patio if you happen to have one. Question is, have you set your garden/patio ready for the summer? If not yet, you probably should take a look at this post, where we rounded up 24 Beautiful Garden and Patio Design Ideas. You will find a variety of garden styles in the photos below – Green labyrinths, cobblestone pathways, small ponds, water fountains, colorful flowers and small round trees, all you need to do is pick your favorite and begin further research. Hope you get some inspiration and of course, enjoy this lovely summer.

Image credits: [source], [source]

Related posts:

© Vivian for Design Swan, 2012. | Permalink
Post tags: garden design, home garden, home improvement, landscape, patio design

Stunning Underwater Photography of Jellyfish by Alexander Semenov

Vivian — Sun, 27 May 2012 00:08:08 +0000

Jellyfish are scary but gorgeous creatures! And they looks incredibly beautiful in below photos taken by Alexander Semenov – a Russian marine biologist and underwater photographer who studies sea life through the lenses. These phenomenon jellyfish photos were taken from the Red Sea where water was clear, sun was shining and weather was sweet. Semenov says, “They have appeared on our planet long before us, but now for us they look like an alien race, not the typical representatives of the animal world.” Hope you enjoy the magical underwater world brought by Semenov as I did. [source]

Related posts:

© Vivian for Design Swan, 2012. | Permalink
Post tags: Jellyfish, sea life, Underwater, underwater photography, underwater scenery

Eco Perch: Beautiful Green Retreat by Blue Forest

Vivian — Sat, 26 May 2012 00:12:44 +0000

Created by East Sussex-based architecture and construction firm Blue Forest, the eco-PERCH concept is assembled with natural materials and can be implemented within 5 days. It’s natural, organic geometry maximizes the relationship between the inside space and the outdoor setting, ensuring the structure sits harmoniously within the landscape. Contained within a 6 meter by 8 meter footprint, the combined kitchen, dining, living area and bedroom may comfortably accommodate four people. wrapped with a continuous roof surface, its oval sectional geometry visually connects with the outdoor scenery through windows and a veranda formed with a deep eave. With options to assemble your building on the ground or in the treetops there are infinite possibilities for creating accommodation with a difference. Just think, it will also be lovely to have a place like that as office in the back yard. What do you think? [source]

Related posts:

© Vivian for Design Swan, 2012. | Permalink
Post tags: architecture, eco building design, green building, moveable house, tree house

“Just in Case”: Interesting End-of-the-world Survival Kit

Vivian — Fri, 25 May 2012 00:18:41 +0000

If you still remember the movie 2012, you would probably get the idea behind this survival kit. Designed and crafted by Menosunocerouno, this “Just in case” kit covers all your basic apocalyptic needs – chocolate Abuelita, Doméstica yellow notebook, simple knife, 40 emergency black matches, original Mayan liqueur Xtabentun D’aristi and basic water. No matter whether the world will end this year, I have to say the end never looked so neat and organized! Take a look at this beautiful looking survival kit, just in case. [source]

Related posts:

© Vivian for Design Swan, 2012. | Permalink
Post tags: advertisement, bizarre, branding, gift idea, packaging, survival kit

Inspiring Coca Cola Print and Outdoor Advertisement Design

Vivian — Thu, 24 May 2012 00:40:52 +0000

As one of the most recognized brands in the world, Coca-Cola has run an incredible number of poster printing advertising campaigns over the years, all with different themes and styles. Working with refreshing and innovative ideas, Coca-Cola successfully makes himself stand out from all the “clutter” of competitors and other ads; and creates a brand image that has raised the expectations for advertisements and marketing. In this post, we rounded up some great print and outdoor advertisement from Coca-Coal, featuring some modern, some retro, vintage and something unusual. Take a look and hope you get some inspiration from these awesome design.

Coke Hands – Sharing a Coke [source]

Coca-Cola: Straw, Windows [source]

Coca Cola: New Zealand – Summer as it should be [source]

Coca-Cola: Coke Side of Music [source]

Coca-Cola Light: Lemon Peel [source]

Coca-Cola: Movies (125 years at the movies) [source]

Coca-Cola: 125 Years Of Happiness Calendar [source]

Coca-Cola zero, truck advertisement [source]

Coca-Cola “Lemon” Advertisement [source]

Open Happiness [source]

Live on the Coke side of life [source]

Coca-Cola Italian – BOTTLE/KISS [source]

Related posts:

© Vivian for Design Swan, 2012. | Permalink
Post tags: ads, ads compaign, advertisement, advertisment design, Billboard, Coca-Cola, print ads

Incredible Typewriter Drawing by Keira Rathbone

Vivian — Wed, 23 May 2012 00:12:16 +0000

Remember when was the last time you tried to write something with typewriter? Now let’s imagine drawing with it. Impossible? Really? London based artist Keira Rathbone has figured out a way to manipulate a typewriter to create these very well-constructed portraits and drawings – clustering together marks made by letters, numbers and symbols, to make brilliant, one-off images. According to Rathbone, her dream is to travel the world and “type” detailed images of people and beautiful landmarks that she will encounter along the way. Really impressive and unusual work! [source]

Related posts:

© Vivian for Design Swan, 2012. | Permalink
Post tags: Art, bizarre, drawing, typerwriter drawing, typewriter art, visualization

10 Innovative Stamp Inspired Designs

Vivian — Tue, 22 May 2012 01:10:03 +0000

When talk about stamp, the first impression come into your mind might be the postage stamps on your envelop. While in tody’s post, we will present you some more interesting stamps which more than make a distinctive mark on the paper. Thanks to those creative designers who give a new life to our old rubber stamps! Now, take a look at the 10 Innovative Stamp Inspired Designs, and hope you enjoy.

1. Stamp your Photo [designswan]

Is that will be fun if your digital camera that doubles up as a rubber stamp? As of now digicams offer a variety of options and modes (sepia, landscape etc.) to take pictures and edit them. Stampy Digital Camera gives you the option of creating a rubber-stamp version of your photograph, so that you stamp it onto any sheet of paper or surface.

2. MUJI Funny Face Stamp Set [source]

Create funny faces with this set of twelve wooden rubber stamps, one blue inkpad, and one black inkpad packaged in a wooden box.

3. HOLY TOAST! – the visionary bread stamper [amazon]

In the beginning…there was bread. Ho hum. Make that boring bread an inspiration by embossing it before you toast! Our easy-to-use Holy Toast stamper always makes a good impression.

4. Kaoiro Stamp [designswan]

“Kaoiro” (which means “facial expression” in Japanese) is Japanese emoticon stamp pretending to be the date stamp. This stamp that mixing digital culture with a old style stationary has 7 belts and around 20 symbols.

You can create real kaomoji (Japanese emoticon) of 2000 or more by combining them. If you always have it ready on your desk at school or office, you can share your emotion to your lover in real world with a secret .

5. Chinese Architecture Stamps [designswan]

This stamp set recapitulates the elements of Chinese traditional architecture, such as ridge of a roof, lintel of door and ridge animal. you can create your own Chinese architecture!

6. Deep Impression Rose Shaped Cookie Stamp Press [amazon]

This is a cookie press/ stamp in a shape of a beautiful rose with a deep impression. It is slightly smaller than 1.5 inches wide and will make delicious cookies that look delicate and elegant. Makes cookies about 1 inch wide.

7. Baby Stamp [designswan]

They are original stamps that engraved baby’s tiny handpring or footprint in real size. Not only using a simple stamp that can be stamped on papers and letters, but also they can be used for lifelong memorial such as birthday present, baby gift and more.

8. Stamp Ring [source]

Remember me ring lets you leave an impression of your phone number. All you need to take out with you is a tiny ink pad to make it work. When you see a boy or girl you like just rotate the ring on the ink pad, and in one slick move roll it up the arm, (of whatever body part is available to you) of the person you desire.

9. Jailbreak Collective Like and Dislike Stamps [amazon]

Set of two stamps – for every occasion.
Self-inking, for your convenience.
Set includes one of each stamp.
Dimensions: 3″ x 1.25″ x 2.5″

10. Home Made Cookie Stamper [amazon]

Imprints cookie with ‘home made’
Removable silicone rubber stamp for easy washing
Wooden handle
Stamp measures approximately 2.8-inches diameter
Announce where your cookies came from

Related posts:

© Vivian for Design Swan, 2012. | Permalink
Post tags: Concept Design, Gadget Design, interesting gadget design, life gadget, stamps

Whangapoua Sled House: Small and Smart Movable Hut for Holiday Retreat

Vivian — Sun, 20 May 2012 23:43:37 +0000

On the shore of an idyllic white sanded beach in New Zealand’s Coromandel Peninsula rests a small, simple but elegant hut. Designed by Crosson Clarke Carnachan, this hut measures a mere 40 square meters and rests on two thick wooden ‘sleds’ that allow it to be shifted around the beach front section. This innovative portability is a response to the ever changing landscape that line the beachfront in this coastal erosion zone.

To accommodate a family of five, every available space has been utilized. Entering through a double-height set of glass doors from the beach deck, the living/dining/kitchen zone continues in the back with a bathroom and a three tiered bunk kids room. The mezzanine bedroom is accessed by climbing a wall-mounted ladder through a closeable hatch, it shares the same view as downstairs through the huge glass doors. Climb the ladder again and you arrive on a roof terrace which catches rainwater for the gravity tanks behind. Small, simply and elegantly self-contained, this tiny elegant hut strips holiday living right back to basics. [source]

Related posts:

© Vivian for Design Swan, 2012. | Permalink
Post tags: architecture, beach hut, Design, holiday home, moveable house, retreat design