Dornob | Design Ideas Daily

Elegant One-Handed Tape Dispenser Refines Wrapping

Posted: 21 Jun 2013 10:00 AM PDT

Packing up boxes for moving, mailing or storing can be a giant pain if you’re using those flimsy plastic packing tape dispensers. Unless you’re an expert at keeping the tape from sticking to itself and tearing off pieces one-handed, you’re probably familiar with the irritating qualities of those plastic dispensers.

Black & Blum, makers of all kinds of useful household things, has created a packing tape dispenser that is much easier to use and can even be used one-handed. The On a Roll dispenser is made of cast iron and weighs a hefty 2.3 pounds. Thanks to its creative cantilevered design, the tape unrolls easily and can be torn with a simple gesture.

The On a Roll will run you an eye-popping $43.50, which adds up to something like 9 of those flimsy plastic packing tape dispensers (or about 25 of regular household tape) - but it seems like the ease of use is worth the initial expenditure, and you’ll never have to replace it. Besides its usefulness, the On a Roll is a piece of clever design that manages to be a simple but beautiful piece of practical design that you wouldn’t be embarrassed to display on your desk.

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Make Your Own Lovely Modern Copper Hanging Light Fixture

Posted: 20 Jun 2013 04:00 PM PDT

Copper lighting fixtures have been popping up all over the place lately, and these modern pieces are striking in almost any home. But if the prices of the pre-made fixtures make you flinch, the DIY-ers at Design Milk have you covered. They’ve put together a fantastic, easy-to-follow tutorial to help you make your own for much less than the retail versions.

The tools you’ll need to assemble are relatively easy to find in any hardware store. You’ll also need a lighting kit, which can be purchased cheaply at IKEA or any number of other stores.

Then comes the crafty part: curving the soft copper pipe, measuring, and attaching all of the pieces. Although the project is relatively uncomplicated, it might not be the best first project for a true DIY novice.

When you’re done, you’ll have a stunning copper fixture that adds a bit of warmth to wherever it hands. The copper lines throw interesting shadows around the room, and the project is very customizable with different materials and different colors.