Archive for December, 2011

Top 10 Most Popular Posts of 2011

December 29th, 2011 by Bored Panda | No Comments | Filed in Design

It seems that only a month ago we posted the Top 10 Most Popular Posts of 2010, and now it’s almost 2012! Thanks to all the pandas reading our magazine, for your comments and kind words. Now it’s time to look back and remember the best things we had here on Bored Panda during 2011.

Out of the 160 or so posts published in 2011, we’ve picked the best of the year based on a mix of our opinion and metrics such as pageviews, comments, inbound links,  and social engagement off the blog through social news, bookmarking, Facebook, Twitter and similar services.

As strange as it may seem, sex still sells even in 2012, and the list starts with 30 More Inappropriately Sexy Ads.

Happy New Year from all of us here at Boredpanda.com, may the next year be better than the last!

1. 30 More Inappropriately Sexy Ads

2. 21 Creative Double Page Magazine Ads

3. 26 Brilliant Minimalist Print Ads

4. 40 More Creative Logos With Hidden Symbolism

5. Genetic Portraits by Ulric Collette

6. Extreme Close-Ups of the Human Eye

7. 21 Places To See Before You Die

8. Maps They Didn’t Teach You In School

9. 21 More Brilliant Minimalist Print Ads

10. Little People – a Tiny Street Art Project

Top 10 Most Popular Posts of 2011 originally appeared on Bored Panda on December 29, 2011.


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Worst Twitter Complaints About Christmas Gifts

December 27th, 2011 by Bored Panda | No Comments | Filed in Design, Tweets

Jon Hendren is re-tweeting all the ridiculous complaints made by people who didn’t get what they wanted for Christmas. He used Twitter search strings like: ”not getting,” “iPod,” “iPhone,” “iPad,” or “Car” which return all these horrible comments about Christmas and the worst parents in the world. I really hope these people are kidding.

Worst Twitter Complaints About Christmas Gifts originally appeared on Bored Panda on December 27, 2011.


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Glass Igloo Hotel in Finland

December 22nd, 2011 by Bored Panda | No Comments | Filed in Design

Located in the wilderness near Finland’s Urho Kekkonen National Park, the Igloo Village of Hotel Kakslauttanen offers a crystal clear view of the Northern lights and stars, all while comfortably relaxing in your room.

Thermal glass walls not only insulate the interior to keep it warm, but also make sure that view stay clear even when the temperature drops to -22 degrees Fahrenheit (-30°C). That’s why it is an excellent place to see the Aurora Borealis, one of the world’s seven natural wonder, or in other words, the burst of colored light caused by the collision of energetic charged particles with atoms in the high altitude atmosphere. The lights are visible from August to April, however the peak viewing time is during the winter months.

Each Glass Igloo has a separate toilet and luxury beds, but if you think that it’s too comfortable, the resort also offers a dozen traditional igloos made of ice. So who else is going to Finland with me?

Glass Igloo Hotel in Finland originally appeared on Bored Panda on December 22, 2011.


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Christmas Tree Made of 32,000 Recycled Bottles

December 21st, 2011 by Bored Panda | No Comments | Filed in Design

About a week ago Design You Trust wrote about an amazing 13 meters tall Christmas tree “made of 40 thousands ‘SPRITE’ plastic bottles” in Kaunas, Lithuania. However, according to the original sources like Delfi and Lrytas, there are “only” 32,000 recycled plastic bottles, but the tree will have 40,000 Christmas lights. That’s why you should never trust anyone, even if they have a word “trust” in their name.

Nevertheless, the Christmas tree looks really great, and it’s especially beautiful at night when it’s lit from the inside and the green bottles start to sparkle.

“Green color represents peace, nature and ecology. Ecology is expensive, and only conscious Europeans understand that ecology costs money. We are lucky, because we didn’t have to spend the budget money,” says the author of idea, Jolanta Smidtien?. However, some people argue that with all those lights used to lit the tree it isn’t so green after all.

Update: Apparently, it is not Sprite bottles, nor even recycled – 40.000 emerald plastic bottles were bought from a local company.

Image sources: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Christmas Tree Made of 32,000 Recycled Bottles originally appeared on Bored Panda on December 21, 2011.


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The Chromatic Typewriter

December 20th, 2011 by Bored Panda | No Comments | Filed in Design

Washington-based artist Tyree Callahan transformed and old 1937 Underwood Standard typewriter into a functional painting device he calls a Chromatic Typewriter. He did it by replacing the ink pads of the typewriter with colored paint pads and the letters with color markers.

“I’m super excited about it. The reaction to the piece has been pretty special. It seems to be making a lot of people happy and it has started some great discussions on the translation of art into words and words into art. And folks with synesthesia seem to like it the most, “ says Callahan.

This is also his entry to the 2012 West Prize competition. The prize is awarded via popular vote this year, but voting is limited to iPhones/iPods/iPads. Those of you with iProducts can download the West Collects app to vote for your favorite. The link to West Collects site is here.

I’d love to write an article with this typewriter and see what I get!

The Chromatic Typewriter originally appeared on Bored Panda on December 20, 2011.


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Funny Illustrations by Comical Concept

December 19th, 2011 by Bored Panda | No Comments | Filed in Design

You’ve probably already seen the famous “Facebook version of you vs. Realistic version of you” image floating around Facebook, but I bet only a few of you checked out the website given in the watermark – comicalconcept.com. Luckily, I always tend to check and investigate where all the fun things are coming from and it was really worth it this time!

Comical Concept is about trying to convey a funny idea in a single piece of art. It is not intended to be a web comic in the traditional sense,” says Nathan Batson, the author of Comical Concept. The drawings are created in Adobe Illustrator, and according to the author “the style will always be vector art”.

Nathan currently lives in Asheville, North Carolina. He started his career as a Flash developer but has branched out and now I build awesome websites with Flash, jQuery, Ruby on Rails and Html.

Here are some of our picks, but you should visit Comical Concept for more!

The Facebook You vs. Realistic You

Rich Musician vs Homeless Guy

Professional Snipers

Life with iPhone 3G vs iPhone 4s

Sandwich

Fondue

Wind Sucks

Date Guaranteed

Funny Illustrations by Comical Concept originally appeared on Bored Panda on December 19, 2011.


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Cool Super Mario Piranha Plant Earrings

December 16th, 2011 by Bored Panda | No Comments | Filed in Design

“Super awesome accessory for any Mario fan! This Piranha Plant earring set made of polymer clay will sure put a bite in your day! Wear these anywhere and your sure to get a second look! Piranha Plant earrings have the appearance of having quite the grip on the ear. That’s a scary thought but don’t worry these adorable earrings will cause you no pain, maybe tears of joy though!!:’) These items are handmade so every item will vary slightly and signs of fingerprints are visible.” (link)

Cool Super Mario Piranha Plant Earrings originally appeared on Bored Panda on December 16, 2011.

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Hyper Realistic Paintings That Look Like Photos

December 14th, 2011 by Bored Panda | No Comments | Filed in Design

We’ve already looked at some unbelievably realistic drawings and paintings before (see: 25 Photorealistic Pictures Drawn with a BIC Pen and Incredibly Realistic Pencil Drawings by Paul Lung) but it’s nothing compared to what you are about to see.

This time, let’s take a look at the works of some of the world’s greatest photorealism masters – Roberto Bernardi, Steve Mills and Erich Christensen. Forget about Photoshop, Maya or 3Ds Max – these guys have gone the old school way.

Roberto Bernardi was born in Todi on the 18th of May 1974. He started to paint at a very young age and his first works in oils date back to the first half of the eighties. After an initial foray with landscapes and portraits, Bernardi turned towards a more intense and spectacular type of painting; photorealism. In this style Bernardi is most comfortable expressing his creativity while satisfying his perfectionist technical goals. He applies layers of oil paint and varnish in the traditional manner to a totally modern image, creating a wholly contemporary, unique kind of image.

Roberto Bernardi

Steve Mills

Born in in 1959 in Boston, MA, photorealist oil painter Steve Mills sold his first drawing at the age of 11 and has been selling ever since. Every child drew when young, though Mills requested a pencil over crayons to get better detail. This fascination with detail became his calling card. Influenced by the works of Andrew Wyeth, his early paintings consisted mostly of landscapes. After seeing the work of Richard Estes at a show in Boston, MA, Photorealism became his passion. Today his interests are somewhat varied though his main focus is on the “extraordinarily-ordinary”.

Erich Christensen

Christensen began to develop his interest in painting, as well as botany, classical music, and gourmet cooking as a child in Salt Lake City, Utah. Eric Christensen began painting professionally in 1992. Since that time he has enjoyed amazing success and a growing reputation as a celebrated Wine Country Artist. Self-taught, he invented a watercolor technique that allows him to create images of vibrant color that go beyond the look and depth of a high quality photograph. Christensen now finds himself unique in his field. In fact he is the only known artist capable of hyperrealism through the use of standard watercolor.

Hyper Realistic Paintings That Look Like Photos originally appeared on Bored Panda on December 14, 2011.

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Are You Obsessed With the Right Things?

December 13th, 2011 by Bored Panda | No Comments | Filed in Design

“The difference between a pimple and breast cancer is that of life and death. Regular breast checks are the best way to fight cancer. Show support for the women in your life by purchasing a Pink Ribbon.”

“The difference between a big butt and breast cancer is that of life and death. Regular…”

“The difference between a bad hair day and breast cancer is that of life and death. Regular…”

A lot of women are probably more obsessed with a pimple, bad hair or their butt than they are concerned about breast cancer. In order to raise breast cancer awareness, Breast Cancer Foundation in Singapore creatively used body art to ask women if they were “obsessed with the right things?”

Advertising Agency: DDB, Singapore | Executive Creative Director: Joji Jacob | Creative Director: Thomas Yang | Copywriter: Khairul Mondzi | Art Director: Andrea Kuo | Account Director: Rowena Bhagchandani | Account Executive: Ng Ling Kai | Illustrator: Andy Yang Soo Kit | Digital retoucher: Agnes Teo | Photographer: Allan Ng / Republic Studios

Are You Obsessed With the Right Things? originally appeared on Bored Panda on December 13, 2011.

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24 Unique Gift Ideas for Wine Lovers

December 12th, 2011 by Bored Panda | No Comments | Filed in Design

Christmas is a wonderful time of the year, but it can be stressful and expensive. Getting presents is easy, however buying them is another story. Having enough money to buy gifts is one thing, but finding the right thing is much harder.

Luckily, there are two popular types of presents: a) something we can drink and b) something that can help us drink. This simple formula has helped me so many times that I thought it might be useful to you too. That’s why we have handpicked these 24 unique gift ideas for wine lovers. Some are useful, some are fun, but I hope you will find something for your family or friends.

Now let’s go to the pictures! Note that there are “buy” links bellow each wine gift, so if you find something you like – you know what to do.

Which one of these wine accessories would you want for yourself?

1. Handlebar Corkscrew and Bottle Opener

Fred & Friends Handlebar is a moustache designed corkscrew and bottle opener. The handle is a high gloss, well crafted aluminum with a stainless steel cork screw. (buy)

2. Lily’s Home Wine Holder

The Chain Wine Bottle Holder is one of the most eye-catching vino accessories we’ve ever seen! Magic forces collude with this nickel-plated iron chain to create a quite astounding illusion because your bottle appears to be floating in the twisted chain’s vice-like grip. An ideal gift for wine aficionados, lovers of unusual ornaments and refined heavy metal fans (of course they exist), the Chain Wine Bottle Holder is destined to become one of the most talked about items in your home. (buy)

The Lasso Wine Bottle Holder is crafted from chromed iron metal and then covered with the rope – however, unlike the chain version, this one has a dangly bit of rope that hangs off the end to make it even more magic. Suitable for all standard wine bottles, the Floating Lasso Wine Bottle Holder is guaranteed to cause a stir at any dinner party and will be a huge talking point. It makes the perfect gift for the fun loving vino connoisseur and looks cool in any kitchen or dining room. (buy)

3. Menu Fahrenheit Wine Thermometer

Take the temperature of your wine and get the most from the taste. The wine thermometer only need be attached like a belt around the bottle, and within minutes you can read the temperature on the digital display. The thermometer can withstand being dropped and even survive the loving attentions of the youngest in the family, and it fits easily into a drawer, on a tray or on your kitchen shelves, so it’s always there when you need it. (buy)

4. The Strange Carafes

Unusual and very expensive gift. (Designer: Etienne Meneau)

5. Winestein

You like sipping wine, but sometimes you’re just more comfortable with a mug in your mitt. Well this double-walled do-it-all lets you have it both ways. Elegant wine stem on the inside, manly beer stein on the outside, it’s a glass for all reasons. So pour yourself a nice measure of vino, grab it with gusto, thoughtfully inhale the bouquet, then toss it back. (buy)

6. “EvOlverre” One Glass For Every Drink

This glass uses the same head and a different base for 4 main glass-specific types of drink: water, cognac, wine, and champagne. (Designer: Utopik Design)

7. Black+Blum Flow Wall Wine Rack

Inspired by the flow of liquid, this sculptural wine rack is finished in brushed stainless steel. Flow is wall mounted and will hold up to eight bottles using a minimum of space. (buy)

8. Fingerfood

Ever been at a party and wondered how you’ll balance you wine glass, hors d’oeuvres and scintillating conversation all at the same time. Little Fingerfood plate slips onto you finger just like a ring, so now you can hold you snack and your glass in teh same hand, leaving you other hand free for eating, shaking hands, or general gesticulating. They’re certainly conversation starters, too – so eat, drink, and be merry. (buy)

9. Wine Knot Wine Rack

The Wine Knot is a seven bottle wine rack for six regular sized bottles and one oversized magnum or champagne bottle. The use of two intersected molded plywood components in birch and walnut allows the Wine Knot to live comfortably in the kitchen, living room or den. (buy)

10. Bosch IXO Vino Cordless Lithium-Ion Screwdriver with Corkscrew Attachment

The special edition IXO Vino comes with a corkscrew attachment and special ‘wine-style’ wooden packaging box. The screwdriver has all the features of the standard IXO but now includes this limited edition attachment, to remove corks. (buy)

11. Hanging Metal Wall Wine Bottle Holders

Beautiful wall wine holders crafted from heavy metal in an antiqued bronze-rust color. (buy)

12. Glass Tank

A device consists of a bulb shaped container with the glass below. When the amount in the glass decreases, a constant amount is poured from the tank into the glass. Never overflowing from the glass because of air pressure and water pressure. (Designer: kyouei design)

13. Wine Stopper USB Memory Stick

There seems to be a USB everything these days. From a humping dog to sushi to even a severed bloody finger, designers and novelty manufacturers are determined to turn anything into a USB thumb drive. (link)

14. Modern Wine rack by Umbra

A single ribbon of painted steel is rolled and fastened to create this elegant wine rack. Holds seven wine bottles. (buy)

15. This is [not]glass

“We’re glad that someone has finally caught on to our tendency to treat wine glasses like they’re soup ladles.” (Designer: Jeremy Brown)

16. Blomus Wall Wine Rack

When your shelf and cupboard space is limited, storing wine bottles can become an issue. Blomus solves the problem with this super stylish and space-efficient wall-mounted wine bottle holder. Handsomely and durably constructed of stainless steel in a contemporary brushed finish, the vertical rack features eight lined loops that hold bottles securely by the neck in a sideways fashion. You’ll keep corks moist as you impress friends with the gravity-defying look. (buy)

17. Midwest – CBK Wine Holder

Unique and good looking wine rack that covers a good bit of wall space. (buy)

18. SteadySticks Wine Bottle Holder

Perfect for picnics, backyard BBQs, outdoor concerts, or a day at the beach, this SteadySticks wine bottle holder is a great solution to holding your open bottle in place while outdoors. Made of durable stainless steel, this wine bottle holder features a stand that pushes easily into the ground, and spiral cylinder in which to set your bottle in, holding it firmly in place. No more spillage while picnicking, this SteadySticks wine bottle holder makes a fabulous gift. (buy)

19. Plastic Cup Wine Glass

It’s the perfect glass for wine lovers that like quality products, but don’t take themselves, or their wine hobby too seriously. (Designer: Maxim Velcovsky)

20. Glassbulb Light

The Glassbulb Light by OOOMS is a lamp shaped like a wineglass. This atmospheric lamp is the perfect lighting for those long romantic evenings accompanied by a nice Bordeaux. The LED’s inside will shine for over 20.000 hours, so that’s around 10 years of romance at night! (buy)

21. Wine Stem Glass Holder

If you talk with your hands a lot, you will never have to worry about soaking your date or fellow party guest again. This silicone sling leaves your hands free for all kinds of gestures and activities. (buy)

22. Soiree Bottle-Top Wine Decanter & Aerator

By pouring wine with a Soiree, the Soiree creates an intermediary stage where the wine is infused with oxygen and then cascades into your glass. In using the Soiree to aerate your wine, you will notice the subtleties and character of the wine emerge immediately upon entering your glass. Soiree delivers a truly “open” wine just by pouring through it. (buy)

23. WINEM Wine Monkey Wine Caddy

Inspired by a truly timeless and beloved icon, this adorable wine caddy’s cheeky sock-monkey design places it right at home at any uproarious dinner party, picnic, backyard barbecue, or other casual soiree. The real wool caddy – made from an authentic all-American red-heeled sock slips easily around any standard-size bottle of wine, champagne, sparkling juice, or other favorite beverage, protecting it from damage while lightly insulating its contents between loosely knitted layers. A hilarious and unforgettable host or housewarming gift, the caddy also makes a great collector’s item and promises to amuse even the most sophisticated wine connoisseur. (buy)

24. “Ming” Pair of Oil and Vinegar Bottles

These classic looking wine glasses are actually turned upside down and used as oil and vinegar cruets. Deconstructing familiar items in order to redefine their use is what designer tsu.R enjoys most. (buy)

P.S.: Which one of these gifts would you want for yourself?

24 Unique Gift Ideas for Wine Lovers originally appeared on Bored Panda on December 12, 2011.

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  • About us

    It was in the back corner of McDonalds with a couple of hours to wait for a train home to Norwich, that theDot first came together. Freshly inspired by a weekend at the 4designers conference in London and having traipsed around museums and exhibitions all day, three minds came together over chicken burgers and chips.

    The three are currently studying Graphic Communication at Norwich University College of the Arts, where they delve into advertising, corporate branding, design for publishing, photography, illustration and so on. All confident in their skills, but continuing on their learning journey.

    We are a new design group hoping to achieve great things

    Meet some of our friends.