“Form is a mystery that defies description but brings people pleasure.”
- Alvar Aalto

Artek is different from most companies in that they have a huge product portfolio from the Aalto’s, which was created in the 1930′s. His designs, their ideology, are still the backbone of what Artek does. Artek can’t compete with the big companies that push out lots of products, so they don’t do a new design if there isn’t an innovation in the materials or manufacturing. That’s why Artek often works with architects.

Today we ran out of dish soap.  When I unscrewed the bottle to add some water to the little bit that remained, a million teeny tiny bubbles dashed into the air around me.

 

 Magic. 

 

 When the world throws magic at you during the most mundane tasks in life, this is truly a gift.  In other less lustrous times, we have to create our own magic amongst the dishes or surround ourselves with shiny distractions.  A few magical kitchen tools worth mentioning include…

Magic Bunny Toothpick Holder by Stefano Giovannoni for Alessi: 

(worth noting: this made a fine gift for my après dinner-gum conscious grandmother this Christmas)

Pino Funnel by Stefano Giovannoni & Miriam Mirri for Alessi:

Juicy Salif Lemon Squeezer by Philippe Starck for Alessi:

Big Love Ice Cream Spoon by Miriam Mirri for Alessi:

Bunny and Carrot Paper Towel Holder by Stefano Giovannoni for Alessi:

Alvar Aalto Cookie Mold by Iittala: