What's a bookmark, journal, message board and reading lamp all in one? The new Audio Itty Bitty Book Light, of course. Those clever folks at Zelco Industries, Inc., in Mt. Vernon, N.Y., have surpassed themselves by combining recording and memory technology with their bestselling book lights. Their stylish breakthrough records and plays back (quietly) messages up to 10 seconds long—perhaps noting your book selection, page number, insights and even messages to a book-light partner. Small and sleek, the Audio Itty Bitty Book Light remains as flexible and easy to use as its predecessors—it clips to the cover of any hardcover or softcover book, rotates from side to side and up or down, and folds into a compact, self-contained unit perfect to pack for travels. The high-efficiency cold-cathode fluorescent tube illuminates your page with a cool, shadowless light that's easy on the eyes and never needs replacement. Available in two editions: battery and AC, or battery only (AC also sold separately).
Also new from Zelco this year, the OptiClock combines a travel alarm clock with an illuminated 2x magnifier, ideal for small type wherever found: maps, medicine bottles, instruction booklets or that Gideon Bible tucked in the top right drawer. The sophisticated clock features an analog quartz movement with a four-step 75-decibel crescendo alarm and snooze button. It all folds down into a streamlined egg shape and comes with a nifty protective travel pouch. Call (800) 431-2486, fax (914) 699-7082, e-mail office@zelco.com.
David Howell & Company, of Bedford Hills, N.Y., creates a more traditional bookmark as well as exquisite cut-metal frames, letter openers, rulers and ornaments, available in stock or as custom orders using original artwork. Listing many major and lesser-known museums as clients, Howell & Company prides itself on the intricacy and quality of its offerings, most of which are executed in brass, silver plate or even gold plate. The vast selection of bookmark designs includes Egyptian cats and scarabs, Chinese dragons and calligraphy, Celtic birds and beasts, all the letters of the alphabet, and many contemporary or historical images inspired by architecture, world cultures, animals and plants, and religious art. Silver photo frames embellished with designs from William Morris or the art nouveau movement are especially luscious and fabulous, tasteful gifts for small or grand occasions. Call (800) 648-5444, fax (914) 666-2721, e-mail info@davidhowell.com.
For a well-accoutered desktop in a different accent, Via Motif, located in San Rafael, Calif., designs and manufactures a line of home and home-office accessories that combine a nature-inspired, handcrafted sensibility with clean-lined contemporary design. A wide variety of storage boxes, canisters, trays, letter holders and photo frames, in woven pandan (an aloe-derived plant) or wood, some in brilliant colors, invite settling down to work at an aesthetically enlivened desk. Call (415) 454-8842, fax (415) 454-8830, www.viamotif.com.
Seeking a scented as well as sympathetic workplace environment? Try the boxes, bowls and small containers—painstakingly crafted from a great many individual dried whole cloves—available through Asia Overland in Hell, Mich. Looking from a distance like traditional woven containers, the pleasant shock of the new (and fragrant) comes at close range. During a long, hard day, close your eyes and be transported to the Spice Islands or a soothing oasis. Call (734) 449-8093, fax (734) 449-8094, e-mail asiaover@ izzy.net.
In a different vein, Forest Saver, a company in Hampton Bays, N.Y., that specializes in the creative recycling of old, obsolete or misprinted maps of all kinds (the New York subway series being a personal favorite), launches a new and novel product, the mousepad journal book. Sandwiching a sizable pad of paper between a mousepad on top and heavy cardboard on bottom assures that the heretofore harried desktop search for scrap paper, Post-it notes or any other scribbling surface will be simple and easy. It's an intriguing possibility in this computer-oriented culture. Mousepad covers are available in a range of images and various sizes. Call (800) 777-9886, fax (646) 349-1458, e-mail sales@forestsaver.com.
The creative folks at Umbra Inc. in Buffalo, N.Y. (as well as Hong Kong and Toronto), believe that everyday products should be well designed and affordably priced—certainly not an everyday combination. The company's collection includes innovative, functional picture frames, housewares, furniture, lighting and personal accessories with a contemporary accent. Photo frames come in a remarkable assortment of sizes and configurations, all with a fresh, modern look. "Bullet boards" of perforated silver-toned metal function as bulletin boards to be used with magnets and push pins; photo albums have gorgeously finished wood covers in stained, lacquered, silver leaf or bronze leaf and black photo-mount paper with interleaving tissue and corner mounts or self-adhesive pages. Clocks are wall or desk models, many of which exhibit '50s or '60s influences in fresh interpretations. A magazine rack of formed aluminum with brushed finish recalls retro, but moves beyond it. Call (800) 387-5122, fax (416) 299-6168, e-mail info@ umbra.com.n
