The Northern Sky Map by Stellavie | Hamburg (GER)

Beautifully illustrated and printed, The Northern Sky Map by Steffen Heidemann and Viktoria Klein of Hamburg based design studio Stellavie depicts the northern sky and its constellations. The map is one-colour silkscreen printed using custom mixed inks on a solid-coloured Gmund Colour System and 200gm2 premium paper stock. With a limited edition run of only 500, each map is numbered and signed.

Available from Manchester based Lissom & Muster online.

Hashikura Matsukan Chopsticks by Nendo | Obama (Jap)

At IDMC° we enjoy the creative redesign of everyday objects and Hashikura Matsukan's chopstick set by Oki Sato of Nendo is no exception.

The town of Obama in Japan's Fukui Prefecture has traditionally manufactured lacquered chopsticks for four centuries and is globally recognised as producing the most beautiful and durable Japanese lacquer chopsticks since the 17th century. Using Obama’s traditional manufacturing techniques, Sato designed a collection of chopsticks that include the Rassen and Kamiai styles.

The Rassen is a chopstick design that combines the ordinary chopstick into a single unit. Separated into two for eating, the halves are re-joined into one when not in use. The Kamiai, on the other hand, is an embedded magnet in a square shaped chopstick positioned on the outside of each chopstick to ensure that the pieces don't come together accidently whilst eating.

Photography by Akihiro Yoshida.

Metier 2007-2013 by Laura Braun | London (UK)

In a world dominated by corporate character and conceptual branding, it is sometimes easy to forget that there are real personalities and names that sit behind everyday products.

Documented by London based photographer Laura Braun, Braun’s debut publication Metier showcases a collection of small-scale independent and specialist businesses in London alongside portraits of the people behind them. The idea grew from Braun's interest in the faces behind a craft who, despite unglamorous routines, take pride in their creations. Over a six year period (2007–2013) Braun shot a series of portraits and interior photographs in unique London businesses full of character and history and her work offers an insight into the working lives of people who strongly identify with their profession.

Laura Braun’s ‘Metier’ can be purchased from Paper Tiger Books.

Twin Cities Map Throw by Faribault Woolen Mill Co x Twiddle & Bard | Minnesota (USA)

The Twin Cities Map Throw was created by Minnesota twosome Faribault Woolen Mills Co. and Twiddle & Bard. Ideal for cold winter evenings and bitter mornings, this tasteful woollen throw was produced in Faribault's historic mill along the banks of the Cannon River in Minnesota after the company paired up with stationary enthusiasts Twiddle & Bard.

The second addition to Faribault Woolen Mill Co.’s Map series, the throw depicts a 1897 transit guide of Minneapolis and was crafted using luxurious fibres and American pride together into a special collaboration of quality and purposefulness.

Available from selected Faribault Woolen Mill Co. retailers including Minneapolis neighbourly store Askov Finlayson.

Travel Cup by Izola | New York (USA)

The IDMC° team know all too well that being on the move means being prepared and equipped with the latest travelling essentials. Inspired by the old-world utilitarian idea of making something that is built to last, co-founders Neil Rasmus and Richard Brandt started Izola in 2005 and wanted to bring good design to otherwise mundane objects. In 2010, Izola began collaborating with like-minded creative consultancy agency Aesthetic Movement to combine their ideas and to create a select group of objects.

The result is a beautifully designed array of essentials including flasks, soaps, candles, shoe brushes and ceramics but we’re particularly fond of the Travel Cup (Weight: 2.5oz, H: 5.75cm, W:5cm | H:1.5cm, 5cm collapsed). Crafted from stainless steel, this collapsible drinking cup is the perfect companion on a journey and the ideal size to carry when on the move.

Available both blank and engraved from Izola’s online shop.