Man Made DIY

Maker and crafter Timothy Wikander designed this awesome passive amplifying smartphone dock, and gladly shares the full how-to so you can make your own at… read more

For some, a question like "if you could only drink one beer for the rest of your life, what would it be?" is easy to answer. In any given week, they normally only drink one kind of beer - a crisp and easy pilsner from one of the major U.S. breweries, or a local lager found in grocery stores.

For the rest of us - who see new restaurants and travel destinations as a chance to discover new beers and wouldn't think of ordering the same thing twice in a sitting - the question is increasingly… read more

Chicago-based artist and designer Artpentry, maker of the "Gentleman's Boombox" - a stereo/speaker combo built inside a vintage suitcase - turns his outfitting skills to another type of popular case: the… read more

There was a time when the professional man had but one look, and when he was dressed for work, things were clear. Along with the suit and topcoat, there was the standard briefcase - the hard, angular, leather box, with bright, shiny metallic accents.

Now, with the traditional office dissolving and the 9-5 work week being constantly reimagined, it's time for a new briefcase: one that will still look professional, just not like Gordon… read more

A few years ago, I read a piece by designer Frank Chimero called "What Advice Would You Give a Graphic Design Student?" where he suggests, "Keep two books on your nightstand at all times: one fiction, one non-fiction." I've always been a big book guy, but I always keep Frank's advice in mind...though sometimes, one or the other is a magazine. (One of the good… read more

David Schwen, a Minneapolis-based designer and art director, has been experimenting with a new theme on his Instagram feed, featuring commonly paired ingredients as Pantone swatches.… read more

A cocktail is a mixed drink that contains at least one base spirit and a modifier (liqueurs, bitters, fortified wines) mixed with something to give the cocktail a little flavor, such as another spirit, fruit juice, etc.

A highball, on the other hand, is much more basic. It's a single spirit and a non-alcoholic mixer, and rather than being built in a shaker or a mixing glass, they're typically assembled in the very vessel in which you'll drink… read more

Each Wednesday, I post some of my favorite can't-miss links, images, and otherwise mindblowing goodies from across the web.

Swiss photographer Fabian Oefner creates this stunning… read more

Artist and designer Josh Rhodes came up with this quick and easy project: a warm and rustic piece of furniture, made in a single afternoon for less than $30 in easy-to-find materials. Done, done, and… read more

I love hot sauce as much as anyone...except my wife, who eats it on bread. We keep plenty around, particularly since I work from home and it helps transform my mishmash of fridge leftovers and pantry staples into a flavorful, work-at-your-desk breakfast and lunch (see also: smoked salt).

But, most are a variation on a theme: chiles, vinegar, spices. Some add a bit of garlic, or smokiness, or additional sweetness but… read more