Japanese artist Tokujin Yoshioka, who spent years working with Shiro Kuramata and Issey Miyake, and has collaborated with Hermes, Toyota, BMW, and Swarvoski, among others, created this natural crystal chair, titled "Venus." The extraordinary art piece was crystallized over time by submerging a polyester elastomer chair skeleton in an aquarium. Although the chair looks far from comfortable, it's certainly a wonderful example of sustainable design, born out of the laws of nature, not a forest in the Amazon. I'd love to see this technique used to make other products where comfort is less of an issue, such as a lamp base or a coat tree. Yoshioka has curated an exhibit called "Second Nature," which features the chair, at 21_21 Design Sight in Roppongi, Tokyo. The exhibit runs through Jan. 18, 2009, and features the work of a number of other artists, including the Campana brothers. To see more photos of Venus, and how it was made, read more

Currently, Restoration Hardware is offering 20 percent off of all items in its gift department, which includes hobby and interest items, tools and gadgets, games, toys, stocking stuffers, plush textiles, and holiday décor. And, for every $100 you spend now through Dec. 24, you'll receive a gift card of $20. Pretty good deal, I must say. The retailer is also offering holiday savings on dining, lighting, bedding, window, and holiday décor items of 20 to 50 percent off. To see a few things I have my eye on, read more