Few shop tools—yes, we’ll call it a “tool”—are as indispensable as a reliable work apron. While not a “tool” in the traditional sense, a good, durable apron can serve many purposes ranging from tool organization to even psychologically making yourself ‘present’ in the workshop. But no two aprons are alike—and striking the balance between functional and economical isn’t always easy. Which is why we like the Cross Back Adjustable Apron from Hudson Durable Goods. Made from thick and durable waxed canvas, this stylish work apron features design details that are as carefully considered as the long-lasting materials they’re constructed from. Additionally, the cross-back (X-back) straps ensure that weight from tools…

Gentle steps across the cane forest floor and up the battle’s hill, we stole a look at the position of each drone scout, daring to evade its scan and light them enough to have the home base fire these links. Michael Herm – Mech toy designer who will be launching on Kickstarter later this year. Follow also on Instagram here. Let Go – The photography portfolio of Gabriel Isak mixed with surreal portraits, eerie lakescapes, and silohuettes galore. Design | Art – An exploration of the graphical elements and appreciation of the design concepts across the ages of art history. Miniature Pop-up – These books by artist Zhihui bring pop-up…

Even though it has official successors by way of the Game Boy SP and Game Boy Advance, no other handheld console hits you with nostalgia quite like the original Game Boy. Released in 1989 by Nintendo, this chunky block was what you brought around in the 90s whenever you were forced to go outside without some form of entertainment (the pain!). Thirty years have passed since the first Game Boy, so it only made sense for industrial designer and Nintendo fan YJ Yoon to give the beloved Game Boy a much-needed retro-inspired makeover. The Nintendo Flex, as he likes to call his makeover concept, takes modern advancements in gaming technology…

Don your favorite bathrobe, cream that coffee and get comfortable with this week’s SolidSmack Weekend Reader. The Weekend Reader features a handful of the most interesting articles featured on the ‘Smack over the past week ranging from tips and tricks to inspirational designs, processes, and more. So lay back, relax and take a load off while reading the top stories on SolidSmack this past week. Oh and uh…don’t forget to shed some much-needed sunlight on your face, too. Learn How to 3D Scan with Industrial Designer Eric Strebel For some designers and engineers, 3D scanning physical objects to use as reference models can be the ultimate time-saver. Industrial Designer Eric…

Founded in 1959 as a professional tool manufacturer to support Japan’s burgeoning manufacturing industry, Trusco—a combination of the words “Trust” and “Company”—is still manufacturing some of the best toolboxes, today. While their stripped-down design makes them a must-have for many design aficionados, the pressed steel boxes are ridiculously useful for just about anything—tools or not. Still manufactured in Fukui, Japan, Trusco toolboxes now come in more sizes than ever—capable of whatever storage challenges you throw at them. Trusco Toolboxes (Various Sizes) — $11.50 – $171.12 Features: Steel body, formed for extra strengthVersatile sizing for specific storage solutionsDouble-hinged construction for smooth openingDividers includedEqually useful in the home, office, or the shop…

Researchers at MIT have developed yet another unusual metamaterial, and this one is simply hair. We’ve seen some experiments in 3D printed hair previously, but those were essentially for fun and artistic merit. Those experiments used extrusion movements to pull strands from the nozzle, leaving thin and flexible hair-like structures that could be rearranged at will. The MIT researchers are doing something quite different, and a lot more functional. The research is from 2016, and shows great promise for more to come. They realized that hair-like structures could, in fact, be metamaterials, unusual shapes that implement physical function without requiring power for moving parts. The problem was that to create…