So, you’re going to lunch with your boss again. You get out to your car when you say, “I wish there were a small chipmunk creature that stores my keys in its chest cavity and greets me with a friendly chirp and a key for any lock I arrive upon.” Your boss says, “You’re FIRED,” and you both go to enjoy some mediocre bar-b-que… where you see a band of locksmiths WITH CHIPMUNKS ON THEIR SHOULDERS. Outside a magical key holding chipmunk, something to hold your keys, that looks lovely next to your tactical pen, knife, coin wallet and Glock, would be quite the helpful device. Aaron Warbinek, aka Protean…

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…

While nothing short of a nuclear threat would get most claustrophobics into an underground enclosure, they might think twice when they see this particular slate quarry. Bounce Below, one of adrenaline park Zip World’s many attractions across England, brings out a fear of heights and enclosed spaces at the same time. What was once an old slate mine located in Blaenau Ffestiniog, Wales has been repurposed into a multi-layered trampoline park. Visitors enter the park the same way pioneers did – through a shaft which looks on the verge of collapsing. Once the initial fear of merely entering the mine is gone, visitors then go down a network of underground…

It’s time for another round of apps that cover the spectrum of your beloved mobile device(s)! The Weekly App Smack is the best of new or updated design and productivity apps (and maybe a couple of fun ones, too) for the busy design or engineering professional and this week we have a list sure to make you more efficient. Do you have an app suggestion that has made your life easier or changed up your workflow? Let us know in the comments below or send it into tips@solidsmack.com. Hit it! Artstudio Pro (iOS — $6.99) Introducing Artstudio Pro, the most powerful painting and photo editing app available for both iOS and…

If there is one thing kids really want to do, it’s to drive a car just like mom and dad. Inversely, if there’s one thing a lot of grown-ups wish they could do now, it’s to return to the simplicity of childhood and play in a cardboard box. The full-scale cardboard Karoq SUV by British designer Liam Hopkins of creative studio Lazerian just might cover both. Commissioned by UK car manufacturer ŠKODA, it’s set to coincide with the launch of the real-life Karoq. Unlike the actual mid-size SUV, the cardboard version takes its inspiration from 1000+ suggestions from kids who gave their input on what they’d like to see in a…

Beside your 1986 ‘Electric Swan’ Trapper Keeper with bits of plastic falling off it, there are thousands of notebook, notepad, journal, planner and portfolio options to the point it’s hard to stand out. Yet,  HappyEarth Notebooks has managed to do just that with their arguably unique take on a centuries-old method for trapping bits of paper. From their name, it’s obvious the Taiwan-based company is taking an environmentally friendly angle. *slow claps* Nothing wrong with companies trying to make a bit of money out of this eco-friendly schtick, but that’s not what’s so different. What they’ve done is create a simple design that, in turns, allows you to create your own…