They say that a picture is worth a thousand words, but I’m not sure it’s as simple as all that.  Words can serve as a mighty weapon, or as effective tools, depending on who wields them…after all, it’s like our good friend Billy Shakespeare said… the pen IS mightier than the sword! This week’s Link List is devoted to the power of the written word:

- Tattly Designy Temporary Tattoos. Looking for a strong statement without a big commitment–Tattly offers temporary tattoos that don’t suck.

- Embroidered Text by Maricor Maricar.  In an age where typewriters are a thing of the past and hand written letters are almost prehistoric, it’s easy to forget that at one point someone actually had to design and physically create the fonts we use.  This makes Maricor Maricar’s hand-stitched typography all the more impressive and beautiful.

- Filigreed Hard Candy Lollipops.  You don’t have to know anything about typography to appreciate these lovely handmade sweet treats by Vintage Confections.  Yum!

- Mix Tape Typography by Danial Brokstad: For this innovative series of posters, the artist used a continuous strip of tape to create type. Groovy indeed.

- Letter Wall Decor.  Spice up your apartment (and practice your ABC’s) with unique alphabet wall hangings by Urban Outfitters!

From an ironic sculpture featuring sparring stags fashioned from Vespa scooters to candles that masquerade as a tasty comfort food, this week’s Design Link List is all about things that aren’t quite what they seem!

- “The Stags.” Australian born surrealist sculptor, Patricia Piccinini creates a whimsical juxtaposition of nature and industry with her “automotive” works.  While created from a Vespa scooter, this sculpture has all the movement and drama of a set of stags battling for dominance.

- Chick-a-dee Smoke Detector.  The best designers are those who attempt to make every day necessities a bit more interesting or visually pleasing.  It seems only appropriate then that we give a big thank you to designer Louise Van Der Veid, who has saved us from the most boring of household apparatuses–the smoke detector.  No more boring white flying saucers!

- Macaroni and Cheese Candle. This adorable candle is disguised as a childhood favorite–Mac & Cheese!

-Book Table Clock: This chic and functional table clock by Karlsson represents the epitome of modern design. Not only is the product extremely useful, but it can be tucked away on a bookshelf to perfectly blend in with your favorite novels.

- This playful set of six coasters in the shapes of meat, cheese, lettuce, buns and tomato, stack up to form one tasty looking burger! I’m hungry just looking at them!

You know what they say, a dog (or cat, if that’s how you roll) is a man’s best friend!  Pet’s offer us comfort after a long day at work, a sense of responsibility, and hours of endless entertainment. And let’s be honest, we are less their masters than they are ours–how much time do we spend grooming, walking, feeding, and scooping their poop?  But at the end of the day, we love them, because they unconditionally love us back.  This week’s Link List is devoted to our fuzzy friends!

- Pug Love Mixed Media Print.   Retrowhale, an LA based artist who sells on Etsy, creates off-beat art pieces devoted to our animal bethren.

-The Bear and Rat: Frozen Yogurt for Dogs.  It’s Ben and Jerry’s for our canines companions! Not only are these delicious– at least I have to imagine they are delicious to a dog. I’m not about to try one myself to find out–doggy treats good for the digestive system, but they have some great packaging to boot.

- Cats Attack! Scratching Post: Save your sofa and your bed post by giving Kitty something special to scratch.  Enjoy the view as he unleashes his inner movie monster.

- Poodle Eraser.  No doodle is too big for this jumbo doggie eraser!  Designed by Johnathon Adler, this fancy poodle eraser is latex and PVC free… Oooo La La!

- The Paw-fice Space Decorative Pillow: Cat lovers are bound to enjoy this decorative pussycat pillow complete with pencil pocket and over-sized glasses.

Today’s Link List pretty much reflects my week as a whole–random, and a little bit silly.  I don’t know about you all, but after a long and crazy work week, I’m pretty happy the weekend is here. Thank goodness I have the internet to divert me, or else I may never have pulled through! Here are five things floating around the design world that I’m loving right now:

-Mrs. Jermyn’s Tedi Bears. I can’t say that I know Mrs. Jermyn personally, but whoever she is, I think she’s a genius! Her teddy bears, made from men’s button-down shirts are adorable.

- The Cardstick Ruler.  This inventive little measuring tool has proved itself impossible to ignore! I feel like I’ve seen it on every design blog I’ve visited this week! And for good reason.  This tiny sticker attaches to any credit card (and therefore fits in a wallet) and is bound to be insanely useful.

- Designer Richard Clarkson and his team have created what I consider to be a relaxation masterpiece with the Cradle Chair! The chair, which nestles it’s user like a hammock, creates a spherical rocking motion, scientifically designed to induce sleep.  I need one. Seriously.

-Absolut Blank. Absolut Vodka is probably better known for it’s brilliant advertising campaigns than it is for it’s actual Vodka, and they certainly disappoint with their latest promotional venture. For it’s “Absolut Blank” campaign, the company teamed up with a group of artists who were presented with blank templates to fill in whichever way they chose.  The results are fantastic!

-Workplace Resolutions: Words to Work By.  This posters created by an ad agency in Sydney, highlight all the “don’t's” of the office-place.  Don’t we all wish our co-workers would abide by these rules?

One of the things I absolutely must do before I die is go on a safari! While I probably love TV wildlife specials more than most normal 2o-somethings, I have a feeling watching a lion on Planet Earth is nowhere near as thrilling as watching one gnaw on a zebra in its natural habitat. Unfortunately for me, safaris take time and lots of money, and I don’t have either. For now, I’ll just have to content myself with fun safari themed novelties for my apartment. Here are a few favorites:

- A neon green lion plant holder…everyone needs one! And thanks to Etsy shop CrazyCouture, everyone can have one!

- Savannah themed rugs from Anthropologie. These adorable fluffy rugs are the perfect apartment size and, better yet–they are on sale!

- Crotcheted hunting trophies by artist Nathan Vincent.  How amazing would these guys look hanging above the old fireplace?

- The “Pack-Rack” necklace holder by designer Steph Mantis.  What a unique and whimsical way to keep your necklaces from getting tangled!

- The Yes, Yes Shawl zebra print scarf.  Add some pop and pizzazz to a neutral outfit with this vivid scarf!