These Steampunk Flash Drives are Insanely Awesome

Flash drives used to have some value, but these days, I’ve got boxes full of them – mostly handed to me by vendors presenting their products. To garner attention, companies have handed me USB drives that look like everything from a metal horse, to a twig, to a key fob from a $100,000 car. But all of those designs pale in comparison to these beautiful handcrafted flash drives from artist Magen Kening.

These one-of-a-kind steampunk flash drives are crafted from materials like copper, brass, and glass. They look kind of what Doctor Who’s Sonic Screwdriver would look like if he lived in Victorian times.

Most of the drives have LED lighting built in, but the coolest one has to be the one with the spinning DNA double helix inside.

You can see the spinning helix in action in the video below…

Is that not the coolest flash drive you’ve ever seen? Incredible work, Magen. And check out this motorized gatling gun flash drive:

Amazing! They’ve also got one with a nixie tube that lights up:

If you’re interested in getting your hands on one of these amazing pocket-sized works of art, you can find them all over on Etsy. Prices start around $199 and go up to as much as $499 (USD).

Handmade Wooden Pinball Machines Feature Wonderful, Whimsical Illustrations

I’ve always loved playing pinball machines. I even have a classic 1990s Terminator 2 pinball machine in my basement. But not everyone has the spare cash or space needed to have a full-size pinball machine in their house. For those of you looking for something a little smaller and less expensive, these handmade pinball machines look pretty neat.

Each of these wooden pinball machines is handcrafted by designer Anti Saar and KolmElu. The machines feature working flippers, nails, and rubber band bumpers to bounce their balls around. While they’re quite primitive in terms of gameplay, what makes these pinball machines truly special is the artwork.

I love the illustrations, which come from various artists, and range from whimsical images from the pages of a children’s book, to images of monsters and architecture. They’ll make a great addition to a kid’s room, basement, or even an office.

Each table measures 90 x 44 x 22 cm (~35.4 x 17.3 x 8.66 in) and sells for $182.50 (USD) over on Etsy.

People with Geeky Glass Sculptures Shouldn’t Throw Stones

I think glass is one of the most amazing art mediums out there. It’s really difficult and dangerous to work with, but in the right hands, it can create amazing, intricate forms. If you’re into collecting art glass, but want something a little different, then check out these sculptures I spotted over on Etsy.

These cool figures were made by Detroit, Michigan’s Zapico Glass, and feature otherworldly creatures hanging out in spacesuits. There’s Space Cat, “a cat android that travels through the galaxy on missions through time and space,” Suppression Droid, “a rapid fire, dual wielding auto rifle droid – used for offensive and defensive purposes,” and Uranium Space Invader, whose story we don’t know at all.

The figures were each hand-sculpted from furnace-soft glass, and measure around 14″ tall. Prices range from $275 to $375(USD). My only concern about ordering something this delicate is having it shipped. I sure hope they pack them well.

I really want to know more about their story, like why there are android cats, and we need armed droids. I’m betting it has something to do with that invader from space, though he really doesn’t look that dangerous.

These Arcade Game Shadow Boxes are Simply Awesome

Do you love classic arcade games, but don’t have the room (or the cash) for an arcade cabinet in your living room? These fantastic pieces of arcade-inspired wall art are the next best thing.

Each one of Glitch Arwork’s 3D shadow boxes uses a combination of authentic arcade graphics, along with some artistic license to make the scenes more dynamic and for the sake of composition. Thanks to the way they’re cut out, they really pop, and look amazing.

They’ve got designs inspired by Space Invaders, Pac-Man, Zelda, Mario, Rampage!, Street Fighter II, Super Metroid, Pong, and many more. Every one of these is amazing. I so need the Bubble Bobble one for my wall. That game is awesome.

They’re each handmade by artists Jill and T-Bone Forest using layers of carefully cut color prints and foamboard, then framed. Unlike the ones in the photos here, they also come with a protective sheet of glass in front.

Check all the work that goes into making each one in the video below, then drop by GlitchArtwork’s Etsy shop to buy a bunch for your wall. With prices ranging from about $35 to $70, they’re really reasonably priced for original pieces of handmade art!

The post These Arcade Game Shadow Boxes are Simply Awesome appeared first on Technabob.

Winter is Coming, Better Get These Dragon Scale Crochet Gloves

It’s that time of year again. Winter will be here soon and that means it is just about time to start wearing gloves. This pair of dragon scale gloves by Etsy artist Mareshop is way better than anything you own.

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The gloves are out of stock right now due to being completely badass and in demand, but Mareshop says they’re crocheting as fast as they can. So definitely check back at their store.

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If you do get a pair, maybe find a cool dragon themed jacket and hat to go with them. Be the Mother of Dragons and fight winter with the power of fire this year.

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[via Bored Panda via Fashionably Geek]

The Doodle Duvet is Meant to Draw On

My daughter is really into art right now. She’s also into curling up in bed under her massive comforter even if it’s literally 113-degrees outside. This means I have to tell her at least once a week to not get markers on her fancy bedding that she couldn’t live without. I think what she really needs is the Doodle Duvet.

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Sure, it isn’t exactly “cute” but it’s meant to be drawn on. It looks like a massive sheet of paper and you can mark on it with markers all you want. The markers are water soluble, so when you no longer want your design, all you need to do is wash it and start over.

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You can get the Doodle Duvet in twin or full size; at least I assume that is what they mean by single or double across the pond. Pricing starts at about $54 but since it comes from Europe, shipping will cost you almost as much as the duvet. It even comes with the ten pack of washable markers.

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[via Incredible Things via Nerd Approved]

Stay on Target with These Crocheted X-Wing Fighter Blankets

These crocheted X-wing Fighter blankets are awesome. They not only look like X-Wing fighters and are warm and cozy, but you can also crawl inside! A blanket that is also a ship that you can pilot? Count me in. Pew pew pew! Stay on target.

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They were designed and crafted by Michelle of MJ’s Off The Hook Designs. Just feed your legs into the body of the X-wing and you can keep your hands warm in the engine pockets. But wait! No Astromech pillow behind you? That’s cool. I would just be happy to climb in and flap my arms while I pretend to assault the Death Star.

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If you think you want to make this and support the rebel cause you can find the pattern HERE. Best blanket ever!

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[via Geekologie]

Super Mario Bros. Cat Treehouse: Scratch World 1-1

Your cats are going to love warping from one level to another when they play in this Super Mario Bros. cat treehouse. You’ll have to provide the sound effects when they bump the coin box or travel up the pipe, but it will be totally worth it.

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The base is a storage cubby for litter boxes or toys. The rest is all about retro arcade cat play. The whole thing stands 7’6″ tall and the warp pipes are fully functional. Your cats will love this if you have a spare $1500(USD).

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Of course if you have two cats, I think it’s only right that you dress them as Mario and Luigi and then share the video with us on YouTube.

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Millennium Falcon Snack Tray Has Got Chips and Dip Where It Counts

The Millennium Falcon snack tray is an elegant tray from a more civilized age. It will hold a good bit of snack food, but sadly, it doesn’t have any hidden compartments to smuggle in more.

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This beautiful snack freighter was created by Texas-based Deric Peveto of Wood By Hand. These trays are made out of exotic woods that give them a fantastic look. They are perfect for any Star Wars party. You can buy one right now from Peveto’s Etsy store for $255.

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Give it a parking space in your geek-themed kitchen. Also, try not to lose it to your friends in a card game okay?

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[via Nerdist via Laughing Squid]

Crochet Big Daddy: Itchy Daddy

My grandmother used to do a lot of crochet when I was growing up. She was always making me some sort of socks or a blanket. I hated those blankets. Not only did they have tons of holes to let cold air in, they were itchy as well. If your grandmother is still around or if you are into crochet, you should make one of these Big Daddies from BioShock.

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The Big Daddy is one of my favorite characters from the game and I can still remember the first time I ran across one of these bad boys. This crochet Big Daddy by Nichole’s Nerdy Knots even has LED lights that make the portals in the helmet glow.

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If you have some yarn and massive needles at your house, you can get the pattern to make one of these yourself at Ravelry and get step by step instructions at Instructables.

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[via Nerd Approved]