Design

June 30, 2024

15th-Century Monk Crowdsourced Info to Create Shockingly Accurate World Map

Before satellites and air flight, one might think mapping the contours of continents and the shores of seas accurately was nearly impossible. However, careful research alone could sometimes produce useable, surprisingly accurate renditions of geography. In the 15th century, a medieval monk known as Fra Mauro bucked cartographic tradition and carefully crafted a massive eight-foot by eight-foot map of the then-known world. Created for King Afonso V of Portugal, this Mappa Mundi (World Map)

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June 27, 2024

Watch a Clever Designer Turn a Walnut Into a Bluetooth Speaker

Nowadays, there are a wide range of speakers available in different shapes, colors, and materials to suit every style. But despite all the models available in stores, a clever crafter has come up with something truly unique that you won’t find in stores. Content creator Mohsen Shirmohammadi, best known for his YouTube channel Penguin DIY, created a bluetooth speaker…inside a walnut! Shirmohammadi, a mechatronic enthusiast, creates quirky gadgets from unexpected items.

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June 20, 2024

15 LGBTQ+ Makers on Etsy Crafting Creative Products During Pride Month and Beyond

June is Pride Month. Now, more than ever, it's important to keep LBGTQIA+ issues at the forefront and let your Pride flag fly. Pride is about affirming the identities and increasing the visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people—those who have been marginalized and told that who they are doesn’t matter. Making art can be therapeutic as well as productive, and there are many creatives who express themselves in doing so.

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June 19, 2024

Fascinating Videos Reveal How Geishas Apply Their Makeup

Japan's geisha tradition has long captured the world's imagination. Many of us have read or watched Memoirs of a Geisha; some have even traveled to Japan to experience geisha culture. These consummate hosts and incredible artists are known for many things, but perhaps their striking makeup stands out the most. Thanks to the TikTok account Facts_About_Asia, we can see for ourselves the preparations that geisha undergo to transform themselves.

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My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.