Made in the Shade
These acrylic lamps, while grounded, appear to float on air. Their ghostlike quality is a signature of the late Japanese designer Shiro Kuramata’s work.
Kuramata, whose lamps are being introduced to the American market by Yamagiwa Corp., designed furniture and residential and commercial interiors before his death in 1991.
Even though he worked with materials such as transparent steel mesh, tinted acrylic and frosted glass, his deft handling of light and shadow in minimal form evokes an airiness. It was the designer’s intention to play with our perceptions of weight and balance.
The K-Series floor and table-lamp collection has a folded acrylic shade that is individually formed, so each has unique characteristics. Originally designed in 1972, the lamp earned the prestigious Mainichi Industrial Design award.
The floor lamp ($280) is 23 inches high and 27 1/2 inches wide; the table lamp ($230) is 14 1/2 inches high and 17 3/4 inches wide.
The lamps are available at Highlights, 310 4th Ave., San Diego, (619) 232-6064; 2447 Main St., Santa Monica, (310) 450-5886; and Jules Seltzer Associates, 8833 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, (310) 274-7243.
Flash Light
Safety Strobe puts the spotlight on your child when trick-or-treating.
The strobe, which flashes bright red through its jack-o’-lantern face, is a new product from Chicago Model International. The flash can be seen at dusk or dark for half a mile. It is 2 inches in diameter and can run 100 hours on two watch batteries.
The strobe (about $4) is also waterproof and helpful to walkers, joggers and as an emergency roadside device.
It is available at Ace and True Value hardware stores, Home Depot and Longs drugstores. For more information, call (800) 264-7652.
The Monster Smash
When the things that go bump in the night keep your preschoolers from sleeping in their rooms (and force them into your bed), consider shooing those monsters away.
Go Away Monster!, a new game by Gamewright, helps preschoolers conquer their nighttime fears by getting rid of monsters for good. Players reach into a bag to find the puzzle pieces that fit their bedroom game board. If they pull out a monster, they throw him out of their room, showing the scary fella who’s the boss.
For ages 3 and up, Go Away Monster! (about $18) was created by husband-and-wife child specialists Monty and Ann Stambler. The couple have won several awards, including the Parent’s Choice honor, for three other games they have created.
To locate the nearest retailer, call (800) 638-7568.