7/16/2026

Derivan Matisse Acrylic High Tooth Gesso MM36 (250 ml)

This is a very affordable good quality thick gesso with a lot of grit (or tooth) in hit; i.e. has a thick sandy texture. Initially created to use on encaustic work, I use it for my mixed media and acrylic artworks  as I tend to use watery products, inks or semi-fluid acrylics and love sanding or scratching surfaces. I tend to give the substrate two coats  using a silicone brush. Once dry, I can scratch, sand or carelessly work on my piece.  

Raffaello Gift Box (15 pieces, 150g)

I love Raffaello balls. I really enjoy the crunchy coconut-coated wafter and the inner chocolaty (more custard-like) cream and toasted almond core. It's sweet but not overly so, and the contrasted textures and clean favours are a hit with me. I love having two balls with my mid-arvo tea or coffee on weekends as a treat. I got two of these boxes at very reduced price and that was great. This box is great for gifting. 

INVALLNING Trolley (68x39x9 cm)

I have two of these  trolleys at home. This is a very practical storage solution to pile, store and move boxes with little effort. It is not only good-priced, but also made of good quality materials, sturdy, and easy to assemble. 
 
It's advertised as a fit for four boxes from the Kuggies, Pansarts, Drona and Dungergubbe box ranges. I hesitated to buy this trolley as the boxes I have on top aren't from any of these lines and are quite heavy. Buying this trolley was a great decision. The castors have a lock so you can leave it in place without the risk of sliding anywhere, and unlock it when I want to move it.  Even when I leave the castors unlocked, the trolley doesn't move on its own on my floorboards.
 
The only thing I miss is the trolley having a sort of "leash" to carry t he trolley from one room to another without having to bend my spine. Beyond that, it is a great buy.   
 
Designer = James Dart.
 
USEFUL INFORMATION
Materials = Steel, Epoxy/polyester powder coating.
Maximum weight = 100 Kgs.  
Maximum stacking height = 90 cms. 
MIND = 
> Only for indoor use.  
> Put the heavier box at the bottom. 

 

 

 

5/11/2026

FRAMTUNG Lunch Bag (22 cm L x 17cm W x 35 cm H )

I needed a new lunch bag, and I fancy this one so much that I purchased despite having the impression that would break easily due to the thin fabric. It is so stylish that I couldn't resist the temptation. 
 
Yes, it is pretty, but it holds my usual stuff without a problem. I usually carry a large solid food thermos (usually heavy), an piece of fruit, an small container with cookies or nuts, several serviettes and two small spoons. The bag has insulation, so it is perfect to prolong the heat of my thermos. I could put much more inside, as it is very spacious. It is also very light and easy to carry. I love the front mesh pocket, as I usually put my mobile there when carrying it or while having lunch. The bag is water-resistant, which makes it great for the occasional splash or leakage. Great price, as well! 
 
DESIGNER Jonas Hultqvist.
 
MIND   
> Max load 5kg.
> Hand wash only. Max 40°C.

MATERIALS  Exterior: 100% polyester (min. 90% recycled). Lining: EVA plastic. Mesh pocket: 100% polypropylene.

 

 

 
 

UPPDATERA Boxes (White & Antracite) (33.5 cm W x 24 cm D x 14.5 cm H)

I love all the Uppdatera boxes due to the range of sizes and elegant functional design and colour. They're made of very good quality plastic (Kmart's imitation isn't half as good) with rounded edges, two handles (which make it easier to carry them) and lower front wall to facilitate access. I have two large size and two small ones both in anthracite and white colours. I use them to hold containers with painting brushes and tools, small tubes and bottles of paint and other craft tools. They hold ton tons of stuff, even the small sizes, and they are a great way to organise my desk in a way that is both stylish and practical. I love the fact that  I can repurpose these boxes for other uses in the bathroom, pantry or kitchen if needed. They clean easily from paint splashes, as well. 

DESIGNER Marcus Arvonen.

MATERIALS Polypropylene plastic (min. 50% recycled).

SATSUMAS Plant stand (78H cm)

This is a very easy to assemble plant shelf. It's great  to hold small and medium-size plants, photos, pictures and decor items. I have a mix of them all and it looks fab. Due to its triangular different levels shape, it's perfect for corner areas. I love the Scandy traditional bamboo and white metal combo. The bamboo is solid but the piece isn't heavy at all. Not a cheap plant stand, but it's good quality and really great design.  
 
DESIGNER Carl Hagerling.
MATERIALS = Shelf: Steel, Powder coating. Leg: Bamboo, Clear acrylic lacquer.
MEASUREMENTS 78H cm. Plates are 10D cm. 
MIND =  
> Indoors use only.
>  5 Kg max per plate.
 

LOMVIKEN Frame (black) (32x32 cm)

I love the LOMVIKEN frames series. This minimalist frame looks very elegant, and it looks way more expensive that it is. The acid-free warm white passepartout (mount) mixed with the matte black fine frame are a very elegant combo. Like other Ikea frames, the glass is actually glass-looking clear plastic. It looks totally translucent, but it won't break if it falls down or you move houses. 
 
This size is the only square in the line. Depending on whether you use the passepartout or not, you can fit in larger or smaller pictures. This size can be mixed and matched with the other sizes and formats to create a wall mural or gallery. 
 
The back wall mount is also included. I miss this line lacking a stand support at the back, like other Ikea frame lines have, which would have made it more versatile. 
 
Very easy to assemble.  
 
Designers = M. Warnhammar & A. Fredriksson.
ASSEMBLY LEAFLET. 

Materials = Frame: Aluminium, Aluminium, Epoxy/polyester powder coating, Anodized. Front protection: Polystyrene plastic. Back panel: Fibreboard. Passe-partout: Paper.

Measurements =
> Picture without mount 32 cm W x height: 32 cm H.
> Picture with mount 20 cm W x 20 cm H.
> Mount opening 19 cm W x 19 cm H.
> Frame 33.5 cm W x 33.5 cm H x 2 cm D.