Sometimes conceptual artists make pieces you would never consider actually using in your home. In fact, we’ve featured a couple of those on this site. But we could see ourselves finding a place for nearly each of product designer John Caswell’s items in our own abode because they aren’t terribly intrusive. In fact, they would probably make mundane tasks easier, or at least more pleasant. For instance, his “taps” transform common water faucets into new, useful products like bottle openers and corkscrews. The “60 bpm” clock combines the great taste of laser-etched vintage records and telling time. A handful of his pieces are in production, but for other items such as the ceramic, ghostlike speakers, the English artist is still actively seeking out manufacturers. We can’t imagine he’ll be waiting long.

Remember when we told you about Metal for Monsters? After achieving some success with their artist series of monster pendants benefiting UNICEF, Blend Creations launched a DIY version of the necklaces. Now they’ve combined the concepts, teaming up with Celebrate Green for a Mother’s Day contest. They’re looking for designs they can etch on stainless steel. Professionals and kids alike are invited to submit entries by March 17th, with the winner receiving an edition of his/her winning pendant and a copy of the Celebrate Green book. Don’t worry, UNICEF still gets a portion of all proceeds.

The Rubik’s Cube, the Hula Hoop … sure they’re fun toys, but they’re not exactly versatile. Our friends at Zoomdoggle may just have this decade’s answer to those influential fads with BuckyBalls, a jar of 216 multi-functional rare earth magnet balls that are more fun than a barrel of ionic charged monkeys. Whether you’re using them as jewelry accessories or as a medium for a metallic sculpture, the highly adaptable novelty toy will keep you occupied for hours figuring out what you can do with them next.

[ED NOTE: Jake tells us the first 50 people to use the code "Josh" save 10% ($2)]

If you've seen images at the Whitney, SF Museum of Modern Art, or Minneapolis' Walker Art Center (or the Magnum Photos archives for that matter), the shots of photographer Alec Soth may have caught your eye. The Minnesota-based artist's photos are colorful yet haunting, and his most recent frameset, shot in the days before President Obama's inauguration are no exception. “The Last Days of W” is a visual critique of the impact that the outgoing head of state had on Americans — from mothers of Marines to religious imagery in offices. The show opened with an exhibition in Zurich and is now being featured in a self-published softcover book that serves as a celebration/requiem for President Bush, who once uttered that “one of the great things about books is, sometimes there are some fantastic pictures.”  What else would you expect from locations like California's Camp Purgatory and Detroit before the promise of the automaker bailout?

I came across this piece of goodness by a recently graduated graphic designer named Hanisted out of central Brazil, who took ink to crackers and turned out a topping that’s refreshingly unpackageable. It’s a miracle that pen didn’t perforate them. Besides snacks, he’s had his illustrations printed in a newspaper called O Popular, as well as for the press relations department at his university. It shouldn’t be long before some bigger media outlets tap this enthusiastic artist whose style walks the line between children’s cartoon programming and adult silliness—something welcome in these times of frowns. The lesson? When creativity bites, forgo the napkin, canvas and even found object: a food item will just as well work. If you know of other artists appropriating unusual canvases, let us know!