According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2021 there were 304,000 children and teenagers living with type 1 diabetes. Hoping to improve visibility and representation around this condition, Mattel collaborated with Breakthrough T1D, a type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization, to launch the first-ever Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes.

The new Barbie has two parallel missions: to allow children with type 1 diabetes to see themselves in the toys they play with; and to expand the world’s view of those experiencing this condition, hoping to foster acceptance and empathy. The doll will join Barbie's global Fashionistas lineup, which features more than 175 dolls with different skin tones, eye colors, hair textures, body types, disabilities, and fashion styles.

Breakthrough T1D worked with Mattel to accurately depict the medical equipment used by someone with type 1 diabetes, as well as the doll's looks. Most notably, this Barbie wears a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) with heart-shaped medical tape on her arm. These devices measure a person’s blood-sugar levels throughout the day, sometimes with the help of a smartphone app—like the one displayed on Barbie's phone.

Attached to the doll’s waist is a small insulin pump, which provides patients with automated insulin dosing as needed. Her polka dot outfit is a nod to the blue circle, a worldwide symbol for diabetes awareness. Barbie also comes with a purse to carry snacks and other medical supplies she may need to keep her blood sugar in check.

“We were thrilled when Barbie approached us to collaborate on the development of the Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes,” says Aaron J. Kowalski, Ph.D., CEO of Breakthrough T1D. “I have lived with T1D since I was 13, and my brother since he was 3, so this partnership is deeply personal—it means the world to be part of bringing greater visibility to a condition that affects so many families. It’s an honor to work with a brand that shares our commitment to showing children that a life with type 1 diabetes can be full, vibrant, and empowering.”

Mattel donated the first of these Barbies with type 1 diabetes to the young attendees of the Breakthrough T1D 2025 Children’s Congress. At this event, patients between 4 and 17 years old raised support for scientists looking for a cure for type 1 diabetes among lawmakers. The Barbie with type 1 diabetes is also available to the general public, and you can find it on Mattel's online store, as well as at retailers like Walmart and Amazon.

Mattel collaborated with Breakthrough T1D, a type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization, to launch the first-ever Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes.

This Barbie wears a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) with heart-shaped medical tape on her arm.

Attached to the doll’s waist is a small insulin pump, which provides patients with automated insulin dosing as needed.

Her polka dot outfit is a nod to the blue circle that’s a worldwide symbol for diabetes awareness.

The doll will join Barbie’s global Fashionistas lineup, which features more than 175 dolls with different skin tones, eye colors, hair textures, body types, disabilities, and fashion styles.

Barbie: Website | Instagram
Breakthrough T1D: Website | Instagram

All images via Mattel.

Sources: Barbie® Introduces First-Ever Barbie Doll with Type 1 Diabetes to Expand Representation and Inspire More Children; National Diabetes Statistics Report

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READ: Barbie Introduces Doll With Type 1 Diabetes to Make Every Child Feel Included

Photo: Maha Smagulov, Ana Pupina

When Mariia Khas finally arrived at silver as her primary medium, it felt completely natural. Up until that point, the Mongolian artisan and jewelry designer mostly crafted rings, pendants, and earrings from wood, yet the material’s fragility eventually redirected her to silver, something she describes as “just as warm, but far more durable.” The metal was precious to the artist in other ways, too: in Mongolian culture, Khas explains, silver is considered a “purer and more sacred” material than gold.

It should come as no surprise, then, that Khas’ jewelry radiates a quiet sense of strength and divinity. Self-taught and inspired by Buddhist traditions, Khas has become known for her sleek, metallic aesthetic, expressed through skin-tight finger armor, dramatic lip rings, and bracelets lined with silver teeth. Each piece seems sturdy enough to protect against the outside world, with details derived from mythology and spirituality. By rooting her work within her own cultural heritage, Khas and those who wear her jewelry participate within a “larger cycle” of creativity and humanity.

“What I do isn’t new,” Khas tells My Modern Met. “It’s more like forgotten traditions brought back to life. Everything we create today is part of a larger cycle—it’s all been done in different forms before.”

My Modern Met had the chance to speak with Mariia Khas about her artistic inspirations, her creative process, and the themes and traditions that underpin her practice. Read on for our exclusive interview with the artisan.

Photo: Maha Smagulov, Ana Pupina

What originally intrigued you about jewelry and jewelry design?

Since childhood, I’ve been drawn to working with my hands and experimenting with different materials. I actually started out crafting rings, pendants, and earrings from wood, but I soon realized that no matter how carefully you treat it, wood eventually breaks. That’s when I turned to metal—something just as warm, but far more durable.

In my culture, silver is considered a purer and more sacred material than gold. We even use it to make ritual bowls for milk or water—food absorbs the ions of 999 pure silver and is believed to support the body’s health.

Photo: Maha Smagulov, Ana Pupina

Photo: Maha Smagulov, Ana Pupina

What is the process of creating one of your pieces of jewelry?

Everything begins with a feeling—a desire to hold onto an emotion or moment. Most of my pieces are born from this emotional impulse. Then comes sketching and researching the theme. If it’s a cast piece, I sculpt a wax model. If it’s a hand-forged item, I sometimes start by building paper models—for example, when I created smoking pipes inspired by traditional Mongolian and Japanese designs. I spent days cutting paper templates just to get the proportions right before touching metal. You know what they say: measure twice, cut once.

Photo: Maha Smagulov, Ana Pupina

What themes, shapes, and forms do you find yourself most drawn to throughout your artistic practice?

I’m most drawn to mythology, cultural heritage, and the spiritual symbols of my people. Throughout my life, I’ve searched for a sense of protection—and without realizing it, I began channeling that search through the imagery of guardian spirits from my culture and religion. Although I wouldn’t say I’m deeply religious, Buddhism, for me, is more of a mindset, a way of understanding oneself and the world around us.

Photo: Maha Smagulov, Ana Pupina

Photo: Maha Smagulov, Ana Pupina

Are there any specific materials that you particularly enjoy incorporating throughout your work?

I work almost exclusively with silver, especially 999 pure silver. It’s hypoallergenic and perfect for hand-forging. During my student years, I practiced with yellow and white copper simply because silver was too expensive. Those were humble beginnings, but they taught me a lot!

Photo: Maha Smagulov, Ana Pupina

Jewelry-making and design are both being seen more and more as fine art. Is this a development you have witnessed across time, and what is your perspective on the relationship between art and jewelry?

Absolutely. Everything we create today is part of a larger cycle—nothing is truly new; it’s all been done in different forms before.

Jewelry-making demands not only a refined sense of aesthetics but also precision, discipline, and strong technical skills. It’s a fine art balanced with rigorous craftsmanship. Personally, I dream of attending a classical jewelry school or intensive workshops someday. Most of what I know, I’ve taught myself.

Photo: Maha Smagulov, Ana Pupina

Photo: Maha Smagulov, Ana Pupina

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Mariia Khas (@khasomari)

Would you consider your designs to be experimental, contemporary, or subversive, and, if so, what does that look like for you?

What I do isn’t new—it’s more like forgotten traditions brought back to life. As I said, everything’s already been invented.

My pieces often serve a practical purpose. For example, I started making nail rings because I felt self-conscious going on dates after a 10-hour studio day with my hands covered in metal dust and patina. And believe me, that kind of grime only comes off in a sauna! I work every day, so often my thoughts begin with, How can I make this work?

Photo: Maha Smagulov, Ana Pupina

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Mariia Khas (@khasomari)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Mariia Khas (@khasomari)

What do you hope people will take away from your work?

Honestly, I’ve never thought about that in depth. When I create, I’m fully immersed in the piece, and when it’s finished, I let it go to live its own life. It always warms my heart when clients send me stories and photos. Those little moments make me smile every time.

Mariia Khas: Website | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Mariia Khas.

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When you picture Freddie Mercury, what is he wearing? The Queen legend is perhaps most remembered in his iconic white-and-yellow military-style jacket, posing with his fist in the air on stage. In tribute to that unforgettable moment from Queen’s 1986 Magic tour, LEGO set designer Takesz recreated the scene as a buildable 3D poster. Measuring 65 centimeters (25.6 inches) tall and 40 centimeters (15.7 inches) wide, the finished piece is nearly as show-stopping as Mercury himself.

Built entirely from classic LEGO elements like bricks, tiles, and slopes, Takesz designed the model using exactly 1,986 pieces—a clever nod to the year of the legendary concert at Wembley Stadium. The figure of Mercury appears to burst from the background, thanks to a layered design that gives the model a dramatic effect. His legs, torso, and left arm are solidly anchored, while the rest, like his head, feet, and outstretched arm, are created using dynamic, flexible joints. Takesz even captured impressive details like the fabric folds in Mercury’s jacket and the signature stripes on his sneakers.

The set also includes a tiny LEGO minifigure of Mercury at his Steinway grand piano, performing Bohemian Rhapsody to 72,000 fans in 1986. As well as Mercury’s outfit, this image of the artist at his piano became a defining image of Queen’s legendary tour.

The incredible LEGO build allows Queen fans to celebrate their love of Mercury and this historic performance, brick by brick. “The model is fun to build (and yes, it also takes time), and with the tandem setting with the minifigure it can be placed around the room any way you like,” says Takesz. “It’s not only a set to amaze others, it is a set to remind us of the limitless bond of music through generations.” The LEGO designer adds, “The Wembley show turns 40 next year. Bohemian Rhapsody was released exactly 50 years ago. The timing is Magic.”

The Freddie Mercury LEGO build is currently featured on the LEGO Ideas website, where fans submit creations and vote for their favorites. With just over 2,000 votes so far, it still has a long road to reach the 10,000 needed for LEGO to officially consider it for production. If you’d love to it become a real LEGO set, head over to the LEGO Ideas site and cast your vote.

Check out the Freddie Mercury LEGO set below and find more of Takesz’s designs on the LEGO Ideas website.

In tribute to Queen’s 1986 Magic tour, LEGO set designer Takesz recreated Freddie Mercury's famous pose as a buildable 3D poster.

Takesz designed the model using exactly 1,986 pieces—a clever nod to the year of the legendary 1986 concert at Wembley Stadium.

It captures Mercury in his iconic white-and-yellow military-style jacket, posing with his fist in the air on stage.

The LEGO build is currently featured on the LEGO Ideas website, where fans submit creations and vote for their favorites.

The set also includes a tiny LEGO minifigure of Mercury at his Steinway grand piano.

LEGO Ideas: Website | Facebook

Source: Freddie Mercury

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READ: 1,986-Piece 3D LEGO Poster Celebrates Freddie Mercury at Wembley

Shopping aficionados rejoice: Amazon Prime Day is here. From July 8 to July 11, savvy shoppers will be able to save big on an incredible range of products, which makes it the perfect time to pick up an item to treat yourself or get a jump on holiday shopping.

All you need to do in order to take advantage of the sale is sign up for Amazon Prime and then start browsing. Art lovers will appreciate that there are plenty of creative items included in Prime Day, and to help you get started, we've put together this roundup of our favorite art and creative items on sale now.

As new sales will go up over the course of the three-day event, be sure to check back often and see what other items catch your eye.

Our Top 10 Prime Day Deals for Artists and Makers

Prismacolor | $48.62 during Prime Day

1. Creality K2 Plus Combo 3D Printer – $1,249 at Amazon (Originally $1,649): Incredibly efficient and able to print in 16 colors, Creality's 3D printer is perfect for both beginners and experts.
2. Brother Sewing and Quilting Machine – $220.99 at Amazon (Originally $259.99): This sewing machine has 185 built-in stitches and a wide table for larger projects and quilts.
3. Prismacolor Colored Pencils, 72 Count – $48.62 at Amazon (Originally $74.99): Take advantage of this deal to stock up on these richly pigmented colored pencils, which are a favorite of professionals.
4. Tombow Dual Brush Pen Art Markers, 108 Count – $176.82 at Amazon (Originally $355): Filled with vibrant water-based ink, these pens have both a flexible brush tip and a fine bullet tip that make them perfect for an endless number of creative projects.
5. Cricut Maker 4 – $474.99 at Amazon (Originally $559): Get an incredible deal on the Cricut Maker 4 and take your crafting to a whole new level. You'll also receive everything you need to make your own shirts, cards, decals, and more.
6. Posca Markers, Warm Set, 8 Count – $9.96 at Amazon (Originally $24.99): Snatch up this set of Posca markers, which have reversible bullet tips and are filled with water-based pigments that adhere to 50 different types of surfaces from canvas to ceramics.
7. XPPen Artist Pro 24 Gen2 4K Ultra HD Drawing Tablet – $909.99 at Amazon (Originally $1,299.99): This drawing tablet has a 4k ultravision display, 16K ultra-sensitive pressure levels, dual styli, and a Calman verified color accuracy (Adobe RGB 99%, sRGB 99%, Display P3 98%).
8. KODAK Dock Plus Instant Photo Printer – $108.99 at Amazon (Originally $199.99): KODAK makes it easy to print any photo from your phone; just plug in and print. Compatible with Apple iPhone, iPad, and Android devices.
9. Neewer Table Top Tripod – $35.65 at Amazon (Originally $53.99): Take advantage of this sale and grab the opportunity to get a tabletop tripod that will elevate how you film your creative projects.
10. SAKURA Pigma Micron Fineliner Pens, 6 Count – $10.19 at Amazon (Originally $11.99): These precise archival pens create fade-resistant, waterproof, bleed-free marks for drawing, artwork, journaling, and more.

Other Art and Photography Prime Day Deals We Love

LEGO | $62.99 during Prime Day

• Adjustable Drawing and Drafting Table – $95.44 at Amazon (Originally $124.99)
• LEGO Disney Walt Disney Tribute Camera Building Set – $62.99 at Amazon (Originally $99.99)
• Paint Brush Cleaner, Paint Brush Holder and Organizers with Palette – $14.44 at Amazon (Originally $18.99)
• HOTO Cordless Hot Glue Gun – $20.99 at Amazon (Originally $36.99)
• Tinyspool & Co. Jelly Roll Fabric Strips for Quilting – $24.49 at Amazon (Originally $34.99)
• Folding Sewing Table and Multipurpose Craft Station – $99.99 at Amazon (Originally $139.99)
• DJI Osmo Action 4 Essential Combo – $199 at Amazon (Originally $289)
• 10.1” Digital Picture Frame with 32GB Storage – $45.49 at Amazon (Originally $99.99)
• Elgato Professional Studio Light – $139.99 at Amazon (Originally $179.99)
• Epson EcoTank ET-4800 Wireless All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer – $199.99 at Amazon ($299.99)

Prime Day Deals for Creative Kids

Faber-Castell | $40.19 during Prime Day

• Faber-Castell Pottery Studio – $40.19 at Amazon (Originally $64.99)
• Skillmatics Scratch Art Book for Kids – $14.22 at Amazon (Originally $19.97)
• National Geographic Glow in the Dark Rock Painting Kit – $13.49 at Amazon (Originally $16.99)
• Origami Kit for Kids – $12.68 at Amazon (Originally $15.97)
• Fabric Flower DIY Kit – $28.26 at Amazon (Originally $39.99)
• Spirograph Doodle Pad – $13.99 at Amazon (Originally $24.99)
• National Geographic Mega Arts and Crafts Kit for Kids – $23.99 at Amazon (Originally $29.99)
• Mr. Sketch Scented Markers, 22 Count – $12.89 at Amazon (Originally $19.99)
• Solar Print Paper Kit – $19.99 at Amazon (Originally $24.99)
• Melissa & Doug Clay Play Activity Set – $26.59 at Amazon (Originally $49.99)

This article has been edited and updated. Prices were accurate at time of publishing.

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The Fourth of July is a day typically spent grilling and hanging poolside. Whether you’re having a cookout or are staying indoors to avoid the heat, you can take advantage of My Modern Met Store’s Fourth of July sale. From July 4 to July 7, we’re offering 15% off your entire order when you use the code FIREWORKS15 at checkout. Don't delay; the discount ends at 11:59 PM PT.

Looking for a game that is great for outdoor parties? We are big fans of the Comma brand’s big and small Cat Pile games. In these reverse-Jenga-inspired activities, you are trying to stack the kitties as high as you can without them toppling over. Make sure you buy a few sets to increase the challenge (and fun). But if you’re more of a dog person than a cat person, don’t worry. Comma also makes a dog stacking game featuring wood pieces in the shape of the Shiba Inu breed.

You can never have too many playing cards—especially if you like big gatherings. For a stylish take on the conventional deck of cards, check out one of the latest additions to My Modern Met Store: the OBEY RED deck. The set was created by theory11 in collaboration with renowned artist Shepard Fairey. The RED deck features Fairey’s work adapted into kings, queens, and more. Perfect for the art aficionado and game-lover in your life, this is sure to stack the deck for a fun time.

Peruse our entire selection of creative products by visiting My Modern Met Store. Remember, use the code FIREWORKS15 to save 15% on your entire order until 11:59 p.m. PDT on July 5. And if you spend over $100, the shipping is on us (for U.S. locations only).

My Modern Met Store is offering a 15% discount for the Fourth of July. Just use the code FIREWORKS15 from July 4 to July 7, 11:59 p.m. PDT.

OBEY RED Playing Cards

Regular Price: $19.95 | Sale Price: $16.96

Big Wooden Cat Pile Game

Regular Price: $39.95 | Sale Price: $33.96

Vintage-Inspired Bird Scarf

Regular Price: $62+ | Sale Price: $52.70+

Jazz Love Blueprint Poster – A History of Jazz Music Poster

Regular Price: $44.95| Sale Price: $38.21

Embroidery-Inspired Temporary Tattoo Set

Regular Price: $15 | Sale Price: $12.75

A6 Travel Paint Kit

Regular Price: $45 | Sale Price: $38.25

The Great Wave Tote Bag

Regular Price: $14.95  | Sale Price: $12.71

Bartender Glasses (Set of 4)

Regular Price: $25  | Sale Price: $21.25

Clawed Monet Cat Artist Pin

Regular Price: $12.50  | Sale Price: $10.63

Crab n' Roll Paper Towel Holder

Regular Price: $24.95 | Sale Price: $21.21

Paint Brush & Palette Earrings

Regular Price: $21.50 | Sale Price: $18.28

Rainbow Joes: Series 1 Figurines

Regular Price: $25 | Sale Price: $21.25

This article has been edited and updated. Prices were accurate at time of publishing.

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Follow My Modern Met Store: Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest
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READ: Fourth of July Sale at My Modern Met Store: Save 15% on All of Our Creative Products

As far as tools go, rulers are probably one of the most consistently unchanged instruments in history. They look the same today as they did when you were younger, and even when your parents used them in their youth. But just because they haven't changed, doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement. Orangered Life, a London-based design studio, saw the possibilities and reinvented the trusty ruler, seeking to eliminate the many headaches associated with the typically rectangular tool. Their new 25° Ruler Fold-X may be the ruler to rule them all.

What makes the 25° Ruler Fold-X so special? Well, for starters, every tick mark is labeled and numbered, so there's no need to stop and count—it's right there. It makes one wonder why this isn't the standard for all rulers. And the 25° in its name refers to the clever 25° ergonomic slope that allows for easier reading of the numbers—you don't have to reposition yourself directly above the ruler to see the numbers. To make it even smoother, the numbers are in a bold, clean font that stands out.

With a mission to make sustainable products, Orangered Life has put one environmentally friendly value that is often forgotten at the forefront: creating something that doesn't need to be replaced because it breaks easily or becomes obsolete. The 25° Ruler Fold-X is made of aerospace-grade aluminum, making it lightweight but able to withstand rough use. Additionally, the tick marks are laser-engraved, meaning they won't fade or rub off over time.

Aware that many creatives use rulers on the go, Orangered Life made their ruler foldable. On top of making it portable, this design element holds perhaps the most thrilling part of the 25° Ruler Fold-X—it doubles as a protractor, and is perhaps even more practical. The circle in the middle not only binds both parts of the ruler, but has marks to measure real-world angles without needing to trace or use an additional tool.

And there's also no need to worry about the ruler being too hard to open or wiggling when being used. “It’s designed with just the right amount of resistance: smooth to open, but not loose,” writes Orangered Life. “It stays in place, even when partially unfolded, so it won’t slide or flop. We put a lot of care into balancing easy movement with a stable, satisfying hold.” Besides, its underside is raised just enough to make it easy to grab, and it was designed with a safe edge for when using an X-acto.

The 25° Ruler Fold-X is available in three colors (blue, black, and silver) and comes in three sizes: small, which is 6″ folded and 12″ when open; medium, 8″ when folded and 16″ when expanded; and large, 10″ folded and 20″ when expanded. However, its one downside when compared to regular rulers is that you have to choose between metric (centimeters) and imperial (inches), instead of having both in the same instrument.

Whether you're an artist or simply need a ruler at home, the appeal of the 25° Ruler Fold-X is universal. Its Kickstarter campaign is proof of this as it bulldozed through its original goal of £3,000 ($4,088) and has raised over £42,000 ($57,320) as of writing. Orangered Life aims to start production in August and shipping out in November, so get your order in soon if you want one.

To get yours and learn more, visit the 25° Ruler Fold-X campaign on Kickstarter.

Orangered Life's new 25° Ruler Fold-X may be the ruler to rule them all.

Every tick mark is labeled and numbered, so there's no need to stop and count—it's intuitively there.

The 25º in its name refers to the clever 25º ergonomic slope that allows for easier reading, since you don't have to look at it straight from above to see the numbers.

The tick marks are laser-engraved, meaning they won't fade or rub off over time. And it also doubles as a protractor.

Order your own 25° Ruler Fold-X on Kickstarter.

25° Ruler Fold-X: Kickstarter

All images via Orangered Life.

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READ: Ingenious Foldable Ruler Makes Measuring Easier and More Precise Than Ever

Left: Greatbaconbits via Wikimedia Commons ( CC BY-SA 4.0) | Right: ArchaiOptix via Wikimedia Commons ( CC BY-SA 4.0)

Since euro coins first went into circulation in 2002, people have marveled at their designs. While one side of the coin is the same in every member state, the national side is where the different European countries showcase their unique cultures. From famous historical figures to beloved monuments, the coins demonstrate the diversity of the European Union. One particularly interesting design choice comes from Greece, which decided to highlight its ancient roots on its one-euro coin.

It features an owl that might be familiar to ancient coin collectors, as it is modeled after one side of a 5th-century BCE coin. Called a tetradrachm, this large silver coin became the de facto standard throughout the ancient world, spreading it far beyond Greece. Because they were large, they provided ample ground for artwork, with politicians often using them to make a statement. This has made them a favorite among coin collectors, who are attracted by their high level of artistry.

This was also apparently a lure for Georges Stamatopoulos, who designed Greece's coins. Stamatopoulos is an artist and engraver at the Bank of Greece. While tetradrachms had different designs according to the time period and mint where they were struck, Stamatopoulos focused on an Athenian tetradrachm. The coin's distinct design features the Greek goddess Athena on one side and an owl next to an olive branch and crescent moon on the other.

Symbolically, the owl refers back to Athena, as it was part of her iconography. In fact, Athena is the goddess of knowledge and wisdom, and her association with owls is what created the connection between the bird and wisdom.

So the next time you happen across a €1 coin, be sure to flip it over to see what history lesson it will give. You may just be surprised by what you learn.

Greece's interesting design for the national side of its €1 coin has an interesting history.

Photo: Greatbaconbits via Wikimedia Commons ( CC BY-SA 4.0

The design is based on a large silver coin known as a tetradrachm, which was prevalent in the ancient world.

Silver tetradrachm , c. 450-400 BCE, München, Staatliche Antikensammlung (Photo: ArchaiOptix via Wikimedia Commons ( CC BY-SA 4.0)

One side of the coin showed Athena, the goddess of wisdom, and the other her symbol—an owl.

Silver tetradrachm , c. 450-400 BCE, Berlin, Münzkabinett der Staatlichen Museen, Altes Museum (Photo: ArchaiOptix via Wikimedia Commons ( CC BY-SA 4.0)

Source: European Central Bank – Greece

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“Fortis”

Saunas have been around for about 10,000 years, starting as simple pit structures where stones were heated by fire. Fast forward to today, and they’ve evolved into a whole art form of their own, giving designers the freedom to create small-but-luxurious spaces that are perfect for relaxation and recovery. Since 1958, US-based Thermasol has been at the forefront of steam and sauna innovation, and now, they’ve introduced a new collection of Scandinavian-inspired saunas that bring spa luxury to your home.

The stunning collection of indoor and outdoor saunas beautifully merges design, technology, and tradition. The five outdoor saunas, designed by Bojan Črešnar, are thoughtfully created to harmonize with personal outdoor spaces, blending naturally into the surroundings. The collection includes the Vue model, with a panoramic glass front that camouflages it into its setting while offering a comfortable, cozy interior. Črešnar also designed the Ombra sauna, named after the Italian word for “shadow.” It features reflective tinted glass panels that create a soft, ambient glow, as well as private, floor-to-ceiling windows that allow you to soak in the surrounding nature while you relax inside.

Meanwhile, the new indoor saunas—Aalto, Astra, and Lumaria—each offer something unique. Aalto, inspired by the Finnish word for “wave,” is made from a mix of wood and glass and features sculptural lines to create a natural, calming aesthetic. Astra, from the Latin word for “stars,” provides a bright, airy feel with a sleek corner design that maximizes space. Lumaria, named after “lumina” (light) and “aria” (melody), combines soft lighting and refined design. It comes in two sizes: the medium for two to three people, and the large for up to five, making it a great fit for any home wellness space.

Check out the stunning sauna collection below and find out more about each model on the Thermasol website.

Thermasol recently introduced a new collection of Scandinavian-inspired saunas that bring spa luxury to your home.

“Vue”

The five outdoor saunas, designed by Bojan Črešnar, are thoughtfully created to harmonize with personal outdoor spaces.

“Spectra”

“Ombra”

“Ombra”

“Ombra”

“Vera”

The new indoor saunas—Aalto, Astra, and Lumaria—each offer something unique.

“Aalto”

“Astra”

“Lumaria”

Thermasol: Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Thermasol.

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Whether you’re constantly running late or you feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day, our relationship with time can often be a source of stress. London-based designer Matt Gilbert of studio Animaro seeks to change that with Solstice 2.0—a kinetic clock designed to transform how we experience time, encouraging a calmer and more mindful perspective.

The meditative, sculptural timepiece transforms with the passage of time like a kinetic work of art. Over a 12-hour cycle, it gently changes shape, gracefully expanding until midday, when the sun reaches its peak, then gradually contracting by 6 p.m. The clock is designed to reconnect us with the way we once told time through nature, using shape and pattern, much like a modern sundial.

“For many, time and a need for absolute accuracy has become a source of stress,” says Gilbert. “When designing the Solstice timepiece, I wanted its movement to represent the passing of time in a way that was beautiful and peaceful, taking inspiration from flowers opening in response to light.”

In Clock Mode, the single hour hand makes a full rotation every 12 hours, just like a traditional clock. It moves so gradually you won’t notice it shifting, but its shape subtly evolves throughout the day. Switch to Demo Mode, and the hand completes a full rotation every 60 seconds, turning the clock into a mesmerizing piece of kinetic art. Tapping the metal bar—equipped with a touch sensor—lets you toggle between modes. When you switch from Demo Mode to Clock Mode, the Solstice 2.0 automatically syncs to the correct time.

Recently launched on Kickstarter, Solstice 2.0 is Animaro’s second campaign, showcasing a more refined and thoughtfully updated design. While the original Solstice saw 200 units shipped around the world, this new edition is limited to just 80 units, allowing Animaro to prioritize craftsmanship and quality.

Check out Solstice 2.0 below and find out more about this amazing clock on Kickstarter. You can order yours through the campaign, with a choice of three beautiful wood finishes: walnut, oak, and sapele.

Designer and founder of studio Animaro Matt Gilbert created Solstice 2.0, a kinetic clock that transforms with the passage of time.

Over a 12-hour cycle, it gently changes shape, gracefully expanding until midday, when the sun reaches its peak.

Then it gradually contracts by 6 p.m.

The clock is designed to reconnect us with the way we once told time through nature, using shape and pattern, much like a modern sundial.

Tapping a metal bar—equipped with a touch sensor—lets you toggle between modes.

In Clock Mode, the single hour hand makes a full rotation every 12 hours, just like a traditional clock.

Switch to Demo Mode, and the hand completes a full rotation every 60 seconds, turning the clock into a mesmerizing piece of kinetic art.

Watch this beautiful clock expand and contract over time.

Animaro: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Animaro.

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READ: Mesmerizing Kinetic Clock Expands and Contracts With the Passage of Time

The traditional tattoo style (in Western culture) is often characterized by bold outlines, a limited color palette, and easily recognizable symbols. Contemporary tattooists, however, are changing the association with every new bit of body art. Tatu Panda is one artist inking tattoos in an unmistakable style. His fine-line, microrealistic pieces employ optical illusions to look like they are levitating above the skin. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, his most striking pieces feature marine creatures as they appear to swim the length of an arm. The floating effect comes from a perfectly diffused shadow that slightly overlaps with the bodies of sharks, rays, and alligators.

“It’s a straightforward approach for me,” Tatu Panda tells My Modern Met, “[it’s] precision, detail, and craftsmanship that pops.” The floating tattoos offer the wearer something unconventional while still being subtle. “A lot of my clients also want something deeply personal that doesn’t scream for attention, but still makes people stop and look twice,” the Miami-based tattooist explains. “I wanted to make it ‘pop’ so I did that in the simplest way possible. There is elegance in simplicity.”

Beyond the aesthetic qualities of his work, Tatu Panda’s approach is meant to help push the industry forward. “Microrealism was never just a style to me,” he shares, “it was my way of giving the middle finger to the industry. I’ve always had a problem with authority, and this industry has a history of gatekeeping anything that threatens tradition. So when they laughed at microrealism, dismissed it, tried to ostracize anyone pushing it forward, I doubled down. I built my name on the very thing they said was impossible.”

To see more of his work and book an appointment, you can follow Tatu Panda on Instagram.

Tattoo artist Tatu Panda creates microrealistic pieces that employ optical illusions to look like tiny animals are levitating above the skin.

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, his most striking pieces feature marine creatures as they appear to swim the length of an arm.

The floating effect comes from a perfectly diffused shadow that slightly overlaps with the bodies of sharks, rays, alligators, sea turtles, and more.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Miami Tattoo Artist Fine line / Realism (@tatu_panda)

In addition to the floating tattoos, Tatu Panda uses shading to give subjects the appearance of three-dimensionality.

Tatu Panda: Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Tatu Panda.

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