So few games other than chess have gotten any attention from designers. Occasionally you see someone tackle backgammon, or Chinese checkers, and of course people are constantly adding their flair to billiards tables, but, more often than not, only one part of the game gets stamped with the designer’s signature. We’re most always left feeling like an opportunity was missed. Why not re-imagine the entire look of the game? Seize the chance to redesign all the marbles; don’t just change the look of the board a bit. As long as the game is still easily playable, go for it. Alas, it seemed no one had the balls…until now.

This is nostalgia, beauty, brilliance, and playfulness rolled into one package. GRO design and TIM modelmakers activated their Wondertwin powers to bring us their take on foosball/table football, and what they’ve come up with is incredible. The game is, quite simply, gorgeous, and play remains true to the original. The sneak peak below doesn’t do it justice so go look…now…I mean it…

Artists for Humanity is a Boston based organization who give disadvantaged youth the chance to develop their creative and entrepreneurial potential while becoming economically self-sufficient by providing them with paid employment in the arts. They do this by taking on clients, much like any other design firm, and offer a full range of services from art and design to production. The teens begin by completing an apprentice program, and recently the apprentices were inspired by the building in which they work (it’s LEED Platinum certified) to create a line of green furniture. The table pictured is one of three models that comprise the ReVision line the kids have created. They are made from used magazines, junk mail and no-VOC resin, and are currently on sale for $300-$650. The model shown is $650. Check out their site. They sell many more products, and if you aren’t up for shopping you can always donate to their cause.