Most book enthusiasts can recite the biggest names in their collections, but Jozsef Tari is only concerned with the smallest titles. His huge collection is so tiny that if you didn’t know what you were looking for it would be easy to miss it. Tari is a lover of little literature: he has an incredible collection of more than 4500 miniature books.

(all images via: Jozsef Tari)

Miniature books first came into fashion way back in 1475 when the tiny tomes were produced as novelties. After a short time, printers began producing the small volumes to show off their skill.

It obviously took a great deal of technical knowledge and talent to produce these perfectly printed books at such a minuscule size. Books are generally considered “miniature” if they do not exceed 100 mm (3.9 inches) in height, width or thickness.

While you can fit several little books into the palm of one hand, they all contain perfectly legible print just like their full-size counterparts. You may need a magnifying glass to read that print clearly, however. Some of the books even contain surprisingly detailed pictures.

Hungarian collector Jozsef Tari has been collecting miniature books and newspapers since 1972, and he has even published a few mini books of his own. His collection includes books in all types of subjects from art to politics to cooking and everything in between.

Though most of Tari’s collection is Hungarian, he also has plenty of foreign books from places like Japan, America, Canada and Indonesia. The sources of pride in his hugely tiny collection are those with unusual covers made of china, carved wood or tooled leather.

According to Mr. Tari, whose oldest book is more than 100 years old, miniature books are hardly manufactured these days. The majority of the presses that used to produce them have ceased to operate, leaving a tiny rectangular void in the lives of those who long to add to their Lilliputian libraries.

You don’t have to travel the back roads of the world to see bizarre and amazing collections of unusual objects – some of these wacky museums are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, right at your fingertips. Who can resist a lovingly curated collection of moist towelettes, airline spoons, or the world’s largest accumulation of belly button lint?

Belly Button Lint

You say belly button lint, Graham Barker says navel fluff – but we can all agree that this is the world’s largest collection of those mysterious fibers from a single person. He has been collecting his own belly button lint since 1984. His three chronologically collected bottles are oddly color-coordinated, as if he wore only beige until 1993 and then went through subsequent red and blue periods. Barker’s collection started when he pulled some fuzz out of his navel and wondered how much it would take to stuff a cushion.

Condiment Packets

Have you ever seen so many condiment packets in one place at one time? Collector Chris Harne’s unusual hobby came about when he decided to stop spending money on ketchup. Gathering free condiment packets at every restaurant possible was a slippery slope that led to the madness that is now The Condiment Packet Gallery.

Soviet Calculators

When hand-held calculators debuted in the West in the 1970s, the Soviets were desperate to catch up. But it took them a while to get the process down, and their many efforts – including some that are amazingly intricate and mechanical – are cataloged at the Soviet Calculators virtual museum.

Toast Portraits of Famous People

A virtual collection of toast art is unusual enough, but ‘Toastman’ Maurice Bennett – self-proclaimed “New Zealand’s most renowned artist” – makes more than just abstract compositions of burnt bread. He also creates billboard-sized toast portraits of famous people, which can be seen on his website as well.

Airline Spoons

If you’ve always harbored a secret but intense curiosity about what the spoons on various airlines around the world look like, but can’t afford to travel the world to find out, you’re in luck. One Flickr photo set contains hundreds of spoons, and you might be surprised just how varied they really are. Some are specially marked, some are vintage or from defunct airlines and some are even designed by celebrities.

Pencils

We would never get a peek into the diverse and fascinating world of brand name pencils if it weren’t for Bob Truby’s Brand Name Pencils website, which features photographs and descriptions of practically every pencil ever created.

Moist Towelettes

You might wonder, what exactly about moist towelettes could possibly merit collecting them? But that was before you saw the Star Trek ones above, which are indisputably amazing. Others in the collection come from Trump Castle, Quaker Steak & Lube and Iceland Air. And yes, there is in fact a brick-and-mortar Moist Towelette museum conveniently located in Dimondale, Michigan.

Crazy Shoes

The weirdest shoes in the world are even crazier than you might think. Forget insanely towering heels or unusual materials – the collection at the Virtual Shoe Museum will blow you away with its weirdness, from buckled boots with 8-inch ponytails made from real hair to extreme point shoes with suggestive heels.

Obscure Patents

While some of the inventions at the Delphion Museum of Obscure Patents appear tongue-in-cheek, like the Santa Claus Detector, others seem oddly serious – including a gravity-powered shoe air conditioner and an apparatus for simulating a high-five, “providing the user with a convenient outlet for the release of excitement.”

Masks, Medical Instruments & More

Looking for bizarre devices and gadgets, long since cast aside? Radio-Guy.net probably has one of the most complete collections around of everything from your run-of-the-mill antique radios to insane helmets used for questionable medical procedures, like the terrifying shock therapy mask.

Squished Pennies

You see the machines at virtually every tourist trap around the country: the ones that take your pennies and turn them into oddly elongated, squished souvenirs imprinted with the name of the attraction. For people who travel a lot – like Ronald Dupont, who has a vast collection archived online – these pressed coins are a fun and cheap way to remember all the places they’ve been.

Burnt Food

“To Cook the Museum Way — always leave the flame on low . . . and then take a long nap.” That’s the motto of the Burnt Food Museum, started in the late 1980’s when Deborah Henson-Conant left a pot of hot apple cider on the stovetop and took a long phone call. Today, the museum features such magnificent exhibits as “kruncheroni n’ cheese” and “hash blacks”.

Barf Bags

“One can tell a lot about an airline’s image from their Air Sickness Bags. Some barf bags are no more than a baggie with a twist tie, while other sickbags could win international design competitions. Are they art? I think so. You decide.” The Air Sickness Bag Virtual Museum certainly gives us more than enough to study, with 2,177 images to view.

Clowns have always been scary: when something targeted to juveniles has even the slightest eerie aspects, the terrifying effect is exaggerated. Here are 12 toys targeted to kids that are just plain bizarre, or are so terrifying, they could very well traumatize you and your children:

(Images via nomoreanalog, wickedglee)

Apparently in Japan there’s a common desire to train your children to take razor blades to toddlers and newborns, in an attempt to cleanse them of their hirsute qualities. Your child will be fascinated by the random and extensive patches of hair that cover portions of this doll. Sadly, the hair can’t grow back.

(Images via videogum)

The Laugh a Lot doll is mostly terrifying because of its commercial, directed by someone who must have had a long and prosperous career making horror flicks. The commercial’s fast cuts and maniacal laughter don’t elicit the desired response, instead causing the audience to cringe in terror and confusion.

(Images via damncoolpics, break)

Don’t all parents dream of having their children ride around in the (mostly) hollowed out skull of a gigantic cyclops? Well, your hopes and prayers have been answered. Your kids are now able to play at being Argonauts, as they chase horrified neighborhood children into a lifetime of psychotherapy.

(Images via odditycentral)

Be-A-Doll.com forms your likeness into an action figure. Having a doll that looks exactly like you is all well and good, but before you create one of these mirror images of yourself, be sure to tell your friends a few secrets so they can tell you and your doll apart.

(Images via thegreenhead, geekstuff4u, thepartyanimal)

It’s a mystery whether the Face Bank is supposed to be cute or not, but if so, it’s an absolute failure. With dark, pupil-less eyes, and a vacant stare, this piggy bank mimics the motion of chewing coins like a cow chewing cud, and then lets out a lifeless burp that would never cause laughter. There’s something creepy about something so lifeless mimicking such a common action. Imagine how you’d feel if you took a seat on a bench and noticed a brick gnawing at your shoe… that’s how disturbed this bank makes me feel.

(Images via matthew6870)

The cymbal smashing monkey is as simple and iconic as the eerie ventriloquist dummy, but even worse. The monkey’s expression is so intense and craven that there’s no way its creator could have desired anything but malice to emanate from its red-rimmed eyes. Every time the cymbals crash, you flinch, and can’t help staring at its frozen smile in fear.

(Images via timewarptoys, toys2remember, theshiftedlibrarian)

Hugo, the Man of a Thousand Faces, is a master of disguise, but there’s something eerie about his overly large and realistically detailed face that gives most people the heebie jeebies. Playing with this toy would make you immediately wish for the much less realistic Mr. Potato Head. No matter how many stereotypical and semi-racist moustaches and facial modifications you add, Hugo will still sit there, piercing you with his pale blue eyes.

(Images via blondemomblog, temptingtoys, monsterlandtoys)

Mothra, the gigantic moth that battles Godzilla in films throughout the celebrated franchise, has a child whom she calls to battle with a high pitched song. This toy is her child, and it definitely falls into a “what were they thinking?” category.  It’s strange that this toy even exists, but it’s even stranger how many variations on the design have been manufactured.

(Images via gadgetsexpose, nerdapproved, mentalfloss)

Poop is one of the most juvenile topics of conversation, so it’s natural that someone would try to capitalize on it. Now you can capitalize on it too, literally, with a piggy bank in the shape of a swirling pile of dog feces. If that’s not enough, let your dog tear up a plush chew toy in the shape of its own leavings, and give your toddler the patented “Pee & Poo” toys that are so popular with the youth today.

(Images via cashmenow, sew-dolling)

It’s easy to see the reasoning behind dolls that are handicapped, but it’s still a bit shocking to see a childhood item that usually exemplifies ideals of beauty and turns them into a much more realistic depiction of the tragedy that befalls too many children.

(Images via jdmuniverse, mybangbros)

Barbie has always been a role model for young girls, as the ambitious career woman who becomes anything from a Doctor to a Veterinarian, and now, a mother. I’m highly doubtful that this toy helps clear up a child’s confusion about childbirth, so please, purchase with caution.

(Images via aceofspades)

To end the list of these bizarre and terrifying toys, here’s a game of Russian Roulette available in Japan. Place the gun against your head and hope there isn’t a round in the chamber, or hippo legs will spring out and smack you in the face (really, they do). There are so many reasons why this is a horrible idea, but if you decide to buy this for your children, just be sure you have a gun safe in case they decide to try the real thing.

Dollhouses have a long history, beginning in the 17th century. They were originally used to display interior designs, but eventually came to be used as children’s playthings. Today, they’re still loved by children, but there is also a growing global community of adult miniature collectors who value dollhouses for their style and quality. There is a huge variety to be found in the world of tiny houses, from the elaborate handmade houses to the mass-produced plastic ones. For many of us, the dollhouses we remember from childhood are the frilly Victorian type or the sterile Barbie’s Dream Houses. But there’s a whole world of sleek, stylish modern dollhouses out there, just waiting to instill a love of modern architecture in your little one.

(images via: Paris Renfroe)

These shipping container modules from Paris Renfroe Design are the ultimate in modern dollhouse architecture. Taking the wildly popular container homes trend and shrinking it to dollhouse size, Renfroe is bringing even more exposure to this particular architectural movement. Each unit is handmade by the artist and will run you $175-$250, depending on your desired finish. If you have some money to throw around, this might just be the perfect way to inspire your aspiring architect or interior designer.

(images via: Paris Renfroe)

Fabulous prefab dollhouse design is also from Paris Renfroe; in fact, it was his first foray into miniature home design. The modern, open home could easily be a real city dwelling, complete with small backyard pool and intimate second-floor patio.

(image via: My Modern Mini)

The Mini House 1 is another take on the modern modular dollhouse design. The upper and lower units can be purchased separately or together so you can come up with your own unique home design. The sleek lines and glass fronts offer an unquestionably modern alternative to those character-less plastic dollhouses many of us grew up with.

(images via: Minimii)

Magical things happen in dollhouses. Miniature lives are lived while children develop their social skills and imaginations. This gorgeous modern dollhouse from Minimii encourages that learning and playing with a design that even grownups will love. This house is an exact 1:14 replica of famed architect Arne Jacobsen’s beloved home. The company even offers modern furniture to outfit the crisp modern rooms.

(images via: A Touch of the Past)

Why let the people who make the dollhouses have all the fun? This Ultra Modern Doll House comes ready to finish, so you can apply your creativity to each and every room. The high ceilings, interesting entryway, garage-top terrace and huge, modern windows make this a truly unique dollhouse.

(images via: Inhabitots)

For all of the minuscule minimalist modernists out there, this A-frame dollhouse is based on Andrew Geller’s similarly-shaped teepee home from the 1950s. The unusual shape lends itself well to imaginative play, while the design itself is visually interesting enough that you’ll want to keep it out on the table rather than hide it away with the rest of the toys.

(image via: Droolicious)

You’d be forgiven for wondering what, exactly, this is. The 10 Grain Play Pad does look suspiciously similar to a table spotted at Ikea, but this is actually a very minimal, modern dollhouse. It’s simple enough that both boys and girls will love it, and it has the added bonus of being just ambiguous enough to serve other functions in the house. After the kids grow out of playing with dolls, it could easily become an end table.

(images via: My Dream Dollhouses)

You don’t see many Bauhaus dollhouses, and probably for good reason: the classic style would be largely lost on little ones. But Kathy Osborne, an illustrator and graphic designer, didn’t really intend her design to be a child’s toy. Her first venture into designing dollhouses was originally going to be a replica of the famous Philip Johnson glass house, but she went in her own creative direction with it and produced something unique and marvelous.

(images via: Inhabitots)

The Modularean Eco House may be the tiniest eco-friendly pre-fab house in the world. Its simplistic design enhances a decidedly nature-friendly aspect, while its eco-friendly materials enhance its connection to the planet. The single-wheel design adds a bit of whimsy and visual interest to this already-stunning little house. Is it a work of art, or is it a toy? That’s up to you to decide.

(image via: Zac and Zoe)

Miniature houses aren’t only used for play time. Designers often use them to show off mini version of furniture or room designs, and architects often build miniature mockups of their ideas. If you ever need a worthy platform to display your miniature furniture, this would be it. The Villa Sibi Dollhouse is deliciously modern and comes with a garden deck, separate lap pool house, and modern furniture. And even if you just want to play, you can’t get more sleek and modern than this.

(image via: Daddy Types)

This beauty was spotted on eBay and is said to have been the result of a collaboration between an architect and a cabinet maker. They wanted to experiment with dollhouse making just to see how it might turn out, and the results speak for themselves. The modernist cantilevered design is awesome enough to make just about anyone want to play with dolls.

(images via: Oompa)

If this were a real house, it would be one of those that causes accidents because drivers are so distracted by its architecture. The asymmetrical floorplan and sloping roof would absolutely make this house the talk of the town. But luckily for all budding architects, it’s available for playing with at home. And even luckier – it’s made of non-toxic, sustainable materials.

(images via: Momoll)

The Ding 3 and Raryray wooden dollhouses from Momoll have achieved an almost cult-like following in the world of miniature hobbyists. The Ding, above, comes with either two or three levels and looks more like a mod office building than a children’s toy. The Rayray offers hobbyists (and kids) a great deal of customization. It features simple but interesting shapes and enough room to show off all of your modern miniature furniture.

(images via: PMW Architects)

The Kaleidoscope dollhouse features colorful sliding transparent walls that let you change the configuration of the house while letting your imagination run wild. Manufactured by Bozart, the Kaleidoscope is no longer manufactured. It’s highly coveted, though, and when one pops up on eBay it usually goes for an exorbitant amount. It’s no wonder, though: this house is unlike any other.

Although there are differing schools of thought and even controversy about whether it is a liquid or a solid, glass can make a unique artistic medium. Blown glass pieces are always one of a kind, but a creative mind can use nearly any type of glass to create beauty or boldness in art. Glass bottles are a popular component of artwork because they are so versatile and can lend themselves to a wide variety of concepts.

Public Glass Art Installations

(images via: cosmic_bandita, elainegreycats)

Shiny and smooth, these glass spheres are incredible to look at and nearly beg to be touched.  The Light Globe in Mountain View, California is spectacular as the sun glints off its surface during the day and is a showstopper at night when it radiates light from inside.  The globe sphere  welcomes guests on a Royal Carriabean cruise ship and hints at adventures to be had in travel.

Stunning Glass Containers

(images via: Slashfood, iofferphoto, todaysvintage, onlineauction, bythebaygallery, redhill-china, anitquehelper)

Vintage glass bottles hold an indescribable charm that is hard to duplicate.    Treasured for decades, these gems have weathered time without nicks, cracks or crazing.  More modern glass containers are often hand-painted or decorated by artists who hope that their work will also be loved enough to become heirlooms.

Bright Ideas

(images via: myff, physicsforums, 24hourmuseum)

When that bulb burns out, its usefulness is not necessarily over.  Glass bulbs, while great for providing light, can also make fantastic recycled art pieces as well.  All it takes is an idea or inspiration to convert something like a blown out lightbulb from trash to artistic treasure.  Hand-blown glass bulbs are works of art in themselves, but as you can see, it gets far more interesting and unusual when there is art within art.  These types of pieces prompt us to think and wonder – How did that happen?

Living Art

(images via: paulahayes, themissiah, charleskremenak, pattipics, yogi)

Many people have attractive houseplants, but terrariums provide an entire environment for your living art.  Artfully arranged stones, plants and other natural props create a world within a world that can be beautiful to see.  Terrariums are an ideal choice for nature lovers who crave an artful display indoors.  This type of art can also keep your treasured plants safe from pets.

Etched Impressions

(images via: scene360, wiresmash, greenupgrader, 13above)

Taking an ordinary glass bottle and recycling it into something amazing is an incredible talent.  These etched glass art pieces are nothing short of wonderful.  They are often painstakingly etched by hand, with every attention given to minute details.  The end result is breathtakingly beautiful art, on a medium many people would have thrown away or sent for recycling without a second glance.

Collectible Glass Art

(images via: angellic, beanqueen, thenandagain)

Many people are captivated as children by snow globes.  These worlds within spheres of glass, while fragile, are meant to be shaken.   So many people are delighted by snow globes that they are a popular collectible item for adults and children alike.  The appeal may be the feel of the smooth glass in your hand, or the lure of the tiny world inside waiting to be disrupted.  Whatever it may be about these little works of art, we are drawn to them.

Sailing Away

(images via: yarmcentral, pbase, bbc, craftmanshipmuseum, enhancedinnovations, comparestoreprices)

There’s something intrinsically fascinating about a ship inside a bottle.  Building a model ship through the neck of a glass bottle takes patience, a steady hand and nerves of steel.  When complete, this type of art makes a handsome home display the artist can take pride in.  Whether minature, antique or spiked with humor, boats in bottles intrigue us.