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SCREWBALL PAPERWEIGHT
$36.00
handmade
recycled
community voted (399 votes)
Weapon of Mirth Distraction
Is it a paperweight? A work of art? Yes, but at its heart, this curious metal object is actually a groan-inducing, visual joke. Using recycled steel parts, artist Fred Conlon combines a heavyweight screw with a metal ball, suggesting a suitable name for someone with a wacky sense of humor. Perfect for any office pun-slinger, it sits on the desk, innocently inviting passers-by to ask: "What is that thing, anyway?" Handmade in Utah.
- Item ID: 20953
- Materials: recycled steel
- 6" L; 20+ ounces
Fred Conlon
Raised in Colorado, Fred Conlon lives now in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he makes garden sculptures out of recovered objects. For his helmet sculptures, he uses real recovered World War II helmets. "It is very satisfying to transform something once used in war into a peaceful garden decoration," he says. See all creations.
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Q and A
When our community voted on this product, some also shared comments - read them below:
399 votes * 61 comments
Cassie, UncommonGoods Community Moderator
Artist Fred Conlon has been creating fantastic art for UncommonGoods for years, so of course we're excited about this quirky new design! Would his latest design make a great gift for your favorite screwball?
Renee
Vote: Thumbs down!
What's the point?
g
Vote: Thumbs down!
$50 for a screw? don't get it.
Heather
Vote: Thumbs down!
Overpriced.
It's a little weird, but I could see someone liking it. How much does it weigh?
sarah
Vote: Thumbs down!
This is strange and expensive - not in a good way.
Laura
Vote: Thumbs down!
Funny and on par with your "F-bomb" paperweight, but seriously, who uses paperweights anymore?
Mari
Vote: Thumbs down!
I don't really understand it.
Nikole
Vote: Thumbs down!
Dumb
Jennifer
Vote: Thumbs down!
I love Fred Conlon's work, but this one doesn't interest me.
k
Vote: Thumbs down!
Expensive for a gag gift...
Catherine
Vote: Thumbs down!
Were this a one-of-a-kind or one of only .. say 50, perhaps the price for art would work; however for a mass produced 'joke'? No way.
michelle
Vote: Thumbs down!
price!
judith
Vote: Thumbs down!
bizaare and expensive. Could be percieved as a weapon if used on work desk
judy
overpriced
Kristin
Vote: Thumbs down!
Too expensive...
Jane
Vote: Thumbs down!
Stupid.
david
Vote: Thumbs up!
Fred might want to reconsider his asking price.
Sarah
Vote: Thumbs down!
.....um.... seriously?
josie
cute, but in this day and age, a huge waste of time and material.
Michelle
Vote: Thumbs up!
Too expensive for a paperweight.
Lara
Vote: Thumbs down!
too expensive for a joke...
Marcia
Vote: Thumbs down!
I am still not really sure what it stands for.
Christine
Vote: Thumbs up!
Too expensive for me to purchase, but like the idea.
Cheryl
Vote: Thumbs up!
This is funky and unique but the price point is way over priced. Remember we are in a recession. Either lower the price or make it '1 of 100' and this would likely sell to a certain group of people.
renee
Vote: Thumbs up!
Love it! I already have the "f" bomb! So clever.
Maisie
Vote: Thumbs down!
$50 for a paperweight????
Lisa
Vote: Thumbs down!
Awful....bringing ugly back :(
DCB
Vote: Thumbs down!
And how badly will the sharp end of the screw mess up my paperwork, or wooden shelf??...
Kelli
Vote: Thumbs down!
It's got the form, but what's the function? Too much money for something that would only make a slapstick comedian giggle.
Lizzie
Vote: Thumbs down!
That's a lot of money to spend on a "joke". Sorry, just not worth it in my neighbourhood.
Kathie
Vote: Thumbs up!
Cute, comical idea, but too pricey.
Cassie, UncommonGoods Community Moderator
Thanks for the question! The screwball weighs about 2 pounds.
Emmie
Vote: Thumbs down!
I would only buy this is if I wanted to display an expensive weapon on my desk at work.
Dee
Vote: Thumbs down!
Cute concept, but way too expensive. :( $ :(
Alison
Vote: Thumbs down!
holy expensive batman!
Ed
Vote: Thumbs down!
[add canned laughter here]
Nina
Vote: Thumbs down!
Like it but I wouldn't pay even half that
Megan
Vote: Thumbs down!
f bomb is way funny...this one, not so much
denise
Vote: Thumbs down!
WHY??????
Ms
Vote: Thumbs up!
very cute
Laurie Beth
Vote: Thumbs down!
Why?
Breen
Vote: Thumbs up!
it's quirky - which keeps it is line with uncommon goods point of view - i find it amusing ... but $50 is steep!!
jennifer
Vote: Thumbs down!
For a casual gift for an officemate, this is way overpriced.
Chris
Vote: Thumbs down!
eh
David
Vote: Thumbs down!
Too expensive. How much does it weigh?
Cassie, UncommonGoods Community Moderator
Thanks for all of the votes and comments! To answer a few of your questions, the screwball weighs about 2 pounds. It is handmade, using recycled materials and it can be used as a paperweight or displayed anywhere you're looking to get a few laughs. To learn more about the artist, Fred Conlon, click on the link in the Artist/Designer section below the Product Story.
Alana
Vote: Thumbs down!
$50 plus s
Vote: Thumbs down!
i think paperweights are wasteful
Samantha
Vote: Thumbs down!
I just dont get it...$50, too much.
Sandy
Vote: Thumbs down!
Just an overpriced piece of future junk!
Marianne
Vote: Thumbs down!
Funny. Great gift idea but totally useless for $50.
Javon
Vote: Thumbs down!
This isn't unique enough for UG. Feels like deja vu .. olive pen holder/sculpture.
Claire
Vote: Thumbs down!
Stupid, overpriced paperweight.
Marilyn
Vote: Thumbs down!
Expensive joke. I like the thought, but not the price at all, not even close to $50.
Gina
Vote: Thumbs down!
Way too expensive for a not-very clever idea
Kathy
Vote: Thumbs down!
Silly. Price point is too high. Cute idea for a gag gift...
Stacey
Vote: Thumbs down!
Made in USA is good! Just see no need and more than I would be willing to pay for something I am not in love with.
Jan
Vote: Thumbs down!
Items like this are too common. How many paperweights can one "pun-slinger have?
Pam
whoa! expensive for a knick-knack/joke!
maria
Donny: "Hey uncle Don, I gotcha you something!"Uncle Don: "Why you wanna give me gift?! Vat's dis ting?"*uncle Don pauses in contemplation*Uncle Don: "AAAHAHA MAMMA MIA ITS-A SCREWTA-BALLAAhhahaAA!"