DIY Abstract Painted Potholders

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The first weekend in May I had the chance to lead a workshop at Anthropologie where we made these fun and colorful abstract painted potholders. I made a few samples beforehand for inspiration, so I thought I’d share those along with a bit from the event itself, then tell you how to make your own.

 

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The girls at the Pittsburgh Anthro’s Bakery Square location did an amazing job setting up for what was actually their first ever event. We all noshed on the tastiest mini cupcakes, fruit water, and plenty of Prosecco while painting. It was a beautiful day, and sitting inside those big windows with the warm sun shining in made everyone extra creative.

 

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The best part of this project is that there are zero rules, it’s all about having fun. Paint skills don’t matter one bit because the end result is meant to be abstract and playful. We played with different materials to create designs – drinking straws, toothpicks, and cardboard – that could add a graphic element.

 

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This gal was the life of the party. She showed up with her babysitter about halfway through and proceeded to tell everyone how wonderful they were doing (her words) before creating this masterpiece to give to her cousin. We sent her off with plenty of cupcakes and took plenty of selfies.

 

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Supplies:
• plain white potholders (make sure they are meant for use, not decorative)
• matte acrylic paint
• paintbrushes
• paper plates for palettes
• paper towels
• drinking straws, toothpicks, etc
• water jar for brush rinsing

 

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Thanks to Anthropologie for hosting the event and to everyone who came out to create!

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Anthropologie + Design Crush

Anthropologie + Design Crush

That was fast! The event is full! Apologies to anyone who missed out.

Local Pittsburgh friends! I’m so happy to announce that I’ll be hosting an event with Anthropologie on Saturday, May 2nd from 10am until noon. Join me at the Bakery Square location where we’ll create sets of abstract painted potholders while we snack and sip on delicious things. Space is limited, so be sure and RSVP today if you’d like to be part of the workshop!

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DIY Stamped Pet Bowls

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If you have pets and an aesthetic above a 6th grade level, you must feel my pain when it comes to the pet dish aisle. I don’t want fish skeletons or dog bones – I want something that fits my style and doesn’t stand out like a sore thumb in my home. While my three cats may not notice what they’re eating out of, I’d like to think that I’m WOW-ing them a little with my effort. It would also be nice if it didn’t cost more than one of the dishes that I eat off of myself, meaning it’s time to dust off my do-it-yourself game.

 

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Supplies
• small, plain ceramic or glass bowls
• acrylic craft paints
• paper plates
• sponge
• scissors
• pencil
• paper towels

 

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I decided on two modern patterns to create in fun, playful color palettes for both a food and water bowl. Before I started I made sure to wash and dry the bowls thoroughly to remove any debris. After squirting some paints (neon pink, olive green, and black) on a paper dish I dove right into the first – a grid-like dot pattern. Using a pencil eraser dipped into the paint I freehanded a pattern of five by four dots in the olive green. I then repeated the process with the neon pink and black, staggering the grid by skipping a dot-sized width and moving the pattern down one row.

 

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The end result reminded me of that pure sugar dot candy of our childhoods! And I’d be lying if I didn’t admit I kind of want my own bowl now just like this.

 

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For the second design I came up with an updated take on a citrus pattern, just want these last weeks of winter called for. I began by cutting out a circle shaped piece of sponge that measured about an inch wide. After prepping my paint – bright orange, robin’s egg blue, and neon pink this time – I got stamping in a random layout. I gave the orange plenty of time to dry (about 20 minutes), then followed suit with the blue. After some more drying time I trimmed out a small leaf-shaped piece of sponge and finished up with some unexpected neon pink foliage.

 

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We happily teamed up with Fancy Feast and their new Broths with Chicken on this project as part of their #WaystoWow campaign. My pets are part of my family, and I love finding new ways to show my love and affection. Aside from well-designed bowls, beds, and toys I also like to WOW my three finicky felines by laying super soft blankets in their favorite sunning spots and placing bird feeders outside of lower windows for entertainment. Broths are full of real, recognizable ingredients and come perfectly portioned for a reward or treat, so you can feel good about indulging your cat kids. My girl Rainey absolutely loves them – two paws up. Sign up to try a bowl on Fancy Feast!

This post is in partnership with Fancy Feast Broths. All words and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Design Crush!

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Much Love To You Printable

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I’ve spent the last year watching my friend Colore’s calligraphy talent go from beginner to her own beautiful style. While she’s usually busy creating over on her site – Colore’ Grace – today she’s sharing a Valentine’s Day card printable with us. The sentiment of ‘much love to you’ is just about the perfect thought for everyone on February 14th. It’s not terribly sentimental or cliche so print them out for your friends, your family – anyone who has a special place in your heart that you wish to know you’re thinking of them come Valentine’s Day.

Much Love to You Printable Download

 

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Photos: Colore’ Grace and Bruce Layman

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24 Valentine’s Day Gifts, Projects + Recipes

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ROW 1: DIY Felt Treat Boxes // The Getaway Duffle Bag // Easy Homemade Valentine’s Chocolates    ROW 2: Queen of Hearts Neon Pink Heart Vase // Graham Cracker Conversation Hearts // Golden Protective Hand Ring    ROW 3: Anatomical Human Heart Cookie Cutter // Gold Heart Print // Heart Wreath No. 1    ROW 4: Courage, Dear Heart Print // All You Need is Love Handcut Paper Art // I’m Yours 100% Screen Printed Poster

 

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ROW 1: Dip-Dyed Valentine’s Day Bags // Lip Donuts // Love is the Best Medicine Tea Towel    ROW 2: Valentine’s Day Polish Chandelier // Dear Valentine Stud Earrings // DIY Sequin Marquee Heart    ROW 3: DIY String Words Wall Hanging // DIY Valentine Award // Organic Heart Shaped Peppermint Patties    ROW 4: DIY Valentine’s Day Branch Tree // Conversation Heart Cookies + Printable Box // No-Sew Valentine Treat Bag

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