June Desktop Calendar Download
Somehow it’s June already… are you ready?
Posted In behind the scenes, create, downloads, living, my design, online, series, technology
Somehow it’s June already… are you ready?
Posted In behind the scenes, create, downloads, living, my design, online, series, technology
Ten years ago this month I started Design Crush as a place to gather inspiration for my day job as a graphic designer, and five years ago it became my full-time job. I don’t even know how to begin to thank each of you for your support along the way to living this dream that I didn’t know I had. To be completely transparent, when it’s been good it’s been great and when it’s been bad I still couldn’t think of anything else I’d rather be doing. I never used to believe people who said when you love your job you’ll never work a day in your life, but it’s so very true. And to thank you all, as well as highlight some of my favorite sponsors from over the years, we’ll be hosting ten days of giveaways in celebration of ten years of this little site that could.
I first met one of the founding sisters of Artifact Uprising at lunch during Alt Summit when we shared a table, and since then I’ve had the pleasure of partnering with them many a time. Katie and Jenna started AU on a foundation of a decade’s worth of experience as professional photographers and a desire to create printed photo goods with elevated quality, thoughtful design, and responsibly sourced materials.
Since 2012 they’ve done that and more by staying true to their mission and an authentic, creative-driven business model. Artifact Uprising‘s focus on sourcing recycled paper for their books and wood products continues to resonate with me and many others, and they continue to give good materials a second chance at life by using locally-sourced fallen beetle-kill pine.
From a basement to an office in Denver, Artifact Uprising still prides themselves on being an authentic company that’s true to its eco-conscious roots – and that matters! Consistently surrounding themselves with people who challenge, and building great things with great people is what AU is all about.
As Artifact Uprising continues to create beautiful, minimal products that everyone is sure to love, they also keep a focus on stellar customer interactions. Seriously – their customer service is some of the best I’ve ever experienced, and it shows in everything from the site’s interface and user experience to the end product showing up at your doorstep.
“We believe that doing good is more important than doing well – and that kindness makes the world right. We believe in travel and the things you can learn from getting lost. And we believe the best lessons come from the listening. We try to laugh when light is needed and persist when the path requires it. We love wide open spaces and campfires and the kind of quiet that allows you to hear the snow crunching below your feet. We believe in those who wake up every day to choose joy. And we believe in the underdog. We believe in always remembering where you came from. We believe each of us will – in time – do something really, really nice for the world.”
Artifact Uprising is kind enough to be giving away a $250 gift code to one Design Crush reader! There are up to SIXTEEN(!) ways to enter, but act fast because you only have 48 hours to get on it. (They’re also offering 10% off using code GIFTDAD if you’re shopping for Father’s Day!)
Posted In accessories, behind the scenes, create, house and home, living, paper goods, prints, series, shameless plug, walls, win it
1/ EcoBark Dog Harness
After years of searching for a harness that helped control my dog’s tendency to pull, as well as one that fit her broad chest/small neck measurements, I’ve found it. This thing is a lifesaver and the straps are made from recycled water bottles – bonus. (Note: runs small)
2/ Lemon Tree
Plants are therapeutic for me, and I picked up one of these little guys during a plant buying binge. I liked the idea of trying to grow it so much that I bought my Grandma one for Mother’s Day, too. No doubt hers will be five feet tall before mine hits 18-inches!
3/ Native Union Night Cable
This ten-foot long cable is amazing for charging your phone and devices while lounging in bed. The weighted knot anchors it to any surface, so you’re not left searching for your fallen phone when the alarm goes off in the morning.
4/ Elemental Coffee
My favorite coffee from when I lived in Oklahoma City remains my favorite 2 1/2 years post-move. The small batch roastery imports and roasts their own, and you can order a subscription service to show up on your doorstep. I highly recommend the Perusha.
5/ NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Red Square
A classic orangey-red that looks amazing on any skin tone, it’s been my go-to for a few years.
6/ Case Study Bentwood Tray Table
I rely on this tray table in the evenings, when I’m sitting on the couch with the dogs and either listening to records or half paying attention to something on television. It’s a great height and wide enough that I can sit crosslegged under it.
7/ Bebe drawn by Preserve a Moment
The super talented Susanne Kasielke drew my pup, Bebe, from a photo I’d shared in Instagram months ago. Her work is top-notch and I suspect it won’t be long until I commission her to illustrate my other pup as well!
8/ Tadesse Bucket Bag
The perfect bag for summer, its roomy interior provides so much space for essentials while the drawstring closure keeps it all secure. (It’s also available in a mini size and several colors of leather!)
9/ Yucca Plant
I had no clue that yucca plants could survive outdoors in Pennsylvania, or that I had three in my front yard, or that they bloom sporadically! Mine sprouted some tall stalks just about overnight, now I’m waiting for their white bell-like flowers to bloom.
We’re months away from Black Friday, but this weekend’s Memorial Day sales are nearly as good! If you’ve been hanging on to that tax return or waiting to pick up some summer wardrobe pieces now’s the time to take advantage. Check out our favorite picks and sales below!
1. Anthropologie // 40% extra off sale items for AnthroPerk members as well as well as 20% off full-price home and decor
Tripod Mirror // Musa Woven Lantern // Nashi Aqua Swirl Serving Set // Bright Heirloom Tablecloth // Peyton Pitcher // Woven Maya Beach Towel // Minimalist Teakwood Lantern // Vibrant Geo Hanging Planters // Painted Monogram Juice Glass
2. Target // up to 30% off patio, home, and furniture, save an additional 10% with promo code SPRING
Porter Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table // Emery Metal Bistro Chairs // Metal, Wood, and Leather Bar Cart // Stok Drum Charcoal Grill // Kilim Accent Rug Runner // Tall Lidded Vase // Mixed Fruits Doormat // 3-Piece Rattan Patio Chat Set // 10-Light Heavy Duty Drop String Lights
3. Overstock // Up to an extra 20% off garden and patio, area rug, furniture, and bedding and bath
Acacia Wood Patio Chairs // Outdoor Acacia Wood Chaise Lounge // Outdoor 3-Shelf Industrial Rack // Gavin Mid-Century Wood Counter Stools // Monroe Adjustable Office Chair // Hand Tufted Wool Moroccan Triangle Rug // Distressed Abstract Vintage Oriental Rug // Rialto Rust Faux Leather Chair // Hand-Woven Cotton Rag Rug
4. Wayfair // Up to 70% off
12″ Retro Wall Clock // Baxton Studio Sumner 5-Piece Dining Set // Brill Outdoor Wall Lantern // Coral Springs Arm Chair // Gardner Cabinet // Liliam Pouf Square Ottoman // Miro End Table // Phoebe Tufted Sofa // Vintage Metal Hanging 12-Light Sputnik Chandelier
5. West Elm // Save up to 30% on all furniture with promo code EXTRAGREAT, up to 70% off on new markdowns, and free shipping on select furiture
Benson 5-Drawer Dresser // Tiered Bar Console // Box Frame Dining Bench // Modern Expandable Dining Table // Mid-Century Daybed // Retro Wing Chair // Arlo Mid-Century Bed // Tiered Side Table // Drum Storage Coffee Table
6. Nordstrom // save up to 40%
Satin Kimono Jacket // Grid Hoop Earrings // Boheme Life Halter Bikini Top + Cheeky Bikini Bottoms // Simon Stripe Backpack // Hudson Zip Shirt Jacket // Leather Pouch Necklace // Good Resolution Dress // Faux Leather Trim Zip Backpack // Faux Leather Belt Bag
7. Of a Kind // 25% off select home goods with code HOMERUN!
Wild Honey Votive Candle // Resin Hexagon Placecard Holders // Bubble Candlestick Set // Jami Handwoven Tassel Coverlet // Topanga Rug // Citrus and Florals Framed Print // Accordion Ikat Throw // Loose Blue Stripe Planter and Tray // Guava Ring Planters
8. World Market // an extra 15% off and free shipping on orders over $150
Wide Terrarium // Black Woven Bamboo Pendant Shade // Black Matte Ceramic Mortar and Pestle // Copper and Wood Paper Towel Holder // Cactus Print with Gold Frame // Brass Pour Over Coffee Dripper Stand with Wood Base // Marble Paddle Cutting Board with Copper Handle // Adler Glass Wall Shelf // Mint Retro Metal Smiley Dustpan
9. Joybird // 20% off everything
Camille Pouf // Ellington 74″ Sofa // Carolyn Teal Wall Art // Justice Wall Unit // Elodie Pillow // Porta Floor Mirror // Newburgh Rug // Reese Wall Desk // Taylor Table Lamp
10. Lulu & Georgia // 15% off of $200 with codes HEYSUMMER15, 20% off of $500 with code HEYSUMMER20, and 25% off of $800 with code HEYSUMMER25
Gold Urchin // Turkish Towel // Doraine Kantha Quilt // Venice Beach Rollerskates Print // Nieve Mirror // Wilma Counter Stools // Sophie Print // Gold Tayla Mirror // You Better Have Tacos Doormat
AllModern // extra 20% off with code SPLASH
American Heirloom // 20% off with code MEMORIAL2017
Article // up to 25% off select items
Banana Republic // 40% with code BRSUMMER
Benchmade Modern // 20% off with code MEMDAY2017
Bunglo // 25% off with code BUNGLO25
Dear Keaton // 20% off with code Memorial Day
DENY Designs // 40% off with code FRIYAY40
Havaianas // 20% off everything with code SUMMER20
Leesa // $100 off with code MEMORIALDAY17
Macy’s // up to 60% off, buy online and pickup in store for an extra 20% off, free shipping at $49
Maje // an additional 25% off
Moda Operandi // 50% off select items
Net-A-Porter // up to 50% off select items
Old Navy // 50% off tees, tanks, shorts, and swimwear, free shipping over $50
Urban Outfitters // up to 50% off
Serena & Lily // 20% off with code AMAZING
Stowaway Cosmetics // 40% off with code 40SPLASH17
Posted In living, round up, series, styleI suppose it’s part of my slow evolution into a Plant Lady that flowers work their way into my diet. With the exception of rose, I’m not sure any of the other petals I’ve eaten have had much flavor – more of a garnish situation I guess? This summer I’m anxious to work some more of this unexpected ingredient into everyday recipes to make them a little bit more special.
Click on each image to go to the recipe.
All photos copyright of their respective sites unless otherwise noted.
Lighting is perhaps the element I most look forward to when designing a room – the right finish, the perfect glow, everything comes together to set the mood in that just right way. Chandeliers in particular are the icing on the proverbial cake of decorating, and I don’t think they’re utilized often enough. Think past the dining room and entryway to the bathroom, the bedroom, and beyond to take any room to the next level.
Wren 6-Light Sputnik Chandelier
Mid-Century Long-Arm Chandelier
Posted In house and home, lighting, living, round up, seriesValet Clothes Stand from CB2
The biggest dream I have for my house is turning the finished attic, complete with dormer windows and a turret, into my dream master suite. It’s split into two rooms, and ideally the front one would become the bedroom and the back a wardrobe and sitting room. The main obstacle is that there is no ductwork up there, and I live in a state that fully experiences all four seasons.
But whatever. Because when I’m finally able to save up and make it happen I know that I don’t want built-in shelving or suspended rods, what I actually want are old school garment racks lining the walls.
Wooden Clothing Rack from Urban Outfitters
Toj Clothes Rack from Norman Copenhagen
Handmade Clothes Rack by Pobi Shop
Tower Clothing Rack from Urban Outfitters
RIGGA Clothes Rack by Ikea
DIY Ladder Wardrobe by A Pair & A Spare
Garment Rack from West Elm
DIY Garment Rack by In Honor of Design
Atlas Clothes Rack by Akron St.
Calvin Double Clothing Rack from Urban Outfitters
Anker Clothing Rack by Menu
Posted In furniture, house and home, living, round up, seriesBrass Svante Watering Can // Brass Arthur Planter // Wood Box Planter // Boskke Cube // Adelphi Planter // Succulent Planter // Garden Tool Set // Riveted Planter // Glowing Arbor Pots // Grow Greenhouse
Are you elbow-deep in potting soil, too? So far I’ve already moved the majority of my indoor plants onto the front porch and repotted a bunch of succulent babies. This weekend three peony bushes, two peony roots, two oriental poppies, and heirloom tomatoes are on the docket for planting. I love how greenery and flowers make any space feel more alive, but always seem to be running short on pots and planters. It turns out now is the perfect time to stock up – plenty of these are on sale!
SALLADSKÅL Watering Can // Saboten Gardening Tools // Radial Vessel Small Planter // Nuelle Pot // Mod Double Planter and Drainage Tray Set // Tall Power Planter // Breathable Large Planter // Marble Terracotta Planters // Menu Wire Planters // Metal Raised Garden Planter
Stainless Steel Watering Can // Parker Planter + Drainage Tray Set // Single Herb Wall Planter // Tokyo Composite Pot Planter // Spun Metal Standing Planters // Terracotta Planter // Sophie Conran Garden Tools // Strawberry Navy Planter // Parker Planter + Drainage Tray Set // Sage Garden Pots
Posted In house and home, living, outdoors, round up, seriesA favorite part of my job, that you may only know about if you follow @designcrush on Instagram, is reviewing books. I had zero chance of not being a bibliophile, my Mom and Grandma read to me daily and my aunt was an elementary school librarian. Put that together with my two passions of art and design and, well, it’s basically the definition of a match made in heaven. I’ll now be sharing the art and design books that I usually keep to Instagram here as well, as a sort of quarterly book recommendation list.
The Golden Secrets of Lettering: Letter Design from First Sketch to Final Artwork by Martina Flor A a comprehensive, beautifully illustrated guide to hand lettering with easy-to-understand instructions and guidelines, plenty of inspirational examples, and hundreds of hand-sketches and illustrations. Martina Flor shows readers how to transform their initial lettering concepts and handdrawn sketches into a well-shaped piece of digital lettering that can be sold and published. Learn how to train your typographic eye by studying lettering samples and the anatomy of letters, explore concepts of hierarchy, composition, and flourishes, and discover the different ways of creating letter shapes. Flor also explains the process of creating a lettering project step by step and gives valuable tips about how to make a career as a lettering artist.
Paul Rand: A Designer’s Art by Paul Rand A comprehensive collection of Paul Rand’s most important and best-known designs, this book gives unique insight into Rand’s design process and theory. This new edition of Rand’s classic monograph, long unavailable, meticulously re-creates the graphic quality of the original. It includes more than 200 illustrations and 27 essays, and a new afterword by Steven Heller. Required reading for anybody interested in modern design.
Encyclopedia of Rainbows: Our World Organized by Color by Julie Seabrook Ream This playful collection of rainbows is a bright and beautiful appreciation of all the color that surrounds us. Artist Julie Seabrook Ream invites us to see the extraordinary beauty of ordinary objects as she gathers colorful iterations of a single type of thing, from feathers to fishing gear, matchbooks to macarons, and neatly arranges them in rainbow order. This index details all the objects in each rainbow, bringing the magnetic appeal of meticulous organization to this burst of color in book form. A striking package with a rainbow-colored spine makes this book a treasure for those who love art, design, and a fresh perspective.
Creative Pep Talk: Inspiration from 50 Artists by Andy J. Miller Every artist needs a little pep talk now and then. An inspiring tool and beautiful art book in one, Creative Pep Talk offers illustrated words of wisdom from 50 of today’s leading creative professionals. With full-color, typographic prints and explanatory statements from a host of creative luminaries — including Aaron Draplin, Oliver Jeffers, Lisa Congdon, Mike Perry, and many others — this book encourages artists to stay excited, experiment boldly, and conquer fear. Create curiosity, Learn to say no, and If you can’t be good, be different are just a few of the motivational mentions in this visual collection that’s perfect for students, designers, artists, and creatives at any stage in their careers.
Go Forth! by Chronicle Books A perfect dose of positivity and kick-in-the-pants motivation to get out and get living, making, and doing. Chock-full of uplifting text-based art with an emphasis on being brave, courageous, and authentic, it’s the perfect gift for grads, travelers, or anyone else in need of inspiration as they embark on a new adventure.
Print & Pattern: Nature by Bowie Style The latest book based on the popular site, Print & Pattern, celebrates surface designs, patterns, motifs of leaves, insects, grasses, butterflies, and trees. Product areas covered include stationery, cards, giftwrap, fabrics, wallpaper, rugs, ceramics, homewares, gadget skins, and more. Documenting the work of the best designers in the field, it’s an invaluable reference and inspiration source for surface designers, designer-makers, craftspeople, graphic designers, illustrators, and textile designers.
How Art Can Make You Happy by Bridget Watson Payne This little book offers the keys to unlocking a rich and rewarding source of joy. A handbook full of insight that will help regular people begin a more inspiring and less stressful relationship with art with tips on how to visit museums, how to talk about art at cocktail parties, and how to let art wake you up to the world around you. This guide makes it possible for anyone to fall in love with art, whether for the first time or all over again.
How to Make It: 25 Makers Share the Secrets to Building a Creative Business by Erin Austen Abbott The ultimate tell-all, show-all guide to making a living by making things. Featuring 25 profiles of illustrators, jewelry designers, ceramicists, painters, clothing designers, and printmakers, this book provides a behind-the-scenes look at the daily rituals and best practices that keep these creative entrepreneurs on track. With Q & As, insider tips, and DIYs from each maker, each page offers guidance and encouragement to artists just starting their careers and to professionals looking to take their creative business to the next level. Brimming with practical advice and inspiration, a recommended read for anyone interested in making it as a maker.
Broad Strokes: 15 Women Who Made Art and Made History (in That Order) by Bridget Quinn Historically, major women artists have been excluded from the mainstream art. Aligned with the resurgence of feminism in pop culture, this book offers an entertaining corrective to that omission. Art historian Bridget Quinn delves into the lives and careers of 15 female artists in text that’s smart, feisty, educational, and an enjoyable read. Full of beautiful reproductions of the artists’ works and contemporary portraits of each artist by renowned illustrator Lisa Congdon, this is art history from 1600 to the present day for the modern art lover, reader, and feminist.
Posted In create, living, read up, round up, series