Wrapping paper is awesome, ribbons and bows are grand, but for me the gift tag is where it’s really at. It’s the icing on the cake. That special, personalized touch that takes a gift above and beyond in my opinion. I used a variety of metallics, kraft paper, and label-shaped stickers this holiday and I find myself wishing I’d spied some of these sooner! (Psst… there are a few free download gems in there!)
Every year I plan on making some sort of homemade goodies for friends and family who aren’t quite of full-on gift giving caliber, just a little something to say I appreciate you. And every year December goes by way too quickly and my good intentions are dashed. As of now I still have a few weeks to make it happen this holiday and my fingers are crossed! I’ve narrowed it down to these sweet treats, savory bites, and spirits that can be packaged up all nice like and handed out.
This week on Design Crush: Geometric abstract paintings from Jackalope Heart, plus an awesome discount!
Seventeen planners to get you planning 2014! (Only 25 days left in the year!)
And twelve more calendars for your consideration in part 5 of our roundups.
I played Oprah and shared a few of my favorite things.
Beautiful painterly textiles from Milk Farm Road.
Twenty-five projects full of DIY holiday decor!
A festive drinking glass project from Omar Sosa.
Sent out your holiday cards yet? Here are a few more to consider in part 4.
A pop-up shop full of handcrafted wooden skateboards – Side Project Skateboards.
Check out how we decorated for the holidays at Design Crush HQ!
I love a good end table, here are eleven I’m considering for my living room.
Even though the coffee/cocktail table is the horizontal star of most living rooms, in my experience the end table gets far more everyday use. Right now I only have one – a collapsible metal table with removable tray – and am on the hunt for another. My space is mainly mid-century modern with a twist, so something along the lines of these eleven below would be ideal.
I’m playing Oprah today! Hundreds of products cross my screen on a daily basis as I search out the best to share with you, and a girl can’t help but have a few favorites! And while I wish I had one of each of these fantastic pieces to give to every one of you a la Oprah, I hope my opinion will hold its weight in salt for you. Because these are all shops and creators whose things I own, that decorate my home and my self each and every day.
Splendid Orlando Oxford. These shoes are a new addition to my wardrobe for winter and I love their sleek look (no laces!). Splendid‘s entire lifestyle collection is ultra-comfortable and effortlessly chic, which is perfect for my every day and mixes with existing pieces easily.
American Giant Womens Heavyweight Full Zip Hooded Sweatshirt. I’ve been a hoodie aficionado since junior high, but it’s tough to find one that doesn’t resemble a garbage bag on a woman’s body. This zip up from American Giant is not only sturdy, but made especially for us ladies. If I’m home I usually have it on over whatever I’m wearing, it’s that good.
Emily McDowell’s Foods of the World New York City Tea Towel. Emily McDowell just might be one of the funniest people I know, and her humor translates seamlessly onto her illustrated line of cards, dish towels, and other miscellaneous goods. This towel featuring a recipe that actually involves zero cooking is just the tip of the iceberg.
Warby Parker’s Durand Eyeglasses in Woodland Tortoise. Warby Parker has had my poor vision and my heart in its grasp for several years now. I just recently snapped up this pair from their winter collection, the round-ish lenses are super flattering and their buy 1/give 1 model is tough to beat.
Bloggers Love Cats + Bloggers Love Dogs 13-Month Calendars.Shameless plug alert! I teamed up with other well-known bloggers who are animal lovers to create these two calendar downloads featuring our pets. All proceeds go directly to the Humane Society of the United States and all of the little critters in need.
Cursive Design’s Apex Studs. Cursive Design is one of my favorite jewelry shops by far, I just love Sarah’s eye for detail. These studs, along with much of the fall/winter 2013 collection, were inspired by a project we collaborated on together for NYFW 2012. They’re molded from vintage glass and cast in yellow bronze.
Jaime Derringer’s Untitled 3. I’m the proud, happy owner of three works of art by Jaime Derringer. Her bold use of color and constant exploration of shape and space never leave me bored. And both Jaime’s original pieces and prints are super affordable.
Alexa Chung’s It. There’s no denying she’s the darling of the fashion world, but after ready through this pink linen-covered book filled with short musings and photos she seems down-to-earth as well.
Paloma’s Nest Custom Monogram Tiny Text Bowl. Paloma’s Nest creates some of the best heirloom-quality ceramics I’ve seen. I own one of these plates and have gifted numerous others over the past few years. You just can’t go wrong with a piece that’s lovingly personalized like these.
Gingiber’s Deer Tea Towel. I love shop owner Stacie’s whimsical, geometric illustration style used on all of her animal characters! Gingiber‘s prints, pillows, towels (and more) are always the highest of quality and meticulously checked over.
Miró Watches from Urbantrait. Among an incredible selection of modern watches from Urbantrait, Miró definitely stands out. Made from stainless steel, hardened mineral crystal, and calf leather it’s sure to stand up to wear and tear for years to come. Mine has made me a watch wearer again after years of depending on my cell! Find your favorite from tons of men’s watches and women’s watches.
Meow Meow Tweet’s Grapefruit Rosemary Body Oil. Come winter, lotions just don’t cut it for me. I coat myself in Meow Meow Tweet‘s body oil before I get out of the shower and don’t need to re-moisturize until right before bed. Each amazing scent if filled with natural ingredients and infused with botanicals.
strawberryluna’s Morrissey Pittsburgh Poster PETA Donation. My favorite stop for gig posters, and it doesn’t hurt that strawberryluna is based in my hometown either! Allison and Craig do stellar silkscreening work for more bands than I can think to name, and on more posters than I can count that I own.
My Grandma and I have a theory about time flying – the older you are, the faster it goes. Think back to how as a kid it took for-ev-er for Christmas to roll around, and now as an adult it’s like HOLY CRAP Christmas is three weeks away! Because when you’re under 10 you don’t have that many years under your belt and time feels incredibly spread out, but the older you get the shorter those yearly chapters become. Basically, that’s a long-winded way to say that there are only 29 days until the new year so you’d better start looking for a planner.
This week on Design Crush:
Modern, timeless jewelry from Isobell. (And a 15% discount!)
Plenty of holiday cards in part 2 and part 3 of our roundups.
Perfect gifts from Baba Souk! (And another 15% discount!)
Forty-eight cocktails to get you through Alcoholidays 2013. Giving thanks with photographer Jessie Askinazi. 24 Merry Days is back this year! 24 days, 24 bloggers, 24 giveaways beginning December 1st!
I hope all of our U.S. readers had a Happy Thanksgiving!
See how my month went via Insta November.
. There’s no denying she’s the darling of the fashion world, but after ready through this pink linen-covered book filled with short musings and photos she seems down-to-earth as well.
