Minimal, functional, and beautifully designed. That’s a solid description of Portland’s Sons & Daughters and the leatherwork owner Katie MacFaarlane creates. From laptop sleeves to clutches, every piece is created to wear well and last. I can definitely see these being classic hand-me-downs for years to come.
Let’s just make today all about summer, shall we? This time I’m talking about LaMalconttenta, a line by the uber talented Lydia de la Piñera. Ceramics, prints, jewelry, and more that convey the casual effortlessness of the warmest days of the year are all present in Lydia’s Etsy shop. All with the perfect balance of white space and intensely pigmented colors to balance it all out.
I’ve had the idea for this paint dipped copper necklace in my head for some time, and if you’re any sort of creator you know it’s always nice when the concept comes out even better than you anticipated! This guy is sure to be a staple in my summer wardrobe and offer some color to my mostly black, white, and neutral wardrobe. I love how customizable it is – use as many copper couplets and whatever and however many colors of paint as you’d like.
Supplies:
• copper couplets (I used 1/2″)
• 2 – 28″ lengths of 1/8″ cotton/polyester rope
• craft paints in the colors of your choice
• 4 oz plastic cups
• wax paper
• clear nail polish (optional)
I chose neon pink, neon yellow, white, and black for my color palette. I like that the black and white keeps my necklace colors in tune with what I already have in my wardrobe, while the neons offer a pop of interest. Start by pouring about half an inch of paint into each of your plastic cups. (Because you won’t actually be using that much you can pour the remainder right back into the bottle post-dip!)
Tear off a short piece of wax paper and set your paint and cups on top of it. Dip one of the copper couplets into the paint making sure to touch it to the bottom of the cup, then remove and gently shake off as much of the excess as possible. Set couplet on the wax paper to chill out for a minute. Repeat with all couplets and paint colors.
After the couplets hang out for a bit (about 15 minutes) you’ll notice the paint beginning to pool at the bottom. The next step is simple – pick each one up and move it to a clean part of the wax paper. Wait another 30-45 minutes and do it again, except this time flip them over so they’re sitting on the unpainted end. So easy. Once they’re completely dry you can opt to do another round of dipping for extra coverage if you’re not satisfied. You can also coat the painted portions with some clear nail polish if you’d like added protection.
Only one step left! Snip off two lengths of cotton/poly rope and string up your copper pieces as desired, I settled on an end-to-end configuration after playing around for a bit. Tie the ends together (or use a clasp if you’re fancy) and call it a day.
Posted In jewelry, make it, wear it
01/ My Toy Plane shows just that in fun and imaginative scenarios.
02/ Pretty silk scarves emblazoned with NASA satellite imagery from Slow Factory.
03/ The 10 Commandments of Typography. Follow ’em.
04/ The post-film lives of sixteen sets.
05/ Subtly geometric wooden iPad and MacBook sleeves from Grove.
06/ Fictitious Dishes
07/ CATable end the battle for space with your feline companion(s).
08/ Each of BL76‘s price tag artworks is priced according to how many stickers are used!
09/ This hand-cranked sculpture made from popsicle sticks is a study in bird motion.
10/ This glow-in-the-dark energy efficient highway is beyond brilliant.
This week on Design Crush:
I’m teaching a class on creating a killer media kit next week at Alt for Everyone AND giving away 7 tickets! Have you thrown your name into the hat?
Lucite – modern chic or trashy cool?
Check out Wind & Willow Home and then support their Indiegogo to create a new soft goods line!
Crazy awesome collage work by David Woodward.
Don’t forget the card this Mother’s Day. And yes, it’s only a week away!
April was mega crazy, and honestly I’m glad it’s over.
One day I plan on hiring Erin Fitzpatrick to paint my portrait. You know, for posterity.
These kilim clutches prove it’s not just fit for your floors these days.
People You May Meet illustrated me and my animal menagerie!
Chances are you’ve noticed kilim rugs everywhere lately. The bold, colorful patterns offer up a dose of visual interest that’s hard to beat. Boho Gypsy takes kilim to a new place with her clutches. Annah works with artisans around her home country of India on a one on one basis, keeping small business alive and creating beautiful one of a kind pieces you’re sure to hang onto for years to come.
Mid-Century Lucite Acrylic Stool from Migrations // Colorblock Monogram Tray by Pencil Shavings Studio // On Center Cabinet Handle by House of Antique Hardware
Modern and chic or trashy cool? Oh lucite, you’re so controversial! In moderation the transparency of lucite can act as a tool to visually open up a space or add a touch of 60s vibe. Stick to clean lines and minimal color and you’re set.
Illusion Bookshelf by Anthropologie // Round Dial Transparent Strap Watch by May 28th // Vintage Mid-Century Folding Chairs from Rambling Vintage Gypsy
Lucite Desk Collection by Anthropologie // Ben-Amun Lucite Cuff // Vintage Lucite Bar Cart from 1stdibs
Posted In accessories, furniture, house and home, jewelry, office, trends, wear it
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01/ How to Make Your Cat an Internet Celebrity and achieve financial freedom.
02/ Pizza in the Wild is exactly what you’re expecting.
03/ Vans has teamed up with the ASPCA with some awesome cat and dog covered kicks.
04/ Meet Puk – a super awesome suspended fruit basket.
05/ The Black Dogs Project shows the beauty of the most neglected shelter animals.
06/ Food becomes abstract art in Cut Food.
07/ Sirs Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart take on NYC like tourists.
08/ A cardboard cathedral made from 98 cardboard tubes and 8 steel shipping containers.
09/ Watch what happens when you put 8 million flower petals inside a volcano.
10/ These vertical playgrounds looks like so. much. FUN.
This week on Design Crush:
I made my guest bath a little less blue, a little more light for SWPaintingWeek.com.
Le Creuset’s Matt Collection is incredible.
Jujujust works magic in her fiber art and other creations.
I’m so excited to be opening up a boutique with GREAT.LY next month!
You need to make this Overnight No-Knead Bread this weekend. You’ll thank me later.
Lovely family trees that are perfect for Mother’s Day or any day.
Eight prints: April edition.
What You Are, Be a Good One is a book full of beautifully illustrated quotes.
The wild and wonderful watercolors of Sara Falli.
I first discovered the work of jujujust a few weeks ago when researching a post about fiber tapestry art. And just WOW. Asheville-based Judit Just creates some of the most wildly beautiful textile pieces I’ve seen. Her handwoven tapestries are some of the best I’ve seen, but my favorite piece may well be the necklace above – so modern and intense!
01/ Project 22 is raising awareness about soldiers suffering from PTSD.
02/ Love this animation explaining how cats communicate feelings with their bodies.
03/ I’ve been waiting for the neckerchief to come back. (Seriously.)
04/ River Giants captures liquid splashes at high speeds.
05/ Secrets, tragedies, and more are inside Thomas Doyle’s dioramas.
06/ City Clips create a skyline while saving your place!
07/WarkaWater towers collects condensation for drinking water.
08/ Metal Cats, you know just metal heads and their adorable feline friends.
09/ Incredible portraiture food art by artist Nadia Luongo.
10/ What happens when undeveloped film is swallowed… and retrieved.
This week on Design Crush:
I’m starting moving prep on my house, beginning with the guest bath.
It was definitely an Insta March – whew!
Check out a dozen ways to decorate eggs + Bing Rewards program.
Get a great backpack and help secondary students in Zambia with be packs.
Make one of my favorite DIYs yet – faux stained glass windows!
Crushing on Howkapow’s spring collection in a big way.
I’d love to add a few of these geo ring holders on my dresser.
Meet my favorite new shoes for spring – Bucketfeet.
If you’re in the love it camp, here’s how to devour cheesecake 10 ways.