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June 1, 2017

10 Days of Design Crush Anniversary Giveaways: Day 1 Artifact Uprising

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.

Print + Wood Cleat

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.

Wood Calendar

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.

Float Frame

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.

Instagram Friendly Frames

“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!)

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Posted In accessories, behind the scenes, create, house and home, living, paper goods, prints, series, shameless plug, walls, win it

May 1, 2017

Learn Something New with Brit + Co!

This year I’ve found myself in a gigantic creative rut that I’m constantly trying to dig myself out of. My Instagram quote series helps some, photoshoots can be creative, but sometimes the only way out is to learn something new. Just the idea of that can be overwhelming, but what if someone broke it down for you? Maybe they put together an easy online class that you can watch as many times as you need and the entire thing is affordable?

Well, that’s just what Brit + Co has done with 67 different skills, from succulent gardening to digitizing artwork and 65 things in between. New classes are being released all the time and a few are even free!

Five of you have the chance to win two classes each, right here, right now. Maybe you want to pick up your DSLR camera and know what you’re doing or maybe you want to pass them on to your mom or an upcoming graduate. Read on to check out my favorite classes and enter the giveaway below!

Calligraphy 101
Calligraphy extraordinaire Lauren Essl covers all the need-to-know basics of pointed pen calligraphy. During the class, she’ll walk you through everything from your basic supply list to the right way to dip your pen. She’ll also take you step-by-step through basic script technique for numbers, uppercase, and lowercase letters. Not only will you walk away with beautiful hand-lettered greeting cards to share with your friends, you’ll also get alphabet templates, grids, and practice sheets.

Phone Photography Basics
Learn how to expertly shoot and edit photos while on the move! Using just your smartphone, you’ll learn how to capture beautiful photos on any occasion. With pro editing tips and a few styling tricks, you’re going to own the Instagram game. How? You’ll learn how to setup the trendy flat lay shot, find and shoot in natural light and make photos pop with in-app filters.

Intro to Adobe Photoshop
In this class, you’ll learn how to create eye-catching photos and layouts like a pro with graphic designer Teela Cunningham. Her class is an awesome confidence booster when it comes to learning the ins and outs of the Adobe Photoshop interface. You’ll walk away from the class equipped with the skills to create photos and graphics that can be used on social media, a blog or as a personalized gift.

Bounce Lettering Basics
Brittany Luiz is going to teach you a unique style of brush pen lettering called bounce lettering. It’s a technique that adds more style and character to your lettering designs. And don’t worry if your handwriting isn’t that great because lettering is more than learning how to draw letters. It’s really about learning the strokes and how to apply the right pressure to your brush pen.

Intro to DSLR Photography
This class is perfect for those who have invested in a fancy camera but haven’t learned how to use it yet. Jenna will teach you the ins and outs of your DSLR camera, from exposure settings, shooting in auto and manual, and what various lenses should be used for. Finally, she’ll walk you through setting up the best conditions for your very own photoshoot.

Digitize Artwork in Adobe Illustrator
In this course, you’ll learn how to turn quick ink illustrations into versatile digital files that you can use as fun and colorful wallpapers for your desktop and phone. You’ll leave the class with two digital wallpapers to call your own. Plus, you’ll get access to four additional designs that you can use for practice. Think of all the art prints, textiles, stationery and wallpaper you can create!

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Posted In create, living, series, technology, win it

June 7, 2016

Krochet Kids intl. + a Giveaway

I’ve been a big fan of Krochet Kids intl. – both their products and their mission – for some time now, so when they reached out to work together it was a fantastic fit. If you’re not familiar, they’re a non-profit apparel brand empowering women in developing nations to rise above poverty.

Every one of their products is first designed in California and then created in Uganda or Peru by the women Krochet Kids intl. employ, as well as provide mentorship and education for. Each piece is actually hand-signed by the woman who made it. You can even go further by looking her up on the Krochet Kids intl. site and leaving a message! I love these sorts of details that make it about the person behind the product. It doesn’t hurt that their goods are on trend and perfect for summer either.

Krochet Kids intl. wants to give one of you $150 to put towards some new threads! Enter below and be sure to check out their full line for some incredible pieces that look good and do good, here are a few of my favorites.

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the Agatha // Erin tank // the Serena // Stade baseball tee

Posted In create, do good, series, style, wear it, win it

December 17, 2015

Dream Shop Collective Giveaway: Menagerie

By this point in December most of the gifts have been bought and maybe even wrapped, cookie recipes have been researched and are about to be baked, and chances are you’ve hit up more than one holiday party. It’s high time you pamper yourself just a bit before running headlong into the last week of the year, dontcha think?

This year I’m part of Dream Shop Collective, a group of bloggers and makers that have come together to host nine holiday giveaways from shops that are independently owned and primarily run by women. (Maybe you’ve seen me sharing the other gals’ giveaways on Twitter?) We’re shifting the focus away from the hyperstimulated e-commerce world to offer a place of calm, inspiration, and beauty – and I’m happy to host the 9th and final giveaway from Menagerie.

The Portland-based shop – housed in a renovated 1979 Airstream! – is on a mission to provide products that are good for the body, good for the environment, and good for the people who make them. Menagerie carries non-chemical skincare with ingredients you can pronounce, cosmetics, fragrance, and grooming products from companies who pay the very best attention to their quality, and hand-made goods that help support the small businesses that craft them. There are at least ten things on my wish list from this well-curated shop! But you’re the lucky ones, so…

Enter below to win something special for yourself – here’s what’s up for grabs. (U.S. entries only)
Menagerie Gold Bar Earrings
Laqa & Co Doppelganger Fat Lip Pencil
Aenon’s Sea Kelp & Rose Clay Facial Mask
LURK All Natural Perfume Oil (scent BS003)
Cast Iron Garden Snips

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Pssst… enjoy 10% off at any of Dream Shop Collective‘s participating stores. Just use the coupon code DREAMSHOPCOLLECTIVE at checkout.

Posted In beauty bag, jewelry, series, style, wear it, win it

November 17, 2015

Lamps Plus Holiday Gift Guide Sweepstakes

I’ve teamed up with Lamps Plus to do a fun giveaway of some of my favorite pieces this holiday season! If you have a list as long as your arm to shop for, like me, you know the importance of not breaking the bank as you cross off all of those loved ones’ names. My five favorites are above – Lola Modern Acrylic Lamp, POP Stoneware Teapot, Aeneas Votive Candle Holder, Spectra Tumblers Set, and Turquoise Cloud Glass Vase – are all affordable, and if these don’t strike your fancy there’s bound to be something else in Lamps Plus’ massive offerings that will. They’re also sharing a coupon code, use GiftGuide15 through December 31st for $10 off your order of $150 or more.*

How To Enter:
1. Follow Lamps Plus on Facebook and Instagram.
2. Comment and tag a friend on either social channel, for multiple entries tag additional friends individually. Specify which item you’d like to win and both you and a friend will each win that gift!

Winners will be notified by Lamps Plus on or about November 30th.

Complete rules can be downloaded here.

This promotion is no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook or Instagram. By entering, each entrant releases and agrees to hold Facebook and Instagram harmless from any and all claims and liability arising out of the entrants participation in this sweepstakes.

* Redeemable online, or by phone. Not valid at LampsPlusOpenBox.com. Minimum purchase requirement excludes shipping and applicable taxes. Offer valid on regular priced, in-stock merchandise only; not valid on special orders or previous orders, sale items, mark-downs, clearance center items, or with other coupons or discounts. One coupon per customer, one time use only. Offer is non-transferable and not redeemable for cash or gift certificates. In the event of a return that lowers the total purchase amount below the coupon’s minimum purchase requirement, the coupon savings amount may be deducted from your refund. Not valid on all brands. Other restrictions may apply. Call 800-782-1967. Coupon expires: 12/31/15

Posted In behind the scenes, house and home, living, series, sponsored post, win it

November 5, 2015

Design Crush x fashionABLE (+ a Giveaway)

I’ve hinted a little here and there about a collaboration that’s been under wraps since this past spring, and today I finally get to spill the beans! Take a peek at the just released table linens collection that I proudly partnered on with fashionABLE.

I’ve been a huge fan of fashionABLE and their commitment to investing in and empowering women for awhile now. They work with women, both locally and globally, who have overcome challenges ranging from prostitution to addiction to a lack of opportunity. So with your help, fashionABLE works to give opportunity to women where there is often little, and then they effect change.

We worked together to design three different styles of kitchen linens, each named after the woman who created them, Almaz Napkins, the Dechasa Table Runner, and the Legesse Tea Towel. Both the napkins (that come in a set of four) and table runners come in three colors – marsala, indigo, and charcoal. The tea towels come in six variations – white with marsala stripes, white with indigo stripes, white with charcoal stripes, marsala colorblock, indigo colorblock, and charcoal colorblock.

We created the entire table linens collection with two things in mind: the holidays and the ability to mix and match. The marsala, indigo, and charcoal tones all feel cozy and related, but break them apart and they’re equally beautiful. Perfect for the holidays and far beyond.

If you’ll be doing any entertaining this season you can even pick up one of four different levels of Party Boxes. They run the gamut in cost and contain at least two pieces of the linens collection as well as conversation cards, menu cards, and recipe cards. It’s basically a dinner party in a box!

I plan on using everything when I host Thanksgiving later this month, and I truly can’t wait to tell my guests just what the pieces they’re using mean and the part I was able to play in that.

Be sure and check out the rest of fashionABLE‘s offerings –leather, jewelry, and scarves.

Oh, and one more thing – we’re giving away a set to a lucky one of you! Choose your favorite colorway and win, a Dechasa Table Runner, 4 Almaz Napkins, and 2 Legesse Tea Towels. Break up your winnings as gifts or throw an amazing dinner party of your own. Enter for lots of chances to win below!

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Posted In behind the scenes, house and home, kitchen, living, my design, series, win it

April 13, 2015

Artifact Uprising (+ a Giveaway)

Somewhere along the road of finding my home’s style I began to incorporate more art and fewer personal photos. With the exception of a black and white photo strip of my mom and I when I was less than a year old there’s, well, nothing of the sort. But my iPhone – like your smartphone, I’m sure – has made me take more notice of the world around me. I’m constantly snapping photos. I rarely print them though, so when Artifact Uprising reached out about teaming up I realized now was the perfect time.

My favorite piece is the [Signature] Print + Wood Cleat for its casual feel and versatility. Tired of the print? Have a new one printed and swap it out. I went with a photo of my mom and stepdad’s backyard in Oklahoma that I took the day they moved out of their longtime home last summer. Just looking at it I can remember the rain falling and the movers carting box after box out the front door.

There are several layout options to choose from, so you get the best visual appeal for your photo. The wood cleat is handcrafted with beetle pine that’s reclaimed from Colorado, and pairs perfectly with an ultra thick [signature] print. The easy-to-use magnet closure system makes swapping prints out so easy.

I also created a Wood Calendar with twelve of my favorite Instagram shots. The beetle pine clipboard has a big magnet on the back, so it’s perfect for hanging right on my refrigerator. Artifact Uprising updates the calendars they print on a rolling basis, so there’s no need to wait until next January to enjoy it. I’ll be making it a yearly thing and ordering a refill pack next April.

If you haven’t already, here’s your chance to experience Artifact Uprising. One of you will win $150 to create your own printed memories! You could do a little something nice for yourself or think a few weeks ahead to Mother’s Day and even graduation. Enter below, you have until April 21st. Good luck!

Posted In house and home, sponsored post, win it

April 6, 2015

Moulton (+ a Giveaway)

Last month in Austin I came across lots of shops that were new to me, but none struck a chord quite like Moulton. Jewelry designer and fourth generation small business owner Jen Moulton creates pieces that are all about fresh clean lines that look just as great with a pair of cutoffs as they do with a cocktail dress. I couldn’t help but snap up a gold cuff ring and it’s barely left my right hand since. Because Jen is just as lovely as her offerings she giving one of you a $125 store credit to amp up your spring accessories game at Moulton – scroll down to enter!

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Posted In jewelry, wear it, win it

March 20, 2015

Chairish Art + Design Crush (+ a Giveaway)

I don’t live anywhere near a good flea market, so there’s little haggling in my life unless it’s on the internet. That also means there’s little vintage/such a find/bargain deal art in my home and that’s something that I’m really gunning to change. The hard truth is that sometimes it’s more affordable to find an amazing older piece than to buy and frame a new one; fortunately, the result is often richer in character and style.

But back to my conundrum of not being near any good shopping grounds. Chairish, the beloved online location to shop and sell vintage (the iPhone app is a dream), has a fantastic collection of art as well – over 4,500 pieces and growing daily. That’s a lot of art at all different price points. They asked me to choose 50 of my favorite pieces to create The Design Crush Collection and, well, who says no to that? (Answer: No one.) Want a peek at my 12 favorites?

Mike Kelley’s Bjarnarneskirkja Floating Print // Original Painting Pink Abyss //
Pablo Picasso Portrait D’Homme Lithograph // Vintage USA Maritime Yacht Ensign Boat Flag

1960s Framed Vintage Portrait // Jessica Wilson’s Nicholas, NYC Framed Photo Print //
Alan Sonfist’s Tree Trunk Series Pink 2 Litho // Kristi Kohut’s Imagine Peace Print

Haha Ink Drawing // Antique Medical Teaching Device // Dani Schafer’s Humilis 2014 Abstract Wall Hanging // Cheryl Maeder’s Cloud Nine IV Art Photograph

What’s even better is that Chairish wants to give one of you $100 to spend on some unique art of your own. Click here to enter for a chance to win $100 to spruce up your walls this spring!

PS: Tune in to Chairish’s Instagram account Sunday, March 22nd for an Insta Art Sale. Seven emerging artists – Jaime Derringer, Emily Katz, Dana Haim, Kate Roebuck, Deann Art, Michele Spane, and Kristi Kohut – will be selling original pieces of their own. But get this, each piece will be sold for an all-in price of $125 (art + packing + shipping). WHOA. Pieces sell in a matter of seconds, so be ready and waiting 9 to 11 AM PST/Noon to 2 EST!

I received compensation for this post. All words and opinions are my own, as always. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Design Crush!

Posted In create, sponsored post, win it

December 8, 2014

24 Merry Days: Win $300 to Anthropologie

Today the 24 Merry Days spotlight is shining right here, and we’re giving away $300 to spend at Anthropologie! As a frequent Anthro shopper this is a perfect match, and I’m already jealous of the future winner. What would you blow it on? The official start of winter being two weeks away, I think I’d opt for some cozy accoutrements to aid me through the year’s chilliest months. Things like hats and scarves, throw blankets, and candles for my home. This giveaway is open worldwide, so scroll down to see a few of my favorites and for 20 chances to enter and win! (PS: Don’t miss out on Saturday and Sunday’s worldwide giveaways to Baba Souk and Artsy Modern!)

Come winter I prefer to layer a super soft scarf under my coat, rather than over it. I’ve found it keeps me warmer, and I can pull as much or as little out of the collar as I want!

Fela Loop Scarf // Tartan Zion Lion Beanie // Scattered Hearts Scarf // Vihti Scarf // Lingua Franca Floppy Hat

I love adding a bright throw to my bedroom to snuggle under with a book or for weekend mornings spent lingering in bed. And I have to admit, the cats don’t seems to mind it one bit either…

Chevron Trace Throw // Striped Greystone Throw // Eventide Gradient Throw //
Confetti Throw // Cozy Cotton Blanket

My 114 year old fireplace is non-functioning, so I filled it with lots of votive and pillar candles and mercury glass to reflect all of the light. At least as good as a real fire!

Mercury Moonglow Candle // Colossal Capri Blue Iridescent Jar Candle // Swedish Dream Sea Salt Candle // Good Nature Soy Holiday Candle // Tisane Votive

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Posted In house and home, wear it, win it

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