Sarah Illenberger is an artist in the truest sense of the word, she can do a little bit of everything it seems. In fact, we wrote about her last January for something completely different. This ten part series – Wonderplants – was created during a 6-week stint in Portugal, using nothing but plants and supplies from local craft stores. Art really is all around us if we just stop and look around.
Last week I dusted off my artist smock (aka opened Illustrator) and teamed up with Alamy, one of the world’s largest online photo libraries, to launch a super fun design contest – Redesignyl. Designers are being asked to reimagine 1 of 16 iconic album covers using Alamy images as the basis for their design, you get to choose up to three Alamy images to use for free. Once submitted your design will be displayed on Redesignyl‘s page where you can go right now to get started. Get your masterpiece submitted by December 18th so that I, along with the other three judges, can choose yours as the best. There will be eight prizes, including an incredible new turntable for the winner!
PS: Can you tell which album cover I reimagined?
Posted In behind the scenes, create, graphics, music, my design, sponsored post
Long solo drives are like therapy for me, and I’ve often thought that some of the views that pass by are some of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. Cornfields in Kansas, sunsets in Oklahoma, even my street – the list just goes on. Grant Haffner must feel the same way because his acrylic paintings capture nothing but the view, relying on color to express the energy of the open road.
Good things are happening in the world of tile, these DIAGONAL Concrete Tiles are not the least of it. The decorative pieces are constructed from concrete and wood, a square slashed diagonally in half, and meant to be mixed and matched for maximum impact.
Peter Gentenaar‘s love of paper began during his days as a printmaker. So he learned about it, he started making his own, and then he moved on to making these breathtaking objects. The sculptures start as 2-dimensional colored sheets of pulp, the forms caused by the pulp drying and shrinking in unison. I’m impressed by every aspect from the detail to the sheer size.
There is so much to love about Boots & Arrow, a brand new line of high quality leather accessories for the socially conscious design lover. They hand make dog collars, with more pieces to come, using the leather of reclaimed cowboy boots. Lots of additional design detail has been added to each piece with hardware, laser cutting and etching, branding, painting, and stitching.
Boots & Arrow was started by the ever-talented Kristin Moses. An animal lover at heart, she got the idea to design a line of one-of-a-kind handmade leather goods that help abused animals after adopting a pup who’d had a rough start. Her dog Arrow was severely injured, had a disfigured face, and required a good deal of reconstructive surgery before she rescued her. Five dollars from every collar purchase will go to assist in providing a injured rescue dog in need of a surgery or treatment, Boots & Arrow‘s first partnership is with the Austin, TX rescue Arrow came from.
Photos by Nick Simonite
Posted In create, do good, living, pets, textiles
Paris-based couple Jin Angdoo Lee and Mathieu Julien are freelance illustrators and artists who operate under the name Amateurs. And my, are they anything but. I want to wear their needle felted sweaters and hang everything else on my walls.
Looking for a shop with a little bit of everything? Juniper & Scout has got you covered. They continually track down the best in modern, handcrafted design so you can always find the perfect gift or treat yo self reward. Everything is made right here in the USA by makers who embrace original design, small batch production, and environmental sensitivity (major bonus). Here are just a few of my favorites below. Use the code DESIGNCRUSH20 at checkout for 20% off your total purchase! (Expires 12/15/15)
I reserve the quiet ritual of French press coffee for chilly winter weekends, and vessels don’t get much prettier than this high gloss ceramic beauty with a copper pull.
This bar of Black Gold Equilateral Soap has an activated charcoal bottom to deep-clean pores and is scented with lavender and tea tree essential oils, plus it has that easy-to-grip shape. Pamper yourself or leave it out for guests.
My purse is basically a blackhole, so this Tropical Linen Pouch would be perfect for helping me get organized. It would also make a great gift, you could fill it with other little goodies or toss in a gift card.
Moscow mules are my cold weather cocktail of choice, and while they’re traditionally served in copper mugs I love these copper cups as a chic alternative. I’d also happily use one on the bathroom sink or to plant a few small succulents.
How sweet would this It’s Good to Be Home embroidery look hung over the front door or near the coatrack? I love the modern take on such a traditional craft.
I get so dry when temperatures drop, and this Rosewood + Blood Orange Lotion Ball looks like a fun way to stay moisturized. It would also make one heck of a stocking stuffer.
If you are or have a creative insomniac in your life you may want to pick up one of these Creative Ramblings Journals. I’d put mine on the bedside table so I could make note of all of the strange Google searches I think of at 3:48am!
This post sponsored by Juniper & Scout. All words and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep Design Crush churning out fresh content!
Posted In accessories, beauty bag, behind the scenes, create, house and home, kitchen, living, notebooks + journals, paper goods, sponsored post, style, wear it
Jeannine Marchand‘s ability to manipulate clay into fabric-like folds is truly something to behold. I have to admit, when I first saw her work I thought it might actually be starched material. I’d love to spend a day watching her adept hands form and obsess over every last detail.
This week on Design Crush:
Fifteen fresh pieces of art for your walls in this month’s Print Edition: November.
A shop full of fantastic handmade and vintage goods over at Lostine.
Maggie Chiang‘s art is inspired by real and imaginative places.
Loving these Takenaka Bento Boxes.
Mirador has created the most beautiful collection of scarves.
I’d happily fill my kitchen cupboards with Hasami Porcelain.
Annie O’Dorisio takes mixed media pen and embroidery art to another level.
A Design Crush x fashionABLE table linens collection was released yesterday – enter for a chance to win a set of your own!
Design Crush elsewhere:
My latest post pairing rugs and rooms is up over on Rugs Direct.
Check out how to be a tailgating superstar.