I’ve got a major crush on these Home State personalized return address stamps from Paper Pastries. Each one is hand-letterd by Margaret Haas making it extra special. They’d make a fantastic housewarming or wedding fit, don’t you think? And that white ink on grey is so good.
Posted In paper goods
Last week I wrote about Sandra Fettingis and her latest exhibit, and today I’m sharing another of her talents – Sandra is also a talented jeweler! She creates the best minimal acrylic jewelry that I want hanging all over me. Get a load of those earrings, wouldja!
Ever since having one of my favorite Instagram photos printed on wood and hung on my wall, well, I’m sort of addicted to finding new ways to leverage the technological art form. My latest experiment comes courtesy of Artifact Uprising, a 40-page 8.5 x 8.5″ softcover book filled to the gills with my favorite Instagram shots. I spent an entire evening going through my 1,000+ photos, paring them down, and then designing my book. I can’t stress how easy they make it. You get to choose from several different layouts for each page, and then it’s just a matter of dragging and dropping from the photos you’ve uploaded, resizing if you’d like, and electing to add text or not. When my book showed up on my doorstep I literally tore off the packaging to see the end result – and you guys, it is so good. It’s printed on the most luxe 100% recycled paper and the ink is perfectly saturated (as a graphic designer this is something I’m always super picky about and notice). Here are just a few of my favorite spreads from the book I created:
I’m really excited about the possibilities of creating these books for friends and family after events, holidays, etc – can you imagine how excited you would be receiving one?! Well guess what. You have the chance to do just that, create one of your own that is. Artifact Uprising (PS: Great name, yes?) is giving away one of the same Instagram books that I made.
This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to Rachel!
To Enter:
1. Find your favorite Instagram photo and leave the link in the comments section.
2. Make sure your email address is correct (it’s just for notification purposes).
3. Do it all before Sunday, March 10th at 11:59pm CST.
Friends are important I think we all agree, they give you support, love, and hangover advice. If you’re lucky enough they become your family, the brothers and sisters held close by a bond other than blood – choice.
I’ve been friends with author Bree Housley for several years (though we’ve only hung out once in person, which is kind of awesome), and to know her is to know of her best friend Shelly Bridgewater. The two met in 4th grade where Shelly was the popular new girl and Bree was the introverted mulleted one. They quickly became best friends – navigating the rough waters of adolescence, rooming together in college, and making the transition of childhood to adult friends with ease. Bree went to portfolio school and started her career in advertising, Shelly got married and had a baby. And then passed away a week later due to complications from Preeclampsia. We Hope You Like This Song: An Overly Honest Story about Friendship, Death, and Mix Tapes
I haven’t had as much time as normal to read this year, but I finished Bree’s book in less than 24 hours. It read like a young and awesome Judy Blume and I couldn’t put it down between bouts of laughing my ass off and wiping away tears. Do yourself a favor, read it. And then call your best friend.
Me and Bree, New Year’s Eve 2008
Posted In read up
01/ I’m completely intrigued by these giant melting popsicle ice sculptures.
02/ Windows of New York, a weekly illustrated atlas.
03/ NBD, just a lamp made of chocolate.
04/ The Mantone 2013 Color Forecast, according to stereotype.
05/ This school photo took 3 years to capture!
06/ The Pictures In the Pudding.
07/ Portraits made entirely of shredded poetry.
08/ Fun spoon wallpaper.
09/ Benjameme, the work of art in the age of the internet.
10/ Beautiful urban vertical garden made from hundreds of recycled soda bottles.
This week, in case you missed it:
Awards-Worthy Looks
Win It: Emily McDowell
Winter Maintenance
Tips&Tricks
Lucite Letters
Sandra Fettingis
By Loumi
Taste Tour: West
Insta-February
Pear Diamond E/R
Let’s face it, the chances of being able to afford diamond earrings this massive are slim to none. (I’m sorry.) However, this pair of Pear Diamond E/R sublimate printed earrings are closer within budget. For a fun surprise check out the reverse side – it’s a vintage print taken from an antique biscuit tin!
Posted In jewelry, wear it
One my favorite new things are this short, chubby striped paper straws!
Spent lots of time cuddling with this guy.
Made these Chocolate-Cinnamon Heart Cookies for someone special.
Finally mastered the art of applying red lipstick.
Tore down my inspiration boards and started anew.
Tore through a bag of Valentine’s Day Hershey’s Kisses.
Organized my new bar cart.
Was given an Edible Arrangement after years of wanting one! (For real.)
You can follow me on Instagram at designcrush!
Posted In my life
This month we ventured to West, a restaurant that would feel at home in any major metropolis but calls Oklahoma City home. I’d dined at West a few times prior to visiting for the Taste Tour, but always on their beautiful outdoor deck mid-day. This time we were lucky enough to be seated inside on the first evening of their latest menu release. Chef Eric Smith guided us through our menu selections, recommending both signature West dishes and new additions.
Both Caroline and I had just been through a few rough workdays and were ready for a cocktail. She opted for a classic while I perused the bar menu and settled on the Cranberry and Citrus Fizz. It was delicious – perfectly balanced and not overly sweet!
The very first thing to hit our table – Warm West Chips – ended up being my very favorite. House made potato chips served warm and tossed in a light bleu cheese fondue, then topped with bleu cheese crumbles and balsamico. I’m not a big fan of bleu cheese, but the variety used is so mild and complimentary to the balsamic that I almost cried when it was time for them to take away the plate. We also had a grilled Caesar salad with polenta croutons before our main dishes started to roll in, I loved the twist!
The Spicy Tuna Tacos were seriously delicious, I love jicama slaw and the fact that these had it sold me immediately. The whipped avocado and tomato basil ginger glaze took it all over the top.
Both Caroline and I agreed that this was our favorite dish. The Red Wine Risotto was served with a small filet, which if you know me isn’t usually something I would eat. But it worked so well with the decadent, perfectly cooked risotto that I couldn’t stop myself. Of course there’s no way we were able to eat everything in front of us at once, and this is what went home with me in a doggy bag. (My mouth is watering at the memory!) Caroling also took on the *job* of trying the Lemon Pepper Filet and a side of West Mac and Cheese (those leftovers went home with her!). I enjoyed a side of grilled broccolini that was simple and perfect.
Caroline couldn’t pass up a shot of my Grandma’s turquoise ring. I love it so much.
As if all of the food already mentioned wasn’t enough, we also tried two desserts. Roasted Peach and Ricotta Bread Pudding (they have a seasonal rotation every four months) and Banana Cake for Two, the latter of which made my eyes roll around in my head for a good fifteen seconds after the first taste. West also serves a dish of cotton candy (one of my favorite sweets and smells) at the end of every meal, a very fun and whimsical touch that’s sure to leave a good taste in your mouth about the entire dining experience. Thanks so much for a lovely evening, West!
All photos ©Caroline Cohenour
Disclaimer: West provided all food mentioned above, words and opinions are my own.
Posted In food, taste tour
Elegant. Modern. Porcelain. By Loumi makes the most beautiful jewelry, and is a relatively new line having just launched in 2012. Every piece is made by hand in the artist’s studio in France, then packaged and sent your way. One of my favorite pieces in the spring collection is the Melia square brooch, I wish more jewelers created pins!
Sandra Fettingis definitely knows her way around geometric shapes. Her latest show Reconnect the Stars, Every Single One focuses on triangles and a stark black and white palette in multiple configurations. I love how Sandra has managed to create something strong yet delicate.
