I think you guys knows by this point that I’m a major geography nerd, and just how much I love projects centered around how awesome geography is. (And if you didn’t know, well now ya do.) My latest fascinations are Melangerie‘s State by Food and State by Celebrity prints, perfectly illustrated and graphic.
This Is Only a Temporary Solution (Deer) by JenMarie Zeleznak
Today we’re talking about art in an often neglected space: the kitchen! With all of the cabinets, countertop necessities, and inevitable space issues most kitchens present it’s easy to see how the walls go under our radar. In fact, the only space my kitchen offers in the wall department is the backsplash. In the four years I’ve owned my home I haven’t really bothered to do much with it, but after some thought I realized it’s the perfect place for a miniature art gallery!
Coney Island Beach, New York by Bryan Solarski
That’s why I’ve partnered with UGallery, to make my once boring backsplash the exact opposite. I hung two prints, but you could also set frames on the counter and lean them against the wall. I wanted the art to be the focus, so I opted for simple glass frames with no edge. I hope to continue filling in the space over the next few months for the total gallery effect.
Now here’s the fun part, you have a chance to win the same two prints from UGallery that I have on my walls! Coney Island Beach, New York by Bryan Solarski and This Is Only a Temporary Solution (Deer) by JenMarie Zeleznak. The beach photo is sure to make you think of summer all winter long, and the whimsical watercolor will make you smile each time you catch a glance.
Congratulations to comment #22 Kirsten!
This giveaway is now closed.
To Enter:
1. Follow both Design Crush and UGallery on Facebook.
2. Leave a comment here saying you followed both.
3. Do it before Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at midnight CST.
4. Cross your fingers! A winner will be chosen randomly and posted here.
UGallery is also offering Design Crush readers 15% off of your entire purchase when you use the code designcrush15 at checkout through December 15th!
Giveaway Rules + Disclosures. U.S. entrees only.
Posted In create, paper goods, prints, win it
Vertical Row 1: Porcelain Santa // Sentimental Ceramic Gift Tag Set // Agate Ornament // Woodland Bronze Creatures
Vertical Row 2: Dip-Dyed Apple Green Ball // Natural Himmeli Ornaments // Origami Cub // Mercury Glass Monogram // Sputnik Ornament
Vertical Row 3: Porcelain Woodland Animal Set // Golden Nugget // Sequin Bow // Birds of a Feather Set of 7
I put my tree up earlier this year than ever, the Monday before Thanksgiving (I blame it on a thing called “Blog Time”). The dogs stared at it like I was completely messing with their minds, while the cats couldn’t wait to nap under it and chew on the lower branches. This was the first year where I didn’t have to use what I refer to as filler ornaments, cheap boxes of bulbs to fill in the empty spots between the ornaments I actually like. I finally have enough baubles for my silver, clear, pink, and blue glass tree – it was sort of momentous. The only new additions were a shiny silver starburst, a big white metal feather, a silver owl, and a mercury glass K (like the monogram above). Oh, and a silver-gold star for the tippy-top.
So, is your tree up and twinkling yet? Do you always put it up on the same day every year or just play it by ear?
Posted In christmas, holidays, round up
I’ve been wanting to make curd for a few years now, I even compiled a big roundup awhile back hoping to get myself into gear to cook up a batch. No dice. Then a few weeks ago I found myself with some cranberries and a little procrastination running through my system. Turns out making curd (such an awful word for such a delicious thing) is really quite easy. I’ve been eating it on everything from flatbreads to toast, literally dipping right into the jar. YUM.
Cranberry Curd
• 1/2 lb. fresh cranberries (a little over 2 cups)
• 1/2 C water
• 3 egg yolks
• 1 whole egg
• 3/4 C sugar
• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces
In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries and water over medium heat. Cook until the cranberries pop and start to bubble. Pass the liquid through a strainer into a bowl, using the underside of a spoon to press. Allow to cool to room temperature and return to saucepan. Whisk together the egg yolks and egg, then pour in sugar and whisk some more until combined. Add the egg mixture to the cranberry puree in the saucepan, and continue whisking until combined. Place over medium heat and whisk constantly until the custard thickens and can coat the back of a wooden spoon. Remove from heat and stir in the butter, one Tbsp at a time. Pour curd into a covered bowl or jar and chill for at least an hour. Keep refrigerated.
Posted In recipes
Row 1: Straw-Burst Wreath // Flapper Trees // Pinata Tree
Row 2: Giant Wall Art Christmas Tree // PVC Pipe Wreath // Fringed Ornament Garland
Row 3: Toothpick Stars // Paper Village
Row 4: Ombre Glass Ornaments // Paper Oak Leaf Garland // Holiday Snowflakes
Row 5: Paper Wreath // Astronomical Accent // Glass Tinsel Ornaments
01/ The Empire State Building just got better with an LED light show set to music.
02/ Because fall foliage really is THAT FUN.
03/ Beautiful conceptual clouds.
04/ A drawing machine that records pinball play.
05/ The Fixer’s Manifesto.
06/ A 170-foot long trampoline in Russia!
07/ Turning billboards into giant planters.
08/ A Field Guide to Tech Facial Hair (so true).
09/ This bear blanket for kids is SO GOOD.
10/ Whoa, these birds send tweets by eating pork fat off a keyboard!
I voted! In and out in 10 minutes, I love my polling location.
Celebrated one year of CooperHouse!
Received the most thoughtful gift from Hank+Hunt.
Got crafty with Creature Comforts and Anthropologie.
Made cranberry curd (stay tuned for the recipe!).
Ate Thanksgiving leftovers for 5 days. It was awesome.
Put the fuzzy blanket on the bed, much to the cats’ delight.
Did a little holiday decoratin’.
I’m so excited to be a Merry Blogger for 24 Merry Days! Audrey from This Little Street is the mastermind who rounded up a great group of bloggers who will be doing a giveaway (or two) from December 1st through the 24th, brilliant right? After all, this is the time of year to spread a little cheer if there ever was one. The project’s site is lovely and gives you a heads up as to which giveaway is which day on which blog. (Mine is the 11th!) And let me tell you, we have some amazing sponsors giving away things you’ve been coveting all year. I’ll be tweeting which blog is doing the giveaway each day, so I hope you’ll follow along with me at @designcrush if you’re not already. I’m so ready to give away all of the things!!
Posted In christmas, collaboration/project, holidays, win it
Check out Jason Dean’s latest screen print, Day and Night at Christmas. It features a few well-known holiday movie scenes and glows when the lights go out, in true light up night fashion.
Posted In christmas, create, graphics, holidays, paper goods, prints
Baking Season! It’s here. And any baker worth his/her salt knows that organization makes for a smoother operation. I’m all about these Labeled Kitchen Storage Canisters from West Elm. I love the little spouts for easy pouring and the notched wooden lids for fast opening.
Posted In house and home, kitchen