There’s something special about Julie Cockburn‘s art, the way the rainbow of embroidery floss works its way across the surface of each faded vintage photograph. Circles, geometric patterns, and imagined cages cover the found images, giving a previous person’s art new life in the form of Julie’s work.
Why should kids get to have all the fun? If you’re in the market for a luxurious objet, check out the Bubble Ball & Wand. Crafted in 3D printed porcelain and 3D printed plated 14K gold, Lance McGregor’s plaything can be quite the talking point. Once you’re done blowing bubbles.
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. 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.
I first met Sarah Fox, founder and jewelry designer of all things Cursive Design, what feels like ages ago. After falling for her work we connected online (oh gosh, it was such a smaller place then) and then became pals. Her Chicago-based jewelry line was created in 2005 and is inspired by Sarah’s background in art – she received a BFA from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago with a focus in Sculpture, Color Theory, and Lighting Design. Triple threat!
Cursive Design‘s ever-evolving collection strikes a balance between everyday wearable pieces that also create a statement. Her jewelry designs are characterized by their playful shape composition, relaxed geometry, and use of targeted color combinations. Sarah takes great time and care when sourcing the materials involved in the creation of every piece, and each is made by hand in her studio.
I’ve had the pleasure of attending New York Fashion Week twice, and in 2012 I took Sarah along with me to work on a sponsored project! She created the most incredible art deco-inspired reversible necklace featuring cast brass shapes with the help of a little input from Design Crush’s readers.
I must own at least seven pieces of Cursive Design‘s jewelry, and every time I wear one I’m complimented. Everything is so wearable, I’ve dressed it up and dressed it down and love the versatility of Sarah’s designs. She is generously offering one reader a mini collection of jewelry – color theory no. 7 necklace, dalmatian jasper supermoon necklace, primary circle earrings, triple triangle stud, and circle stud. All pieces can be seen above! You know how it goes, this time there are 24 ways to enter to win but only 48-hours to do it.
Posted In behind the scenes, jewelry, series, shameless plug, style, wear it, win it
James Gilleard‘s Japan by Car series captures his travels around the country in digital sketch form. I love the unexpected, subtle geometric elements present in each piece. And even though these are from Gilleard’s adventures in Japan, I really appreciate how they may as well be from just about anywhere. (“We are more alike my friends, than we are unalike.”)
Feel like driving yourself a little batty, or maybe keeping the kids busy for a few days this summer? Check out Clemens Habicht’s 5,000 Colors Puzzle. Five-thousand puzzle pieces join forces to create one 6 1/2 by 2 1/2 foot color gamut. And yes, I totally want it.
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. 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.
Krist Kohut is a longstanding favorite artist of mine who has been featured on the pages of Design Crush more than once. Her mixed media art makes me smile time and time again, whether it’s a piece from her intricate Agate collection or the more freestyle Color Field body of work. I feel like I just get Kristi’s work and in turn she must get me – and that’s a great feeling no matter where it comes from!
Krist‘s multi-media art is inspired by nature and she uses any number of mediums to create it, including acrylic, watercolor, ink, pastels, and glass beads. In 2007, in addition to her art practice, she founded Kristi Kohut Home, a design studio dedicated to making high-end fabrics, pillows, poufs, and wallpaper featuring her signature work.
“My work is influenced by color and pattern in the world all around us. A permeating crack on the sidewalk, the vibrant layers of agate rock, the exotic clothing of a faraway place, are my muses. I love the color and effect created when unexpected colors and textures are combined. The glossiness of an acrylic paint next to the chalky texture of a pastel. Or an iridescent blend next to a thick, velvety smudge of oil pigment.
My process is an intuitive dance of play, working until I find just the right combination of color and texture. I know when it is done, when it elicits a feeling inside, a zing, a ping of joy or pleasure that often comes with that final touch or pop of color, suddenly transforming the piece. That feeling is a connection to something more, something that is not of the day-to-day routine of life. The antithesis of routine. A hint at what’s on the other side of this world.”
I own three pieces of Krist Kohut‘s art, as well as a pillow and a scarf. Since releasing her line of wallpaper it’s become a goal to deck out one of my bathrooms with some of her pattern there as well. Of course we’re not leaving you out of the fun – Kristi is kindly gifting one reader with their choice of either one huge 37 x 57-inch print OR two 22 x 30-inch prints! You’ve got 22 chances to enter and 48-hours to make it happen, you know the drill.
Posted In behind the scenes, create, mixed media, paper goods, prints, series, shameless plug, win it
When you’re intimately close to a subject why not make it a recurring theme? Eliza Douglas creates large-scale paintings depicting her own hands, sometimes her feet as well. They’re always realistic, but from wrist and ankle on all bets are off. Bends and curves that have no place in the human body show up often in extremities of absurd lengths. Human bodies are mysterious and magical and capable of extraordinary things, and I love Douglas’s exploration of their outermost regions.
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. 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.
Sayner Black and Antique Brass Swing Arm Wall Lamp Set
Lamps Plus, the nation’s largest lighting retailer, has a rather deceiving name – because the Plus is quite impressive as well. Working with them over the years, I’ve added several pieces to my own home from several of the different lines Lamps Plus houses under their proverbial roof. And over the course of time a few lines began to separate themselves as I found myself going back to their pages when I was in need (or want) of something new.
So, I thought I’d share my two favorite Lamps Plus brands with you.
First let’s talk about lighting since that’s what they’re known for, my favorite being 360 Lighting. What really draws me to this line is the breadth of their design offerings, which leans in the bohemian, mid-century, industrial direction. Table lamps, floor lamps, wall lamps, and pendants, they’ve got it all and in finishes that I’m drawn to like a moth to a flame. I have a pair of the Helene Ceramic Table Lamps above on the nightstands in my bedroom and love the texture they bring to the space. Lately I’ve been eyeing a replacement for the arc floor lamp in my living room and keep coming back to pharmacy lamps as a possible option. The Dawson below is number one on my list, and you really can’t beat the price!
Raleigh 17-inch Oil-Rubbed Bronze and Antique Brass Pendant
Dawson Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
DelRay Bay Outdoor Accent Chairs Set
Now, let’s get on to the plus because it’s just as fantastic. Doing a quick inventory of my home I realize I own a bench, a bookcase, an armchair, two dining chairs, and a throw pillow from Lamps Plus. And that’s just on the inside! I may love the outdoor pieces even more, two of which are from Teal Island Designs. A few years back I picked up a set of red DelRay Accent Chairs (above), and they adorned my front porch before moving to the back deck this year to act as extra table seating. This spring I took full advantage of the current wicker trend by adding two Hyacinth Accent Tables (below) to the porch for plants. (More to come on that in the next week!) Teal Island’s pieces are made to be used, meaning they can take some wear and tear. Such an important quality when it comes to furniture that’s going to be exposed to the elements.
Kai Water Hyacinth Indoor-Outdoor Accent Table
Fletcher Adjustable Back Adirondack Chair
La Jolla 5-Piece Wicker Sectional Soft with Firepit
If you’ve seen something you’d love to add to your own place, or want to browse Lamps Plus a bit, you’re in luck because they’re kindly giving one reader a $250 gift card! Check it out, there are 22 ways to enter but only 48-hours so get going!
Posted In behind the scenes, house and home, lighting, living, outdoors, series, shameless plug, win it
San Diego-based artist and designer Andrew McGranahan creates both handcut and digital collages using old magazines that you’re likely familiar with like Life and National Geographic. These scenes are meant to feel familiar yet otherworldly all at the same time, creating a sense of discomfort that leaves you searching every piece for details divulging more information.
Aside from having a name that makes me smile every time I type it, My Friend Paco also has a shop full of creative and heartfelt home decor and fashion. Each piece is produced in Portugal with its own story to tell that’s full of youth, culture, and open-mindedness. If you appreciate unique, contemporary design check out their rugs, variety of cushions, and scarves for a dose of personality and humor!
