It’s Time For Valentines (Already)

Valentines-1-Design-Crush

Column 1: Happy Valentine’s Day Heart Card by Rifle Paper Co., Foil Letterpress Be My Valentine by Hartland Brooklyn, Love Struck by Sycamore Street Press   Column 2: Be My Valentine Card by Hartland Brooklyn, Love Arrow Card by Pei Design, You’ve Stolen My Heart by Quill and Fox, XO by Dee & Lala   Column 3: Love Bug Card by Wit & Whistle, In Love by Mr. Boddington’s Studio, Always and Forever Card by Sycamore Street Press

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Ridiculously Versatile Risotto

January calls for – no demands – comfort food. It’s just one of those unwritten laws of the kitchen that is unquestionably followed. To me nothing says comfort like a steaming hot bowl of carbs, in this case risotto. This large grain is incredibly versatile – savory or sweet, simple or complex, it has it all. Here are twenty recipes to get your tastebuds popping. (Click on the image to be taken to the recipe.)

apple-risotto-with-toasted-pecans-How-Sweet-It-Is-Design-Crush

 

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chicken-cacciatore-risotto-Elly-Says-Opa!-Design-Crush

 

chicken-mushroom-risotto-Chef-Wanabe-Design-Crush

 

coconut-shrimp-risotto-Framed-Cooks-Design-Crush

 

creamy-goat-cheese-risotto-I-Adore-Food!-Design-Crush

 

honey-roasted-sweet-potato-sage-risotto-Little-Kitchen,-Big-Bites-Design-Crush

 

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red-wine-goat-cheese-risotto-How-Sweet-It-Is-Design-Crush

 

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roasted-red-pepper-risotto-with-spinach-Bev-Cooks-Design-Crush

 

roasted-sweet-potato-risotto-How-Sweet-It-Is-Design-Crush

 

spinach-feta-risotto-Ezra-Pound-Cake-Design-Crush

 

summer-lemon-vegetable-risotto-Cooking-Light-Design-Crush

 

tomato-and-sausage-risotto-Smitten-Kitchen-Design-Crush

 

All photos copyright of their respective sites unless otherwise noted.

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CooperHouse

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It’s been a few weeks since the new site design launched and I thought it was high time you met who was behind it all! (PS: Thanks for all the sweet words about the new look, I’m in love with it too.)

I’ve had the pleasure of working with the creative team of Tim and Erin Cooper – CooperHouse – since 2010. They’re the ones responsible for the past three design iterations of the Design Crush site and countless other blogs you most likely check out every day. Erin covers the design, while Tim mans the coding. And to say they’re lifesavers would be an understatement, I wish I had a count of how many Sunday evening I’ve emailed Tim about a glitch on the site and he is on it. As in ASAP. Dedication like that is sort of hard to find in this day and age, but CooperHouse remains true to their clients.

 

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My favorite aspect of CooperHouse as a company is that they have a focus on creative industries, helping people with big ideas share them through beautiful websites. I love that. I also love that they’re a local Oklahoma City company that I feel super about recommending to any and all national clients. And I have.

If you’re on the lookout for a small, hands on company with a focus on online media CooperHouse is the team for you. If you have any questions about my experience feel free to reach out!

 

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Up-Cycle!

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One rule I try to abide by in my own home is to make an attempt at repurposing before donating or throwing something away. But Up-Cycle! by Narelle Yabuka takes it all to an entire different level. This book from Gingko Press features over 100 inspired up-cycled solutions for everything from an old sweater to a street sign and everything in between. I guarantee you’ll look at the next thing you toss into the recycling bin a bit differently!

 

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Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book. All words and opinions are my own.

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Space Race

Justin Van Genderen-1-Design Crush

 

I’ve always been fascinated by space (thank you, Space Camp!) and I know I’m not alone. Somehow we human beings have managed to begin exploring that big, black void with the hope that we’ll be able to unlock all of its mysteries. Artist Justin Van Genderen has created a series of six graphic posters focused on the U.S.’s side of the space race – Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo – three type-based and three more scientific in design. (via The Fox is Black)

 

Justin Van Genderen-2-Design Crush

Justin Van Genderen-3-Design Crush

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Happy Weekend

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01/ Geometric snow art stomped with snowshoes.
02/ Eruption, the title speaks for itself.
03/ Beautiful star trails in the night sky.
04/ Anatomical body painting.
05/ Presidents + US currency + the Justice League
06/ Create your own soundtrack with Sound Bottle.
07/ Posters featuring the entire text of a book.
08/ How to Build a Rainbow Igloo!
09/ Flying houses!
10/ Giant, un-poppable bubbles!

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One Line Art

One Line Art-1-Design Crush

 

I’ve always loved the complexities of art created from one line. I mean, you would think the result would be just the opposite. Society6 artist Quibe creates some fantastic pieces that make me want to pick up my Sharpie Fine Point and try my hand at it again. (via Josh Spear)

 

One Line Art-2-Design Crush

One Line Art-3-Design Crush

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