March 11, 2013
Mix #23: This Is Just the Start
PHOTO: Adam Ekberg
Listen here on Spotify.
Posted In mixtape swap, music
March 11, 2013
Win It: A Well-Designed Life
How do you stay on top of the things going on outside of your bubble? My world revolves around the web so it’s my obvious go-to for news, events, everything really. I’m especially loving the new MSN site which is really well-designed. The overall site is uber minimal – which you know I love – and it’s perfect for the the touchscreen. As an online publisher one of my favorite features is its ability to share real-time trends, I need to stay on top of so much all of the time that I’ll take all the help I can get. MSN is the best way to stay in the know and the new site design is only the latest reminder. Check out all of its features for yourself right here.
Now here’s the fun part! In honor of all things well-designed we’re teaming up with MSN to do a Pinterest sweeps giveaway. You have the chance to win any one item on the entire A Well-Designed Life board, it’s full of 33 beautiful things that are sure to make your life better designed!
This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations, Elizabeth!
To Enter:
1. Follow the A Well-Designed Life board on Pinterest.
2. Comment below on which well-designed item you’d like to make your own.
3. Do it all before Sunday, March 17th at 11:59pm CST.
4. For an extra entry tweet about the giveaway using the hashtag #msndesigncrush!
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post that I am being compensated for, however all words and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that keep Design Crush going! Rules and disclosures.
March 8, 2013
Happy Weekend
01/ Giant ocean waves made of wood and glass.
02/ I’m not much for the nail art craze, but love these watercolor nails.
03/ Matchstickmen – giant matchsticks with human heads.
04/ Check out Stick-lets then go build a fort!
05/ Overcast – an animated short about a guy followed around by a rain cloud.
06/ Pantone Pairings, a series of typically paired foods as Pantone swatches.
07/ Banknote portraits!
08/ This giant mirrored canopy – the Port Vieux Pavilion – is beautiful.
09/ A series of photos of a photographer’s girlfriend leading him around the world by the hand.
10/ Love these CMYK playing cards!
This week you might’ve missed…
We Hope You Like This Song
Win It: Artifact Uprising
Minimal Acrylic Jewelry
Home State Address Stamps
Animals Loose in NYC
West African Peanut Soup
The Daily Dish
Old English Company
March 7, 2013
Old English Company
There’s something equally fresh and classic about a black, white, and gold color palette. Old English Company‘s modern illustrations are simple, bold, and an easy fit for many styles of decor thanks to designer Ben Treanor’s discerning eye. So tough to choose a favorite!
March 7, 2013
The Daily Dish
Klari Reis is painting and sharing a petri dish every day for all of 2013 in The Daily Dish (she also did it in 2009). Reis creates each painting using reflective epoxy polymer, with the end result being very photorealistic. And if you think the paintings are good check out the names – titles like Moshing at a Pearl Jam Concert, Uma Thurman, and Eggplants in the Snow this project just gets better. Check in every day for the newest piece!
March 6, 2013
West African Peanut Soup
Hi. My name is Kelly and I’m addicted to West African Peanut Soup. I’ve made it twice in a week’s time. It’s super easy to put together (most ingredients are pantry staples) and even easier to eat. Spicy, healthy, and did I mention vegan? This soup is all those things and more. Credit goes to Cookie + Kate, with my only changes being the addition of 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro and a tablespoon of fresh lime juice. Why are you still reading this, go make some NOW! I’ll be over in five.
Posted In recipes
March 6, 2013
Animals Loose in NYC
When a dolphin got stuck in the Gowanus Canal recently, designer Thomas Wilder created wanted posters representing the history of unexpected reports of animals on the loose in NYC over the past ten years. Each case includes a description, location, when it was spotted and captured, along with the story behind it all. Check out all eight right here.
March 5, 2013
Home State Address Stamps
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
March 5, 2013
Minimal Acrylic Jewelry
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!
March 4, 2013
Win It: Artifact Uprising
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.