January 2016 - Design Crush

January 29, 2016

The Versatility of a Good Throw

January is not only the coldest, but the month demanding the highest level of coziness. Thankfully Snowe recently released the perfect throw blanket for the job. I’ve been carrying it from room to room for the past week as I work through my day, because it’s just that functional and versatile. It’s a great throw to curl up with during a nap, and the super luxe cashmere, merino lambswool. and silk feel as amazing as they sound.

I’ve been trying to get back into my reading groove in the new year. This throw is the perfect thing to curl up with in my favorite chair – just add a book and a steaming mug of tea! Not only does this beauty look seamless in my living room, it’s also static resistant so it attracts less… like my pups’ hair.

Last, but certainly not least, it’s ideal for curling up in front of the fireplace with a glass of wine. Just like all of Snowe‘s goods, it’s exceptionally made and thoughtfully designed. I’m looking forward to adding more of their pieces to my home over time.

This post sponsored by Snowe. As always, all words and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep Design Crush creating fresh content!

Mugs // Red Wine Glasses // Drink Essentials Set // Candle

Posted In accessories, behind the scenes, house and home, living, sponsored post

January 28, 2016

Cold Gold

Cold Gold is one of my go-to jewelry lines of late. I wear my black and brass hexagon studs at least one day a week, and have gifted a few pairs of speckled gray and brass bar studs to raving recipients. Next on my list is snagging one of Alaina’s confetti patterned leather keychain wristlets!

Posted In accessories, bags, jewelry, style, wear it

January 28, 2016

Richard Keeling / Shadow Shapes

London-based Richard Keeling‘s Shadow Shapes series makes my graphic-loving heart explode from delight. And there’s really only one thing that can possibly make it any better – you can purchase your own prints!

(via Booooooom)

Posted In create, graphics, paper goods, prints

January 27, 2016

Rayleigh Table Lamp

Though it carries a hefty price tag, I can’t help but stare at the Rayleigh Table Lamp. When switched off it comes off as a pretty pastel geometric sculpture, but flip the switch and light flows through a series of prisms to create a spectrum of neon hues.

Posted In house and home, lighting, living

January 27, 2016

Ajean Ryan

Installations, paintings, graphite, pastel, sculpture… and dimensional drawings. Ajean Ryan‘s portfolio is a robust one, full of experiment and whimsy. And the last category above is the one that intrigues me most – dimensional drawings covered in bits and baubles from everyday life that all but jump off the page at you.

(via The Jealous Curator)

Posted In create, mixed media

January 26, 2016

Spaghetti Squash 12 Ways

I was first introduced to spaghetti squash back in the 90s when my mom was on a clean eating diet. Being a picky teenage vegetarian at that time, I fell hard for the weird squash that took on the form of one of my favorite foods. These days it’s everywhere, and in about a hundred more forms and recipes – here are twelve I’d love to try.

Click on each image to go to the recipe.
All photos copyright of their respective sites unless otherwise noted.

Posted In food, living, recipes, round up, series

January 26, 2016

Alexander Straulino

It’s rare that we share photography, but I’m making a conscious effort to change that beginning with lauded German photographer Alexander Straulino. His stylistic perfection, aesthetic boldness, and saturated tones turn models into works of art with a click of the shutter. Straulino’s willingness to step out on a limb and experiment in the obscure is the definition of art.

Posted In create, photography

January 25, 2016

Refocusing with Pique Tea

It’s no secret that working from home can be a challenge some days. For every advantage (flexible schedule!) there’s a disadvantage (distractions!). As Design Crush has continued to grow as a business my approach has had to change, and the latest curve is one I can’t say I was expecting.

As a freelance or contract worker there’s always the fear that the current job I’m working on will be the last. It’s the nature of the beast, and in my case the anxiety – and I don’t like saying no because of it. In the past year I’ve said yes a few too many times, and found myself slogging through the last three months of 2015 with way too much on my shoulders. Namely, I was neglecting to make any time for myself.

I knew I had to change up my routine and focus on the times during the day when I felt most productive as for that hour or two that left me dragging. I used to end my day during chillier months with a cup of tea, and thought that maybe rescheduling what used to be my downtime as a time to refocus might help me out.

Then along came Pique Tea. Designed for excellence with every sip, Pique Tea has taken the tea world by storm with their new Tea Crystals. I love that even though my tea is ready in an instant the results aren’t compromised, the tea in my mug is pure and rich and tastes just as though I’d thoughtfully brewed it.

So just how does Pique Tea achieve this tea crystal sorcery? It’s relatively simple – they brew high quality organic loose tea leaves, then when the perfect brew is reached they distill it into pure tea crystals. Basically taking the guesswork out of making a great cup of tea, and helping me avoid over-brewing by walking out of the kitchen and letting my tea steep for too long. (So guilty.) The hope is that a great cup of tea made easy will cause a ripple effect of feeling well, doing well, and doing more.

But don’t take my word for it, try Pique Tea for yourself. Sign up for a free trial and receive all five flavors – Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Mint Sencha, Sencha, and Jasmine – to try on your own (that’s 14 sachets, or a week’s supply)! Now tell me, how do you make time for yourself during the weekdays?

This post sponsored by Pique Tea. All words and opinions are my own, as always. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep Design Crush creating fresh content!

Posted In behind the scenes, food, living, sponsored post

January 25, 2016

Angela Schwer

California-based artist Angela Schwer creates the most incredible sculptures – for your wall. Nature inspires the flower, fungi, and sea plant pieces that are both insanely detailed and beautifully monochromatic. Each of Angela’s artworks are created as a wall tile to be easily hung in your space. Check out her Etsy shop, Dilly Pad, to pick up a piece of your own.

(via Creative Boom)

Posted In create, sculpture

January 22, 2016

42 Pressed

It’s been awhile since a letterpress shop smacked me upside the head and left me reeling. (In a good way.) But that’s exactly what I happened when I first laid eyes on 42 Pressed a few months ago. The color, style, and sizing of every piece is spot on spectacular. Shop founder and creative director Jackie Hall Robinson fuses hand painting, patterns, typography, and letterpress to create something so good that I can’t help but gush.

2016 Die Cut Calendar // Charleston Print // Thanks // Well Done // Camp Fire // Sea Side

Posted In calendars, cards, create, paper goods, prints