Wrapping paper is awesome, ribbons and bows are grand, but for me the gift tag is where it’s really at. It’s the icing on the cake. That special, personalized touch that takes a gift above and beyond in my opinion. I used a variety of metallics, kraft paper, and label-shaped stickers this holiday and I find myself wishing I’d spied some of these sooner! (Psst… there are a few free download gems in there!)
This week on Design Crush: Geometric abstract paintings from Jackalope Heart, plus an awesome discount!
Seventeen planners to get you planning 2014! (Only 25 days left in the year!)
And twelve more calendars for your consideration in part 5 of our roundups.
I played Oprah and shared a few of my favorite things.
Beautiful painterly textiles from Milk Farm Road.
Twenty-five projects full of DIY holiday decor!
A festive drinking glass project from Omar Sosa.
Sent out your holiday cards yet? Here are a few more to consider in part 4.
A pop-up shop full of handcrafted wooden skateboards – Side Project Skateboards.
Check out how we decorated for the holidays at Design Crush HQ!
I love a good end table, here are eleven I’m considering for my living room.
Confession: In 9th and 10th grades I longed to learn how to skateboard. All of my guy friends did it and it looked like so much fun. But I’ve always resided firmly in the lack-of-balance pool (trust that you don’t want to see my do yoga) and showed zero to no promise. Of course that didn’t stop me from dressing the part (eek), decorating the steamer trunk in my room with company’s stickers, or admiring boards.
When Jake from Side Project Skateboards contacted me about his pop-up shop, the images caught me totally off guard. They’re beyond gorgeous. The limited edition of 18 handmade, vintage-inspired boards are crafted entirely from American-made components and materials. In fact most of the wood is actually repurposed, chosen for its beautiful grains and visual appeal. (Is it too late to have another go at skateboarding??)
Symmetry always appeals to me, as do overhead angles in photography. That said, Omar Sosa has me wrapped around his little finger with this project entitled Drinking Glasses. It also feels festive and party-ready if I say so myself! (via Present&Correct)
I love the playful, creative feel of these textiles from Milk Farm Road (aka Heather Chontos). They’re sort of perfect for any occasion, each one is hand-painted linen that feels like an abstract work of art. The garlands would also be so fun to decorate with during the holidays (or any day, really)!
I’m playing Oprah today! Hundreds of products cross my screen on a daily basis as I search out the best to share with you, and a girl can’t help but have a few favorites! And while I wish I had one of each of these fantastic pieces to give to every one of you a la Oprah, I hope my opinion will hold its weight in salt for you. Because these are all shops and creators whose things I own, that decorate my home and my self each and every day.
Splendid Orlando Oxford. These shoes are a new addition to my wardrobe for winter and I love their sleek look (no laces!). Splendid‘s entire lifestyle collection is ultra-comfortable and effortlessly chic, which is perfect for my every day and mixes with existing pieces easily.
American Giant Womens Heavyweight Full Zip Hooded Sweatshirt. I’ve been a hoodie aficionado since junior high, but it’s tough to find one that doesn’t resemble a garbage bag on a woman’s body. This zip up from American Giant is not only sturdy, but made especially for us ladies. If I’m home I usually have it on over whatever I’m wearing, it’s that good.
Emily McDowell’s Foods of the World New York City Tea Towel. Emily McDowell just might be one of the funniest people I know, and her humor translates seamlessly onto her illustrated line of cards, dish towels, and other miscellaneous goods. This towel featuring a recipe that actually involves zero cooking is just the tip of the iceberg.
Warby Parker’s Durand Eyeglasses in Woodland Tortoise. Warby Parker has had my poor vision and my heart in its grasp for several years now. I just recently snapped up this pair from their winter collection, the round-ish lenses are super flattering and their buy 1/give 1 model is tough to beat.
Bloggers Love Cats + Bloggers Love Dogs 13-Month Calendars.Shameless plug alert! I teamed up with other well-known bloggers who are animal lovers to create these two calendar downloads featuring our pets. All proceeds go directly to the Humane Society of the United States and all of the little critters in need.
Cursive Design’s Apex Studs. Cursive Design is one of my favorite jewelry shops by far, I just love Sarah’s eye for detail. These studs, along with much of the fall/winter 2013 collection, were inspired by a project we collaborated on together for NYFW 2012. They’re molded from vintage glass and cast in yellow bronze.
Jaime Derringer’s Untitled 3. I’m the proud, happy owner of three works of art by Jaime Derringer. Her bold use of color and constant exploration of shape and space never leave me bored. And both Jaime’s original pieces and prints are super affordable.
Alexa Chung’s It. There’s no denying she’s the darling of the fashion world, but after ready through this pink linen-covered book filled with short musings and photos she seems down-to-earth as well.
Paloma’s Nest Custom Monogram Tiny Text Bowl. Paloma’s Nest creates some of the best heirloom-quality ceramics I’ve seen. I own one of these plates and have gifted numerous others over the past few years. You just can’t go wrong with a piece that’s lovingly personalized like these.
Gingiber’s Deer Tea Towel. I love shop owner Stacie’s whimsical, geometric illustration style used on all of her animal characters! Gingiber‘s prints, pillows, towels (and more) are always the highest of quality and meticulously checked over.
Miró Watches from Urbantrait. Among an incredible selection of modern watches from Urbantrait, Miró definitely stands out. Made from stainless steel, hardened mineral crystal, and calf leather it’s sure to stand up to wear and tear for years to come. Mine has made me a watch wearer again after years of depending on my cell! Find your favorite from tons of men’s watches and women’s watches.
Meow Meow Tweet’s Grapefruit Rosemary Body Oil. Come winter, lotions just don’t cut it for me. I coat myself in Meow Meow Tweet‘s body oil before I get out of the shower and don’t need to re-moisturize until right before bed. Each amazing scent if filled with natural ingredients and infused with botanicals.
strawberryluna’s Morrissey Pittsburgh Poster PETA Donation. My favorite stop for gig posters, and it doesn’t hurt that strawberryluna is based in my hometown either! Allison and Craig do stellar silkscreening work for more bands than I can think to name, and on more posters than I can count that I own.
My Grandma and I have a theory about time flying – the older you are, the faster it goes. Think back to how as a kid it took for-ev-er for Christmas to roll around, and now as an adult it’s like HOLY CRAP Christmas is three weeks away! Because when you’re under 10 you don’t have that many years under your belt and time feels incredibly spread out, but the older you get the shorter those yearly chapters become. Basically, that’s a long-winded way to say that there are only 29 days until the new year so you’d better start looking for a planner.
I’ve mentioned before just how elusive a good watercolor technique has been for me, but I don’t think I’ve told you that it’s also my favorite kind of painting. Longtime internet friend and designer Sarah Zero creates fun, colorful, lively watercolor abstracts and patterns in her shop – Jackalope Heart.
I love gifting art for any reason, and Jackalope Heart is ridiculously affordable. Sarah offers both original paintings as well as digital downloads for sale. And here comes the crazy/amazing part, so brace yourself. With the coupon code TURKELOPE13 you get $10 off a purchase of $20. That boils down to four digital downloads for only $10 or one original for $15 (limited supply). Take advantage for prettying up any bare walls in your own home, or crossing some names off of your gift list!
. There’s no denying she’s the darling of the fashion world, but after ready through this pink linen-covered book filled with short musings and photos she seems down-to-earth as well.
