Lenneke Wispelwey

 

Aside from having one of the most whimsical names ever, Lenneke Wispelwey creates porcelain pieces based on mathematics and geometric patterns. Each family of products demonstrates a beautiful knowledge of color and variations between the same hue, and it’s all inspired by Lenneke’s own memories and found items from every day life. Shop the entire collection here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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June Favorites

 

1/ Super Sweet 100 Cherry Tomatoes
I’ve been doing container gardens for the past few years, and this summer I ventured into the world of cherry tomatoes, Sweet 100s specifically. They’re a vining variety that are deliciously meaty and sweet. Last week I was able to start picking a few day as they ripen and my salad game has gone up a notch!

2/ Mom’s Stuff All-Purpose Piñon Salve
I started using Mom’s Stuff a few years ago after meeting Mom’s daughter and trying out a sample. Each jar is handmade from all natural ingredients that deeply moisturize, soothe, and protect your skin and there are no filler ingredients like water, cheap oils, or stabilizers. Lately I’ve been dabbing some on bug bites for comfort.

3/ Illume Candles Vanity Tins
Illume Candles first entered my life back in college, when I bought two delicious smelling candles for more than I could afford. I’m loving the design of their Vanity Tins and the scents are just as good as ever!

4/ Pineapple Sage
It was the pineapple-scented leaves that caused me to pick up one of these to plant this year. In late summer they bloom bright red, tube-shaped blooms that attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

5/ La Colombe Draft Latte
This is the treat I’ve been reaching for on hot summer mornings! Lactose-free milk and cold pressed espresso make for a slightly sweet drink without any added sugar.

6/ Kristin Ess Instant Lift Thickening Spray
Forever on the search for the perfect hair product that will give my fine hair more oomph, and this spray has become the top contender. You don’t need to use a ton, it’s not super sticky, and the smell is amazing.

7/ Lou & Grey Linen Racerback Tank (50% off!)
I picked up black and grey ones a few weeks ago and have been more or less living in them. They hit my short(ish) torso in just the right spot and the cut is super flattering.

8/ Carmex Comfort Care Colloidal Oatmeal Lip Balm
As a lip balm-aholic you can take my word that this stuff is the real deal. Its blend of natural colloidal oatmeal and cold-pressed antioxidant rich fruit seed oil provides long-lasting moisture for visibly smoother lips.

9/ Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur
A collection of poetry and prose about survival, about the experience of violence, abuse, love, loss, and femininity. And how to find the sweetness in all areas of life.

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10 Days of Design Crush Anniversary Giveaways: Day 6 Rebecca Atwood

 

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’ve followed Rebecca Atwood and her creative process for several years now, and her collection is forever expanding and getting better. Pillows, bedding, dining, wallpaper, art, and fabric by the yard in her signature colors and prints are the perfect pieces to mix in with what you already have to achieve that effortless vibe that so many find elusive.

 

 

 

 

The latest addition to Rebecca Atwood‘s line is embroidered fabric in seven different colors and patterns that were inspired by a trip to Mexico. Each look was thought out in her sketchbook before being realized and woven in India, then spot-embroidered. The line is ethically-made, just like everything Rebecca makes. And while undeniably beautiful, every single piece is also functional and meant to get better with use.

 

 

Aside from a set of Rebecca‘s cobalt shibori pillows that have been a mainstay on my bed for years, I’ve also had the pleasure of using her line of wallpaper. Rather than putting it on the walls, I decked out the back wall of my non-functioning fireplace with the marble in clay-blue for a bit of unexpected pattern in an otherwise dark spot.

 

 

Have you read her book, Living with Pattern? It’s one of my recent favorite home decor books, in it Rebecca covers how to work with patterns you may already own, how to add pattern to unexpected places, and the use of pattern in homes across the country. I highly recommend picking it up if you’re drawn to interiors, pattern, or a bohemian aesthetic.

 

 

And now for you! Rebecca has been generous enough to offer one of her Marble Stripe pillows in gray-lilac to a lucky reader! There are 22 ways to enter for a chance to win and you have 48-hours to get after it.
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10 Days of Design Crush Anniversary Giveaways: Day 5 FAIL

 

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.

 

George Barberis

I have two favorite jewelry designers in Austin, Texas and this is one of them – meet Fail. After working for two internationally renowned jewelry designers, Christine Fail (yes, that’s her actual last name) decided to strike out and put her stamp on the world. I had the chance to meet her in person a few years ago and she’s just the absolute embodiment of her brand and the pieces she creates – understated elegance, delicate yet strong, a modern classic.

 

George Barberis

Christine is also a smart businesswoman and split Fail into three categories – Fail, Epic Fail, and a home line. Fail offers designs in 14K gold fill and sterling silver, Epic Fail‘s line is full of timeless designs in 14K gold and diamonds, and the home collection is stocked with unique metal accessories.

 

 

I wear this 14K Open Ring in yellow gold from the Epic Fail line on my left hand every day. It’s so perfectly thin that I barely feel it, yet sturdy enough that it doesn’t feel precious which is a balance that I really look for in all jewelry I wear regularly. (It’s also available in rose gold and white gold.)

 

 

I hung one of Christine’s organic spirit chains on the curtain rod above my bed before even knowing that’s where it’s supposed to go! These hand-cut and hammered brass beauties come in three different lengths, and are meant to be hung next to a window or in a curtain to keep bad dreams at bay. It’s one of my very favorite things.

 

 

All three of Fail‘s lines are always expanding, which means I’ve got my eye out for new pieces to add to my own collection. After the latest round of additions I’m eyeing the Graphite Ridge Ring, the 14K Lightning Stud, the Aeon Earrings, and the Saros Necklace (that stone!).

Oh, and guess what! You have a chance to win a $250 gift card to spoil yourself or someone you love with Fail goodies! There are 18 chances to enter but only 48-hours to do it, so get going.
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12 Incense Burners

Brass Ball Incense Holder

My introduction to incense was by way of a hippie-ish store I used to visit in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh during high school. To say, it was horrible. That generic smell that I’m sure you can bring to mind if you think about it only a little. The holder I used (sat atop a trunk covered in skateboarding stickers and candles) was one of the wooden ski-shaped variety. In college I finally discovered the better smelling stuff, but to this day I still have that same holder. I’d say it’s far past time for an upgrade…

 

Brass Hexagon Incense Burner Set

 

Brass Incense Holder

 

Cast Iron Incense Holder

 

Circa Brass Incense Burner Set

 

Corian Incense Burner

 

Cubed3 Marbled Concrete Incense Holder

 

Clay Incense Burner

 

Quolo Incense Holder

 

Saic Pyramid Incense Burner with Tray

 

Void Incense Burner

 

Mquan Moon Incense Holder

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10 Days of Design Crush Anniversary Giveaways: Day 1 Artifact Uprising

 

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. I don’t even know how to begin to thank each of you for your support along the way to living this dream that I didn’t know I had. To be completely transparent, when it’s been good it’s been great and when it’s been bad I still couldn’t think of anything else I’d rather be doing. I never used to believe people who said when you love your job you’ll never work a day in your life, but it’s so very true. And 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.

 

Print + Wood Cleat

I first met one of the founding sisters of Artifact Uprising at lunch during Alt Summit when we shared a table, and since then I’ve had the pleasure of partnering with them many a time. Katie and Jenna started AU on a foundation of a decade’s worth of experience as professional photographers and a desire to create printed photo goods with elevated quality, thoughtful design, and responsibly sourced materials.

 

Wood Calendar

Since 2012 they’ve done that and more by staying true to their mission and an authentic, creative-driven business model. Artifact Uprising‘s focus on sourcing recycled paper for their books and wood products continues to resonate with me and many others, and they continue to give good materials a second chance at life by using locally-sourced fallen beetle-kill pine.

 

 

From a basement to an office in Denver, Artifact Uprising still prides themselves on being an authentic company that’s true to its eco-conscious roots – and that matters! Consistently surrounding themselves with people who challenge, and building great things with great people is what AU is all about.

 

Float Frame

As Artifact Uprising continues to create beautiful, minimal products that everyone is sure to love, they also keep a focus on stellar customer interactions. Seriously – their customer service is some of the best I’ve ever experienced, and it shows in everything from the site’s interface and user experience to the end product showing up at your doorstep.

 

Instagram Friendly Frames

“We believe that doing good is more important than doing well – and that kindness makes the world right. We believe in travel and the things you can learn from getting lost. And we believe the best lessons come from the listening. We try to laugh when light is needed and persist when the path requires it. We love wide open spaces and campfires and the kind of quiet that allows you to hear the snow crunching below your feet. We believe in those who wake up every day to choose joy. And we believe in the underdog. We believe in always remembering where you came from. We believe each of us will – in time – do something really, really nice for the world.”

Artifact Uprising is kind enough to be giving away a $250 gift code to one Design Crush reader! There are up to SIXTEEN(!) ways to enter, but act fast because you only have 48 hours to get on it. (They’re also offering 10% off using code GIFTDAD if you’re shopping for Father’s Day!)

 

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OMMO

 

Simple, functional pieces that can be easily moved from room to room depending on what I need them for draw me to them like a moth to a flame. When I came across OMMO‘s products, that combine both eastern and western cultures, it was love at first sight. The word OMMO stands for the idea that good design is for everyone, and their collection exemplifies just that.

 

 

 

 

 

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April Favorites

 

1/ Tea Tree Oil
I’ve been using this stuff in multiples ways, including in my diffuser and on blemishes.

2/ PureAir 50
This little plug-in ionic air purifier is amazing. It cleans 350 sq. ft. of air by removing odors and reducing bacteria and viruses with activated oxygen. I have mine next to the cats’ litter box – the danger zone! – and noticed a total elimination of smell within about 15 minutes. It emits a kind of white noise sound when turned on, but I quickly got used to it.

3/ Lamb’s Ear
After years of admiration, I added one of these perennials to my porch collection. I’m hoping to keep it in a pot rather than have to plant it in the ground, but only time will tell how the plant tolerates it.

4/ Froozer Blue Aloha
These super natural treats are basically a frozen smoothie in a tube. They’re super tasty with only 35 calories and 9 carbs, which is a necessity for snacks with this type 2 diabetic.

5/ Common Goods Lavender Linen Water
I’ve been using this on my bedsheets for a few years now, I’m a real sucker for anything lavender scented as you may have noticed. This linen water is scented with 100% pure essential oil, is plant based, and biodegradable.

6/ Function of Beauty
Everyone’s been chattering about this line of shampoos and conditioners can that be personalized to your hair’s specific needs, and I’m here to report that the hype is 100% true! I love it and may never use another brand ever again. (Grab $5 off your order here.)

7/ Round Taper Planters
This spring I had to replace the large bamboo planters I’ve used for the past several years due to normal wear and tear. I wanted something simple and affordable that would complement my new black shutters and came across these fade and weather resistant ones at Target. They’re available in four colors and seven sizes! (I also have four of the 6-inch ones indoors)

8/ Vineyard Hill Naturals Cardamom & Fig Candle
You might think this scent sounds a bit heavy for spring, but it’s quite the opposite. And the soy-based candle’s jar is one I’ll definitely be reusing with that Greek key pattern.

9/ Spruce Cleaning Wipes
I’m kind of the worst at keeping my electronics clean, and these little wipes are a fun reminder (those faces!) to wipe everything down – they’re also great for your eyeglasses. Made in the USA, free of harsh chemicals like alcohol and ammonia, and vegan.

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