10 Days of Design Crush Anniversary Giveaways: Day 2 Umbra

 

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. NOTE: You have 24-hours left to enter yesterday’s giveaway to win a $250 gift card to Artifact Uprising

 

Hub Mirror

I was a fan of Umbra long before we ever became brand partners – I’m talking college days. The Toronto-based company no longer carries those first purchases I made, but my home is still full of their original, modern, casual, and functional products. Bonus: Their price points are fantastic, making great design affordable for the masses.

 

Touch Toothbrush Holder

Great design can make you think outside the box, and that’s just what Umbra does for me in my home. I’ve used grouping of toothbrush holders as sleek vases, magazine racks to hold linens and cutlery when the table was too full, and wall art to decorate wreaths during the holidays. This coat rack stands in my entry, and this napkin holder on my kitchen counter – I truly love this brand and all it stands for.

 

Gazette Magazine Rack

Umbra‘s originality in thought and process radiates throughout their catalogue of goods, maybe even more so in the lesser-known Umbra Shift. It’s a small offshoot that’s downright high design featuring established, emerging, and in-house designers creating functional items that are design forward. (I love the Cowboy Coffee Kettle!)

 

Brass Prisma Wall Decor

Umbra has every room in your home covered, and one reader has the chance to win a $250 gift card for a little summer spruce up! You have 48-hours and eighteen chances to enter.

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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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Nevertheless, She Persisted Tees!

 

LET’S TAKE THIS ONE STEP FURTHER. After our hugely successful post full of printable #resistance postcards some of you reached out about the possibility of selling my design as a t-shirt. My gears immediately started turning, because why hadn’t I thought of that??

I submitted my design to Cotton Bureau (a favorite business right here in Pittsburgh) and as of today you have two weeks to purchase it on their site! The shirt is being offered in white, maroon, and vintage black in both men’s and women’s sizes for you to rock on your hot little bods. (Note: None of the shirts are pre-washed, but should only shrink *maybe* half an inch if washed in cold water.)

Half of all proceeds are headed straight to the ACLU! So buy it, wear it, and stand up for what you believe in.

 

 

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#365quotes2017

 

New(ish) year, new(ish) 365-days project on Instagram! This is my third go around doing #365quotes and I’ve taken it back to the basics, just me a Sharpie and a sketchbook. Each day’s original #365quotes2017 written quote is for sale as well, a new thing. All you have to do is email designcrushing at gmail with which date you’d like to purchase and if it’s unsold it’s yours! (SOLD is added to the caption of each one as it heads out the door.)

PS: A special thank you to everyone who has left a kind comment letting me know how much they look forward to each day’s post!

 

 

 

 

 

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Anthropologie + Design Crush

Anthropologie + Design Crush

That was fast! The event is full! Apologies to anyone who missed out.

Local Pittsburgh friends! I’m so happy to announce that I’ll be hosting an event with Anthropologie on Saturday, May 2nd from 10am until noon. Join me at the Bakery Square location where we’ll create sets of abstract painted potholders while we snack and sip on delicious things. Space is limited, so be sure and RSVP today if you’d like to be part of the workshop!

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Texas Style Council 2015

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One of my favorite things is when you click with someone the instant you meet. That’s basically what happened while waiting for a delayed flight to Salt Lake City last month when I met Indiana Adams. She’s a fellow blogger and the brainchild behind the Texas Style Council conference.

I’d heard about TxSC in the past, but sort of assumed – due to the name – that it was for the fashion crowd. Turns out it’s actually for female lifestyle bloggers, as well as business owners and independent designers in women-centric industries who use new media to connect with readers and customers. If that’s not right up my alley I’m not exactly sure what is.

 

Texas Style Council-2-Design Crush

 

Long story short, I’m now on board to be a part of 2015‘s TxSC next month! This year’s conference is going back to basics and being held at Camp Texlake, a Girl Scout camp about 45 minutes outside of Austin in one of my favorite places on earth – Texas hill country. We’ll be staying in dormitories and doing awesome things like sitting around bonfires and watching midnight movies in between all of the creating, connecting, and conquering that will fill our days.

If all of this sounds like something you want to be a part of you can check out the speakers and staff, peek at the schedule, then register here! Hope to see you in Spicewood next month!

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Alt For Everyone – September 2014

Alt-for-Everyone-Design-Crush

Photo Elly Yap

Ever wanted to attend Alt, but couldn’t get yourself to Salt Lake City? NO PROBLEM. I’m happy to share that I’ll be teaching at next month’s Alt for Everyone once again. All of the knowledge and tips that are dropped at Alt brought to you in the comfort and convenience of your laptop screen! Wear your PJs, lounge in bed, whatever because no one can see you. I’ll be sharing a case study on Design Crush and how I made it the site you read today, I’ll also be sharing advice on how to grow your own blog. (You can check out the full working schedule here.)

For the registration price you’ll get to attend:
– 7 online classes of your choice
– 1 online keynote session
– 1 virtual social meet-up

Don’t forget, a box full of goodies will show up in your mailbox as well! And for the fourth Alt for Everyone you will have the option of adding more classes for an additional price. Take up to 13(!) amazing classes. Read more about Alt for Everyone and register here. Hope to see you Saturday, September 27th in my class!

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Design Crush The Marketplace

Greatly-1-Design Crush

 

I’m three shades of excited to share something that’s been in the works for months – Design Crush The Marketplace has opened! I’ve teamed up with the newly launched GREAT.LY to bring you some of my favorite handmade goods from all sorts of talented makers. The shop is set up much like Design Crush the site, full of fantastic art and design that you can decorate your home and yourself with. I’ll be keeping it stocked with fresh and exciting things that get updated frequently, so I hope you’ll pop over and take a look for yourself. In the meantime, here are a few of my favorites from each category!

 

Greatly-house-goods-Design-Crush

Pink Block Cushion by Ellie Bradley // Extreme Handknitted Woolen Cabled Throw by Jacqui Fink

 

Greatly-kitchen-Design-Crush

Madison Rocks Cup by Keith Kreeger // Hand-Painted Hot Pink Linen Table Runner by Sensible Habit

 

Greatly-wear-it-Design-Crush

Folded Paper Furoshiki Japanese Eco Wrapping Scarf by Kyoko Bowskill // Geometric Lucite + Brass Bead Necklace 02 by Adelia Mae

 

Greatly-bebes+kids-Design-Crush

Coral Kokeshi Doll by Sketch Inc // Gold Star Cloud by Jahje Ives

 

Greatly-art-Design-Crush

Fading Lake Day by Lisa Golightly // Desire Fine Art Giclée by Kristi Kohut

 

Greatly-beauty-Design-Crush

Beet Root + Hibiscus Lip Stain by Erin Hammond // Hand-Painted Zipper Bag by Kelly Zellers

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Killer Media Kits + Alt For Everyone

Alt For Everyone-Design Crush

Image: Pencil Shavings

I’m looking forward to teaching a brand new class at next month’s Alt for EveryoneDrafting a Killer Media Kit. I’ll be talking about what to include, what to avoid, and how to get noticed by the brands you want to work with. The online conference is taking place May 8th through 10th, with all of the good stuff that goes along with the Salt Lake City version brought right to your laptop. (Even a gift box delivered to your doorstep!) You can check out the full schedule right here.

• 7 online classes of your choice
• 1 online keynote session
• 1 virtual social meet-up

And just to include more of you, we’re giving away seven tickets!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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