Hélène Delmaire‘s – a self-described ‘over-sensitive painter gal from France’ – creates paintings that are a beautiful study in the use of color and texture. I think she also creates an important dialogue (intended or not) about women’s bodies and the way they are hidden or displayed to the public.
At the start of the month I mentioned how I’ve been taking on more projects outside of Design Crush. Turns out that when you’ve been one thing for so long – nearly 12 years – a change of perspective helps with the next chapter going forward. In my case, a change of identity as I went back to being Kelly Beall. Getting some fresh business cards seemed like the best place to start.
Basic Invite has a nice collection of specialty business cards with plenty of modern designs to choose from, along with every other style you might be after. They offer over 180 color options, coordinate with your business or just choose your favorite. You can apply a different color and font to every element of your personalized business cards if you’d like! Speaking of fonts, there’s a library to choose from – but if that sounds too overwhelming you can just go with what they’ve suggested on the template. If you want to get extra customized choose the foil option that’s available in silver, gold, and rose gold, or the clear card.
I chose the Modern Hello design, perfect for handing out to potential clients. I love the clean lines, bold type, and straightforwardness of the layout partnered with that bright punch of green. And speaking as a graphic designer, it was a nice change of pace to find several designs that I didn’t need to change a thing on to suit my own taste.
Basic Invite offers a lot beyond business cards online, they’re also one of few sites that give customers the ability to order a printed sample of their actual invitation before they ever place their final order. Test the paper, see the quality, make sure everything meets your expectations – then choose from 40 colors of envelopes to make the perfect invite for your event. To make the process even easier, they offer an address capturing service allowing customers to share a link on any social media platform to request their friends and family’s addresses. The addresses will then be stored in your account and can be selected during the design process.
If all of that doesn’t make you want to check out Basic Invite, well, they’re currently offering 15% off with code 15FF51.
This post is sponsored by Basic Invite. Thank you for supporting that brands that help keep Design Crush kicking!
I thought we could all probably use a little color and life in the midst of this polar vortex that’s descended upon much of the U.S. The work of Brooklyn-based painter Marc Dennis is brimming over with both in the forms of flora and fauna, I hope you enjoy exploring between the edges!
Currently crushing on textile artist and designer Noelle Sharp. Her latest series, Sacred Sites, was handwoven on a fifty year old wooden floor loom with Icelandic Plötulopi wool.
Hosting or invited to a Super Bowl party next Sunday? I’m not sure what our plans are, but I’ve already started scoping out recipes to go alongside the chips and 7-layer dip. These 15 would look good on any table – no matter who you’re cheering for! (Go Rams.)
About two years ago I started using skincare as a coping mechanism post-election. (I wrote about it here.) I’m still going strong with a morning and evening routine, and continue to search out new products that work well with my finicky skin. Being in the dregs of winter, I thought it would be a good time to share the products I’m currently using with you in case you’re looking to change up your own skincare. The most expensive product here is under $30.
I keep my morning skincare as simple as possible to guarantee that I’ll go through with it. A quick wash with Alba Botanica’s Acne Dote Deep Pore Wash gets rid of whatever dirt and oil the nighttime has deposited on my face, followed up with a few swipes of their Deep Clean Astringent. A couple drops of The Ordinary’s niacinamide and zinc serum helps to balance sebum throughout the day and fade dark spots. I finish up with a pump of Cetaphil’s Oil Control Moisturizer to keep my face matte, hydrated, and protected from the sun with SPF 30.
My nighttime skincare routine is a bit more involved. I find it’s a great way to wind down and let my body know it’s almost time for bed while also having some me time. I only wear makeup if I’m having a meeting or going out in the evening, so most times I’ll use a Simple Cleansing Facial Wipe to get the day off my face before following up with the same Alba Botanica astringent from the morning. A few times a week I’ll use The Ordinary’s Vitamin C Suspension next to help with brightening, skin tone, and fine lines.
If I’m looking to cut some time out though, I’ll mix a big pinch of The Ordinary’s 100% L-Ascorbic Acid Powder (aka Vitamin C) in with a serum. (Did you know Vitamin C is supposed to tingle when applied to your skin? That’s how you know it has deactivated or gone dormant.) I also alternate through a series of serums throughout the week, starting with this Collagen + Retinol Serum by Measurable Difference. It helps replace dead skin cells, promote elasticity, and combat any pesky (RE: hormonal cystic) acne.
If I’ve had a few drinks or haven’t hydrated enough throughout the day, I’ll add in Pearlessence’s Overnight Recovery Serum to the mix like icing on a cake. You’ve likely heart the hype behind COSRX’s Acne Pimple Master Patch and it’s all to be believed. If I have any blemishes I’ll put one of these patches on before moisturizing and it sucks all of the gunk out overnight, dramatically reducing swelling and redness in the process. Easily my favorite product of the past year! Last I’ll apply the best moisturizer I’ve found yet for my skin – Garnier SkinActive’s Moisture Bomb. This oil-free, lightweight gel leaves my visage as soft as it was pre-puberty.
Aside from experimenting with various face sheets (I don’t have a favorite to recommend), I also use Laneige’s Water Sleeping Mask twice a week in place of my moisturizer. You just put it on as your last step, allow the invisible formula to really sink in, then wash it off in the morning. Once a week I also try and use the cult classic Queen Helene’s Mint Julep Masque to get out the set in impurities lurking in my skin.
I’m curious, what are you using and what’s working?
These modular art pieces from Bend have been along for a bit now, but every time I come across them I’m reminded just how much potential they have! The metal wire pieces are sold as sets of two in both straight and curved formations as well as in various colors. Designing and creating your own personalized wall sculpture has never seemed so closely within reach!
Coming down from a holiday-filled sugar high can be tough (or at least it has been for me!), so here are some calorie-free painted delights by Oriana Ingber to satisfy that sweet tooth this Monday. What do you fancy – a cupcake, some ice cream, or chocolate? She’s got it all and then some.
