Jun
07
Happy Weekend
01/ Long exposure photos of fireflies in a forest.
02/ Easy Fried S’mores. MY HEART.
03/ Every neighborhood needs a Free Little Library, don’t you think?
04/ Decor tracks a city of bread as it deteriorates over a 6-month period.
05/ What your style of eggs says about you.
06/ Feet & Paws, a photo series of dog’s paws next to their owner’s feet!
07/ Realistic hybrid animals. (I’ll take a dorse, or is it a huck??)
08/ Best. Lemonade. Stand. Ever.
09/ Meet Projecto, a tiny projector for your Instagrams.
10/ Happy Donut Day! Now go make this Donut Garland and eat a dozen.
In case you missed it…
Dear Kate: The Starlet (a Giveaway)
Pencil Me In
S.W. Basics
Rachel Gant
On The Hunt
PGH / Digs
Summer Mix-Up Bowl
The Pantone Project
Taste Tour: Vast
SHARE 
TWEET
PIN
Jun
04
On The Hunt
You know the drill. You’re on Pinterest, you click through to something you want to add to your wardrobe, and it’s an image with no link. Or you’ve spotted a piece that’s waaay out of your price range and you’d like to find a more affordable version. Or maybe you just don’t have any idea what to wear with that cute summer skirt you picked up last weekend (ahem). It can be a long list of reasons why you can’t seem to locate the fashion you’re looking for, and until I discovered the hunt I was off trolling Google images just like the rest of you. BUT NO MORE, because now there’s The Hunt.
The premise is simple, The Hunt‘s community helps each other find the items they’re after. To start off sign up for an account in one easy step, then post a photo with some details about what you’re looking for. Congratulations, you’ve just created your first Hunt! Now the community hops to work either finding the piece you’re looking for, finding a more price conscious version, or even giving you solutions on what to pair a troublesome piece with. Brilliant, right??
I picked up this easy and comfortable skirt on a whim while shopping last weekend. I thought it would be perfect to pull on over my bathing suit or for a casual day out and about. But I have no clue what to pair it with besides a white t-shirt! That’s where The Hunt comes in and offers suggestions. I can already tell this is going to be a new obsession.
Suggestions started rolling in within minutes! And when you find someone with a fashion sense that you trust you can follow them to stay connected. Can you imagine all your friends joining and being able to get one another’s help and opinions at the same time? You should probably all sign up for The Hunt immediately.
This post is sponsored by The Hunt, however all words and opinions are my own.
Jun
03
Pencil Me In
Pencil Me In is chock full of bright geometrics, fun stationery, and bold textiles. I have a massive crush on designer Keema’s Girl’s Best Friend Diamond Neon pattern and the throw pillow is calling my name (in a semi-creepy stalker way). You can check out Pencil Me In’s full spectrum of work right here.
May
21
Check Out the New Beso App + Win!
Calling all shopaholics! I’ve given Beso my share of props before, but now the mega site that spends their days scouring the web and matching your style so you don’t have to has a free app. Which means that your habit knows no bounds! You can shop in the carpool line, while you wait for a bathroom stall to open up, even while avoiding a poorly matched blind date. Or, you know, in your pajamas in bed like I plan on doing.
The app makes choosing your fashion persona super easy. I went with Polished Casual because I love a great pair of jeans and a pair of flats like nobody’s business. Beso then culls through everything for me, so that I only get options that I’ll more than likely love to shop. In fact, everything shown in the first image are pieces matched specifically to my style – all sorts of smart.
Now, let’s get to giveaway part where Beso will buy a randomly selected winner one item they shared (up to $200 value)!
THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. Congratulations, Margaret!
To Enter:
1. Download the free Beso Shopping for iPhone app.
2. Share any item you love to your favorite social media channel (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc.).
3. Leave a comment below letting us know!
4. Do it all before Sunday, May 26th at 11:59pm CST.
5. Favorite up to 10 products for extra bonus entries!
May
16
May DIYs
My apologies to Country Living, the original source of the Vintage Tennis Racket Mirrors.
Click on each image to go to the project.
All photos copyright of their respective sites unless otherwise noted.
May
15
Adobe MAX 2013: An Insider’s View
If you follow Design Crush on Twitter or Instagram you probably noticed that I was posting a lot from the hashtag #AdobeMAX last week. A few months ago I was invited to be an Adobe Insider for the Adobe MAX creativity conference that took place in Los Angeles, and I jumped on it. As a graphic designer Adobe is my livelihood, and I couldn’t wait to see the big new reveals that were in store as well as learn from the best of the best in the 300+ sessions offered. (Psst… you can watch a ton of the conference right here!)
Adobe MAX was by far the largest conference I’ve gone to with over 5,000 creative industry leaders, designers, video professionals and photographers from around the world in attendance. Everyone I crossed paths with was so excited to be there and openly exchanging ideas, innovations, and inspiration. It was incredibly refreshing because sometimes the design industry can feel very hush hush.
I felt extra special with my Press badge, which gave me access to any session I wished to attend as well as the Press Room. With so many people milling about it was nice to have a place to stop in between sessions to decompress, regroup, and grab a snack.
The first full day kicked off with the A Creative Evolution keynote. Everyone was welcomed into the Nokia Theater to the sounds of high-energy pop music to set the mood for what was to come as Adobe got ready to unveil brand new creative workflows and capabilities that focused on productivity, responsive design, and just a little bit of Adobe magic.
CEO Shatanu Narayen, SVP and GM of Digital Media David Wadhwani, and a collection of Adobe visionaries led the audience through the past, present, and endless possibilities of our creative future over the next two hours. Some of my favorite new features follow.
Photoshop CC
• use the Camera Raw filter to reposition camera angle
• radial blur can now be used several times in the same image
• spot healing can now be used as a non-circular area
• photos can be deblurred with the Shake Reduction filter
• can now generate web assets
Illustrator CC
• vector images can now be turned into brushes
• the Touch Type took can now manipular individual character without converting to outlines
After Effects CC
• 3D modeling app – Maxon Cinema 4D
• 3D camera tracker
• can now adjust without rendering
• refined edge is now a tool similar to in Photoshop that tracks frame to frame
Edge Reflow CC
• places web assets back in place automatically
• sizes for different devices
Edge Inspect CC
• Chrome extension
• connects to all devices wirelessly to preview
Edge Animate CC
• timeline-based for working on any device
Edge Code CC
• simply mouse over color and image code to get a thumbnail view
• after that use the quick edit pickers to make fast changes
• live Chrome preview
The biggest deal both at the conference and in online coverage was news that the Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Dreamweaver) will be replaced with the Creative Cloud as of June 17, 2013. CS6 will be available in perpetuity, but there will be no further developments or updates. CC will allow Adobe to get both to us faster and offer a broader canvas for innovation.
Once you download the Creative Cloud – and it does live on your computer, you’re not renting! – a Creative Cloud desktop app will show up on your computer that makes keeping everything in sync a breeze. Mentioning breezy things, all of your settings are saved to CC. Meaning they’ll follow you wherever you go. And all of the files you save to your 20GB of Cloud space carry their layers, type, etc with them, so when you share a preview or project with someone they’re not left guessing and recreating. There’s also a CC Touch App in the works for sharing, viewing, etc.
You Creative Cloud membership also includes Typekit! That’s $25,000 worth of professional fonts at your fingertips that you can download to your desktop for web and print projects. Mind = Blown.
It’s a lot to educate yourself on and transition to (and I’ve only covered the basics), but you can read more about the new technology and have FAQs answered right here. For what it’s worth, I’ve been using the current iteration of the Creative Cloud for about a month now and couldn’t love it more. To quote, “It’s like an app store where you own all of the apps.”
Adobe is also making its first venture into hardware! Check out Project Mighty – a pressure sensitive pen – and Project Napoleon, a short ruler (heh) that also allows use of basic shapes. The tools and settings for both devices are saved on the Creative Cloud, which means it’s not tethered to the device you’re using them on. Like I said, magic.
Project Context is a collaboration between Adobe and Wired magazine that’s planning on changing the face of digital publishing as we know it. See those two screens? Basically a touch wall. That table? A touch desk. Soon digital publishers will be able to use both to share folders, touch and drag items into containers for review, mark up files, type notes – and so much more. Today’s pin boards that are present in every magazine office will be a thing of the past and now editors will always up to date with the most recent files. The Adobe Insiders got an up close and personal sneak peek of Projects Mighty, Napoleon, and Context backstage after the keynote and I basically felt like I was starring in the Jetsons. This is good stuff, people!
And then this happened. Yup, I had Bebe printed on a shirt. And the guys in charge of the booth said it was the best shirt they’d seen yet, and then they took my picture holding it up. I’ll be honest, it took awhile to come down from that high.
In the same space were the Red Bull Collective Art Project, Kiel Johnson’s Crowd Sourced Sentence, and the MAX Store full of souvenirs. Creativity explosion!
All of the sessions took place in the Los Angeles Convention Center, and I can’t say enough nice things about their staff. Each person was genuinely helpful and so nice, and the facility was top notch. In the middle of the main floor was this gigantic chalkboard wall that was doodled on and erased several times throughout the course of the conference. People got super into it sketching out their logos, Twitter handles, and so much more!
Day 2 brought with it a general session in the Nokia Theater. There we listened to four creative minds – iconic graphic designer and illustrator Paula Scher (that’s her work above), constraint-based artist Phil Hansen, photographer and retouch artist Erik Johansson, and Oscar winning visual effects supervisor Rob Legato – about how they foster creativity and approach their work. It was humbling to say the least, and each creator was supportive of the fact that we could each be doing exactly what they are. Incredible.
Then this might have happened at the MAX & You Photo Experience, you know how I love a photobooth! And I have to say, best and most flattering lighting setup ever.
That evening was the much anticipated MAX Bash! It’s the official close of the conference, though there’s almost a full day of sessions left. I wasn’t sure just what to expect and was completely blown away by the planning and coordination put into everything, conference-wide really. These giant marquee-style lights greeted everyone as we filed in.
There were several tents filled with street food faire, I opted for Indian because it was closest to the entrance and I was super hungry! But I also spied Asian and Korean-themed tents. I especially loved the decorations that adorned the ceilings.
There was even a tent dedicated solely to desserts. I was too full to enjoy any, but definitely had my eye on the astronaut ice cream and soda bar.
The outdoor space was filled with performers who were handpicked for their unique and creative approach to their craft. I think my favorites were these ladies dangling above one of the bars (yes, there were several), I kept wondering how they weren’t exhausted and falling off! This gal would occasionally reach down and ruffle the hair of people in line for drinks.
The finale was an hour and a half performance by The Black Keys! I had met up with a longtime internet friend (for the first time!) just before the show started, and we managed to hold our ground about 25 feet from the stage for the duration. They were really fantastic live and put on a great show, the perfect ending to an incredible conference and opportunity from Adobe.
Disclaimer: Registration, travel, and accommodations provided by Adobe. All words are my own.
Apr
26
Happy Weekend
01/ La Petit Prince, an imaginary world created for a boy with Muscular Dystrophy.
02/ Warp and Weft, an intricate series of portraits created from thread and nails.
03/ Invisiplug is sort of brilliant.
04/ Talk about space-saving, canvas furniture that hangs on your wall!
05/ Two clouds carrying human figures is suspended above travelers at a station in London.
06/ CMYK halftones recreated by hand.
07/ A recent look at the remains of the New York World’s Fair.
08/ A telephoto lens for your iPad!
09/ Picture our devices and gadgets in 100 years.
10/ Skies created from hundreds of stacked photos.
In case you missed it:
Tips&Tricks: Gardening + Landscaping
Emily Barletta
Crane & Canopy
Nicole Aquillano Ceramics
Wonderful Forever
Pants: Loose + Patterned
When In Austin
Apr
19
Happy Weekend
01/ Message of support for Boston light up New York.
02/ Need ideas on where to go for a first date?
03/ 30 of the most beautiful abandoned places in the world.
04/ The Greatest Band Ever.
05/ Every office should have a Convertible Napping Desk!
06/ Gussy up your MacBook with a wooden keyboard.
07/ Who knew salt could be so beautiful?
08/ Sketch artist experiment shows women are more beautiful than they think.
09/ This tree house is nicer than my house house.
10/ What can happen in the space between buildings.
And in case you missed anything this week…
Mix #24: Still the Water Stood
Sunglasses Pouch
Fashionably Flexible: Day to Night 3 Ways + Pin Your Style Contest
April DIYs
Optical Earrings
Note Takin’
National Painting Week: Inspiration Realized
Tower Blocks Paper Notes
Colorblocked
Apr
16
Fashionably Flexible: Day to Night 3 Ways + Pin Your Style Contest
Let’s talk flexibility – in life, in your wardrobe, and in technology. I think it’s something that’s easy to take for granted when we have it in our possession, and something greatly missed when it is not. For example, a great outfit that takes you seamlessly from your day to night plans. Or a great piece of technology like the Envy x2 with Intel Inside® that has the power of two devices in one, both laptop and tablet.
Edun Mesh Back Jumpsuit in Etched Poppies Print by ASOS // Watermelon Tourmaline Ambro Ring by Catbird // Shapes Necklace by Alicia Mohr // Alisson Tote by Christopher Kon // Keyhole Slingback Wedges by Anthropologie
Moroccan Tank Polka by Virginia Johnson // Marrakesh Kick Flare Jeans by MiH // Mini Heart Necklace by ginette_ny // AUDEN Crystal Stud Earrings // Cream Canvas Magazine Tote at Henri Bendel // Black Doodle high Heel Clogs by ANNTIAN
Black Crane Long Strap Dress by Totokaelo // Safety First Brass Earrings by Melanie Favreau // Sailor’s Love Knot Ring by Nested Yellow // Raw Wallet by Rib and Hull // Clio Two-Tone Leather Sandals by Ancient Greek Sandals
But the fun is only starting! Just like Project Runway contestants show off their personal fashion every week, HP and Intel invite you to Pin Your Style. Want to participate in The HP + Intel + Project Runway Pin Your Style Contest? It’s easy and I promise you – worth it!
Pin a photo of the Envy x2 with Intel Inside® via the Pin It button on the Pin Your Style contest page. Then build a board that represents that week’s theme (in this case flexible fashion). Check out the weekly Pinsetter images on the site for inspiration.
Submit your board’s URL into the site to enter, then share your board with friends to earn the most votes!
Win prizes like an Envy x2 with Intel Inside® and a gift card to bring your style to life by getting the top votes for your board.
This post is sponsored by HP and Intel. Pin Your Style with HP + Intel + Project Runway to win chic HP products. Pin now.
Apr
09
LSTN
LSTN Headphones proves a great point, why are so many instruments made of wood and headphones are not? The recycled wooden chambers in these brilliantly constructed headphones lend a warm and natural sound that produces more resonance than plastic or metal. The ebony, cherry, and beech woods come from furniture scraps that would otherwise be discarded and are never dyed. You can choose from three different styles – The Troubadour, The Fillmore, and The Bowery. Oh, and one more thing that will make you fall even more in love. Every time a pair of LSTN Headphones are purchased, all proceeds go towards their charity partners for the deaf and a child with hearing difficulties is helped.
