Blog | Page 6 of 17 | Alexandra Adams

February 15, 2016 — No Comments

Design Trends: Handcrafted Artists

Handcrafted goods are having a major moment right now. Ceramicists, weavers, and embroiderers are gaining traction and popularity, and the handmade element is incredibly appealing to consumers who are used to mass marketed, generic products.

It feels like everyone has been taking pottery classes and been learning to make their own ring dishes and vases, and professionals are seeing even more popularity. With the rise of succulents and other small plants, the need for their containers has grown as well.

Some of my favorite ceramicists:

suiteonestudio

tortus_copenhagen

tom_kemp_

Embroidery has also cycled back around to the forefront of the artistry scene. Rather than the more traditional designs, however, 2016 embroiderers are embracing more assertive mantras, brighter colors, and even full scenes.

sarahkbenning

happycactusdesigns

threadhoney

I love the variety in aesthetics that can be achieved through the individual makers and traditional mediums. What other handcrafted trends have you been keeping up with recently? Who are some of your favorite artists to follow?

(featured image artist: elizabethpawle)

Published by Alexandra Adams in Art, Design Talk, Design Trends

February 12, 2016 — 1 Comment

Valentine’s Day Bart Cart Decor

Since Valentine's Day is just two days away–and Galentine's Day is tomorrow–I thought I'd show you how I decorated my bar cart for the holiday. A bar cart provides a great focal point for the room, as well as serving a functional purpose. Just a few changes to the decorations and you're all set!

I got this pink shimmery backdrop paper at Michaels and hung up three long strips behind the cart. It was a great way to make the space festive without having to involve paint or anything drastic!

I framed a great holiday card to add some dimension to the cart. You could also frame a small piece of art, or even a fun drink recipe for your guests! I also punched hearts out of red glittery wrapping paper, and used double sided tape to stick them together with the string in between. Easiest garland ever.

These X and O dishes are from the new Alphabet Soup collection at Michaels–I can't tell you how excited I was that they even had an X! I initially bought it because my design studio is X Height Ment, and then when I got home and was planning my Valentine's Day posts, I kicked myself for not buying the O too. So I had to go back and get it the next day (of course).

I love how this cart turned out! It's so festive and fun, and makes for a great place for guests to gather while they're filling their glasses. Now for the real question of the holiday– Conversation hearts: love em or leave em? I love them, but I love pretty much anything that's pure sugar. I recently found out that so many people aren't even tempted by them! Which camp are you in?

Published by Alexandra Adams in Decor, Drinks, Entertaining, Holiday, Party, Valentine's Day

February 10, 2016 — No Comments

Wrap Around Dutch Braid Tutorial

I am so excited I've finally nailed this braid, you guys. I've been doing it for a while, but it's always proven kind of tricky for me, so I've hesitated on making a tutorial for it until I was comfortable with all the switching hands. And now that I've mastered it, I know you won't have any trouble either!

Watch the video below for the tutorial!

I love that this braid looks good from any angle, since it wraps all the way around the head. Let me know if you try this tutorial, and tag me on instagram @xheightment so I can see! Do you have any other hair tutorials you'd like to see?

PS. Check out my last hair tutorial!

Published by Alexandra Adams in Beauty, Hair, Style, Tutorial

February 8, 2016 — 2 Comments

Printable Valentine’s Day Gift Tags

I'm not someone who loves DIY wrapping paper, mostly because so many great wrapping paper already exists. I am, however, someone who definitely loves a homemade touch on the card or the gift tag!

I made these printable gift tags and ran them through my Minc foil applicator. I got this for my birthday and it's amazing. I love how easy it is to make a simple laser print really gorgeous. (This isn't a sponsored post; I just really love it!)

Print out the PDF below on cardstock with a laser printer, and cut your favorite color of foil sheet to size for the tags. I ran them through on heat setting 3 and it worked perfectly!

Click here to download the PDF!

The first page has six different gift tags to choose from, and the second page is a full pattern page of Xs and Os so you can cut them in whatever shape you want!

The foil is so shiny; it looks amazing when it catches the light–although that also makes it really difficult to photograph!

I hope you love these tags as much as I do! You can totally adapt them to any wrapping paper, depending on the color of foil you choose. Which one is your favorite?

Published by Alexandra Adams in Download, Holiday, Printable, Valentine's Day

February 5, 2016 — No Comments

Strawberry Sweetheart Valentine’s Day Drink

Valentine's Day is so soon! I know I already made the Cupid Shooters for this holiday, but I couldn't resist making another gorgeous red and pink drink. This Strawberry Sweetheart is perfect for a night in with your friends or your significant other.

Ingredients:

ice
sliced strawberries
frozen strawberries
pink champagne

To Make:

Puree your frozen strawberries until they reach a smooth consistency.
Pour strawberry puree and champagne into your glass—this part is just to taste! Add more strawberries if you want it a little sweeter or more champagne if you like it a little more boozy.
Add ice and sliced strawberries to garnish.

I like to slice my strawberries into hearts for a little extra Valentine-y flair! Just cut a small triangle out of the larger end to make the shape.

Who will you be drinking your Strawberry Sweetheart with this Valentine's Day?

Published by Alexandra Adams in Drinks, Happy Hour, Holiday, Valentine's Day