#handmade-ornaments

#handmade-ornaments

Separate the napkins so you're only using the top printed layer. Tear (don't cut) the napkins into smaller pieces-torn edges blend much more naturally. Brush a thin layer of varnish onto the egg. Gently place a napkin piece on top, then brush another thin layer of varnish over it to smooth it out.

Paul Kutchinsky's ambition to create the world's largest jeweled egg was driven by a desire to showcase British craftsmanship on a global stage, competing with the legendary Faberge eggs.

The Shakers embraced the concept of radical simplicity in everyday life, as well as mandatory celibacy, pacifism, and gender equality, which continue to resonate today.

Each flower is made using balloon twisting or sculpting, where long, thin modeling inflatables are folded and locked into shapes. Making a single flower takes time and skill because these materials don't behave so well when twisted tight. In Ballooms' case, they're flexible and sturdy, enough to hold onto like a bouquet.

Traveller check into hotels for easy access to historical Mayan sites and the cenotes beyond, with ambles through colourful squares and late, balmy nights digesting feasts over tequila tipples. Between cultural excursions and natural wonders, however, there's much to be said for the artisans in these parts. From crafted perfumes to handmade chocolates, these are the gifts and trinkets to make space for in your luggage.

Tons upon tons of these single-use plastics end up in landfills or even floating in the ocean. Spanish design firm PET Lamp set out give another purpose to these otherwise short-lived materials. Partnering with artisans in communities from Chile to Ethiopia to Australia, the company celebrates both Indigeneity and sustainability, drawing upon time-honored global craft traditions while supporting local economies and recycling discarded materials.

Shaped like an actual mixtape, complete with a transparent shell and a Side A label, it's a pocket-sized conversation starter that happens to deliver surprisingly warm sound. The genius lies in its dual identity. It's functional tech disguised as analog memorabilia. Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity means seamless pairing, while microSD support lets him load favorite tracks for offline listening. Slide it into its clear case-turned-stand, and it becomes an instant desk personality.

The Rural Cut places vintage fashion in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, among vineyards, open fields, and the animals that inhabit the land. As a Beirut-based stylist, I worked with a fully Lebanese team to create a shoot that feels authentic, where each garment and every frame reflects the textures, history, and rhythm of the rural landscape. Photography by Angele Basile / Instagram: @angelebasile Styling by Rinad Saad / Instagram: @rinaaaaddd

Valentine's Day is a notoriously difficult holiday to shop for, and whether you've been together for six months or six years, a romantic gesture that demonstrates your partner just gets it remains timeless. We think the right gift can communicate your feelings and intentions in ways words just can't, even if you are a poet. Sure, the best Valentine's gifts would traditionally include dark chocolate or bouquets and bubbly, but our design-oriented minds like to be a little less on-the-nose when it comes to our V-Day gifts.

If you're not the kind of person who gets excited when they see an all-beige living room spread in a home decor magazine, you've come to the right place. Sure, we get the appeal of keeping things chic and minimalist, but sometimes you want your house to feel fun and playful. Whether you're into whimsymaxxing, dopamine decor, or just have an affinity for all things cute and colorful, you're going to love the picks on this list.

Recently I found this darling original painting placed in a vintage frame from an artist on Etsy. I just love it! it reminds me of the island views outside of our own home. This is the kind of decor for our home that we treasure, something that tells our story. Etsy is a wonderful place to find creatives who create special pieces...the kind you can fall in love with and keep forever!

I thought retirement would be about slowing down, but this gives me more energy than my teaching job ever did.

Lighting is one of the most essential aspects of a home; it's also one of the most overlooked. The right illumination can create ambience, soften harsh edges, and imbue a sense of warmth. However, not all light sources are of the same quality. A custom chandelier, for instance, will always stand head-and-shoulders above the rest. These meticulously made creations can range from minimalist to monumental, bringing scale, ambition, and elegance into the room.

Gifting is a science, some might even call it an art. Knowing the receiver of your affection is the first step to successful gifting, and knowing what you'd like to say with your gift adds yet another layer of complexity. Keep the process simple with these ten design-forward picks from us at Design Milk, perfect for that special someone - romantic or otherwise.