(via Refinery 29, photography by Aubrie Pick) As I compiled my top grams of 2015 at the beginning of this week, I started realizing just how many incredible opportunities I enjoyed this past year. I’m both humbled and grateful for the momentum Thou Swell has gained over this time – much of this growth landing me new collaborations with larger brands. I try to be as transparent as possible when I create sponsored projects for Thou Swell, because they have enabled me to stretch my creativity with original projects for TS. To start off the year, I wanted to recap my collaborations this year and celebrate another year of learning through this digital adventure. In January I introduced the offerings of Everything But the House, the eBay of estate sales (and a treasure trove of vintage and antique furniture). I also reupholstered two side chairs from EBTH for a pop of pattern in my dad’s house.
In March I shared how too bring spring inspiration inside with a gorgeous blooming potted forsythia bush from Monrovia. I also discussed how spring is the perfect season to give back to organizations like Care.org, especially in a privileged digital world like the blogosphere.
In April I used the Behr DeckOver coating for a colorful new finish on my neighbor’s patio. After three days of painting after school, I unveiled a checkerboard design that I created with painters tape, painted in pale blue and sage green.
In May I shared an indoor kitchen herb garden project with Miracle Gro for fresh flavor in your cooking throughout the year, and I also created a Cinco de Mayo tabletop with Publix. I wrapped up the month with a “pillow talk” post with bunglo, sharing their latest pillow designs.
In June I took part in the FLOR design challenge in Atlanta, and one of their modular rug designs in my bedroom makeover. I also created a dreamy design board with Chairish with some of their vintage armchairs.
In July I celebrated the bounty of summer gardening and talked about one of the newest innovations in home gardening technology, the Edyn sensor. I also shared three gallery wall designs that I created with the power of the HP Instant Ink program. As the start of school approached, I started a six-post series for Target with a gift guide and organizational tips.
In August I shared two more posts for Target, dorm decor essentials and my own dream dorm design.
In September I brought back an old contributor to TS, my little sister, for a back to school style post for Target, and also shared an easy after school snack idea. I teamed up with Target again to launch their fall plaid home collection with a cozy guide to the perfect breakfast in bed.
In October my dad fired up the grill and I set the table for an elegant fall cookout with Kingsford Charcoal, a Clorox brand. I also shared a fall floral centerpiece tutorial and shared the fall table tablescape. For the fall One Room Challenge, I partnered with Framebridge to bring our walls to life with some beautiful new prints.
In November I started gearing up for the holiday season with two holiday posts for Target, including two takes on a holiday tabletop and tips on welcoming houseguests.
In December I put together two holiday vignettes with easy equations and decorated a meteallic Christmas tree with Target, plus a festive citrus tree with Monrovia. I ended the year with the reveal of an easy and inexpensive rental kitchen makeover with Home Depot – a room we enjoyed using throughout the holiday season of cooking!
Did any projects stick out to you as favorites this year?
