Cassandra Ott’s Rainbow Paintings + Best of the Web

After a difficult and divisive election season here in the United States, I’ve been gravitating towards imagery that celebrates unity, love and color. Rainbows are the ultimate symbol of that feeling for me, so it’s no surprise that Cassandra Ott‘s rainbow series is making me smile right now.

Cassandra is based in Buffalo, NY, where she creates paintings and mixed media collages. Her “Rainbow Perspective” series is painted on found vintage photographs and creates these small moments of wonder and happiness in everyday scenes. And right now, I’m really enjoying looking for these small moments everywhere in life and celebrating them any way I can. You can check out more of Cassandra’s work here on her site and on her Instagram feed. xo, grace

Giving Back: Julia and I made a series of recipe videos for our local food pantry to celebrate common pantry items turned into easy meals. Over 10k cards, letters and envelopes are about to be connected with groups across the country who want to send their story to their elected officials. Connecting creativity activism makes my heart sing.

Yum: I’ve never been a big Dutch Baby person, but this chocolate version at Smitten Kitchen looks incredible.

Inked (for now): Want to get crafty and make your own temporary tattoos? The Beautiful Mess team is showing you how.

Balloon Hearts: Speaking of crafts, this balloon wall heart project at Oh Happy Day is funny and fun-looking.

Simple Chic: This is the sleek minimalist Japanese kitchen of my dreams.

Melbourne Pink: This pink bedroom from a Design Files home tour is heavenly.

Social Media Inspiration: 10 Designers and Artists Over 60 To Follow and Support, 10 Young Designers and Creatives to Follow on Instagram

Life & Business: How To Begin Again by Adam JK

Giveaway: The Classic Allure of Barn Lights A $500 Giveaway

Interiors: In Vancouver, An Old-Timer With New Design, An Eclectic Retreat in Arizona Designed on a Dime, A Home in Central Iowa Full of Memories to Take to East Asia, A Jewelry Designer’s Serene Bungalow in Portland, OR, Peek Inside the Brooklyn Home of our Favorite Envelope Artist

Decorating: 10 Ways to Dress Up Your Shelves with Color, 11 Rooms with Gorgeous Winter Whites, The Sustainability of Natural Stone, 10 Throws to Warm Up Your Weekend

Before & After: A Country Home Gets A Powder Room & Living Room Update