address stamp fun
When Christopher and I got married, I ordered a very cool desk embosser from Wilshire Graphic Press for our thank you notes. They do a fantastic job and you can buy extra plates to switch addresses or graphics out. Then we moved, then business got busy, then we started trying to have a family, then…. then… you know, time gets away from your own little life details and i have yet to order a new plate. (Yes, we have been at our current location for over 2 years now). So, it really is time to get a new return address plate. Until, I saw this website- Paperwink. Oh the accessories! A stationer’s heaven. Why what did my eyes see? Rubber return address stamps! Love, love them. As much as I enjoy my classic desk embosser, you have to admit that a fun rubber stamp that you can order multiples of to fit your mood, event and envelope is a whole bunch of fun. Another thing? They feel so nostalgic. Sort of like the mini date stamper the local librarian used to use on our books growing up to stamp the due date. So now the question is… which one (or two) do i buy?
[1] tavern [2] parcel [3] metro [4] sweet
designer file: Jess Gonacha Swift
Have you ever had that feeling when you see something really amazing that you just want to stare? Whether it be a gorgeous piece of fabric, an article of clothing with amazing lines, and even food that is like art I will sometimes stare to figure out “how’d they do that?”
Well the same can be said for Jessica Gonacha Swift, artist extraordinaire, and one of the creative minds behind Spring. The first time I saw her work, I was in awe. Her style is so fresh, delightful and colorful! The lines are so dainty that I really just stare. Then, I stare and try to figure out where in my own home I can entertain putting one of these lovelies. I just adore them that much. See for yourself… and enjoy my interview with Jess! I especially love her meaning of success because I feel she defines it so well. I too am lucky and feel successful that I have the pleasure of working each day on projects that I am passionate about. I am also really excited to see what she has in store down the road.
What (or who) inspired you to start your own business?
It happened when I was 23 years old– I was working in a meaningless restaurant job, and I’d recently been accepted to a big art show, so I quit my job and just went for it. Luckily it worked out! Also, my mom was a doll-maker when I was growing up, so I watched her sell her work at shows, approach stores, etc. So I saw that it was possible from a young age.
Who is your favorite designer?
Orla Kiely. And Jonathan Adler. I love them both for different reasons. Jonathan Adler more for the message he embodies, and Orla Kiely because I aspire for my work to be a brand the way hers is.
How do you define success?
If I am happy, loving the work that I do and the people who are in my life, and I have enough money for all the things I need to live the way I choose to live (which includes lots of travel!), then that is success to me.
How do you keep a work/life balance?
Ha, I totally don’t! I work all the time. I’m working on more balance, but honestly, I don’t think creative people are supposed to have a balance like that, because so often the work and the life are completely intertwined. That’s what comes with working at something you’re passionate about. But I could give myself more down time, that’s a fact.
What should we expect to see from Jessica Gonacha Swift as your business grows?
I plan to work with companies to license more of my designs for products, and to eventually have my own line of products. I’d like to create a whole Jessica Gonacha Swift ‘lifestyle’ look, with my designs on a range of products, from handbags and wallpaper to gift wrap and clothing! Also, I’m beginning work on a couple of kids books, so that’s in the future as well!
Just a few of the pieces from Jessica’s collection. I love, love the spiky flowers. Then again, my heart melts for anything floral with a modern twist.
What is your favorite?
card reveal
Yesterday i had lunch with my friend Deborah. (You might remember me talking about her back on 12/18 and how she is going to do some great, great things)? Well i have been working on her logo and we met yesterday to start the review. It looks so good and i can’t wait to share. But.. not until it gets some color and until Deborah says i can! 
Anyway… we had lunch at the most adorable little spot. The Jonesville Store. We got talking about the cards that i had posted a sneak peek of on Tuesday and Deborah was giving me her guesses. Well, i was going to wait, but she got me way to excited and i decided to share. So here are the answers. A vase of flowers, an elephant pull toy and a glass of bubbly! Coming to a store near you this year! :: keeping fingers crossed ::
top fonts of 2009
One of my favorite pieces of the designing process is selecting fonts. “Hi, my name is Rebecca and I Love Fonts”! But… as much as i love fonts, i have a firm belief in classic, strong, non-hokey fonts. I’m a girly girl at heart, so i do love a beautiful font with amazing flourishes, or using the font and adding my own.
Last week, i got an email from My Fonts with last year’s top fonts. Take a peek. These are some of my personal favorites (in no particular order). What are yours?
For the entire story, read here.
the card swap continues
Last week i started to show some designs that i received from the Brooklyn Bride holiday card swap. I was hesitant to post photos of my own design that i sent out because i didn’t want the girls involved to see their card before they received it. I’m pretty sure (OK… so 99.9% sure) they have received them now, so i wanted to share. First though, i got another card in the mail on Saturday and wanted to show that one too. The dimensional star is my favorite part and i can’t quite figure out how it was done! But i love it and getting these cards is so much better than bills! It is like a treat each time i visit my mailbox.
{ from Leah }
This is the card i sent out. I custom designed the envelope and size. I cut the paper from a roll of craft wrap and lined with a festive paper! The inner envelope was made from a really cool wood textured paper from GMUND. After printing on heavy vellum, i heat embossed the design and added a red pearl for Rudolph’s nose.
This was the first time i participated in this exchange and it was fun. It is great because i’m like my own client and i can do whatever i want. Now granted, i did get in a bit over my head with the sewing machine. I lost the battle with it and so only one person got the inner envelope, but i still hope they were enjoyed regardless. I’m looking forward to next years!
beautiful string, oh my!
Two nights ago, i started to wrap up my Christmas gifts. This has to be one of my favorite parts of the season. (OK, with the exception of actually making the purchases). It can take me forever to find the perfect wrap, with coordinating ribbon and tags. Which is why i end up making the tags too. (if you are a last minute Lucy like me i’ll be uploading some for you to steal from me for your own use, so keep your eyes out).
As i had been searching all my normal hot spots for ribbon and accessories i was double tasking and blog reading at the same time. One of my new favorite blogs, Twig and Thistle i found this amazing, amazing garland by Kristina Marie. This isn’t just any garland though. This is the most beautiful, i have to have now garland. Hand made, sewn paper garland! I’m so amazed because after struggling with a 25 year old sewing machine that my mother-in-law gave to me, i applaud the patience of this designer. The tedious work has paid off. Look at these beauties:
SOURCE: Linea garland by Kristina Marie on Etsy
Another favorite i have lately is Divine Twine by Whisker Graphics. So simple and pretty, yet so useful and designerly. (yes, that is a Rebecca-ism).
Check it out!
So go ahead, wrap it up, dress it up and happy decorating!
Color of the year!
Last week, Pantone announced its color of the year. This is an exciting time for artists and color lovers alike. This helps to set trends for the year. Here is what Pantone says about the beauty of turquoise:
In many cultures, Turquoise is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky. Through years of color word-association studies, we also find that to many people, Turquoise represents an escape, taking them to a tropical paradise that is pleasant and inviting – even if it is only a fantasy. Whether envisioned as a tranquil ocean surrounding a tropical island or a protective stone warding off evil spirits, Turquoise is a color that most people respond to positively. It is universally flattering, has appeal for men and women, and translates easily to fashion and interiors. With both warm and cool undertones, Turquoise pairs nicely with any other color in the spectrum. Turquoise adds a splash of excitement to neutrals and browns, complements reds and pinks, creates a classic maritime look with deep blues, livens up all other greens, and is especially trend-setting with yellow-greens. {read the complete press release here.}
I put together an inspiration board with various shades of this luscious color… hmmm… wonder if my husband will want to repaint our bedroom?
SOURCES: {1} dress by Quail Bridal {2} art deco brooch by Amazon {3} turquoise flower by Billie Brand {4} menu design by The Pink Orange {5} shoes by Lumiani {6} letterpress invitation by The Pink Orange
for the love of labels
I can honestly say, that i hyperventilate over labels as much as paper and letterpress. Well, OK almost…but close enough!
Another thing i found about labels is that they are a great alternative to a printed envelope, especially if you are on a printing budget. They give you the chance to play with size, extra colors and shape and even paper!
Here are some fun ones!
These are my mailing labels for packages, mockups and just fun goodies.
Mailing labels for Tracey Buyce photography.
Mailing labels for Clark + Walker studio.
Some fun ones for party invites!
I would love to share my love of labels with you! I designed holiday mailing labels for you to download and print out.
All you have to do once printed is cut on the dotted line and use double-stick tape, a sticker machine or sticker paper and wha-la! You will have some mailing labels of your own. (of course, if you would like customized labels, i can do that too)! I recommend 8.5″ x 11″ plain white paper.
Get yours here! Enjoy and happy holidays.
a new look for lead
Most of what i design on a day to day basis is wedding related, which i just love to do. However, that little extra percentage is spent on non-wedding items such as cards, birthday goodies, shower invitations, brochures and logos. Most recently, Diane contacted me. She is a life coach and really interesting to listen to how she can help. Her business, while rather new was in the need of a makeover.
The challenge:
To take the words that represent her business – leadership, empowers, action and development and turn them into a timeless logo that represents strength and growth.
Diane knew she wanted an image of a tree, but not anything like she had been using, which literally was, a tree. She requested a more abstract image that would be enticing to either male or female and really, any age.
The process:
We worked through a variety of concepts, color combinations and different feelings. I love working through this process with each client because as brainstorming happens, I’m never sure what will happen. After reviewing initial concepts with Diane, we selected “the one” that we loved and moved forward. With some tweaks and color combinations, the final result is great! I worked the logo into business cards and off Diane went to her first big seminar. I’m anxious to hear how it went!
The result:
Springtime at the beach
I wanted to share a current project with you. This wedding has been really fun to work on. The bride is a creative herself, so to have the artistic bounce-back throughout the process has been awesome! The save the dates already went out and now we are working on the invitation suite. The save the dates were an abstract form of sea grass with birds, all hand illustrated. The invitation suite will be an extension of that idea with more realistic imagery representing beach icons and motifs, while using a beautiful textured paper letterpressed with bird imagery to represent the sand. All of the goodies tied closed with twine. This is part of the concept package being put together since this bride isn’t local to me.
