Daily drop cap
appy Monday my friends! Notice something different? That stunning capital ‘H’? The amazing drop cap? Saying that word brings me back to my art school years, and Quark. Drop caps can be a beautiful solution for an undoubtedly tricky design situation. Enter Jessica Hische and her Daily Drop Caps. While they are designed solely for sprucing up your blog, they are beautiful inspiration and something lovely to look at when you log onto your computer each {work} day! I can’t believe that i hadn’t heard about Drop Caps until recently, but thanks to one of my daily reads Twig and Thistle, i was lifted onto the design wagon! You have to scroll back into the archives and see past drop caps. Each one is mesmerizing, unique and just plain beautiful.
Here are some others:
Logo reveal: Binx
I am so pleased to reveal a new logo design to you all! When Ilissa came to me about designing her logo I was thrilled. You see, Binx is in the concept stage right now. However, the concept is great and a much needed store in this area. Binx will be an upscale baby boutique. Since we are adopting, and of course shopping for our baby, there are things i want but simply can’t find here. I love the idea of this store and i’m excited to spend money!
Some of what Ilissa and i talked about in creating the logo were: A simple and modern feel, bold and bright colors- getting away from traditional pastels, easily recognizable mark that will be used on bags, tissue, ribbon and tags. Ilissa also wants the logo to stand for what the company will be about. A fun store that will bring unique products to those looking and will be devoted to customer satisfaction.
So, without further ado, i present Binx!
I will keep you posted on the progress of the store, it is truly exciting for Ilissa!
…do what you love!
Last week I posted the beach invites for you all to see. It was such a fun project to work on, as well as a great family to work with. Most of it was done long distance over packages, conference calls and emails. I did meet Meredith, the bride once, but never met her mom or dad. I was so surprised and had tears when I got this special note on Friday. It truly makes each day that I design that much better!
( I hope she doesn’t get mad that I am showing you all her fun sketch)!
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.
