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.
Introducing… Slip-its!
I am so excited to share with you my latest design. These are mini notecards that you can leave for that someone special in your life. I mean really, who wouldn’t want one? I know i would. Much better than getting a bill or piece of junk mail!
The inspiration for these came from the time i was a little girl, right up until now. I can remember my mother slipping a note into my lunchbox, under my pillow or in my backpack. I had just always carried this on in my life, and love not only sending notes and cards in the mail, but i’ll slip a note in Christopher’s glovebox, on his dashboard for when he gets in his car in the morning.
So what better way to share my love of letterpress and notes than these Slip-its! Slip them anywhere you wish. They are small in size, 3.75″ x 2″ and come with a collection of colorful envelopes to slip them in. Purchase here.
To kick off this new collection, I will be giving away a set of Slip-its. To enter, blog or tweet about the contest and add a comment here about the most creative way that you have sent or left a note for someone in your life! I love to read the comments. Winner will be selected on December 7. Good luck!
