Vale Design : Freelance Package Design & Branding

DIY Free Printable Coloring Page Downloads

{An Oldie, but a Goodie} Happy Friday / weekend everyone! See you back here Monday!

For people who do not know me, I love to color. I color with my nieces every chance I get. I think all adults should have a mandatory 20 minute coloring break during the day. It is so relaxing. When my nieces come to visit, I like to have personal printouts for them to color. So today I am sharing some of my personal free printable coloring pages with all of you! There is even one in there for Mother's Day! These would be great to keep the kids entertained at family gatherings, used at kids birthday parties or even for wedding receptions! Enjoy!

Download IHEARTMOM here.

Download FLOWERS2 here.

Download FLOWERS3 here.

COMMON SENSE RULE: For personal use only. Not for commercial use.  ©erinvaledesign.com

Vale Design Portfolio Update

The Vale Design portfolio has been updated with new business identity systems, collateral pieces, concepts and package design work. Come see what we have been working on!

Interested in working with Vale Design? Contact us at evaledesign@yahoo.com

Alt Summit For Everyone

I almost dropped my coffee.

If you are like me, a busy designer / mother / person in general, you may not have had the time or finances to attend one of the Alt Summit conferences. Well buckle up buttercups...now we can! Alt Summit is now offering Alt For Everyone. It is their first completely online conference. Per the Alt website, "You can spread your classes out like you would at a traditional conference, or pack them all into one day if you need to manage your work schedule or babysitter availability." Registration is $125.

Conference will offer the following:

- 7 online classes of your choice
- 1 online keynote session
- 1 virtual social meet-up
- a box of goodies right to your doorstep (how cool!)

Check the schedule. Click to register.

I am so excited and I want to thank the Alt team so much for making their informational classes available to all of us.

{image credit Alt Summit}

DIY Initial Wall Art Project

Continuing with the font love...

Years ago, Nate Berkus told my mom (through the Oprah Show of course!) that everyone should collect something. If Nate says it, you better do it. So I started collecting the letter "V" for our last name. The designer in me loves the simple understated elegance of a beautiful letterform. Letters seemed like a better fit than knick-knacks.

When we were laying out our new gallery wall, I knew I wanted my daughter to be represented in letterform. I sorted through my favorite fonts and filosofia won my heart. (Look at that serif) Voilá! Simple DIY initial wall art project.

DIY Initial Wall Art

DIRECTIONS

1. Type out your letter(s) in any program that allows you to make font changes
    (Word, Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.)

2. Choose your desired size frame (I used a 5x7 frame)

3. Print and test sizes of your letter until you have found the one you love for your frame

4. Choose your paper (Go crazy here! Kraft paper, neutral scrapbook paper, complimentary, contrasting)

5. Trim and mount with tape to your existing matte

6. Hang/prop and admire

This project would be a simple hostess, baby, birthday, playroom or wedding gift! Instead of letters, you could also use significant words to your family, numbers, heck even just the word "love." Get creative!

Pinterest Board :: Fonts

Graphic Designers have love affairs with fonts. We have crushes on the expenisve ones. We double date script and sans serif ones. "You had me at hello" when one perfectly fits our project. We marry our favorites and use them all the time.

I started my Pinterest Board Fonts to keep track of all my crushes, dates and husbands. The board includes free fonts, cheap fonts, handwritten fonts, expensive fonts, combination examples and ideas. I pin fonts I am considering for new branding projects. I pin and immediately download the amazing free ones. I pin the fonts that I love so much, but have nothing for them yet. I hope you find a new crush, or husband or just someone to duck into a closet with for your next design project! You can check out my current font husbands here.

Do you follow me on Pinterest? I am at evaledesign (140,000+ followers! Holy smokes!)

Do you know of any fonts that I should add to my font love list? Please share!

Learned & Loved No 02

LEARNED

Web color scheme generator (lots of color grouping variations)

Brené Brown's Wholehearted Parenting Manifesto from OWN

25 Blogging Tips & Tricks via Design Crush

Built-in styling for reference via Young House Love (our built-ins are finished! pics coming!)

LOVED

Pink comforting crying girl at concert (I told you, she's a bad a@$!)

Olive Us "How To Be 2" video (Little G's favorite)

Olive Us "Betty In Paris" video (my favorite)

Snoball Cookie recipe from "I'm Hungry Snoball Cookies" (made during Spring snowstorm)

Bribery, Coercion and Other Forms of Motivation via Bower Power

Jessica Alba's The Honest Life book

One Republic song: If I Lose Myself (new album is a pep talk for your soul!)

One Republic song: I Lived (pick your children up and have a dance party. dare you not to cry.)

One Republic song: Life In Color (hospital should play this for new parents when they have a baby)

Happy weekend everyone! See you back here on Monday!

{image credit Vale Design. Built-in tile sneak peek!}

Sharpie Doodle Easter Egg Tutorial

Believe it or not, but I am not a big DIY person. I like to create DIY projects for others, but I do not usually have time to DIY myself. I love "big bang for little buck" type of tutorials. Alisa Burke uses a black Sharpie and some seriously awesome doodling skills to create these beauties. Black and white always tugs at my heart strings. Click here for the full doodle easter egg tutorial.

{found via Anu Gómez Pinterest}

{image credits Alisa Burke}

DIY: FREE PRINTABLE Easter Coloring Sheets

Just download these DIY FREE PRINTABLE PDF Easter coloring pages, print and grab your crayons! One design per 8.5x11" page.

Download EasterRabbit here.

Download EasterEggs here.

Download EasterBlankEgg here.  

COMMON SENSE RULE: For personal use only. Not for commercial use.  ©erinvaledesign.com  

500+ Web Colors

Web colors galore!

Have you ever been stuck finding the right web color for your website or blog? You are about to be un-stuck. Cloford.com features 500+ Web Colors. Each color is broken down by color name, Hex value, RGB value and Microsoft Access code number. (Click the color name and the background will change.)

This is my color starting point for any client website or blog. Once, I have the palette I think I want to work with, I copy the color breakdown into a new RGB Illustrator file. I enter in the RGB values and place the color boxes next to each other to make sure they place nice together. Muted, vibrant, neutrals, grays, they are all on here.

Do you have any color reference websites we need to know about?

Favorite Fonts No 01

I have collected/purchased hundreds of fonts over my 13 year design career. I thought I would share my favorite "go-to" fonts (some are free) that I usually start with when beginning any design project. I start a page in Illustrator where I type out the word(s) and then duplicate it and try out all of these fonts. I evaluate the feel, the letterforms, uppers/lowers, different versions (italic, small cap), etc. They also help me narrow down the category that I think best fits the design. Sans Serif, Serif, Condensed, Script, Distressed, Vintage, etc. I hope these beauties help you on your next creative adventure!

Avenir / Filosofia / Mrs. Eaves / Oldstyle HPLHS / American Typewriter / Abraham Lincoln / Mountain Retreat / Strangelove Text / P22 Cezanne / P22 Declaration / Royal Oak Sans / Kewl Script / Lily Wang / Daisy Lau / Berthold Akzidenz Grotesk / Bodoni Egyptian

Don't forget to follow my Fonts Board on Pinterest. I am at evaledesign

Do you have any favorite "go-to" fonts I need to know about?

Learned & Loved No 01

 

LEARNED

Bréne Brown TED video

"Why You Truly Never Leave High School" via New York Magazine found via Design Mom

Photoshop Tutorial White Balance from Bower Power

Alt Summit Keynote Stephen Sagmeister summary via Design Mom

Alternatives to Gotham Font via imjustcreative

 

LOVED

Healthy Homemade Ice Pop recipes from Jessica Alba on Katie

Rebirth of Slow Blogging via Design For Mankind

Lunch ideas for a 2 year old via Design Mom

Before & After Gallery Wall

Mucca Design

Note To Self blog (graphic design eye candy)

Try by Pink (She is such a bad a@$)

Bangarang by Skrillex (A must to your workout music lineup. I dare you not to get pumped!)

Happy weekend everyone! See you back here on Monday!

{image credit Vale Design at Indianapolis Childrens Museum. Chihuly installation}

Vale Design Work :: D9 Management

New Vale Design work for D9 Management, a construction management company. Items created: Logo and business card design exploration and letterhead design. We wish this new company all the best!

Infographic Love :: Guide To Blogging

I LOVE this infographic designed by Amanda Jane Jones for Bright.Bazaar on How To Build A Bright & Successful Blogging Brand. This is such a great streamlined list of blogging tips. My favorite is "Be a Creator, Not a Curator." Print this free printable out and pin it somewhere special.

I started to think about why I visit my favorite blogs. Most of them have 100% original content. That takes time and a whole lot of energy and that is why they are awesome! I am trying to make sure I have about 60-70% original and 30-40% of my favorite finds from other creatives on Vale Design. You know I love to share! You can find this image and a lot of other cool blogging tips on my Pinterest board Blog Business.

Do you follow me on Pinterest? I am at evaledesign

{image credits Bright.Bazaar and Amanda Jane Jones} 

The Power of Yes

I live(d) in a semi-state of fear.

My immediate internal reaction to something new was always "hell NO I can't do that!" This fault has caused me to miss some major opportunities in my life (like having one of my finch&hawk® printable designs in a major fashion magazine).

Not too long ago, I was bouncing around Twitter and I stopped on a tweet from the Huffington Post OWN division. It said "Tina Fey's #1 Rule For Success." Something in my gut (love that gut instinct) told me to click on the link. I did...and things started happening. Immediately.

The link was to Tina Fey's Success Secret: 'Say Yes'. It told the story of how in her professional career, when she was presented with a scary new opportunity, she said YES and figured out the logistics later. So simple. Scary, but simple. I thought, "what If I try this?" Then I thought, "Screw it. I AM going to try this."

You guys, I am not kidding, the NEXT DAY I was emailed about a wholesale opportunity for finch&hawk® notepads. I normally do not offer wholesale because it just seemed like uncharted territory, but I responded yes and figured everything out. Set up my printers. Set up my pricing (helpful wholesale formula found in Craft Inc.). Set up my labeling. Hand delivered to client. It was fantastic!

There seem to be 2 types of people in the world. The "Say Yes" people who figure out how to get it done after they commit. And the "Say No" people who are too afraid to even give it a chance and miss major life experiences. I conquered my biggest personal fear (giving birth) and now I get to kiss my little girl everyday. Professionally, I have turned down too many jaw dropping opportunities. No more. I am not saying to say yes to every project or experience, but if your immediate gut reaction says YES! Go for it! I know you can do it. Here is to holding hands and stepping into the unknown together. I bet there is magic on the other side!

The Daily Love | Tony Robbins 3 Things You Need For Success

Vale Design Work :: Uncle Gary Kettlecorn

New Vale Design branding and business card designs for Uncle Gary's Kettlecorn. The farmer is styled to resemble the owner of the company! Branding was also used on popcorn bags to be handed out to customers at farmer's markets and fairs. This was a fun one!

DIY FREE PRINTABLE Monthly Blog Post Planner

There are so many blog post weekly planner free printables available on the internet. Heck, I even offer a free printable Blog Topics To Post Weekly Planner. This time around, I am thinking more about my posts. I am looking at them more as a whole. So I have started to plan them out for the entire month. It has been so helpful to see how the weeks tell more of a story and I can see where I have too much of one section and not enough of another. Once they are scheduled, I highlight the date so I know which posts are done and which ones still need images or final editing. Originally, I was just using the calendar program on my computer, but come on, where is the fun in that?! So I designed my own. There is now a section for notes / ideas / brainstorm / to dos.

I hope this DIY free monthly blog post planner printable PDF will help all of you bloggers out there! Just print, fill in the dates for the month and away you go! It is yours forever. Enjoy! {This is my first printable in over a year! It feels so great to be back.}

Download MonthlyBlogPostPlanner here.

COMMON SENSE RULE: For personal use only. Not for commercial use.   ©erinvaledesign.com

** finch&hawk® is back open temporarily to sell out some extra wholesale notepad stock. The Freakin-To-Do List Notepad is available in a single and a 3 pack. Pain-In-The-Groceries are VERY limited and available only in a 2 pack. 

**And yes that is my real to do list from this past weekend. TIP: I color code each category with highlighters to keep everything straight. Vale Design freelance work {badly in need of a portfolio update}, finch&hawk® Etsy shop, Vale Design blog and miscellaneous to dos {taxes. yuck!}

{image credits Vale Design}

Blog Post Idea Resources

The idea of starting to blog again was intimidating. I sat there a couple of times staring at a blank screen. Nothing. I started checking around my Pinterest Blog Business board for some post topic prompts. I realized that I should start simple. Start with what I know. Myself. I know me. I could start by simply sharing facts about myself. This may sound almost too simple to all of you, but you must know that I am a VERY private person. Think Beyoncé and Jay-Z behind closed penthouse doors. I wrote Year + 1 Month Review. I was close to sweating when I hit post. But the second I hit return and it went live, the post topic ideas started flowing! I had to stash notepads all over the house and in the car! Personal posts, business posts, design posts. They all started to come back.

So, if you are new to blogging or are just having a bit of a writer's block, take a look at these blog post topic resources.

No Fail Blog Post Ideas via Brand Camp

10 (super rad) Blog Post Ideas via Joy the Baker

25 Blog Post Ideas for the Uninspired via Lyssbarn

How Do You Decide What To Post About via Young House Love

Do you follow me on Pinterest? I am at evaledesign

Do you have some sure fire blog topic prompts? Do you know a site that does? Wanna share?

{image credits to their respective A-M-A-Z-I-N-G sites}

Pinterest Board :: Blog Business

In my year off I have been evaluating my blog. I want to make sure that it authentically represents me both personally and professionally for Vale Design. I have started a Pinterest board titled Blog Business to help keep me inspired and organized. There are amazing resources on there. Examples: why your favorite bloggers blog, free printable blog topic weekly planner sheets, top blog post ideas for writers block, SEO info and much more. I hope you will check it out and find it as helpful as I have.

Do you follow me on Pinterest? I am at evaledesign

Thank you to the talented people who are sharing all of this valuable information with the rest of us. Much appreciated. Do you have a favorite blog information website/post to share?

DIY: FREE PRINTABLE Valentine's Day Coloring Sheets

In honor of the cutest little guest that we had at our Superbowl party, I give you DIY FREE PRINTABLE VALEntine's Day Coloring & Activity Sheets! Just download, print on 8.5x11" paper and start coloring! {thanks V!}   

Download IHeartYou here.

Download ILoveBubble here.

Download ConnectTheDots here.

COMMON SENSE RULE: For personal use only. Not for commercial use.   ©erinvaledesign.com

DIY FREE Printable Holiday Wish Lists

I love the retro look of this DIY Free Printable Holiday Wish List from Hank + Hunt found via The Sweetest Occassion. There is a black and red version and one that has a touch of green. Printing on ivory paper really does give it that vintage feel. What a classy way to drop a note to Santa. I bet these lovelies make it to the top of his nice list! Found via Pinterest.

Do you follow me on Pinterest? I am at evaledesign

{image credit Hank + Hunt}

DIY Holiday Gift Card Holder Printable

I am a fan of gift cards, but not a big fan of the goofy little holders or paper envelopes provided to hold them. So I have designed some DIY A2 folded printable gift card holders for everyone! There are 2 designs {white & gray, and red & green}, 1 of each on the 8.5"x11". Just print PDF onto cardstock, trim down center line and fold in half. Using an x-acto trace along the back side angle lines. Open card and gently slip your gift card into place. Blank inside to write a personalized message. Try printing design on different colored cardstock! Enjoy!

*Designer recommendations: 

1. I would recommend using 80 lb paper. Has a bit more give than 100 or 110 lbs paper.

2. If you need more room for the card, using the x-acto, just make the angle trim marks a bit longer.

3. If your card has rounded corners, just double-stick or using regular tape, tape the card inside.

Download GiftCardHolder here.

COMMON SENSE RULE: For personal use only. Not for commercial use.   ©erinvaledesign.com

** AN OLDIE, BUT A GOODIE **

DIY FREE Printable Naughty or Nice Gift Tags

I LOVE these DIY Free Printable Naughty or Nice Gift Tags from Brooklyn Limestone. The design looks amazing! Your kiddos will love them. Found via Pinterest.

ps if you have time, wander around her site. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. I am not blown away easily, but I lost about 5 hours of my life swimming through all the eye candy goodness on this site.

Do you follow me on Pinterest? I am at evaledesign

{image credit Brooklyn Limestone}

DIY FREE Printable Baby First Food List

Our daughter is almost 11 months old and she is a very good eater. When we started her on solid foods at 6 months, being a first time mom, I had NO idea what I was doing. I referenced two books and did some quick online research and found the "basic" list of first foods. So, being the designer I am, I had to create a nice looking form that hung on our fridge where I could keep track of what she had tried, liked, did not like or had a reaction to. It was very convenient to fold up and take to her pediatrician appointments as well. 

For all of you first time parents just trying to figure out what the heck you are doing, print this PDF and enjoy!

DIY FREE PRINTABLE Baby First Food List

Two books we use:

Start Fresh - by Tyler Florence of the Food Network. She has loved 100% of the recipes from this book. Plus, the book has recipes for each phase and whole family meals for when baby is older. Makes dinners so easy and the food is fabulous! My husband and I have loved trying a variety of new vegtables and taste combos thanks to this book. We also have been mixing in his organic Sprout Baby Food pouches with homemade food. {extra love: you can upcycle the Sprout packaging through Terracycle}

First Meals - by Annabelle Karmel. Given to me by my sister-in-law the nutritionist. Offers great meal ideas and a lot of information on each phase of your new little eater.

Homemade baby food product we use:

Baby Bullet - Given to me by my nutritionist sister-in-law as well. Quick and "easy peasy mac-n-cheesy" as my niece would say. Piece of mind knowing that my daughter is eating the healthiest foods we can provide. 

DISCLAIMER

** ALWAYS check with your pediatrician first regarding when, how and what to feed your baby.

** No kickbacks for book or product recommendations. These are just what worked for us and I wanted to share that info with other new parents. We have to stick together!

DIY: FREE printable Falling Leaves Thankful For Card Set

Hello everyone! I have finally found some time during my onsite freelance work to design a quick Thanksgiving inspired free printable. This Falling Leaves Thankful For card set includes 2 PDFs. One PDF contains 4 "We are thankful for" place cards. Print them on cardstock, trim on the lines, fold in half and place your uncle next to your mother-in-law!

The second PDF contains 6 flat "I am thankful for" cards. Print these out on cardstock, trim on the lines and place them on plates. These would be cute accompanied with small natural pencils. Encourage your guests to write what they are the most thankful for. Then either go around the table and share or place in a bowl and let every guest pick one out and read them out loud so the author can remain anonymous. Enjoy! 

Download ThankfulCard here.

Download ThankfulPlaceCard here.

COMMON SENSE RULE: For personal use only. Not for commercial use.   ©erinvaledesign.com

** AN OLDIE, BUT A GOODIE **

Infographic Love :: The Basics of Herbs

I love this Basics of Herbs infographic by Illustrated Bites. What a lovely way to reference using herbs in cooking. You have to pop over to this website. Every post is an illustration! Found via Pinterest.

Do you follow me on Pinterest? I am at evaledesign

{image credit Illustrated Bites}

Do you follow me on Pinterest?

Hello everyone. I am trying my best to creep back onto the internet and post when I have a moment. My 10.5 month old daughter {where did the time go?!} keeps me very busy and I know you understand that she comes first.

But I have a confession...I miss you guys! I miss my creative internet community. To stay in touch with all of you, I have been pinning like crazy over on Pinterest for work and personal projects. I have 2 favorite boards that are becoming quite popular. I would love for you to check them out. There are some great ideas for hostess gifts, homemade gifts, home decor and so much more!

Keep up the amazing work you talented right brainers. I will keep pinning and being in awe of all that you create to make this world a lovelier place.

DIY FREE PRINTABLES

DIY PROJECTS & CRAFTS

Do you follow me on Pinterest? I am at evaledesign

Infographic Love :: How Many Guide to Kitchen Conversions

This infographic for The Common Cook's How-Many Guide to Kitchen Conversions by SB Lattin Design will come in VERY handy for your holiday cooking. Print one out, laminate it or frame it and keep it in your kitchen. Found via Pinterest.

Do you follow me on Pinterest? I am at evaledesign

{image credit SB Lattin Design}

Infographic Love :: The Art of Color Coordination

In keeping with our infographic love of color. Check out The Art of Color Coordination by Kissmetrics. There is even a PDF available for download. Found via Pinterest.

Do you follow me on Pinterest? I am at evaledesign

{image credit KISSmetrics}

Infographic Love :: The Psychology of Color

I LOVE looking at infographics. I have never had to design one, but I just love the creativity involved in creating one. I hope you learn something from this lovely below. Found via Pinterest.

Do you follow me on Pinterest? I am at evaledesign

{image credit Dehahs}

DIY: FREE PRINTABLE Halloween Coloring Sheets

{per request of one of my nieces} Let's keep the Halloween spirit going around here! Just download these DIY FREE PRINTABLE PDF Halloween coloring pages, print and grab your crayons! One design per 8.5x11" page.

Download LotsofBats here.

Download HalloweenCostume here.

Download JackOLantern here.

Download SpiderMaze here.

Don't forget about this oldie, but goodie from our Childhood Cancer Awareness Activity & Coloring Sheets!

Download HappyHalloween here.

COMMON SENSE RULE: For personal use only. Not for commercial use.  ©erinvaledesign.com

DIY: FREE PRINTABLE PAssion Fire Fight Breast Cancer Card

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I lost my grandmother to this disease and I am so proud and grateful that my good friend is a Breast Cancer survivor. Remind someone of HER strength. Remind them how much you support them and love them and are going to fight with them. I am offering two new design versions of the original Passion Fire & Fight card. These two free printables are available on one PDF. Print on cardstock, trim, and write a handwritten note on the blank inside. Idea: download these and take them to events, maybe a Breast Cancer run, and hand them out to strangers! Please show your support in any way you can.

Download PassionFireFightBreastCancer here.

COMMON SENSE RULE: For personal use only. Not for commercial use.   ©erinvaledesign.com

**An oldie, but a goodie!

DIY Must Try // Vinyl Letter Wall Art

Next project for my DIY Must Try, Vinyl Letter Wall Art by A Beautiful Mess. {These ladies are so talented!} This is another featured peice we would like to add to our gallery wall. We are thinking about using our daughter's nicknames instead of a quote or saying...but we know I have a quote obsession so I might have to try one of those as well.

These would be great for many gift applications. Wedding, baby, holiday. Just change out the image in the background. Maybe something as simple as a circle or a square. Or try a christmas tree, ornament, pumpkin or leaf for the holidays. Numbers for your home address. Kids names or last names. So many possibilities!

Or if you are feeling more brave and adventurous, try this version from Young House Love.

**Do you follow me on Pinterest?

{image credit A Beautiful Mess}

DIY Must Try // Instagram Canvas Wall Art

I have stated openly on this site that I am NOT a DIYer. I would love to be, but I do not like all the leftover craft products that you have to store. I know, a goofy reason to not do art projects. But, my loyal readers, that is all about to change!

Every Wednesday, I will be featuring a DIY project for a new series I am calling DIY Must Try. I will be featuring DIY projects that I have found around the internet that have peaked my curiousity. Most of the projects on my crafty to do list are super simple and require minimal supplies, but have a big wow factor.

The first project I am excited to try is Instagram Canvas Wall Art by A Beautiful Mess. I have so many baby photos and we are working on a gallery wall for upstairs in our home. I think this would make a cool addition! This project has so many possibilities. Holiday season switch-outs, Grandparent gift, baby, wedding, trip memories, etc. The possibilities are endless!

**Do you follow me on Pinterest?

{image credits A Beautiful Mess}

Fresh Picked Whimsy & Craft Casserole

My good friend Lori, of Fresh Picked Whimsy and Whimsy Studios is at it again! She recently introduced her Craft Casserole classes for anyone near or around the northside of Indianapolis. You know all those awesome DIY projects you see all over the internet or on Pinterest, but have been too afraid to try? Maybe you told yourself, "I do not know anything about crafts or even where to begin." Well, sign up for one of Lori's classes and enjoy her simple step-by-step tutorials, in her Willy Wonka-ish studio {it is the coolest place!}, surrounded by fellow DIY-ers. Follow Craft Casserole on Facebook for new class offerings and pictures of past classes. Classes for kids and adults are available. I can not wait to sign up!

{image credits Fresh Picked Whimsy}

10 Ideas for Instagram & Digital Photos

If you are like me, you have a MILLION Instagram and digital pictures on your tech devices. Instagram especially. The filters make every picture you take look so cool.

I was so excited to stumble onto Mom.me and see their post 10 Easy Ideas for Your Digital Photos. Finally! Some unique project ideas to release those digital photos to print. Posters, postcards, tiny books, stickers, keepsake boxes and many more!

**Are you following me on Instagram? evaledesign

DIY: FREE printable Holiday Gift Tags

Attending a BBQ, cookout, block party or all around shin dig this holiday weekend? Don't even think of showing up empty handed! This FREE printable holiday gift tag can be attached to hostess gifts, wine, spirits, side dishes, etc. 8.5"x11" page contains 4 tags measuring 2"x3.5". The artwork is black and can be printed on whatever color cardstock or scrapbook paper {cardstock weight} you would like. Trim out, hole punch and attach. There is even a line to fill in your name. What a great way to meet your neighbors!

Download FourthGiftTag here.

COMMON SENSE RULE: For personal use only. Not for commercial use.  ©erinvaledesign.com

ps The tag in the photo uses scrapbook paper {cardstock weight} purchased from Target. Again, if you are using scrapbook paper, make sure the design is not too busy.

AN OLDIE BUT A GOODIE!

DIY Teacher's Gift: Chalkboard Pot & Scrapbook Paper Seed Packets

My mom is a first grade teacher and she is close to being done with school. This year we came up with a cute, easy and inexpensive solution for her workshop mom gifts. We made chalkboard paint pot kits including two scrapbook paper seed packets and one piece of chalk. All 18 of them turned out super cute! We finished them off with the kraft paper plant information tags. {All design elements sized for the 3 inch diameter pots that were used.}

1. Pick your scrapbook paper. We chose two kid school inspired designs.

2. Make your seed packets from this free downloadable PDF {1 packet per 8.5x11 page} or this reduced in size free downloadable PDF { 2 packets per 8.5x11 page}.

3. Pick your seeds. We chose Four O'clocks and Sweet Pea. {Be aware of the final plant height!}

4. Spray paint Chalkboard Paint on the pots. Can be found at a craft or home improvement store. One can covered all 18 pots easily. 

5. Optional: We used sisal to tie all the elements together and finished them off with a corner rounder.

**Bonus because I am feeling good today! Here is a free downloadable PDF version of the kraft paper tags to include in your kit. {May take a minute to load} There are 8 tags per 8.5x11 page. Tie the tag in with the seed packets or punch a hole in the top and tie with some ribbon or sisal. Have fun and get creative! 

COMMON SENSE RULE: PLEASE DO NOT COPY, REPRODUCE, MODIFY OR PROFIT FROM THIS DESIGN IN ANYWAY. {Cheating means we have to stop sharing. Please don't be that person.}

DIY: FREE printable "Happy Husband Kit"

Yeah! It is finally ready! My husband has been feeling a bit blue lately. Blah blah economy, blah blah job, etc. I wanted to cheer him up so I created the FREE PRINTABLE "Happy Husband Kit." This would also be a great inexpensive "recession" DIY surprise for a wedding anniversary. Surprise the man in your life and have fun!

This kit includes:

• 1 "You are par-fect fore me" golf ball box template that will fit 3 standard golf balls

• 1 fill in the blank menu card

• 1 "1 day/hour free of nagging" gift card

• 1 "I promise to:" fill in the blank gift card

Download  GolfBallBox here.

Download GiftCardMenu here.

**AN OLDIE, BUT A GOODIE**

COMMON SENSE RULE: PLEASE DO NOT COPY, REPRODUCE, MODIFY OR PROFIT FROM THIS DESIGN IN ANYWAY. {Cheating means we have to stop sharing. Please don't be that person.}

One more image after the jump.

Wall Art DIY Project

Hello everyone. Yes, I am still alive. I am just buried between feedings, diapers, crib drama, smiles, giggles, a goos, coos and exhaustion of having an almost 3 month old {March 24th!}. While baby G was napping today, I stumbled across this awesome and simple wall art DIY project over on A Beautiful Mess. If you did not want to use the paint by number as the background, grab a blank canvas and paint a random design. Instead of lyrics, you could use a favorite quote or a person's name. I might do a monochromatic yellow background to go into the petite's nursery. This project would make such a great housewarming or wedding gift!

{image credit A Beautiful Mess}

Gianna Moonbug Photography Photoshoot

We recently had the privilege and honor of having our little Gianna photographed by the talented Sonja Clark of Moonbug Photography. {you may remember the branding project I did for her.} Funny, this was a couple of weeks ago and G has already grown so much! {2 month shots yesterday. Big girl}

We are close friends with the Clarks and Sonja was there for me all through my pregnancy. She has posted some snapshots of our petite over on her blog and I will be sharing some of my favorites in the coming month. If you are in the Indianapolis area and need any pregnancy, newborn, childrens, senior or family pictures, you should give her a call. She has an amazing gift to capture a person's soul and spirit. It is all in the eyes! Thanks again Sonja!

{image credits Moonbug Photography}

Free Printable Holiday Type Gift Tags

Another beauty from Amy at Eat Drink Chic! Just download these free printable holiday type gift tags, trim and enjoy. Thanks Amy! Another beauty! Found via Pinterest.

{image credits Eat Drink Chic}

Free Printable Reindeer Gift Tags

I have always been a HUGE fan of Amy of Eat Drink Chic. She has done it again with these DIY adorable free printable Peace, Love & Reindeer Hugs holiday gift tags. Thanks for sharing Amy! Found via Pinterest.

{image credits Eat Drink Chic}

Washi tape gift wrapping + ideas

Washi tape is so versatile. Love the holiday wrapping ideas and simple diy ornament decorations found on The Sweetest Occasion, submitted by Christine of Pure Joy Events. There is also a free printable holiday tag available for download from Frog Prince Paperie. Found via Pinterest.

{image credits 6 Bittersweets}

Printable Vintage Santa Treat Bag

Hello December! I am totally getting into the holiday spirit and I seem to be gravitating toward vintage Christmas this year. I am feeling nostalgic. So I was super excited to find this free printable Vintage Santa Treat Bag download over on Skip To My Lou. The image is from one of my favorite vintage clip art sites, Graphics Fairy. These would be cute for holiday party favors, seasonal birthdays {which our baby will have}, advent bags, treat bags left by Santa for the kiddos, hostess gifts and many more uses. I wonder if you would be able to print these on canvas bags as well?

{image credit Graphics Fairy. Found via Pinterest}

Free Printable Santa Letterhead

I LOVE everything about this free printable Santa Claus letterhead from Design Editor found via Pinterest. I love the font, the ornamental details, and the concept. So cute for the kiddos!

{image credits Design Editor found via Pinterest}

DIY Take-Along Treats 4: Maple Chile Popcorn

Yeah! Take-Aong Treats are back! Today's treat, Maple Chile Popcorn, is brought to you by my amazing recipe finder Sister-in-law. My husband, his twin brother and I hosted a Thanksgiving "dress rehearsal" dinner at our home this past Saturday. That just means we had 16 people at our house for early Thanksgiving! It was a success and this popcorn made the best snack. It was sweet with a nice spicy kick. She added some nuts and pretzel rods for some extra crunch! PDF download includes 2 4x6 recipe cards with this recipe already typed in! Just make the treat, print recipe card PDF onto cardstock, trim and give with love! Enjoy! {It was gone so quickly I almost did not get a picture of it!} Don't miss Take-Along Treat 1, Take-Along Treat 2 and Take-Along Treat 3.

Download MapleChilePopcorn recipe card here.

COMMON SENSE RULE: For personal use only. Not for commercial use.   ©erinvaledesign.com

DIY Take-Along Treats 3: Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie

Today is the last of the "take-along" treats and it is sweet and easy to make. Today is Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie day! I had this at my sister-in-law's house one Thanksgiving and I sat at her computer immediately after dessert and emailed myself the recipe. This is such a great twist on a simple pecan pie. So tasty and rich. PDF download includes 2 4x6 recipe cards with this recipe already typed in! Just make the treat, print recipe card PDF onto cardstock, trim and give with love!  {This is also one of my husband's favorite recipes to make. So from my family to yours, happy, safe and tasty holidays to you all!}

Download BourbonChocolatePecanPie recipe card here.

 

 
COMMON SENSE RULE: For personal use only. Not for commercial use.   ©erinvaledesign.com

** AN OLDIE, BUT A GOODIE **

DIY Take-Along Treats 2: Grandma's Caponata

It is day 2 of the "take-along" treats recipe and free PDF recipe card downloads. I am so excited to share this recipe with you! It is one of my Grandmother's Italian show stoppers! If you like vegetables, you will love this. I have had this a couple of times, but recently at the uncles' house while visiting and it was so good I knew I wanted to share. PDF download includes 2 4x6 recipe cards with this recipe already typed in! Just make the treat, print recipe card PDF onto cardstock, trim and give with love! Enjoy! 

Download Caponata recipe card here.

 

 

COMMON SENSE RULE: For personal use only. Not for commercial use.   ©erinvaledesign.com

** AN OLDIE, BUT A GOODIE **

DIY Take-Along Treats 1: Chili Cumin Cashews

Every time we travel with my uncle, he makes us all little "take-along" treat bags filled with tasty homemade snacks. As I am sure a lot of you are hosting or attending the upcoming holidays, these next three days will be filled with 3 "take-along" recipes and coordinating free recipe card PDF downloads to give to your guests or your host and hostess. PDF download includes 2 4x6 recipe cards with this recipe already typed in! Just make the treat, print recipe card PDF onto cardstock, trim and give with love! Enjoy!

Download ChiliCuminCashews recipe card here. 

 

COMMON SENSE RULE: For personal use only. Not for commercial use.   ©erinvaledesign.com

** AN OLDIE, BUT A GOODIE **

DIY Free Printable Thanksgiving Gift Tags

Love these DIY FREE printable Thanksgiving Gift Tags from Hello Good Gravy. Don't forget, if you are a guest this holiday, bring a gift!

{image credits Hello Good Gravy found via Pinterest}