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

My Favorite Quote + Free Printable

I collect quotes.

They are all over my house in some fashion. On our blackboard wall, on this blog, in my quotes journals, etc. They are everywhere. I love the bullet point therapy session they provide. You hear it. It sinks in. It clicks.

The quote that I am holding in my heart right now is by Theodore Roosevelt. "Comparison is the thief of joy." Read it again. Comparison is the THIEF of joy. Comparing yourself to others will ROB you of your life.

I am a woman. I was once a teenage girl and I was once a little girl. Now I am the mother of a little girl. As women, I think we are trained at an early age to look around at others and made to feel like the person in the mirror is not good enough. Look left and right. What does she have that makes her so happy? Why is she so much prettier than me? What about that couple makes them so happy? Why is that mother mothering better than me?

We all do it. We all questions outside of ourselves instead of looking inside. God forbid we acknowledge that we are enough. When in reality, we do the best we can and that is good enough. If I spend all my time comparing myself to others, I am going to miss out on the joy that is my life. The look my Husband gives only to me, his wife. My daughter's giggles that she gives only to me, her mother. I REFUSE to miss my joy. Some days it is a second by second reminder, but the power of this quote brings it to my mental surface. I stop. I take a breath and I speak my gratitude. Gratitude births joy.

As a mother, I do not want my daughter to suffer as I did through my teens and 20's, but in reality, she will. I want her to know that she is good enough. I hope that by growing up with this quote on our gallery wall and all the other quotes I will rain down on her, that some will stick. That some small tidbit will give her the courage to say "F - it. I am going to be me and I am good enough." I want her to know that in the whole huge world of comparisons, she is prefect to me, her mother and I want her to feel that joy all the way down to her toes.

So for all of you that need a daily reminder, here is my favorite quote as a 5x7 DIY FREE PRINTABLE for you. Enjoy and remember not to let that so-called perfect person, scenario, couple, job, etc. rob you of your joy.

Download Quote Theodore Roosevelt here.

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

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  

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} 

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}

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 **

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

DIY FREE After School Printable

I LOVE this printable and I wish I thought of it first! But alas, Silverbox Creative Studio beat me to it. It is a DIY Free Printable "Rate Your Day" After School Printable. Beautifully designed and a great way to check in with your kids. Well done! Found via Pinterest.

Do you follow my DIY Free Printable board on Pinterest?

{image credit Silverbox Creative Studio}

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: 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.

Free Printable Helen Dardik Holiday Gift Tags

Love these free 2011 holiday printable gift tags from illustrator Helen Dardik. Her style is just so sweet! {Found on Pinterest and Paper Crave}

{image credits Helen Dardik}

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}

Free Printable Holiday Gift Tags

Illustrator {and my friend} Lori of Fresh Picked Whimsy and Whimsy Studios is at it again! She is generously sharing these free printable holiday gift tags. Make sure you check out all of her free downloads. Thanks Lori!

{image credits Fresh Picked Whimsy}

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 5: Peppermint Bark

This Take-Along Treat peppermint bark recipe is so simple! Bundled in a tin it makes the prettiest holiday party or hostess gift. The Food Network Magazine December 2010 issue features some interesting bark recipes using white and dark chocolate. They even suggest swirling the two chocolates together. So pretty! They also suggest a whole bunch of ingredients to use instead of peppermints such as candied orange peels, pistachios, dried cranberries, figs, etc. Makes the bark look so sophisticated. You could even use ingredients with colors that would match the theme of your holiday party! The possibilities are endless...Free 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!

Make sure to check out all of the Take-Along Treat recipes!

Download PeppermintBark recipe card here.

{image credits Food Network}

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}

Collection of Free Thanksgiving Printables

Thank you Kind Over Matter! Such a great round-up of FREE Thanksgiving Printables! Have a great weekend everyone. See you back here on Monday! {pst big announcement coming Tuesday...}

{image credits Kind Over Matter. Found via Pinterest by Audrey Jacobsen}

Fresh Picked Whimsy Free Wine Label Printable

My talented illustrator friend Lori of Fresh Picked Whimsy and Whimsy Studios is at it again! Check out these cute FREE wine label gift tag printables she is giving away. She is the coolest!

I will be a guest this Thanskgiving at my brother's house {hello 36 weeks pregnant at that time!} and I am totally going to use these for hostess tags for the wine we bring. Remember, if you are a guest, bring a gift!

Click here to download these little lovelies! Thanks L!

{image credits Fresh Picked Whimsy}

Halloween Witch Silhouettes {free download}

These free downloadable Halloween Witch Silhouettes from NoBiggie are so cute! They would great for party favors, garland, or even window decorations. NoBiggie also offers small and large versions of each template. Don't forget to check out the bat and black raven downloads as well!

{image credits NoBiggie via Pinterest}

DIY Halloween Skull Pumpkin Stamp

I love a good skull graphic and this Martha Stewart Halloween Skull Potato Stamp hits the spot! Imagine the scary possibilities... {click on the link for tutorial and free download skull template}

{image credits Martha Stewart found via Pinterest}

Fall Tutorials & Free Printables & Handmade Gift Ideas

Everything Etsy features links galore to tutorials, handmade gift ideas and free printables. Bookmark them people. The holidays are coming!

• 101 Festive Fall Tutorials

• 101 Simple Handmade Gifts

• 101 Pretty Free Printables {featuring Vale Design printables!}

{image credits Everything Etsy}

DIY: FREE PRINTABLE Beach Coloring Sheets

{In honor of my recent beach vacation!} Just download these DIY FREE PRINTABLE PDF Beach coloring pages, print and grab your crayons! One design per 8.5x11" page.  

Download BeachBallStarfish here.

Download BeachLike here.

Download BeachKite here.

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

**An oldie, but a goodie**

Gifted Magazine by Creature Comforts

RUN DON'T WALK PEOPLE! Ez, of Creature Comforts blogging fame, has just released the first issue of Gifted Magazine and it is eye candy galore! Gorgeous photography, diy tutorials, gift ideas for everyone, free printables, recipes etc. Lovely articles and interviews with some of your favorite designers, blogger and illustrators. If only all online magazine could be this lovely...Congrats Ez!

{image credits Creature Comforts}

Halloween + Design + Fall Favorite Links

Finally feeling like I have some time to get in the Halloween spirit! Isn't that little designy ghost so cute?! Today's links are focusing on my passions of the moment. Halloween. Design. Music.

// FALL FAVORITE LINKS //

+ Great Etsy Storque Guide to Photography

+ How to organize your finances when you're a freelancer {via mint}

+ LOVE this song. Love her.

+ Can't get this song out of my head {that kid has some serious "IT"}

+ Creepy, but pretty poster

+ New favorite jeans that fit like a glove

+ SCARIEST Haunted House I ever went to!

+ Chicago Hauntings Tour

+ The BEST free printable Halloween round-ups here, here and here {via Paper Crave}

+ Robot, Monster & Ghost Co {via FPO}

+ Really like this new logo

+ Halloween goodies are so cute they should be framed!

+ Made this for dinner last night

+ GAP does something right

+ Rifle Paper Co Business Series new post

// LOCALS // {Indianapolis}

+ Legend of Sleepy Hollow Headless Horseman at Conner Prairie

+ Shots in the Dark at the IMA

+ Andy Warhol Enterprises at the IMA

+ Zombie Walk & Prom

+ Haunted Places in Indiana

Have a great and scary weekend everyone! See you back here on Monday!

{image credits Robot, Monster & Ghost Co. via FPO}

Domestifluff 13 days of Halloween crafts

My super talented friend, Ms. Kristen of Paper Crave, Craftig and Domestifluff, is at it again! She is sharing some awesome DIY Halloween craft ideas that she created for her 13 days of Halloween. As you can see from the above picture, there is a craft project for everyone. Make something for your home, a friend, or get crafty with your kids. Projects have already started so don't get too far behind! 

Make sure to check out Kristen's Tips and Supplies post.

Thanks K! These are great! I will be visiting everyday!

{image credit Domestifluff}

DIY Ghoulish Halloween Invitation

How freakin' cool is this free printable DIY Halloween Invitation and portrait of the unfortunate uncle downloads from TrulySmitten?! I LOVE THESE! They really put me in the holiday spirit. Make sure to check out the tea tutorial on how to make your envelopes look aged and worn. Check out the Truly Smitten portfolio {I like the Vale logo the best!} and you follow Sarah Kim on Twitter. Go. Go now!

{image credit Truly Smitten}

DIY: Free Printable Scrapbook Mexican Wedding Favor Bag Topper

Remember these Mexican Wedding Favor Bag Toppers? I designed them for my brother's wedding reception to top the Mexican Wedding Cookie favors. They have never been available as a free printable download...until now! Use for your Mexican wedding, reception or rehearsal dinner. Here is how we made them:

ITEMS NEEDED

1. Scrapbook paper of your choice

2. Favor/treat bags

** NOTE ** This PDF is designed to fit on a standard 4"x9" plastic bag. We found ours at Hobby Lobby. The brand was Sunny Side Up™ 50 medium clear bags.

DIRECTIONS

1. Buy theme colored or slightly patterned scrapbook paper.

2. {if you need to} Trim your scrapbook paper down to a standard 8.5"x11" sheet of paper.

3. Print free download onto scrapbook paper.

4. Trim on black lines and fold in half.

5. {if you need to} Cut some of the plastic favor bag top off.

** NOTE ** We only had 5 cookies in a bag and we had a lot of extra plastic at the top.

6. Fold favor bag top over. Slip favor bag topper over top of bag and staple twice along the bottom to secure topper to bag and to seal bag shut. {see pictures above for reference}

Click here for MexicanWeddingFavorBagTopper download.

** NOTE ** Download is black type on white paper. Intended for use on colored or patterned scrapbook paper of your choice. 2 toppers per 8.5"x11" sheet.

© Vale Design 

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

{image credits Vale Design}

Martha Stewart Measuring Free Printable

When cooking or baking, I am constantly having to look up measurement equivalents. This Martha Stewart free measuring printable will come in so handy. It's free! Download one for yourself and a friend, laminate and keep stashed close to your recipes. 

{image credits Martha Stewart}

Jungle + Summer Lovin' Links

It's a jungle in here! My husband has quite the green thumb outside so I figured maybe we should add some of that lush greenery inside! Meet our new kids! {All plants purchased from Lowes in the indoor plant section. ps those three big lovelies in the back were only $9.00 each!}

// SUMMER LOVIN' LINKS //

+ my new favorite home inspiration site {thanks M for the tip!}

+ House plants that make you healthy {inspired my plant shopping trip}

+ How to clean house plants

+ Free DIY hanky printables from Eat Drink Chic {Amy you have done it again! Lovely}

+ Before & After Michael's Farm packaging {via The Dieline}

+ Great free printable round-up {via Paper Crave}

+ Bakery Half Dozen Fall Course open registration {I did this. HIGHLY RECOMMEND}

+ Part II of the copyright and trademark questions {see Part I here}

+ My Beach Bedroom Bathroom inspiration boards

+ Gold mine of professional inspiration boards {via Young House Love}

+ LOVE this logo {combines my love of design and birds}

+ John Derian collection at select Target stores and online starting this weekend {sneak peek}

// LOCALS // {Indianapolis}

+ Get messy at Rib America

+ Check out the new bar Ball & Biscuit on Mass Ave {I have been there. Swanky and Cool!}

+ Bella Chic Interiors in Carmel. {Gorgeous, unique, antique furniture at insanely good prices. Facebook updated with latest auction goodies}

+ Groovin' in the Garden at Easley Winery

+ America We Remember at the Garfield Park Conservatory {conservatory closed Labor Day}

Have a great, safe long weekend everyone! See you back here WEDNESDAY!

Watermelon Bus + Summer Lovin' Links

I thought I would share this funny picture my mom took in Michigan. It is a watermelon bus! Maybe they are on their way back to school too!

// SUMMER LOVIN' LINKS //

+ Back to School Guide 2010 on IndieFixx {cute designy items!}

+ Bakery copyright and trademark questions answered

+ a great business card design visual reference

+ sweetest Animal Alphabet Chart from Rifle Paper Co

+ are you reading one of Times 50 Best Websites

+ a must read site for all designy moms {GB's taste is flawless!}

+ must try this caramel sauce recipe {includes free tag printables. Would be cute teacher gifts!}

+ LOVE the washi tape from here

+ great interview with Creative Inc. authors {Meg & Joy} on Mint

+ CALLING ALL BRIDES: Nonpareil Magazine Issue No. 5 is out & is gorgeous!

+ Gallery wall image ideas {will come in handy for my bird image collection!}

+ another cool home project DIY site

+ I will be reading True Value Blog Squad for remodel ideas {check out this talented line-up!}

+ love this tip for hanging pictures {my phobia!}

+ getting inspired by these painting projects and ideas

+ painting my master bedroom this beachy blue

+ stunning recipe & food photography site {found via Twig&Thistle}

+ top design & visual blog reference site {found via Creature Comforts}

+ love this branding

+ free back to school stationery & lunch box note printables from le papier studio

// LOCALS // {Indianapolis}

+ Summer Night Film Series at the IMA {one of my favorite films tonight!}

+ BBQ for Children's Charities on Monument Circle

+ Dig-In a Taste of Indiana - food, wine, beer tasting, demos and pairings

Have a great summer weekend everyone! See you back here on Monday!

{image credits First Grade Teacher extraordinaire - my Mom}

Paper Crave Canning Party Printables

Look how talented and nice my friend Kristen at Paper Crave is! She shared these super cute DIY Canning Party Printable freebies over on Cottage Industrialist. Includes invitations, envelope liners, recipe cards, jar labels and tags. The navy blue and white graphics would look great with this easy homemade strawberry freezer jam recipe. Thanks K! These are great! 

{image credit Paper Crave}

Blog Love :: Daily Drop Cap

Daily Drop Cap is a blog by the letterform wizard that is typographer/illustrator Jessica Hische. Each work day, DDC features a new letterform for you to download and use {usage limitations} on your blog. Code included. If you are a designer, this site is a breathe of fresh air. Clean white space and letterforms at their best! Visit Jessica's site, her blog, her store and Twitter.

{image credits Jessica Hische and Daily Drop Cap}

DIY Free Printable Westwood Paper Company Wedding Paper Timeline

Attention Indianapolis brides! Westwood Paper Company has moved! New space, same extraordinary wedding paper services. In honor of owner/my friend Jill Sowder's newest endeavor, I thought I would share her wedding paper timeline words of wisdom. To learn more about Jill and Westwood Paper Company, check out my interview with her on The Inspired Bride™. You can also find Westwood Paper Company on Twitter and Facebook. {design: Erin Vale  copy: Jill Sowder}

Jill's wedding paper timeline will help keep all brides on track and on top of their wedding paper needs. Download and print the DIY FREE PRINTABLE timeline onto cardstock, trim and check off each paper need as you go! Convenient size fits in any wedding reference binders. Great for brides and wedding planners.

Download WeddingPaperTimeline here.

Thank you Jill for all your great wedding paper insight! Here is to many more years of paper bliss! ~ erin

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

Happy St. Patrick's Day free printable

Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone! This cute free mini holiday printable is compliments of one of my favorite ladies, Kristen of Domestifluff,  Paper Crave and Nonpareil. Thanks K!

© Domestifluff. For personal use only. Not for commercial use.

{image credits Domestifluff}