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

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  

DIY Family Map Cork Art

Pinned it...just not digitally!

Today, I am going to share my DIY Cork Family Map art project that is found in a shadow box frame on our gallery wall. I wanted to add something a bit more three dimensional to create some visual texture. I found a map online and added sewing pins to the cities where we have family. I also added one on our favorite Vale vacation spot, Topsail, North Carolina. It has also been a simple way to teach Little G about her out-of-town relatives!

I have mentioned on this site that I am a designer, not a DIYer. I LOVE DIY projects, I just do not do them. (Hate having to store left over supplies!) So I searched Pinterest for an easy DIY that I could make that would be quick and easy. There were a lot of different variations and executions of map artwork. My variation was super simple and I love the result.

DIRECTIONS

1. Remove frame back. Measure and trim cork to fit the inside of your shadow box frame. (I found the cork in the office section at Target in roll form). Double stick tape or spray mount it to the provided matte.

2. Print or use existing map (state, national, country, or global). (Google is your best friend!)

3. Decide what your map will showcase (family homes, favorite trip, where you were engaged/married, etc)

4. Add pins and seal up shadow box frame

5. Hang and enjoy every moment you walk past your wall!

You can find other map projects here / here / here /

**Free Photoshop Arrow Brushes found via Creature Comforts

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!

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}

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 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 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 **

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.

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}

Cyber Monday Sale

Cyber Monday is here! Use discount code CYBERMONDAY2011 at checkout to save 50% on all items in the finch&hawk® shop. This sale will run from 7am EST - 7pm EST today only. Notepad supplies are VERY limited!

Click here to learn how to redeem your discount code at checkout.

** Shop will close Dec 2nd {this Friday} for maternity leave **

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 **

Pregnancy Fall Holiday Notepad Sale

finch&hawk® is having our Third Annual Notepad Sale on all notepads! To celebrate Erin being pregnant, we are offering 40% & 50% OFF ALL NOTEPADS! Great for hostess gifts, stocking stuffers, lists for new moms, white elephant and office party favors. Get yours while you can! The sale will end on Friday, November 18th at 12 PM EST.

Notepads are professionally printed, 50 sheets per pad and shrink wrapped for added protection.

**We will ship to your PAYPAL ADDRESS**

**If you would like more than the quantity show, convo or email us and we would be happy to add more**

 **PLEASE NOTE: The finch&hawk® shop will close for maternity leave on December 2nd**

{BEST SELLER & Featured on Etsy Storque} - 3 Pack - FreakinToDo List notepads

{BEST SELLER} Single - FreakinToDo List notepad

2 Pack - PainInTheGroceries List Notepads

Single - PainInTheGroceries List Notepad

{image credits Vale Design} © Vale Design & finch&hawk®

Registered finch&hawk Logo

It only took a year and a half, but my finch&hawk® logo is now officially and legally registered through the US government. Look at that cute ® icon! So excited. If you would like a couple of pointers on how I went about the process, visit this Freelance 101 tutorial :: How to Apply For A Trademark {the basics}.

{image and logo credit Vale Design}

Vale Design Work :: Brown Bear Photography

New Vale Design branding and business card designs for Brown Bear Photography. You can see the full logo exploration here. The client chose to move forward with two different logo versions to be used in various branding aspects of her company. Business cards were printed via Moo Cards with 9 different client photographs on the back.

DIY: FREE PRINTABLE Childhood Cancer Awareness Activity & Coloring Sheets

It was brought to my attention last week that September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month. My reader kindly asked if I would do a printable for this. I immediately went to my friend Kristen {of Paper Crave, Domestifluff and Craftig fame} to help me design some joint free printables. We brainstormed and have each created an activity page{s} and a coloring sheet. If you are a parent with a child who is suffering from cancer, our hearts, strength and creativity go out to you all! ~ Erin & Kristen

**Designer Notes: Try laminating the tic tac toe board and cut out pieces to strengthen them for airplane rides, road trips or trips to the doctor's office.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Download MazePear here.

Download MazeApple here.

Download HappyHalloween coloring sheet here.

Download TicTacToe board and pieces here. {This is a multi-page pdf}.

Download HopeBalloon coloring sheet here.

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

**AN OLDIE, BUT A GOODIE **

 

 

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**

Le Dolce Vita Patisserie Grand Opening Date

I am so excited to announce that my client, Le Dolce Vita Patisserie, has set their store Grand Opening date. The store, located in Zionsville Indiana, will open Saturday, January 29th. I am so honored to have been part of the process and I have seen sneak peeks of the store along the way. I have also had the opportunity to test many of the sweet treats! Yum! Kelly and her team have done an amazing job and I wish them all the best! Stop in for some coffee, donuts and pastries!

Visit their website, twitter and facebook for locations and directions, store information, menu, seasonal flavors and event scheduling information.

{image credits Le Dolce Vita Patisserie}

Happy 2011

Hello and happy new year everyone! I am sitting on a train commuting into Chicago and will be for the next three months. I am contracted for some onsite freelance work. My posts might be a little crazy for a bit until I figure out my new schedule. Please hang with me!

As I am sure you have noticed on all the blogs, people are declaring their new years resolutions, life lists and personal and professional goals for 2011. I am mulling mine over and reviewing last years. Things definitely need to change up a bit around here. I will be sharing mine very soon.

To combat any homesick issues, I bought a new vegetarian cookbook and I will be working my way through it and sharing all my new favorite recipes. I am also determined to fall in love with Chicago again. I am going out to explore the winter windy city, shooting pictures, documenting my adventures and sharing them all. Take a Chi-town trip with me!

Thank you for your patience and see you guys in a bit! ~ erin

{image credits Vale Design}

Coolest Dog Gift Ever

It's official! I have the coolest uncle EVER! One of my uncles, the graphic designer {business and Etsy}, made and mailed Daisy the COOLEST freakin' thing I have ever seen. Let me set the stage. Me depressed over Daisy's eye surgery. Uncles massive dog lovers. Me crying to them at Thanksgiving. Uncle had some time to kill in Minneapolis blizzard. Me opening special delivery package. Me screaming and calling them smiling in fits of laughter. Finally, someone brought some positive to this extreme negative! Voila! Daisy's new designer beaded eye patch!

I LOVE skull and cross bones {especially like Paul Frank}. As soon as the stitches come out and it is safe, I will take some pictures of Daisy sporting her new patch. Thanks UJ! You ROCK! Much love.

Much love to you all! You have left me the kindest comments and emails and ALL of them have helped my husband and I through this dog stuff. It was nice to hear about all of your pets and their struggles and triumphs. Helped us to remember her strength and to know that she too will get through this! ~ erin

{image credits Vale Design}

Vale Design Work :: Le Dolce Vita Patisserie Van Wrap

More snazzy Vale Design portfolio work! We designed these van wraps for our Le Dolce Vita Patisserie client. {click here to see more LDV Patisserie work} Now they will be able to deliver their tasty treats in style! Their logo and contact information are clearly marked for potential client contact and to further the brand recognition.

{click here to see more Vale Design work}

{image credits Le Dolce Vita Patisserie}

Finch&Hawk Holiday Notepad Sale

finch&hawk™ is having our Second Annual Holiday Sale on all notepads! 30% OFF ALL NOTEPADS. Great for hostess gifts, stocking stuffers, white elephant and office party favors. Get yours while you can! The sale will end on Monday December, 13th at 12 PM EST. Make sure to check out the USPS Holiday Shipping Schedule.

Notepads are professionally printed, 50 sheets per pad & shrink wrapped for added protection.

**We will ship to your PAYPAL ADDRESS**

**If you would like more than the quantity shown, convo or email us and we would be happy to add more**

{BEST SELLER & Featured on Etsy Storque} - 3 Pack - FreakinToDo List notepad

{BEST SELLER} Single - FreakinToDo List notepad

2 Pack - PainInTheGroceries List notepad

Single - PainInTheGroceries List notepad

{image credits Vale Design} © Vale Design & finch&hawk™

Zionsville Christmas in the Village

Calling all Indy locals! Did you know this weekend is Zionsville's Christmas in the Village? One of our Vale Design clients, Le Dolce Vita Patisserie is participating.

Visit the Le Dolce Vita Patisserie site for more detailed information.

I can smell the gingerbread cookies already...Good Luck Kelly!

Happy weekend everyone! See you back here on Monday!

{image credits Le Dolce Vita Patisserie}

Vale Design Work :: Summit Brands New Glisten Packaging

One of my latest freelance package design projects, Glisten by Summit Brands, has been finalized and is making its way to a shelf near you! Click here to see which of the above designs was chosen as the final. I love to design packaging for the cleaning aisle. Sad, but true!

Other Summit Brand products I have designed and/or collaborated on are shown below...including the Summit logo which was recently chosen to be included in the Logo Lounge Master Series: Shapes & Symbols book. Click here to see the full Vale Design Portfolio.

{image credits Vale Design}

The perks of my job

There are many perks to my job as a freelance graphic designer. Freedom. Amazing clients. Flexible hours. Days off whenever I feel like it. The ability to choose who I work for and with. Now I can add DELICIOUS and LOVELY meeting take-home treats from my patisserie client! My meeting consisted of fresh coffee, fresh baked cookies and some of the best macarons I have ever tasted! I am lucky I heard a word she said...

Le Dolce Vita Patisserie packaging is almost done and the shop will open in a couple of months. Let's just say I am glad that the bakery will be one city away from my office. Otherwise, this graphic designer would gain some serious weight!

Thanks Kelly for the tasty treats! They were good and they are gone! ~ Erin's stomach :)

ps Pictured above is Vanilla, Chocolate and one of their seasonal flavors, Pumpkin Spice. These would wow any guest at any party or holiday gathering! **INDY LOCALS ** Contact them now to plan your event. They are booking up quick!

2 Day Fall finch&hawk Notepad Sale

The finch&hawk™ 2 DAY FALL NOTEPAD SALE is back! Sale runs from October 25 - October 26th. Sale ends Tuesday October 26th at 11 pm EST. Give them as gifts for all of your holiday parties! Stock up for the upcoming holidays! Get them while they last!

Click here to go straight to the sale!

Indianapolis Museum of Art Fall Flickr Pictures

I am addicted to the IMA gardens. My Mom and I have made it a point this year to visit during Spring, Summer and now Fall. Come and take a walk with us through the lovely grounds! Check out the IMA Fall Vale Design Flickr shots.

{image credits Vale Design and my Mom} 

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}

Vale Design Work :: Le Dolce Vita Patisserie

I am so excited to share some recent Vale Design portfolio work for Le Dolce Vita Patisserie. Le Dolce Vita Patisserie specializes in sweet treats, wedding favors, French Macarons and custom event work. My client, Kelly, was just as sweet!

I designed the logo, "quick" contact business cards, stickers, website/blog design and programming. We are currently working on the packaging phase of the project. Make sure to check out the website!

If you are in the Indianapolis area, listen to your sweet tooth and contact them. Their holiday schedule is filling up quickly! Good luck Kelly!

© Vale Design

{image credits Vale Design}

Vale Design on Flickr

Vale Design is now on Flickr! Come check out some of my favorite pictures, including this lovely orchid image I photographed on a recent trip to the Garfield Park Conservatory in Indianapolis. {Truly one of the loveliest places I have ever visited. Would be such a romantic place to get engaged!}

You can always use the new quick link in the upper right "Elsewhere" section!

{image credits Vale Design}

Vale Design Work :: Moonbug Photography Blog Design Revisions

One of my freelance clients, photographer Sonja Clark of Moonbug Photography, was happy with the blog she had designed and set-up, but she was looking for that little something extra. We had a quick brainstorming session on strengthening the look of her brand, visual organization and legibility. Then I went to work!

I designed a new blog header showcasing her logo {with its sparkly new ® registration! Congrats!} and used the bug as a subliminal arrow to help move the viewer across the top of the site and down the right side to the newly created quick buttons. The side buttons emphasize the brand color and utilize the playful lightening bug graphic to highlight main information. Make sure to check out the reference section with Sonja's helpful hints when preparing yourself or your family for a professional photoshoot. Pop over to check out the new design!

**Note :: Indianapolis Locals :: Her schedule is quickly filling up with school pictures, mini sessions and early holiday card shoots. Be sure to book asap!

{image credits Vale Design and Moonbug Photography}

Vale Design Work :: Wedding

I finally have a second to share some recent Vale Design wedding work. The couple was fun and fabulous with a great sense of humor. Check out the favor bag picture! They got engaged on a "shopping" trip to Chicago, hence the credit card theme. Favors were the Mexican Wedding cookies. So tasty!

**Details to note: the credit card number is their wedding date and the card is good for life!

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

More pictures after the break!

Logo Lounge Master Series: Shapes & Symbols

At the end of my very emotional week last week, I received an email informing me that a logo I designed will be published in the Logo Lounge Master Library Series, Volume 3, Shapes & Symbols. I am very honored to have been chosen. Click here to see more of my work. **Please note: packaging samples are currently being re-shot.

We interrupt this site

There has been a health scare in my family that I need to attend to. Thank you for your patience. ~ erin

Beach Daydreaming + Summer Lovin Links

This picture has me daydreaming about our beachy North Carolina vacation. aaahhh.... 

// SUMMER LOVIN' LINKS //

+ Love the fresh scent and new jar for this candle. {I have the green one}

+ Beach inspired printables {for my niece and all of you!}

+ SAVE THE GULF WITH LOVE - print by Fresh Picked Whimsy. Cute goods for you. Profits to help the animals!

+ Great article in the NY Times about the founders of Lonny.

+ Curious about my wedding? Read my interview over on Kiss My Tulle.

+ If I lived in NYC, I would go here daily. {found via Mint}

+ Fresh idea for product photography backgrounds.

+ Nonpareil Issue 04 is live and lovely! Well done ladies!

+ Love all of these bikini shots. Too cool.

+ Wish I had a reason to buy this dress. Looks like someone else did...

+ Might have to try this drink next time I am down on the beach.

+ Love these calligraphy offerings. {found via PaperCrave}

+ Have to check out this list of where to get stuff printed for cheap.

+ For the web: 500+ colors with RGB and Hex values.

+ Constantly inspired by this design site.

+ Did you upgrade your iPhone software to OS4 yet? Here are some hidden secrets!

+ Cool FREE Photoshop actions here, here and here. Example actions shown above.

+ Contemplating painting our master bedroom this beachy blue.

// LOCALS // {Indianapolis}

+ IMA Summer Night Film Series. Tonight is Pee Wee's Big Adventure!

+ Did you know: IMA has Thursday Meditation Hikes through the grounds.

+ There is a lot to do at the Fishers Freedom Festival.

+ Indy Brew Ha-Ha for Microbrewers

Have a wonderful summer weekend everyone! See you all back here on Monday! ps check out the new Facebook "LIKE" Button at the bottom of all posts! 

{image credits Vale Design}

Vale Design Work :: New Vale Design Business Cards

I finally have some time to share pictures of my new Vale Design business cards! I designed them to take with me to NSS. I wanted them to be unique, stand out on their own and be affordable to print on press. I am happy to report that they accomplished all three goals and were very well received! I even spied a blue one on the Mint NSS Business Card Round-up! {Thanks Ellie}

My design inspiration was the movie Legally Blonde, where Elle puts her resume on pink scented paper. Quote: "Gives it that extra something, don't you think?" I wanted to save money and print one color on press so I chose four luscious French Paper colors and printed Black. Diecut and a cute eyelet and you have a lovely little hang tag business card. I am also very pleased with the way they dual brand for Vale Design and finch&hawk™.

© Vale Design

**UPDATE** New Vale Design Business Cards featured on French Paper Sample Room site!

See more pictures after the break!

Vale Design Work :: Hot Hot Robot + Summer Lovin' Links

Every once and a while, I have the opportunity to design something fun and totally different from my regular projects. A friend and a new friend are in a band together called Hot Hot Robot. I designed their logo and a couple of branded gig flyers. Above is the latest flyer for their Martyrs' show. If you are in Chicago June 19th, stop in and check them out! Have a great weekend everyone! © Vale Design.

// LOCALS // {Indianapolis}

+ Make sure to check out the Talbot Street Art Fair this weekend. So many talented artists!

+ Don't miss the INDIEana Handicraft Exchange.

+ I will definitely be feeding my stomach at the Italian Street Festival.

+ Eyes to the skies for the Indianapolis Air Show.

+ Eat local...especially cookies from The Hot Cookie!

+ Curious and excited for Homespun to open. Check out the Blog & Facebook for more info!

{image credit Vale Design}

New products: Luxe Gable Box & Seed Packet Printables

Introducing our new pattern at finch&hawk™...LUXE. This pattern is elegant and versatile and has been applied to our signature printable DIY gable box and seed packet templates. Perfect for setting the right tone at your wedding reception, rehearsal dinner or swanky soiree! Luxe is available in all of the finch&hawk colors. 

Find the finch&hawk Gable Box - Luxe printable right here.

Find the finch&hawk Seed Packet - Luxe printable right here.

Save yourself some ink! Let us print your chosen printable for you with our WE PRINTS option!

© Vale Design. COPYING WILL RESULT IN COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT.

 

New products and colors at finch&hawk™

The wait is finally over for the SINGLE FreakinToDo list notepad offering! 

Find the finch&hawk™ SINGLE FreakinToDo list notepad listing here.

Love our DIY printable favor designs, but don't want to use all of your printer ink? We will print them for you! Introducing WePrints in 10 Pack and 25 Pack quantities. Choose from any of our customized color DIY printable favor options. {editable options Wedding Floral and Wedding Circles not available yet}. We will print and ship them for you to assemble at your leisure!

Find the finch&hawk 10 PACK listing here.

Find the finch&hawk 25 PACK listing here.

We have expanded our DIY printable favor color palette options to include all the latest trends! Stop over and check out all of our new finch&hawk products! 

The Decision

You may have noticed that I have been absent here on Fridays. I have been busy working on some personal and professional design projects. I have also been participating in life! I am taking walks through art museum gardens with my mom {pictures above}, re-introducing myself to Indianapolis and spending quality time with friends and family. I realized that I do not miss my little corner of the internet one little bit on Fridays! So, I have come to a decision. I do not plan to have anymore Friday posts. Some may sneak in here and there, but for the most part I will be using that time for design and growth for Vale Design, finch&hawk and myself. Thank you for understanding and see you back here Monday through Thursday! ~ erin