Thanksgiving is over. Baby Vale will be coming within the month. Holiday decorations are going up and I am getting in the holiday spirit! I love homemade gifts and I love them even more if they involve food. I was very excited to stumble onto this Yummy Presents link from The Kitchn via Pinterest. These goodies would make great holiday and/or hostess gifts for upcoming holiday parties.
{image credits The Kitchn and link respectable owners found via Pinterest}
It is that time of year again when all the amazing gift guides are starting to come out. The Holiday Guide by HGTV Design Star winner Emily Henderson is my favorite of the moment. There are so many cool gift ideas, live links for immediate purchase and features many categories. Time to pull out the wallet! Have a great weekend everyone!
{image credits Emily Henderson}
20 fun Halloween food ideas via Babble. Have a safe and Happy Halloween!
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}
I wanted to share my two latest purchases for our dining room "bird art wall." See other purchased bird art here and here and here and here. For those of you who do not know this about me {or could not figure out by the name of my Etsy shop} I am obsessed with Goldfinches and Hawks {specifically this Red Tailed Hawk.} I stumbled onto Amber Alexander via this Pinterest pin. GORGEOUS watercolor work. I think her artwork would make lovely gifts for the upcoming holidays or maybe even a nursery...
{image credits Amber Alexander}
Everything Etsy features links galore to tutorials, handmade gift ideas and free printables. Bookmark them people. The holidays are coming!
• 101 Pretty Free Printables {featuring Vale Design printables!}
{image credits Everything Etsy}
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 **
Instagram is a great free photography iphone app for sharing photos immediately on Twitter, Facebook and Flickr. It features cool, scroll through photo filters to add that extra touch {see them along the bottom!}. I was dragging my feet about sharing personal photos on Twitter, but I changed my mind after I found this app!
**No kick backs were received from the writing of this post.
I have been home from my Chicago freelance work for 3 weeks now and I just feel like I am starting to get back into the swing things at home. I have been catching up on a lot of work, blog, family obligations and most importantly sleep! I am going to spend this holiday weekend relaxing with family and eating amazing food. I hope you have a nice safe weekend. See you back here Monday!
// SNAZZY SPRING LINKS //
+ new Brand Packaging magazine {save paper. view digital online!}
+ LOVE these fonts {found via Paper Crave}
+ want to see this documentary SOOO bad
+ wishing I could climb into any picture on my Ocean Pinterest board {do you follow me?}
+ cool idea for turning polaroids into large wall art
+ some of my favorite DIY coloring sheets I have designed
+ rain barrel tutorial {found via Young House Love}
+ fun DIY confetti egg tutorial {love the fruity pebbles option!}
+ want to try all of these 30 grilled cheese sandwiches options
+ such a cute idea for candy favors for any occasion
+ informative digital printing process {found via Oh So Beautiful Paper from Ellie of Mint}
+ husband and I are checking out these pre-planned gardens
+ keep ending up at this shop for cute goodies
+ easy DIY Easter Egg tutorials here and here
// LOCALS // {Indianapolis}
+ Water Warrior Yoga {in honor of Earth Day}
+ IMA showing of Temple Gradin
+ Bunny Spectacular {coloring sheets on event website}
{image credits Jordan Ferney Oh Happy Day}
I always look for new ways to push myself on every design project. I try to incorporate a new tutorial or technique that I learn on at least one design solution I show my clients. It keeps my knowledge base current and does not let me rely on my "old standby" techniques.
I am always looking for simple and advanced Illustrator and Photoshop tutorials. I have decided to start keeping track of my favorites for all of you right here. Every time I stumble onto a tutorial I like, I am going to post and link to it. Some may be simple that you already know and some may be new to you. If you have any favorites you would like to share, please leave a link in the comment section or contact me. Sharing is caring!
ADDING GRADIENTS TO TEXT {this tutorial allows you to keep text live. no outlining required!}
{image credits Vectips}
The latest free edition of Brand Packaging Magazine has a great list of Sustainable Packaging Suppliers and Sustainable Packaging Design Firms. The list is in the back of the magazine and includes live links directly to the vendors. Great design reference to bookmark.
{image credits Brand Packaging Magazine}
OMG! Someone give me a food packaging project right now! Please! I stumbled onto food photographer Matthew Klein on Pinterest and I am blown away. Stunning. The detail he captures is remarkable. Matthew specializes in food photography for advertising and packaging. {ps these popsicles would be so great for a summer party. So visual and healthy!}
{image credits Matthew Klein. Found via Pinterest}
You betcha I'm on Pinterest! From the Pinterest website, "Pinterest is a social catalog service. Think of it as a virtual pinboard — a place where you can post collections of things you love, and "follow" collections created by people with great taste." This site is has come in pretty handy for creating design moodboards for clients. I have used it a couple of times already.
You can follow Vale Design by clicking here or the link in the Elsewhere section top right. Some of the boards I have created so far, Color, Pattern, Birds, Ocean, Quotes, and Tasty Tidbits. Pop over and check out the eye candy!
{image credits Pinterest}
My husband and I both like to cook, but we have a tendency to get into a "recipe rut". We tend to make the same dishes all the time, so I am always on the look out for new and exciting food websites. I stumbled onto Lemons and Anchovies from this soup link on Mint. This site has some very interesting and different recipes that I am looking forward to trying. I am feeling a brussels sprouts phase coming on {they are tasty when done right!} and this is the first recipe I am going to make. You can also follow L&A on Twitter and Facebook.
{image credits Lemons and Anchovies}
Swimming through to visually gorgeous TasteSpotting and linking onto a ton of websites looking for new and exciting vegetarian recipes. Wishing now that I did not give up simple sugars. Check out all of those baked goods...
{image credits TasteSpotting}
I am often asked what cookbooks I have at home. Above are my BFFs in the kitchen. I am Italian and I come from a family of AMAZING cooks/bakers so I have a special place in my heart for Giada De Laurentiis. Her recipes transport me back to my grandparents' kitchen and our many family gatherings. Her food has a way of comforting both my stomach and my heart.
My new one is the Cooking Light Vegetarian cookbook. I have been on a hunt for some healthy, vegetarian entrees and side dishes. This book includes some vegan recipes, but not many. It has lovely pictures, simple recipes and the thing is huge. While I am working in Chicago for three months, I am going to cook my way through it to combat my homesickness. This way I will have all new recipes to make for the husband and my family when I get back home.
I also have a homemade binder of recipe printouts in clear sleeves {helps protect them while cooking} from shows I have seen on Food Network. Most of them are from Giada at Home. I make notes on the ones I like, and throw out ones that did not pass the test.
**Which cookbooks are your favorites?
* Giada's Kitchen
* Cooking Light Way to Cook Vegetarian
* Everyday Italian
* Giada at Home
* Giada's Family Dinners
**No kick backs were received from the writing of this post.
{image credits Giada De Laurentiis, Food Network and Cooking Light}
I am loving the photography app Plastic Bullet by Red Giant Software. I stumbled onto this on the Eight Hour Day blog. Katie Kirk was gracious enough to share her secret app for her stunning photos. This app is $1.99 and produces some really stunning shots. It also lets you save hi res images! Click here, here and here to see more photo examples. I have told everyone I know with an iPhone about this app! Click here to read more about this app. Click here to purchase this app.
**No kick backs were received from the writing of this post.
{image credits Apple and Red Giant Software}
Every Christmas, my little brother {he is 31 now and still does this} used to rearrange every NOEL letter set he saw. I could not resist doing some scrabble work of my own while my mom and I were out antique shopping over Thanskgiving. I sent him this picture. His response...EL NO! Kid makes me laugh...
I have not had a moment of time to acknowledge that this holiday season is completely upon us. Work and my life have definitely kept me busy the past couple of months. That being said, the husband and I have decided to keep it simple this year and DIY most of our holiday gifts. For those that we need to purchase, I have been searching through all of the amazing 2010 Holiday Gift Guides put together by some of my favorite bloggers. I am SO THANKFUL for all of their hard work...and it is hard work, but it is much appreciated. I have put together a round-up of some links to my favorites!
{multiple guides per site}
// 2010 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDES //
Loving Living Small - HUGE LIST!!
iVillage Top Blogger Wish List
and let's end with a little giving back!
Have a happy and safe weekend! See you all back here on Monday!
**the finch&hawk™ Holiday Notepad Sale ends Monday, December 13th 12 PM EST**
It's time to show Pantone some love! Pantone has officially released the 2011 Pantone Color of the Year, Honeysuckle Pink! Bye bye 2010 color, Turquoise!
Also, my artist/photographer friend sent me the link to the Pantone Hotel. Next time I am in Brussels, I will definitely need to stop in! Thanks J!
{image credits Pantone & Pantone Hotel}
Bye bye mismatched flooring and nasty carpet! The hardwood floors are finished and more gorgeous than I could ever have imagined. They now cover the entire downstairs except for the office. As I mentioned in an earlier post, we used Red Oak Natural 3 1/4 inch wide flooring from Lumber Liquidators. We had my cousins {professional hardwood flooring experts} install the floors. We finally decided on Minwax Early American for the stain color. I am madly in love!
The house feels so warm and inviting and all of the furniture, including a new piece in the dining room, {pictures soon} looks great. The Farmers Wrap {horizontal break} on the dining room floor was such a great idea! We love the floors so much that next spring we will be removing the nasty carpet on the stairs and making them wood as well.
More pictures after the jump!
Continue reading "Hard Wood Floor Before & After {the reveal}" »
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}
My new favorite iPhone photography app is called Camera Bag by Never Center. It has some of the nicest and easiest polaroid and stylish filters to make even the more boring picture look spectacular! Cost is $1.99 USD. Click here to read more about this app. Click here to purchase this app.
**No kick backs were received from the writing of this post.
{image credits Apple and Never Center}
SeekLogo is a great design reference site. It features over 200,000+ free vector logos to download. They seem to be in both Illustrator and Freehand. Great for FPO logos on brochures, catalogs, etc. This site would also be useful for competitive analysis when re-designing a logo or brand.
**Please be respectful & ethical to these companies, designers and existing logos.**
{image credits SeekLogo}
DESIGNERS, BOOKMARK THIS SITE! Holy smokes, I stumbled onto the most AMAZING dieline reference site I have ever seen! The site is Jason Liebig's Flickr photostream and it is chalked FULL of hundreds of flattened {front, side and back visible} new and old packaging dielines. I strolled down marketing memory lane last night for a good two hours! Just put it in slideshow mode and enjoy the large detailed shots of products from a range of categories. Great site to be inspired by grids, typography, branding, color palettes, violators, vintage, etc. Jason...THANK YOU FOR YOUR HARD WORK!!!
{image credits Jason Liebig}
The 2010 November issue of InStyle magazine is out and they are naming names...the names of the Best of the Web Online Shopping. The list features 223 websites that focus on fashion, beauty and home. Remember holiday shopping is right around the corner. Congrats everyone!
What sites are your favorites? Did they make the list?
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}
I can not believe October is almost over. Halloween on Sunday. Yikes! I need to buy some candy...to hand out to the kiddos of course...not to eat it all myself with the porch light off! Today's list is a bit shorter than normal. I have a busy design day ahead of me.
// FALL FAVORITE LINKS //
+ Favorite Fonts {via Design*Sponge}
+ Love these font designer videos {via Design*Sponge}
+ Clever tutorial {via papernstitch}
+ Halloween tutorials {via Domestifluff}
+ Carmel Apple Martini would pair nicely with this martini
+ Pretty video and inspiring lyrics
+ My current favorite font
+ My husband's motto! Wish this was on a shirt
+ Devilishly good lookin' Devil's Food Cake pics & recipe {via Design*Sponge}
+ Did you download our DIY Halloween Coloring Sheets?
+ Still in awe of this Etsy shop
+ Halloween goodness {via Design Crush}
Have a great and spooky weekend everyone! See you back here on Monday!
{image credits Suzee Que}
My favorite font of the moment is Declaration Script from the P22 foundry {another favorite from P22 is Cezanne}. It has a classic ink quill, handwritten look to it. I love the rough edges. This font is great on invitations paired with a simple sans serif font. It would also be great for any holiday party items such as place cards, bunting, favor boxes or treat bags. Purchase Declaration Script and view alternates on MyFonts.
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!
+ 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
+ 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}
It is no secret that I have been on a home design kick lately. {click here and here} So it was only a matter of time before I stumbled onto Design to Inspire, ranked #4 on the London Times Top 5o of the World's Best Design Blogs. This site is run by Jo and Kim and features some of the most gorgeous home shots I have ever seen. There is inspiration on this site for everyone.
Through my baby step re-designs I have been doing around my home, I have noticed that I gravitate toward the classic, warm and rustic rooms. I am not a "modern, white walls" girl. The Italian in me screams for warmth, cozy settings and natural elements. I love exposed brick, raw woods and plants sprinkled in for extra green {my favorite color} and texture.
The more I learn about myself, the more I see those life experiences translate themselves into my home. It has been a lovely journey so far and I am looking forward to my next steps! Thank you to all the creatives who share all of their hard work and inspiration with the rest of us...especially those of us who are allergic to interior design.
{image credits Design to Inspire}
Where the heck have I been?! MIA. I am officially back from some intense onsite freelance work at one of my favorite firms in Chicago. I had a great time and I am glad to be back home. Let's see if I can catch you up a bit:
WORK
So busy I can not see straight. For the four plus years I have been freelancing, Fall is my busiest time hands down. Not sure why and I really do not care. It usually allows me to take all of December off for the holidays and to spend time with family. I have great clients and I love being busy.
QUOTES
You may have noticed some quotes popping up here and there on the site. One thing you may not know about me is I am obsessed with quotes. I love them and they are scattered on little pieces of paper all over my house. I decided to digitally chronicle them so I could clean up all the paper. Hope you are enjoying them! They were great filler posts for me while I was working.
HOME
As you can see from the picture above, our new hard wood floors have arrived! YEAH! They are sitting in the dining room acclimating nicely. Project "Home Reno" is officially under way. The master bathroom and bedroom were painted and the floors will be put in soon. I can not wait to get rid of this nasty carpet! Gross! Pictures to come.
Our wood is Red Oak Natural 3 1/4 inch wide. No beveled edges so the boards will be flush. We are not sure what color we will be staining it yet.
DAISY
Our poor little allergy dog has been through the ringer lately. In the middle of all of my traveling for work, Daisy went through an eye emergency. We rushed her in to the vet one Saturday morning because she would not open her eyes...at all! Turns out she is developing glaucoma. Now on top of her once weekly allergy shot she will be having 12 eye drops a day for the rest of her life! Hopefully, we can get that number to come down in the near future. *sigh* Good thing I love this dog so much...
DESIGN
It was a BAD week for the design community. I do not usually use this site to point out flaws or designs I do not like, but today I am making an exception. This one is personal.
My favorite store, the GAP, decided that they would re-design their logo. Umm, why? It was fashion and iconic. Their result...HORRIBLE! It reminds me of the Walmart store brand! I do not want this on my clothes. I am going to join the numerous consumers/designers across the internet to push them to change it back. I smell a Tropicana, New Coke debacle coming. Big companies, please invest in consumer research. It is expensive, but so is having to pay for a re-design and then having to pay to fix the mistake! They were already tweeting that they liked their logo, but that they would love to see everyone else's thoughts and suggestions on Facebook. Great ready folks! They know they are in trouble!
Image from Brand New. Check out their post and their "Gapgate" follow up post. The follow up post is HILARIOUS!! Worth a read.
PEACE OUT
People I am back. I missed you all and I will get to your emails as soon as I can. I am going to tackle some laundry and spend some quality time with The Husband and Allergy Dog today. Much love. Enjoy the weather. Happy Weekend. See you all here Monday!
ps please sign whatever petition you can against that new Gap logo. designers, submit your suggestions...I don't want that thing in my jeans...
Yikes! Busy week and this weekend is just as jam packed. I am back from a quick Chicago onsite freelance job and my to do list is a mile long!
// FALL FAVORITE LINKS //
+ new Brand Packaging online mag
+ a necessity for everyone who works
+ latest Vale Design freelance work
+ GREAT visual reference for handwritten logos {using this link myself for a client!}
+ one of the most beautiful songs EVER
+ super cute Halloween invites & cards from Rifle Paper Co {via Paper Crave}
+ new Vale Design site category {these are all over my home & office & now my website!}
+ OBSESSED with this album right now {I smell a Grammy}
+ I am adding this free printable next week! {popular email question lately}
// LOCALS // {Indianapolis}
+ Carmel International Arts Festival - check out Lori of Fresh Picked Whimsy in the Bella Chic tent!
+ Titanic Exhibit opens at the Indiana State Museum this weekend! {I went in Chicago. GREAT exhibit!}
Hope to see everyone at the Carmel Arts Festival! Have a great weekend everyone! See you back here on Monday!
ps Happy Birthday Sonja!
{image credits Vale Design}
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}
John and Sherry Petersik run Young House Love, a site BURSTING with home inspiration, tutorials and resources. Plain and simple, this site is amazing. I know I am late to this table, but again, allergic. In a short amount of time, this site has inspired me to set home remodel goals, both big and small, and somehow it has begun to alleviate that fear of messing those projects up. They may even inspire me to hang something on my walls. {can you say phobia?} A MUST bookmark site! Make sure to check out their lovely design dilemma inspiration boards.
{image credits Young House Love}
This picture of Daisy pretty much sums up the mood around the Vale household and office. Busy design week. The office was a flurry of contracts, estimates, invoices, blog design sketches, print quotes and millions of Post-it® notes. I am praying my morning coffee kicks in soon!
// SUMMER LOVIN' LINKS //
+ Design*Sponge Biz Ladies Blog to Grow Business
+ Great video to teach & inspire hanging wall art
+ Jamming out to this song right now
+ and this song
+ Researching this and this for contract e-signatures
+ My office is covered in these
+ Obsessed with the Poster Cabaret {you like design. you want to buy good design. go here.}
+ LOVING all these bird posters
+ Can't wait for him to preform at the VMAs
+ Student suggested Kmart® packaging re-brand
+ Must have this print
+ Loving these surf shots {my ocean obsession is real and its deep people}
// LOCALS // {Indianapolis}
+ Indianapolis Chinese Festival
So so short today! Long work day ahead of me. Enjoy the weekend and see you all back here Monday. Great recipe to share for mmm...Monday!
{image credits Vale Design}
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!
Confession: I hate decorating my house. It causes me stress. I have a phobia of hanging pictures. Seriously, I need a support group.
However, two weeks ago I decided that it was time to start finishing up the major projects around the house. We have been in our house 4 years and I am ashamed to say that our master suite has been neglected. White walls. No window treatments. Boring. Side note: I had the office professionally finished with gorgeous built-ins our first year in the house. My priorities might be backwards...Anyway, I am going to be working on the following projects the remainder of the year. [1] Master Bedroom [2] Master Bathroom [3] Dining Room [4] Hardwood floors [downstairs and maybe in the Master].
I have been swimming around the internet non-stop the past couple of weeks and have begun to pull images and make notes. I like neutrals with vintage, antique, snarky and eclectic pieces mixed in. So without further ado, I present my Master Bedroom and Bathroom inspiration boards. Grab your sunscreen and bathing suits! We're going to the beach!
Current bedroom furniture: bed, nightstands, 4 drawer dresser & blue Ball jars [1] Genie Table Lamp [2] Reina Window Panel [3] Surf Days [4] Salty & Awake [5] Hotel Bedding [6] Petrie Chair // E Letter / J letter / Keep Calm Poster
Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Gossamer Blue
[1] Glass Canisters [2] Ocean Beach [3] Little Fishermen [4] Sponge [5] Towels [6] Teak Bath Collection
Paint Color: Valspar Au Lait Ole [Lowes 3003-9C]
I will definitely be posting Before and Afters. Keep checking back!
If you are a graphic designer, Grain Edit is a must bookmark reference site. I check this site on a weekly basis. Follow them on Twitter and Facebook. Visit their Etsy shop.
"Grain Edit is focused on classic design work from the 1950s-1970s and contemporary designers that draw inspiration from that time period. Site content includes interviews, articles, designers' libraries as well as examples of rare design annuals, type specimens, Ephmera, posters and vintage kids books from our bookshelves." ~ Grain Edit
{image credits Grain Edit}
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}
// SUMMER LOVIN' LINKS //
+ OBSESSED with this home DIY and tutorial site {Kate you are my new hero!}
+ DIY / craft / tutorials / before & after / my spaces {make sure to check out all of the CG sections!}
+ might have to buy this owl photo for my mom
+ super cute free Susy Jack Birthday printable {via How About Orange}
+ Readymade studio visit video with Emily of Orange Beautiful {retail site here}
+ my favorite Chicago radio station that I listen to online while I work {love streaming radio!}
+ design website I must investigate further
+ used this color site for trends and palette ideas for my latest logo project
+ check out the latest issue of LonnyMag for ideas and tips for hanging wall art
+ wish I lived in PA to visit this store
+ one of my new favorite design sites
+ one of my all time favorite design sites
+ online home magazine I have been paging through looking for the perfect chair
+ stumbling around this site for home goods
+ love this idea for a salvaged mirror
// LOCALS // {Indianapolis}
+ giant salvage shop I will be visiting often in the upcoming months {ps Doc is a riot!}
+ fashion exhibit at the IMA
+ BLOG conference going on downtown {I did not even know!}
+ have you seen the Cheetah at the Indianapolis Zoo yet?
Have a great summer weekend everyone! See you back here Monday!
{image credits The Animal Print Shop}
Flights of Fancy is the gorgeous wedding blog of Betsy White Stationery Boutique. BWSB provides lovely wedding stationery, monogram logos, personal stationery, baby and party designs. I particularly love the Color Palettes section on Flights of Fancy. It would be a nice inspiring color or wedding reference to bookmark.
{image credits Betsy White Stationery Boutique}
Ahh...Chicago, you and I meet again! The laptop and I are headed north to work onsite for a couple weeks at one of my favorite firms. I will be scheduling posts in advance as much as possible, but I may miss a day or two. Thank you in advance for your patience! Chi-town...here I come!
+ I will be headed to this store first!
+ I dedicate this song to my ever understanding and patient husband. Love you!
+ New bird illustrations {to symbolize family members} that just arrived for my collection: this one {for me} this one {for my husband} this one {for my mom} and this one {just because!} found via Creature Comforts. Thanks Ez!
+ Love these blog tips.
+ Helpful Etsy Storque wholesale business tips article.
+ Purchased this {for my husband} and this {for me} from my fab illustrator friend Lori!
+ Downloaded this whole album for the ride up to Chicago.
+ LOVE the wedding video of Old Tom Foolery founders. Cute and super funny! I love wit.
+ Love this new album. Genius. Glad he is back. I am predicting Grammys.
+ Beautiful quill work. Found via Paper Crave.
+ Wish I was at this party. Looks tasty!
+ Love this illustration! Found via Benign Objects.
+ Want all the bird necklaces in this shop.
Short one today! Lots to get done before I leave. Happy weekend everyone and I will touch base when I can!
{image credits Vale Design}
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}
The uber-smart ladies of Bakery, Erin of Design For Mankind and Jaime of Design Milk, are now accepting copyright and trademark questions that they will pass on to their legal source to be answered in a follow up post. Now is you chance! Ask away! Thanks ladies. Being an artist on the internet, I can not wait to read this helpful post on how to further protect my work. {be sure to read their legal disclaimer}
{image credit Bakery}
Ez at Creature Comforts has started a free Guide to Better Blogging Series. As a huge fan of her site, you can bet I will be checking in often.
Grace at Design*Sponge is now offering one-on-one blog consulting. This service is not free, but judging from her site, experience and knowledge, I am guessing it will be worth every penny!
{image credits Creature Comforts and Design*Sponge}
I have been fortunate enough in my CPG package design career to have worked with many Industrial Designers and I have a huge respect for their field. This respect has branched into being a huge "fan" of unique looking and well designed products.
I was wandering around a store yesterday when this product caught my eye. Moves like a fan. Sounds similar to a fan. Must be a fan...wrong! It is the Dyson Air Multiplier™ and it is freakin' cool. Click over to the website for more detailed information. Science that is sexy and functional!
{image credit Dyson}
** I am not being paid in anyway to talk about this product **
Currency at the National Stationery Show...the business card. If you are going or showing, you will definitely need to have one.
Keep reading for more lovely images of cards I picked up from the show and my suggestions of what to consider when designing your business cards.
Continue reading "NSS 2010 :: Business Cards Images and Tips" »
Plain and simple, I saw the show from a designer's point of view. I love stationery, but in my heart, I am a branding and package designer. From my design eye, I noticed the whole picture, not just the stationery. I noticed booths that had barely visible logos on the walls and I noticed booths that were creating a branded believable experience for the buyer. These companies made their logos work and interact for them and therefore became memorable entities with a distinct user experience. If you own a company, ask yourself, is your logo just a mark or is it re-inforcing your brand and product?
Keep reading to see my FAVORITE FIVE BRANDS from the show {in no particular order}:
