Just for Fun

So I've been working almost non-stop on my 2010 holiday collection. At one point I was so in the zone I didn't even realize my newly spayed pup was in the room with me. I wonder how long she was staring?

Hope you all have a good weekend!!

Type, Type, Type

So lately I've been researching typography. Personally, this is an area that I struggle in - it's also the area I feel most strongly impacts a design. Bad typography can single handedly ruin an entire product.

If you'd like to follow me on my journey to improve my type design, check out these sites:

For the true beginner

Communicating with Type

11 Essential Tips

ILoveTypography

28 Other Great Typography Sites

I'm hoping that over the next few months I can grow as a designer. Maybe by pushing myself a little outside of my comfort zone, I'll be able to find a new little world of lovely design.

Wish me luck and stay posted to see my work evolve!

Rainy stormy nights...

Let it be known that I love tumultuous weather. I have a beautiful view from my little porch of the water and NYC skyline, and when a storm is brewing, man, the view is just to die for!

So here I am on a Monday night, taking a break from designing to enjoy the company of my little pup and a grand old lightening show.

Life is good.

Another Minted Invite

Isn't it funny how a cool design element can be reworked into totally different asthetics?! Check out a re-work if my firework invite:

Back in Business!!

Ahhh - so after a several month slump (from blogging that is), I'm BACK!!

Check out some of my latest designs on Minted, and please check back at the end of the competition to vote for myself and for all the other designers!

Here's what I submitted, although I do think I'll be making some modifications as time moves on.

One of the topics that has come up recently on the Minted Forum is this notion of copying designs. My thoughts are really simple: DO NOT DO IT!!!

Designers work so hard on coming up with something that accurately represents them and their style. Tons of time and creativity get put into each and every details of every single design. That being said, it's really hurtful, and down right wrong, to copy a design exactly.

Like many other designers out there, I am often inspired by other pieces of art or stationary. Sometimes I rework something into my own style, or my own vision, but I will never, ever take something that isn't mine and copy + paste.

Being inspired is beautiful, copying is ugly.

Back to the basics....

Alright, so maybe I've slightly forgotten that this blog is meant to be for stationary and paper design, but how could I not get caught up in home ownership and puppy mischief!

The past few months have been chaos, but as always, design and printing has been my outlet, here are a few things I have been working on:

Here are a few fun cards from Valentine's Day...

Here are a few house warming invitations...

Here's a little note I made for all the nice folks that bought our new pup a gift...

Some fabulous save-the-dates (I say fabulous because they're mine!)

And one of my most popular  'thank you' notes

Enjoy!!!

Poopy Puppy

I know, I know, it's been way too far and few between with these blog posts, but I promise that my life has calmed down a bit and I'll update much more frequently!!

Speaking of calming down (not!), we rescued ourselves a little puppy! World, meet Juliet....

She's brought so much joy to us in the few short weeks we've had her, and I'm pretty sure she is thankful to have been rescued!!

We rescued her from the North Shore Animal League in Long Island, New York. The staff was wonderful, as are all of the medical staff and doctors. For all of you who are considering getting a new pet, think twice before spending a gazillion dollars on a purebred or puppy store dog. While I believe all dogs deserve homes, I am actively against puppy mills. There are thousands of animals, like Juliet, that need homes desperately. Adopting Juliet was inexpensive (under $200!), and beyond rewarding. 

Just look at her face, come on! How could anybody pay thousands of dollars on poorly bred puppy mill dogs, when they can save a love-mutt from being put to sleep?!!

If you are interesting in rescuing, the following are some noteworthy organizations and sites:

North Shore Animal League

The Little Shelter

Pet Finder

Also check out your local human society. 

And um, who doesn't cry at those adoption commercials with the Sarah McLachlan songs?!