Siblings share the news!

When there is news to be told, my daughter loves to be the one to tell it. So when I gave birth to her sister (yikes, almost 2 years ago!), I figured she should do the announcing. While I love birth announcements of all types, my favorite ones to design these days are the ones from the big brother or sister. I'm not the only one who loves letting the siblings spread the news. Check out these darling (and funny) announcements from Petite Alma for Tiny Prints. So sweet.

The announcement pictured here was a great excuse to take lots of pictures of my little girls and go hog-wild with the pinkest papers I could find. The sash slides off to reveal all the important baby stats. Now that they're 3 and 21 months, I have no want for pink in my life. It's Daughter #1's favorite color (of course) and the first color Daughter #2 learned. Of course the second color she learned was purple. Looks like Daughter #1 is quite the little art instructor.

Must-See Mondays: Helvetica

I'm sure by now all my fellow design nerds have seen the feature length, 2007 documentary "Helvetica." Besides the awesome interviews with "celebrity designers" (OK maybe they're only celebrities in the graphic design world) and theorists, I promise that even the most jaded designer will be stunned by the fact that Helvetica is literally used EVERYWHERE. Yes, EVERYWHERE. Did I know this? Pretty much. I knew it was used by Massimo Vignelli when designing the identity and signage for the New York City Subway System and the like, but geez...the opening segment alone will remind you that Helvetica is no longer just "classic" or "standard." It's ubiquitous, pervasive (almost viral), and well, like I said...EVERYWHERE. It's so all over the place that I almost forget I'm looking at Helvetica sometimes. Which is actually why some designers think it's so great.

Of course, for those who know the aesthetic of the various designers included in the documentary, you'll probably react as expected to each of the interviews shown (based on your already formed opinions of said aesthetics). For me it went kind of like this...I wished I worked for Michael Bierut, would love to listen to records with Stefan Sagmeister and hear his thoughts on music and design, realized I dislike David Carson a little less than I thought, and wanted to give Tobias Frere-Jones a big kiss (total font crush!). The most interesting part of the film for me was definitely the historical information about the creation of font—the details and the human interest side of the story. Listening to Hermann Zapf...totally awesome. Seeing Matthew Carter work and talk about the alphabet was also pretty exciting (wow, I AM a nerd!) and very impressive. Eric Spiekermann gave me a chuckle. And it was cool to learn more about firms like Experimental Jetset and Norm, which I hate to admit I hadn't heard of (see I do have a life outside design!).

To sum up...if you like typography, I think you'll enjoy this one, no matter what your thoughts on Helvetica itself. Honestly, I rarely use the font. When I'm going san-serif, I'm more of a Futura, Century Gothic, Frutiger or Univers gal (depending on the occasion). I always shied away from Helvetica on principal, thinking it was just so familiar or overused, but this movie had me considering Helvetica and it's strength and weaknesses more deeply. Perhaps it is the near-perfect, universal font with unprecedented legibility and without excess thematic baggage, that many think it to be. It may not be tomorrow, or next week, but maybe someday I'll find the right moment or job and give Helvetica another chance. Thanks for the encouragement design celebrities! I think...

An Artist's Hotel Bar Tour In NYC: Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle

You probably know Ludwig Bemelmans as the creator of Madeline, a plucky children's book heroine from Paris. What you may not have known is that the Carlyle Hotel, at Madison and 76th, is home to a bar named after the famed illustrator and author. According to the Carlyle, the hotel was New York's luxury residence du-jour when Bemelmans was commissioned to paint large scale murals in the hotel bar in 1947. In a turn of total brilliance (if you ask me), Bemelmans bartered his mural work for a year and a half of accommodations for himself and his family. Simply awesome.

This classic New York haunt, Bemelmans Bar, was the second stop on our Day-After-Christmas Hotel Art Bar Tour (I posted about the St. Regis' Old King Cole Bar Lounge on Tuesday). From the authentic prohibition era cocktail menu (I recommend the Gin-Gin Mule...gin, homemade ginger beer, fresh mint, and lime juice) to the leather banquettes, the cozy atmosphere evokes a feeling of nostalgia... almost as if you're in old Manhattan. From the walls to the lampshades, almost every surface in the place are kissed with Bemelmans' signature style. The murals depict Central Park, but Bemelmans-style. Rabbits out for a picnic, a balloon vendor, artists painting al fresco (and of course a special stateside appearance of Madeline)...the bustle of the park is perfectly captured, but with a whimsy and charm that only Bemelmans brush could imagine. Bemelmans is pretty upscale and that is reflected in the pricing, but again...for a special occasion it's a great place to visit and definitely worth the stop.

Like Parrish's Old King Cole, The Bemelmans Bar murals were also given a touch up in 2002. I look forward to returning to this swank grown-up scene, and as luck might have it I could return sooner than planned. This time with my own little girls in tow! Every weekend The Carlyle hosts Madeline's Tea Party at Bemelmans Bar. With treats like Petite Banana Splits Fontainebleau, a storyteller spinning our favorites (Madeline's Rescue and Madeline and The Gypsies, come to mind), as well as songs sung from the Madeline songbook...it shouldn't take much to get them on board! Besides...who doesn't love a day out in NYC. On my list for Future Art Bar Hotel Tours The Monkey Bar at the Hotel Elysée (complete with a 72 year old mural of simian monkeys (of course!), and a visit to Everett Shinn's murals at The Plaza's Oak Bar. So much art, so little time!

Wedding Wednesdays: Unique Guest Book Alternatives

As much as I love the hand-bound guest books I've created over the years (including my own), the tide seems to have changed. A traditional guest book is perfect for some couples, but many brides want more than just something that will sit on a coffee table. Or sit on a coffee table and eventually get moved to drawer.

You might be surprised at the variety of non-traditional guest book options available. And I'm even talking about going beyond the signature photo mat, an idea that I'd say came about in the last 10-15 years but which has become pretty standard and traditional in that time. How about a keepsake guestbook tray that guests sign with an engraving pen? This can also be done with unglazed ceramics, that you can later glaze and fire. These Wish Trees I found over at Here Comes the Guide are stunning! Of course you could always put a new twist on the old guest book tradition and go with a book that combines guests signatures and photos. More and more wedding photographers are offering this as part of their engagement and wedding services these days.

After creating an invitation suite for one of my favorite brides Lucia, she shared with me her plans to create a "Make-a-Wish, Take-a-Wish" bowls for her reception. I loved her idea so much I fashioned my own version for my sister Devon's wedding last year. The premise is pretty simple. Two jars (bowls, or vases work well too), one for guests to write wishes or bits of advice for the happy couple (Make-a-Wish) and another bowl filled with well-wishes from the bride and groom for their guests to take home (Take-a-Wish). Most of the wishes my sister chose to include were Irish blessings, delightful proverbs from around the world, and even a few affirming mantras. We also included a framed poem, along with instructions on how to use the jars, on the table. Everything was done to match the colors and scheme of the event and guests enjoyed the interactive aspect of this keepsake. Cards can be stored in a variety of ways, in a photo book interspersed with pictures or a lovely box are fun choices. Extra special notes might also be framed and placed in the newlyweds' home.

I truly enjoyed making these and would love to make more custom "Make-a-Wish, Take-a-Wish" bowls in the future. But, this is also a pretty easy project to DIY and put your own spin on. Have fun and if you do make your own send pictures! I'd love to see them and share them!

An Artist's Hotel Bar Tour In NYC: King Cole Bar Lounge at the St. Regis

As a freshman in art school I became enamored with Maxfield Parrish. A highly innovative and creative painter, Parrish also had an illustrious illustration career. You know when you've had a color named after you ("Parrish Blue" in this case), that you've pretty much made it in the art world. Not long after discovering Maxfield, I determined I needed to see his work in person. Did I head to the National Museum of American Illustration in Newport, Rhode Island (a state I used to live in no less!)? No. How about the Philadelphia Museum of Art? Nope. Instead, I waited 10 years and dragged my family on a hotel bar tour around New York City. And one freezing cold late December day, I got to warm up with a cocktail and some bar snacks, while sitting in front of Parrish's 1906 mural depicting Old King Cole. Forget summer vacation at the beach, I'll hold out for a brisk wintertime walk down 5th!

Located in the posh St. Regis Hotel (55th Street B'twn 5th and Madison), the intimate and inviting King Cole Bar Lounge is tucked away from the vaulted ceilings and gilded interior of the hotel's expansive lobby. Dark wood and dim lighting in the seating area make for cozy conversation. They serve their function and then fade into the background letting the true star in the room shine, Parrish's mural. I've heard the bar can be packed to the gills with a ritzy after work crowd, but during our visit it was quiet and subdued. Most patrons seemed to be shoppers dashing in from the cold for a quick drink or regulars chatting with the bartender. Drinks are pricey, but the family agreed this was a special occasion and the atmosphere is worth the price of admission alone.

Since I took the picture above, Old King Cole has been restored. After being taken down in January 2007, everyone's favorite merry, old, soul, was given a cleaning and returned in late Spring 2007. I can't wait to make a trip and check out his new glow. A lot has changed on my end too...the family has grown with marriages, pregnancies, new houses and moves. As a result we haven't taken another tour, but I'm already compiling my list of hotels (and lining up a sitter!). I was shocked at how my entire family, creatives and non-creatives alike, truly enjoyed this jaunt. I get lots of "when are we going to do that again!?" Hmmm...just as soon as that crisp city weather rolls in and I can line up that sitter.

Thursday, stop in for the second stop on our tour...where I had drinks in the park with one of my all time favorite authors!

Must-See Mondays: Sigur Rós - Heima

Break out my Fair Isle sweater. I'm moving to Iceland. A year ago the band Sigur Rós did a brilliant and beautiful thing. A series of 15 free, unannounced concerts in their homeland over two weeks. What's even more brilliant is that they filmed it all (the film's title 'Heima' is Icelandic for "at home"). The Husband knows I'm a fan of this band and as a result, did me a total solid by unexpectedly DVRing 'Heima' when it aired on IFC Friday night. Sort of romantic, huh? I kinda thought so.

'Heima' is part intimate concert film, part documentary. I can't describe it better than this one quote from the band's website "'Heima' also serves as an alternative primer for Iceland the country, which is revealed as less stag destination-du-jour and more desolate, magical place where human beings have little right to trespass." Words like magic and desolate only scratch the surface in describing the incredible images that pack this movie from start to finish. I mean, just have a look at the trailer...


A bright yellow dress reflected in slick midnight blue sands, a visual symphony of circles lining a decomposing factory wall, a stack of school room chairs piled high to create a geometric backdrop for a heartfelt song. Design and music have always been deeply fused for me. But 'Heima' takes that combination to a new level, and wraps it up in the quiet, simplicity, and the majestic strength that is Iceland and it's people. If you'd like to see more, do yourself a favor and check out this excerpt from the film, a song entitled "Agaetis Byrjun."

What truly amazed me most about this film, besides it's look and aesthetic, was that these concerts attracted whole villages. I mean EVERYONE, from 80+ year old grandparents to babies. And it worked. Actually, it was so touching it made me cry. That sort of coming together is rare in the United States (and many other countries as well). Rare, and very, very beautiful.

Beautiful Budget Wedding and Event Design Ideas

I love helping hosts, especially brides, make their wedding vision come to life. It's even better when I can help them work within their budget. I refuse to sacrifice style and quality of workmanship, so often times my money-saving solutions come in the form of "killing two birds with one stone." Such is the case with the table number towers I've created.

These lovelies serve as table numbers (or names) on two sides of the square. They can also include fun trivia about the bride and groom, a message of thanks, a note about a charitable donation in lieu of favors, or as in the case of these towers, a menu, on the other two sides. These pearl and ivory towers photographed by Laura Brazak, were a big hit with the couple and guests alike.

Other budget friendly stationery design techniques that I like to use are a postcard response, for more casual weddings (fun and they save on materials and postage), and menu or favor cards tucked inside an envelope that can serve as your place cards. These envelopes look charming addressed and lined up on a table at an event. They're also stunning pinned to a fabric covered board placed inside an open frame. My favorite part of these envelope/place card combos is that the various table names or numbers are printed in the menu or favor card that goes inside the envelope. Only the guests names appear on the outside envelope. Are you thinking what I'm thinking? Yes, that means the event hosts or planners can make last minute table additions and switches with ease and without stress (and without having to call the calligrapher when time is running out!).

Bride Design offers table number towers like the ones featured here starting at $15 each. They're shippable nationwide, made with the finest papers and embellishments, and can be created to match the color scheme of any wedding or event. For more info on these, our invitation suites, or other reception items, head to our website or contact admin at bridedesign dot com. Happy planning...and never ever give up beauty for budget! Hopefully these ideas prove you don't have to!

Looking Closer

Yesterday I met with a corporate communications director. My corporate graphic design portfolio which deals mostly with print publishing (book and magazine) identity and corporate communications, was a bit dusty. It's been a while since I talked about the annual reports and direct mail pieces that used to be my bread and butter. Now that I am a mom I mostly talk about bread and peanut butter. Since I've evolved to be as much entrepreneur as designer, I think about business and strategy almost as much as I think about aesthetic. Since most of my work is now stationery and couture invitations, my life revolves around hosts, guests and events, rather than editors, buyers and drop dates. Showing this portfolio was fine, I really enjoyed the discussion as well, but I was reminded that I love what I do now too. I also remembered that the graphic design student in me is very much alive. All artists constantly grow and change, but the one thing that never seems to change for me is my desire to learn more about design.

When I graduated with my BFA in 1995 I attended the International Design Conference at Aspen. It was a dream for me to attend. While there I picked up a copy of Looking Closer: Critical Writings on Graphic Design. I have read and re-read many of the articles housed in these pages over the years. "Why Designers Can't Think" by Michael Bierut has got to be one of my all time favorite essays on design education. Having been schooled at a university where visual problem solving was valued first and a slick portfolio came second, this article reminds me of my duty to make everything I touch attractive, legible and appropriately communicative. Famed children's book illustrator and graphic designer Leo Leonni's article on "The Urge to Make Things" is another favorite that captures the designer as artist. And as a designer in book publishing I found William Drenttel's essay on the written word, to be a valuable resource on a daily basis.

I could write FOREVER about the great modern and post-modern, and post-post-modern graphic designers of our time (do I feel a new blog feature coming on? Would you guys even want to read about Massimo Vignelli or David Carson?) and how they influence what I do today (make wedding invitations...wha?). I know it sounds crazy, but as I design stationery you'd be surprised at how often some of these pioneers come to mind. I mean, how awesome was Bradbury Thompson?! The guy tried to revolutionize the alphabet, by using only one symbol for each of the 26 letters. Alright, this design nerd sees that you are glazing over and clicking onto another blog (I know that look and I am not offended, I used to teach design to liberal arts undergrads after all). I'll wrap it up by saying that as a designer what I design may change and the passion with which I design it may ebb and flow, but for those who truly love what they do, the initial spark in some way, shape, or form will always be there. Sometimes I've had to dig deep to access it, but when I do even that smallest spark has lit my way.

Break me off a piece of that ART!: Feterie

I love words. Just look at the length of some of my posts and that should be pretty obvious! I also love, love, love me some good design. Good, old school, graphic design. Design from the mind of someone who knows their way around a trap, a kern, and some color separations. When I recently attended the National Stationery Show, I found all of that and more at Feterie. One look at the work of Feterie designer Cathe Huynh-Sison (who is also, I'm proud to say, a visitor to this blog), and it's easy to see why the company's tag line is "modern stationery and bespoken lovelies." Wow...four of my favorite words strung together with an "and." For a lover of design and writing like myself, it doesn't get better than that!

I'm always looking for something special to write on. Something cool. And for the wordy girl I am, Feterie's WordPlay Greeting Cards are perfect! I love the colors, the typographic style, and of course the sassy nod to "internetese" and how it has impacted our culture. OMG!! I can't wait 2 write some snail mail on these fab cards, LOL! See what I mean? The irony is awesome. This is also a serendipitous time for me to write about Feterie's wares as their online shop will be launching soon. I know I'm going to be first in line (or should that be ONline) to stock up on some of their original WordPlay cards, as well as their stunning Eco-Luxe gift wrap. Keep an eye on Feterie, I think there's probably lots more sassy, colorful and beautifully modern bespoken lovelies to come!

Win with Weddiquette!

The Weddiquette Blog is hosting its first give away and Sweet Talk Boutique has the honor of being featured! Comment on Weddiquette's give away blog post and let them know which listed items you would most like to have either for yourself or perhaps a bridesmaid or new bride. What's in it for you? A $30 value, that's what! That's TWO cookie greetings or Invitastions for you! Or for you and a friend. Or for two friends who you can convince to share their cookies with you...(I'm sneaky eh?). Jen and I can't wait to see who the winner is, so I can get designin' and Jen can get cookin'. And "Voila!" your cookies are on their way.

While you're there, take a look around Weddiquette's site. From wedding etiquette, to style, and planning, Weddiquette offfers a ton of wedding related dos, dont's, links and tips. I sure could've used this site when I was getting married. So if you're getting married, know someone who is, or heck...if you just want to try and score yourself some free cookies...get on over to Weddiquette and comment baby!

Make mine a Minima 3-column bartender!

Alright, so I hacked me a lovely little 3-column blog layout. I know this is probably simple stuff. But for me it was not easy as I am an HTML novice. Needless to say, I feel proud. Still, you might need to deal with the blog looking a little wonky for a day or two dear readers until I figure out the ideal place for all of my links and crap. Is there designing I could be doing? Posts I could be writing? Contracts I could be drawing up? Emails I could be answering. Oh yes. But do they offer the same nail-biting suspense that messing around with your blog layout template does? Of course not! You know the feeling...Will that column show up when I hit "preview" or will it look like some HTML gremlins got hold of my site and decided to have their way with it? The internet is such a time-suck! Last call...I'm done for the night.

Drizzle Day

Super Springy Flower Power Square Stationery, originally uploaded by Bride Design.

It's been a gray day here and of course I've got actual work to do. Not fun work, like making invitations or working on designs. But quickbooks work, paper work, the day-to-day office/contracts/email sort of work we all love. To perk myself up, I thought I'd post one of my more recent cheery designs. These were truly inspired by the orange and pink color scheme, my love for stardream quartz paper, the need to justify purchasing envelope liner templates, and my never-ending desire to use my crop-a-dile (hello eyelets!). The flowers are cute too.

Now I just need to find an outlet to sell these puppies. I toyed with the idea of an Etsy shop, but I don't think that's for me. I'd love an online shop of my own, but the programming, expense, and decision making that goes into that seems overwhelming at the moment. Obviously, I'm leaning towards the latter and exploring the many other delicious, but frightening options available for selling my work. I'm sort of stalled at the moment, but looking at this vibrant shot makes me think I need to take a leap of some sort. A leap that radiates the same amount of energy, juiciness, and shine as these cards. But until then...it's back to paying bills.

Kick the CROP out of those other Hole Punchers!!!

Everyone piped up when I wrote about my love for the Scotch ATG, I figured it was time to give props to the other love of my (art, design, and crafting) life— The Crop-A-Dile!™ from We R Memory Keepers. Honestly, I was living in hole-punching misery before this baby walked into my life! My hands hurt, I was using terrible foul language whenever I had to punch holes, and every once in a while I'd end up punching 1/8 of an inch off from where I was aiming. Grrrr. One of the designers who recommended this tool to me (and I must say that MANY designers recommended this tool) said "it cuts through eight pieces of card stock like butta'!" That's no joke.

The Crop-A-Dile!™ is very quiet. It wasn't like I was waking my kids from their nap with previous punchers, but at least now I can hear Lil' Mama's questionable critiques (I mean can't we do better than "Next time ya'll need to GO HARD!" after every single performance?!) when I am watching my latest obsession America's Best Dance Crew and happily punching paper at the same time. No need to mock my TV taste (my husband has that covered), but I danced all my life and through college so that's my excuse for being ridiculously into this show.

And if easing the horror of hole-punching was not enough (you can choose between 1/8 and 3/16 inch diameters), it also sets snaps and eyelets of both sizes! What more could a paper-loving girl ask for? OK, well maybe an Accucut, but that's super expensive so I'll just have to be satisfied with the thrill I get from my $25 Crop-A-Dile!™. Even more thrilling? "It's PINK! FOR GIRLS!" as my 3 and half year old would say, much to her delight. Warning: the Crop-A-Dile!™ is pretty heavy, so don't leave it around the kids or on the edge of a table where it could fall onto scantily sock-covered toes (can you tell I speak from experience?).

I think the only thing the Crop-A-Dile!™ can't do is plant an eyelet or a hole smack in the middle of a large piece of paper. I've needed to do that in the past, but not often and you can always get a universal eyelet setter for under $10 for that task. My favorite Crop-A-Dile!™ feature? Far and away, the depth gauge! Punching two holes in the same places every time on 300+ invites? Priceless. Oh yeah, and did I mention We R Memory Keepers touts the Crop-A-Dile!™ as cutting through wood, poly, metal, leather, fabric (ever tried to hole punch fabric? More Grrrr...), chipboard and more? I love my Crop-A-Dile!™ and I need to keep her in fighting form for my paper projects, so I haven't tried her on other media. But if someone else has a "My Crop-A-Dile!™ cut through this!" story...do tell. Thanks We R Memory Keepers for taking the pain out of punching!

Feeling a little aristocratic? Get your own peculiar title!

I thought this was fun...now if only I could figure out where Helions Bumpstead is...

My Peculiar Aristocratic Title is: Her Royal Highness Erin the Incontrovertible of Helions Bumpstead Get your Peculiar Aristocratic Title

How do I love thee Scotch ATG 700? Let me count the ways!

There are a few pieces of equipment in my paper crafting arsenal that I truly love, and the Scotch ATG (Adhesive Tape Gun) is one of them. Over the years I've created thousands of custom invitations, and believe me...in the beginning I did many things the hard way (and the not-so-economical way as well). I've tried many adhesives and adhering methods since I started the business and the tape gun is nothing short of a God-send for certain jobs. I get a lot of invitations out of one roll of tape, the adhesive is powerful sticky, and it's a time saver. I can work pretty fast with this sucker. Unlike other methods I've tried, there is very little adhesive residue left on or near the edges of paper, so that's another plus. Currently I'm working on a really big job and this tool has been a huge help (as has my well-loved studio desk). I'm not finished yet, so it's back to the grind but trust me I'll be whistling while I work with my ATG.

Break me off a piece of that ART!: GIGART

I'm headed off to Brooklyn this week to get a much needed date night with the husband and to see one of our all time favorite bands, Swervedriver. For those not familiar with The Shoegazer scene, these guys took that swirly shoegaze sound and merged it with more traditional rock aesthetic (driving guitars, songs about cars etc.). The husband and I met in college in the early 90's and even though we didn't get married until about 10 years after that (I'll save that for another blog post) this band's music became a big part of the soundtrack to our romance.

Being that my husband used to buy cds like they were nickel fireball candies at the local Woolworth's (aaahhh to have a bachelor's budget!), there are a lot of bands that were part of that soundtrack. With toddlers in the house we're often stuck listening to Dan Zanes or Ralph's World. We're working on introducing them to kid-friendly pop from our own collection like The Beatles and They Might Be Giants...but it's not like I can just go around listening to Joy Division or Rage Against The Machine when the mood strikes me anymore. As a result, we've started investing in some amazing concert posters to decorate the walls of our home. One of my favorite's is this 2003 Jets to Brazil poster from artist Gregg Gordon of GIGART.

Besides it's unique design and incredible colors, this poster has a story that I love. Before I was a fan of the band Jets to Brazil, I was an even bigger fan of the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's. The Band takes their name from a Brazilian tourism poster that hangs in the background of Holly Golightly's perfect New York apartment (perfect to me at least!). This sweet silkscreen is created to look just like that poster and the added addition of the concert info, from one of my favorite Chicago haunts, makes it even cooler to me. I have it framed and hanging in my home office and I love that I get to "live" with this piece everyday. From Blur to Interpol, Jenny Lewis to Cypress Hill, many beloved artists are represented in the GIGART portfolio. I love that each design is as unique as the music and band it's created for, yet still stays true to that GIGART style.

If your interests go beyond concert posters, GIGART has done a ton of packaging design, album art, editorial illustrations, logo design, and more. GIGART also has a sweet line of apparel called Tough Chick. My 20 month old most certainly fits that description, so I think I need to grab a toddler shirt for her real soon.

Good Design with Kids in Mind

Because who doesn't want to be their own superhero or the girl with the fluffiest (reversible!) tutu in the neighborhood? ellie bellie kids truly does deliver just what their tagline says: "Classic Play For The Modern Child." I love the clean but playful look of their site, the highly targeted nature of their product offerings, and the fact that these are toys free from licensed cartoon characters. Isn't that what imaginative play is all about?! Finding your own inner prima ballerina, or branding yourself as the next "lightning man" or "super happy heart girl?" Now if only this mocha/gold tutu came in grown-up size....

National Stationery Show Review, The Pen Pavilion

At first blush, I figured "The Pen Pavilion" would be sort of boring, and there was definitely a different vibe for the most part in the writing instrument aisles (lots more men, business suits and important looking meetings going on). But a girl who truly loves paper of course loves pens and pencils too, so I had to check it out. I am attached to my ultra-fine point sharpies (perfect for writing on stardream by the way). And I have always loved drawing with roller ball pens...I'm looking at you sad collection of almost empty Pilot Precise V5 pens in extra fine point black. You have served me well.

My husband, an engineer, also enjoys a nice pen and recently introduced me to Uni-ball's Signo Micro 207. It's spring-loaded which is not a real plus for my needs, but I'll give it a chance. My three year old did some preliminary quality testing today while doodling with "Daddy's Pen" and managed to bust the spring, but it was easily fixed...so points for that Uni-ball. I'll definitely put it into my rotation and perhaps I'll sleep easier at night knowing I can now prevent check washing and make cute illustrations with a single writing instrument.

But back to the Pen Pavillion. I put aside the above preferences and found two items of interest. One was the Yoropen, a uniquely designed pen that reduces writing strain and was a NSS Best New Product Winner in 2007. I didn't get to try one at the show, but plan to try one soon. I'm wondering if it might take some getting used writing with this very different design? I'll keep you posted, and if anyone has tested one out, feel free to comment with your thoughts on it. Offered in several lines (Standard, Superior, and Executive) and styles (ballpoint, pencil, and even crayon)...there seems to be a price point to fit almost every budget. I'm thinking one of these would be a perfect stocking stuffer for my husband since the design is advertised as beneficial to left-handers for a variety of reasons.

My favorite writing instrument booth of all was Batle Studios. These graphite sculptures you can write with stopped me in my tracks they were so beautiful. The Olive Branch, Twisting Leaf, Wing and Thatcher Shell from their current collection are my favorites, along with the Calla pictured here. Stunningly crafted, these beauties won't rub off on your hand. Now if only I had an awesomely clean and organized workspace fit to place one on.

Got a pen or pencil you adore? Comment and let me know. I love writing of course, but I'm even more curious to know what other illustrators and designers like drawing with. As for the Pen Pavillion, I'm glad I strolled through. Not quite the rush I got (am I geeky or what!?) as toured the actual stationery aisles, but fun nonetheless.

Mad Nibblin'!

Jen, Sweet Talk Boutique's Butter and Sugar, recently debuted our new MadNibbles cookie on her blog. Honestly, I can't say it any better than Jen. After all, these word wacky cookies were her crazy idea and I've got boatload of work to do. If you're not a regular reader of Jen's blog...take a look around while you're there. If you're a wedding fanatic like me, you'll love her bubble-bursting post on wedding cake myths entitled: Attention Please...Not All Fondant Tastes Like Crap.... It's that sort of stuff that makes me happy that I get to work with Jen on a regular (not quite everyday, but almost) basis. But anyway...Here's her MadNibbles post word for word (Oh yes, and I asked permission first!):

Didn't you just ______those cool ______ fill in the blank note _______ that you could _____ with all your ______? LOL We loved 'em. We loved 'em so much we could just eat 'em...now you can too. We've designed our own text to suit any fill in the blank craziness you can come up with and put it on our yummy cookies to ship out fresh to you or your pal.

Just like all our Invitastions, you get to pick the box color and ribbon color, but this time the matching card that comes with the cookie is a pre-printed post card all ready to be addressed and mailed from the recipient to you or anyone else they want to share the fun with. We also send an edible marker to fill in those blanks! Hey, we'll even try to match or compliment the marker color to the ribbon color when possible.

$20 each and available now at Sweet Talk Boutique! In addition to the new fresh look on the home page and the introduction of MadNibbles, we've got some other goodies in the works. Check back often this summer to see some cute gift ideas we're bringing to our boutique just for you!

National Stationery Show Review, Part 1

I'm going to guess I need a couple posts to share all of the wonderful, new, and interesting sights I came across during my first experience walking the National Stationery Show in New York this past week. I'm still in the process of looking through all the tons of materials I brought home with me, and I'm also mulling over the direction I'd like to take my own business in over the next year. Attending the show is extremely beneficial to aspiring stationery designers, those stationers hoping to exhibit sometime down the road, or for artists wondering where to focus their creative energies. But watch out kids, you might walk out wishing you were a retailer. For those who truly love the art of letter writing, you will certainly feel the urge to shop!!!

Perhaps the most exciting part of the show for me was meeting fellow stationery designers whose work I admire and am familiar with. In many situations it was great to finally put a face to the name and/or marvelous work. First up is Jill, from Jilly Jack Designs, who was kind enough to share a photo of her hip and stylish booth for this post. Jilly Jack's designs are fresh, eco-friendly, and manage to be bold and capture a certain softness at the same time. I'm loving the line's sweet felt folio packaging, which holds and coordinates with the enclosed note cards and envelopes. Just perfect for stashing in your desk drawer.

I'm a printmaker at heart, and while etching has long been my favorite media, I'm completely enamored with the woodblock designs from Artful Sentiments. Artful Sentiments designer Molly offers a huge selection of cards offering a wide variety of images charmingly printed in bright and catchy colors. My personal choice, her lovely desk calendars which are sure to spice up any home or workspace.

Letterpress was at the forefront of the show this year. There was lots of it! I was delighted to see a few familiar faces as I walked the rows, including fellow upstate New York locals Debbie Urbanski and Harold Kyle of Smock. Debbie and Harold are committed to printing sustainably, using fine bamboo paper and all while reducing the carbon footprint of their business and giving back to environmental causes. My favorite designs from their social collection are "horsey", "ellie" and "giraffe." Too sweet. Having had some of my own work printed with Smock's parent company Boxcar Press, I have seen first-hand this shop's love for the historic art of letterpress. With their beautiful colors and deep impressions...if there is such a thing as being gorgeously green, Smock has it down. Just scroll through the images on their home page and I'm sure you'll agree.

Whimsical preppy is how I'd describe the many deliciously colored offerings from The Paper Menu. Carried by a whole bunch of authorized online and brick and mortar retailers, you should have no problem tracking down the greetings, invitations, calling cards, and much more, that designer Marie has become known for. My favorite pick from The Paper Menu? Their gift wrap that can be personalized with a message, monogram or image. I'm definitely going to be hunting that down sometime before the holidays hit!

This is just the beginning. I promise there is more to come in a future post!

Sweet Talk Boutique Gets the Cool Mom Treatment

I was delighted to find that Sweet Talk Boutique was recently featured on Cool Mom Picks! In between nibbles, Cool Mom Liz managed to write a totally tasty post about our cookies!!!

I'm headed off to the National Stationery Show this week to immerse myself in new trends in the stationery industry. Which reminds me—now you can get all the sweetness of our STB designs, but without all the calories (although a little cookie never killed anyone's diet right?). Our signature illustrations are available on note cards and sets. Oh yeah, and Jen's got a ton of changes cookin' for the Sweet Talk site so check back soon!!!

Blogging for Hope: Las Mariposas of Yesterday and The Rights of Women Today

Bloggers Unite is an initiative designed to harness the power of the blogosphere by challenging bloggers to blog about a particular social cause on a single day, in this case the cause is Human Rights. Today, my single voice will be joined with thousands of others in an effort to make a real positive difference in our world. I want to positively impact our world by shedding some light on the need to support and defend women human rights activists. These courageous and deeply dedicated women fight for basic economic and social rights and in many cases they have been assaulted, harassed, threatened, imprisoned, and tortured for it.

My interest in women human rights activism was sparked after reading "In the Time of the Butterflies" by Dominican-American author Julia Álvarez a year or two ago. I became obsessed with The Mirabal sisters, three of four Dominican sisters who were assassinated by the dictator, Rafael Leónidas Trujillo in 1960. Throughout my education I was a great lover of world history, but I am ashamed to admit that I had little knowledge of the political history of the Dominican Republic (or most other Caribbean countries for that matter). I know it is easier said than done, but one way in which I would like to see our world change is to see American students educated about history other than our own. In many cases, I realize students also lack knowledge about the United States and our own current events, but in order for our society to maintain influence and the ability to change the world around us for the better, I believe we need to KNOW that world. That means better understanding other countries ad their culture. Just like my interest was sparked through a fictional account of a true story, I pledge to nurture sparks that I see in the young people around me.

As part of the Movement of the Fourteenth of June, The Mirabal Sisters (also known as "Las Mariposas") and others fought valiantly to end Trujillo's dictatorship. After the sisters' numerous imprisonments and torture, Trujillo sent men to intercept the three women after they had visited their husbands in prison. The unarmed sisters were led into a sugarcane field, then beaten and strangled to death. Their car was later thrown off of a mountain. Besides being wives, daughters and sisters, these women were also mothers. Thankfully, Trujillo's plan to eliminate the sisters backfired somewhat. Their deaths caused public outrage in the country and raised support and awareness for their cause. Trujillo was assassinated six months later in 1961.

On December 17, 1999, the United Nations General Assembly designated November 25 (the anniversary of the day of the murder of the Mirabal sisters) as the annual date for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women in commemoration of the sisters. This day also marks the beginning of the 16 days of Activism against Gender Violence. The end of the 16 Days is December 10, International Human Rights Day. The Human Rights of women are perhaps more endangered now than they were during the time of "Las Mariposas." If you do nothing else, then please make yourself aware of the violence perpetrated daily against women around the globe and in our own country. Colombia and Darfur may seem far away, but unfortunately violence cuts across boundaries of country, economy, and culture.

You may not feel like an activist yourself, but I guarantee you will be inspired by the stories of today's Human Right's activists from around the globe. I was particularly affected by Mao Hengfeng's story. A mother of twins, she was dismissed from her job in 1988 because she became pregnant with her third child, in violation of China's family planning regulations. According to Amnesty International, Mao Hengfeng is reportedly detained at Yangpu District Branch Police Station in Shanghai, where she is kept in solitary confinement. Lastly, I urge to to seek ways that you can support and defend these brave women and the many nameless victims of violence around the world. Whether it is through signing petitions, educating yourself, involving yourself in aid or relief organizations, or just simple prayer, I believe we women can make a difference in the world, in the lives of our global sisters, and within ourselves.

Picture Book Ponderings: Higglety Pigglety Pop! Or, There Must Be More to Life.

Think Illustrator Maurice Sendak, and I'm sure "Where the Wild Things Are" is the first thing to come to mind. I tend towards some of Sendak's lesser known favorites, like "Pierre: A Cautionary Tale in Five Chapters and a Prologue" (which I just used to help teach my 3 year old the virtues of caring, or rather the perils of not caring) and this little gem of children's lit and illustration "Higglety Pigglety Pop! Or, There Must Be More to Life."

Sendak wrote this book to deal with the death of his beloved Sealyham Terrier, Jennie. You might remember her from "Where the Wild Things Are" as she has cameos in a few of Sendak's books. And if the real Jennie was anything like the salami and pancake loving Jennie in ""Higglety Pigglety Pop.." then she was quite the character. Jennie is a dog who has everything. Discontented, she goes out in the world to find something she doesn't have. When she comes across a pig wearing a sandwich board advertising an opening for a Leading Lady in the World Mother Goose Theater she jumps at the opportunity. But there's one hitch, the job requires someone with experience. One thing Jennie does not have.

When I was in high school I used to read this book to my brother who is eleven years younger than me and I'm not sure who enjoyed those read-alouds more...the child or the teenaged big sister. Sendak's signature pen and ink style became a major inspiration to me as a young designer and illustrator, encouraged my interest in etching (which often uses similar drawing techniques), and showed me that with a little imagination an artist can take something small (a brief nursery rhyme bearing the a portion of the book title in this case) and spin it into a sweeping visual and literary narrative. Whimsical yet dark, this book speaks to that childhood, teenage, and well...even that grown-up...desire to take risks, seek more, and find out what the great big world and that "castle yonder" hold for us all.

Filled with crazy characters—an ornery baby who refuses to eat, a milkman who is also a cat, a very hungry lion, and the equally food-obsessed Jennie, this book offers quirky quips that you are sure to find yourself quoting after the reading is done. The warmly detailed illustrations, never fail to suck me in and the story is just plain charming. I mean who wouldn't love an adorable but spoiled dog, who is put through her paces and ends her story with this: "As you probably noticed, I went away forever. I am very experienced now and very famous. I am even a star. Every day I eat a mop, twice on Saturday. It is made of salami and that is my favorite."

Maurice Sendak's work has taught me that to illustrate something is to do more than just re-interpret the words on the page as a companion visual. True illustration illuminates the text, bringing additional dimensions to the story and stylistically branding the narrative at the same time.

Keyed In!

I've recently decided that I am going to start carrying Lilie's A Planet 4 Creation cards around with me every time I wear her awesome Green Skeleton Key Pendant. I literally get no less than 3 compliments on it EVERY time I wear it out. And I'm wearing it more and more these days, because who doesn't love compliments? From pre-school teachers to sales clerks to neighborhood friends or visiting family members, everyone I talk to seems to have a question to ask or a kind word to say about this lovely little piece of jewelry.

Actually, it's not that little, which is one of the things I love about it. The design I own is from a previous season, but it looks similar to this beauty which is currently for sale on Lilie's site. Just switch out the stunning red heart for a lovely green glass bead. Plus this key looks like it has a history. It brings some mystery to the pendant and I think that's cool. I have been collecting found keys and wearing them around my neck since I was a teen, but Lilie's additions of czech glass and porcelain beads, or Swarovski crystals, definitely take wearing keys as jewelry to the next level. A Planet 4 Creation also carries a wide variety of key jewelry! Check out the whole section here! There are pendants that use antique numbered keys, skeleton keys, or iron replicas of treasure chest keys, and a large selection of earrings using different key charms.

A Planet 4 Creation is also celebrating a birthday this month, so take advantage of this discount code "Birthday3" for 30% off! It expires May 31, 2008. And don't forget to mention this blog, Design is Everywhere, in the Customer Referral. If you do, you'll get a free gift! Happy birthday A Planet 4 Creation...and many more to come.

Ring, ring doorbell ring...It's house party time!

So I've been tagged again. This time by the excellent Carey of Lasso'd Moon, a fellow stationery designer who can be found at her blog: http://www.theinkspotblog.com. The header is a nod to one of Carey's most embarrassing songs..."House Party Time" by Dan Zanes. Don't worry Carey...you can find my girls and I dancing to this one in our kitchen most weekdays at around lunchtime. You're not alone.

Here's what I'm supposed to do:
1) Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog.
2) Share 5 songs you are embarrassed to admit to others you like and tell why.
3) Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.
4)Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

But I'm going to have to wimp out on 3 and 4. Honestly, after tagging everyone back in January I think I tapped out my resources. So unfortunately this tag ends with me. BUT, I will treat you to 5 songs I'm embarrassed to admit to others I like and why. Here goes.

First you must know that I am a die-hard 80's and 90's alternative girl, who grew up singing in choirs and musicals. That right there should let you know that I have secret CDs stashed all over the place. Move over my well played friends like The Smiths and Jeff Buckley...say hello to the closet skeletons of my CD collection.

1)"Un-break My Heart" by Toni Braxton— The over the top drama of the lyrics, the moments where Toni gets her super sassy low-register whisper on, the vocal acrobatics (imitated by Idol contestants season after season I might add!), the big "whoo!" at the end. All very cheesy. But I have BELTED (that's the only way to sing this song) this one out in the privacy of my home office before.

2)"Leave (Get Out)" by JoJo- I'm a sucker for a dance tune. Sure she was like 15 when she recorded this, but the girl can sing. As my brother-in-law once asked me (when he caught me jammin' out to this one) "How do you think they decided to add the girl in the background of the chorus yelling 'Leave!, Now! Who? Why! Waste of time!' I would've loved to have been in on that record exec meeting!!!" Lyrics like "Boy you must've gone and bumped your head" make this song almost intolerable but I still like it anyway

3)"Gotta Get Thru This" by Daniel Bedingfield-Again, it's got a good beat and you can dance to it. Still the digitized falsetto is pure cheese. Thank goodness he's European, it's the only excuse I have for liking this.

4)"Stand Up" by Ludacris featuring Shawnna- I am a mother, I should not own music with lyrics like this. I will say though that dancing to this and "Hot in Herre" by Nelly are the ONLY things that got my daughters through "the witching hour" as infants. You know, the period between 1 and 4 months old where they cry for like 2 hours straight every night between 5 and 7 pm? Apparently, when I moved, they moved. And it was in a way that worked for them. Who says hip-hop isn't comforting?

5)"(God Must Have Spent) A Little More Time On You" by N'Sync- I don't think I even need to elaborate on this one. I'll go hang my head in shame now.

So there it is. And I did not go easy on myself with this tag. Those are just a few of the songs I'm embarrassed to admit I like. Feel free to comment with one or two of your own favorite stinkers!

Design Find: helpineedhelp.com

My friend and collaborator over at http://sweettalkboutique.com pointed me towards a great site a week or two ago: http://www.helpineedhelp.com. I love the aesthetic of the site as well as their product ideas. Any company that has this to say about packaging design—"Many companies enjoy packaging their goods inside nasty materials covered in gaudy graphics.That’s because many companies are controlled by crazy people."—is A-OK in my book! While you're visiting the helpineedhelp.com site there are lots of things to do and look at, all presented in an orderly and legible fashion that would make my college Swiss design professor proud. A visit to their blog is sure to give you a chuckle. You can design your own "Help, _______" T-shirt in their store section. I personally want to get one that says "Help, everyone spells stationery...as stationary!!!" Just a little pet peeve of mine. Lastly, be sure to check out their "help I am BORED" area. While there you can find all sorts of easy remedies for toplessness, homesickness, stupidity, aggression and more! So props to the designers over at http://www.helpineedhelp.com/home/. Thanks for adding some more good design to cyberspace. And thanks Jen for for being my design buddy.

Kiss My Face!

Today is Earth Day and I have to share a few of the most well-designed (and earth friendly!) skin care products I've had the pleasure of trying. I am officially obsessed with Kiss My Face's Obsessively Organic facial care line! Why you ask? Because it WORKS. I say that these products are well designed because they excel in both form and function. From the packaging to the effectiveness of the individual formulas, this is a group of stellar products that each stand out individually while also working in perfect harmony with each other. Of course they've all got obscenely cute and catchy names, which makes me love them even more.

Currently I'm using the products geared toward normal to dry skin. I start with "Clean for a Day" creamy cleanser, which is as much a treat for my nose as it is for my skin. Scented with natural vanilla and tangerine, I always think to myself that it smells like I'm washing with a yummy smelling cream pie filling. The best part is I don't gain any weight and there's none of that stickiness! Next up is the anti-aging powerhouse serum "C The Change." I love this stuff and so would the wrinkle lines on my forehead...if they were still visible!! I am new to serum use, but over the past few weeks I cannot deny the changes I've seen in my skin. It looks and feels healthier, with less wrinkles and redness to boot. Since this is my night routine, I follow up with "Under Age" an ultra hydrating moisturizer. This is a rich cream (I use a very small bit with each application) but my skin just sucks it right up. I can't give all the credit to the serum, as I feel this moisturizer contributes a great deal to softening my skin and smoothing out fine lines as well. Of course, it's also got a lovely rose garden type fragrance. Amazingly, not perfumey or too floral, but rather fresh smelling...like a bouquet of botanicals.

There are lots more options you can add to this routine, especially if you have special concerns. There's a botanical acne gel in the line, a moisturizer with sunscreen for day use, a deep pore cleansing mask and a body scrub as well. The only extra treatment I've tried so far has been KMF's "So Refined" facial scrub. I use it once a week or whenever I need a little oomph in my complexion. Next I'm itching to try their "Eyewitness" eye repair cream and "Balancing Act" toner.

When it comes to Kiss My Face I have to admit, I might be a bit biased. They're based right next to my little hometown and I've been familiar with (and a fan of) their products since I was a high schooler. Another fact I love about Kiss My Face is that they're the only independently owned major natural personal care company. And the company is still owned and operated by the founders!

I may be a fan of beauty products, but there have been plenty of casualties over the years—products that just didn't work, moisturizers that fostered breakouts, too heavy, too smelly...the list goes on. How refreshing it is to find a line that works for me, and that works to benefit the earth as well! Happy Earth Day!

To get some of your own earth day treats check out: http://www.kissmyfacewebstore.com/

Break me off a piece of that ART!: Helena Garcia

I have a darling little 18 month old. Those are her gorgeous brown eyes up in the header there. Not long after she was born, I set about designing her room. Of course, with a big sister in the house, much of her room was decorated with hand-me-downs. Determined not to let my second child get the perennial shaft, I made sure there were a few things that are all her own—the lemon colored walls, the white sheer curtains with hot pink polka dots, and a perfect set of prints from illustrator and artist Helena Garcia.

OK, so I had my eye on Helena's work before baby #2 was even in the picture. Who wouldn't be charmed by her colorful world of cheeping birds, adorable rocker chicks, and shared sushi yumminess?! Framed and placed on my little one's walls, I knew they were a hit when my big one, who was two at the time, instantly decided..."that's me! I'm the one with the guitar!" and "Look at me, I'm walking with my music." Notice her sister wasn't mentioned at all there. Still, I'd say little sister is the one who wins out. After all, she gets to wake up with Helena's illustrations everyday.

Having spent a lot of time looking at "I Love Music" and "A Stroll" while I rocked my sleepy, sick, or just plain cuddly baby, I came to the conclusion that for me, good design is truly comforting. Throw in the additional "cute factor" of Helena's art—I mean isn't the little animal ear hat in "A Stroll" is an inspired choice?!—and I'm comforted even more so. Her saturated color choices warm me and the musical themes found throughout her illustrations speak to what it's like being a girl who loves music (which I still happen to be to this day). The flat 2-D nature of Helena's work reminds me why I love being a print designer, and her "less is more" approach makes her art very accessible to children and adults alike.

Speaking of which (my big one's new favorite phrase), I aim to choose art for my children's walls that will grow with them and I felt these prints were perfect for that. Nothing against the "nursery art" trend, I've made some nursery art myself in the past. But much the way adults converse naturally with babies to encourage receptive language and verbal skills, I want to give my daughters more than just the equivalent of visual baby talk. I want my home to be filled with art that they notice, that interests them, and that they enjoy. As I rocked my little one the other night, thinking of how she'll someday be too big to rock, she pointed to "I Love Music" and said "guitar." That's when I was reminded once again, of what a good choice I made buying Helena's prints. Oh yeah, and I was also reminded that one is never too big (or too little!) to truly RÖCK!!!

For more on Helena Garcia's rockin' illustrations check out: http://helenagarcia.com/

Picture Book Ponderings: Miffy

Back when I was "tagged" in January, I mentioned that my ultimate dream is to illustrate children's books. To say that I am a lover of children's books (picture books in particular) is an understatement. As I troll local libraries for books to read with my toddler daughters, I am continually reminded of the many books and authors and illustrators that helped shape my design sensibilities. Hence the regular feature I'd like to start..."Picture Book Ponderings."

I figured I'd start out with the Dutch design icon, Miffy! I found Miffy late in life, after I became a mom and my oldest daughter fell in love with the "Miffy & Friends" television program on Noggin. The show's distinct color palette (basically primary colors, plus the use of white, black, and brown) immediately won me over, as did Miffy's simplistic shape and features. Who knew that with just two little dot eyes, and a "x" for a mouth, a bunny could be so expressive!? Being a print designer, I immediately ran to e-bay to see what sort of actual Miffy books, stationery, toys and products I could find for myself...Uh...I mean my child. What can I say, I'm a design junkie.

That's when I discovered that MIffy is HUGE in Japan. Yeah, I know...big surprise right? With a styling similar to Sanrio's Hello Kitty products, Japanese pre-schoolers and teenage girls alike have scooped up any and all the Miffy they can get. The website Business in Japan notes that while Miffy may not rank as highly as Sanrio’s characters in terms of brand recognition, she still rakes in ¥40 billion (US $332 million) a year on products! And that doesn't include the picture books where our super sweet bunny got her start.

I credit Miffy with bringing me to the real Dutch design icon here, Dick Bruna, the modern master who created her (When it comes to art, when isn't the word "dutch" almost immediately followed by the word "master"?). From the deStijl to Droog Design, Dutch Graphic design is consistently defined by it's pursuit of minimalism and simplicity. Dick Bruna's ability to capture the affection and interest of both children and adults through the use of simple lines and forms, truly inspires me! After writing about the Dutch quest for nothing more than what is visually essential, I'm off to design myself. Thanks Miffy (*wink*)!

Springing Forward!

Yellow Invitation Suite, Menu, Program and Matching Cake, originally uploaded by Bride Design.

I'm not sure it's here to stay (did someone say there might be SNOW next week?), but Spring is certainly here for the moment. Designing this smashing yellow and black stationery wardrobe back in January certainly filled me with a much needed burst of brightness this past winter. I was also thrilled to create these items as part of a collaboration with Jen Comfort of She Takes the Cake, shetakesthecake.com, who designed the matching wedding cake.

I didn't always think so highly of collaboration. As a BFA student and a professional graphic designer in the publishing and in-house communications industries, I often heard that competition fosters innovation. Further into my career I noticed an increased use of the the phrase "design by committee." Wikipedia notes the defining characteristics of "design by committee" as "needless complexity, internal inconsistency, logical flaws, banality, and the lack of a unifying vision." They wrap it up with this: "Design and style much more relate to intuition and aesthetics than science or politics." True that, Wikipedia. True that.

Collaborating with Jen on designs has made me realize that when two people do share a "unifying vision," that vision often has double the impact. Do I still experience "design by committee" situations? Sure, every once in a while I'll take on a freelance job with "too many cooks." Or perhaps I'll volunteer my time and services for an event or organization that's lacking resources, leadership, or proper planning. But, when I do let my intuition and sense of aesthetics inform my decision to collaborate with another artist or design team, I find I am often pleased with the results.

I recently did some business "Spring Cleaning" and decided to let that same intuition and aesthetic ideal be the driving force behind this blog. Using this blog as a platform to promote my products just didn't make sense. Frankly it didn't help me sell anything and I honestly don't enjoy writing 100% PR and marketing driven posts. I also had to admit that as an avid reader of many blogs myself, I in fact HATE reading those types of posts as well! As a result I've decided to change the subject of this blog from my business, to my passion. When I thought about what I did want to write about, I realized that design is what I want to share with the world.

Design is what inspires me to be an entrepreneur, to do my job and in a large part contributes to who I am. I LOVE good design, but am amazed at what I can learn from bad and mediocre design as well. I am especially interested in the random, interesting, and often ignored design that occurs around me daily. Some of it might be mundane, and some of it might be marvelous, but it all contributes to the visual world around us...a world I never get tired of exploring.

Tag! I'm it.

Much to my delight, I was recently "tagged" by jewelry designer, Lisa of L. Stone Designs! Now that I'm "it," along with 6 other lucky bloggers, it's my job to share 7 random and/or weird things about myself. Not the easiest task, but here's your opportunity to get to know me, Erin the Bride Designer, just a bit better.

1. Everyone knows I love stationery, but I am also a HUGE perfume freak. I can't get enough of the stuff. One of my goals is to train my nose to distinguish fragrance notes, so that I can gain a better understanding of and deeper appreciation for perfume.

2. I have been collecting postcards since I was a child. I have tons from around the country and the world and they never fail to inspire me. From the stamps and postmarks, to the pictures on the front to the hand scrawled messages on the back, I should have known I'd end up doing something with my career that had to do with mail!

3. I had a minor in Women's Studies in college, and took many English and writing classes. If I were not a designer, I would probably want to do something in the magazine or book publishing. I loved working in those industries as a designer and art director, but I think it would be fun to try out the writing and editing side as well.

4. Working off #3. I have written and illustrated a children's book but for a variety of reasons I haven't really worked to get it out there or published. My ultimate dream is to illustrate children's books.

5. I love music! My husband and I have over 1300 CDs which are now happily living in our attic while also living on in our itunes catalog. The lion's share belongs to him, but I promise I didn't just marry him for his music collection!

6. I danced ballet until I was 16, and started doing modern dance in college. I would love to start taking dance classes again and getting back on point shoes at some point. Until then, there is always a dance party going on in my living room with my two toddler daughters!

7. I once painted two dinosaur-themed chairs that were autographed by famed paleontologist Paul Sereno, and featured in Chicago's annual Celebrity Chair Auction.

So that's me. Want to learn more about a few of my favorite bloggers? Hopefully they won't mind sharing!

For the tagged, The rules are as follows:
Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog.
Share 7 random and/or weird things about yourself.
Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.
Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

I linked to :
http://shetakesthecake.blogspot.com
http://aplanet4creation.blogspot.com/
http://textilefetish.blogspot.com/
http://penpaintpaper.blogspot.com/
http://designing-diva.blogspot.com/
http://elementsbydawn.blogspot.com/
http://deborahthecraft.livejournal.com/

The Bride Designer is also Style Mama???

Besides having a knack for finding and creating the latest trends in personal, business, wedding and event stationery, The Bride Designer, Erin Nowak, is also an entrepreneur, wife and the mother of two stylish little girls. An author and illustrator to boot, when Erin’s not busy designing invitations or chasing after her kids, she can be found chasing after the latest styles in beauty, fashion, home interiors, music and more! It's this passion for culture that has recently landed Erin the role of Style Mama at mommyscompany.com.. Mommy's Company aims to nurture the specific needs of contemporary moms who own businesses by providing insight, advice, and articles relevant to business and motherhood, a cause that is near and dear to Erin's heart. Erin has been penning the monthly column for the site since September 2007, which offers style and fashion information specifically geared towards busy women who are both mothers and entrepreneurs. Visit mommyscompany.com., scroll down to "Style Mama," and see what Erin's new venture is all about!

Paper Passion!

E_Nowak_BejeweledElegance_DressSwap_1
Originally uploaded by epmdesigner

Earlier this month I had the great fortune to participate in a lovely paper dress swap hosted by Heather of Jeweled Elegance. I was fortunate once again, when Heather matched me with my partner Jen Seals, a talented fine artist who works in the fashion/home décor industry as a graphic designer. One visit to Jen's blogand I knew I was in for a real treat. Her package did not let me down!!

As you can see from the pictures our dresses are completely different! I experienced a real infusion of creative energy designing something expressly for another artist. And it was a joy to have another artist make something just for me! My dresses were created from many of the materials and fine papers I use for invitation making. I used a smoky blue and storm gray colored flocked paper from India for the dress on the left. I trimmed it with ribbon and lace and added a paper corsage pinned elegantly with a gray brad.

The swap required that at least one dress was designed around an autumn or halloween theme. I instantly thought of the gorgeous japanese paper I had lying around my studio. Depicting fiery Fall leaves amidst black branches and trimmed with shimmering gold, I knew this paper would provide the perfect inspiration for my themed dress. I love the maroon vellum bodice, cinched with a chocolate ribbon "belt" and autumn leaf "buckle."

Jen's dresses were incredible!!! Rather than use paper prints and patterns to texturize her dresses, Jen hand painted her dresses from scratch! As a watercolorist myself, I really loved her technique and in her lovely note to me she took the time to explain how she created each one of her gowns. Using velvet ribbon, superfine sparkles, metallic trim, Jen created two dresses fit for a princess! Indeed my own little two year old princess has already claimed them for herself. In fact, we recently took a trip to the art store to buy all the fixins' needed to frame Jen's dresses so that they can hang in my daughter's room. I think you've got a new fan Jen!

The highlight of Jen's artsitry are the handpainted rosettes that she then cut out and adorned the dresses with. I know I had so much fun during this swap that I kept going and even made a few extra frocks to send to the swap's hostess, Heather. I'll save those for my next entry. These may not be invitations, but participating in this sort of activity was a wonderful experience. It gave me lots of ideas for new techniques to use with my stationery products, I met other wonderful and creative women, and I got to read lots of informative blogs about their varied businesses and crafts. Here's to more swapping when I get the chance!

Christmas in the house!!!

Bride Design is happy to announce our new collaboration with http://heyprettycupcake.com!Hey Pretty Cupcake takes the work of indie artists and designers and creates fabulous and useful items for all to enjoy. From buttons and magnets, jewelry to ID holders, there is something for everybody at the Hey Pretty Cupcake Etsy Shop. I'm thrilled at the opportunity to be able to share more of my work with the art-appreciating public. As I submit illustrations, they will be added to HPC's offerings.

I had such a blast creating a cupcake themed Christmas tree illustration for this year's HPC's ornaments. Please support me and the many other talented artists featured on Hey Pretty Cupcake with a purchase this holiday season. HPC is even offering a fabulous deal 1 ornament for $6.00, or 3 ornaments for $15.00 (Save $3.00), or 6 ornaments for $25.00 (Save a whopping$11.00!!!). It doesn’t have to be the same ornament or even the same artist! Which I really like since variety is the spice of life. The Etsy shop link above will take you right to my ornament's page. I think my yummy cupcake tree will surely catch the eyes of your friends and family, so add some awesome art to your Christmas tree this year! I know this independent designer will love you for it.

Babies need Stationery?

Originally uploaded by bridedesign

That question was my husband's response a few years ago when I started getting lots of requests for personalized baby and children's stationery. Do kids NEED stationery? Well maybe not quite like they need naps, or recess, or milk! But does kid's stationery come in handy? It sure does. I love giving baby stationery to new Moms complete with the name of their new arrival and a little icon/illustration reflecting the baby's budding personality or the theme of the child's nursery. In my own experience I've found these cards are perfect for the many thank you notes I had to write for welcome home and baptism gifts, as well as for 1st birthday presents! Older kids who are just starting to write love to chose the color of their note cards, as well as an icon that suits them. Animals, princess crowns, fairy wands, trains, soccer balls, baby rattles, and flowers are just a few popular choices. Children truly enjoy sending off their note or card to grandparents and far away friends. As far as I'm concerned, it's never to early to start cultivating a love for the art of letter writing!

Bride Design also offers correspondence cards for grown-ups too! For business owners I can customize the cards to include your logo. They're perfect for tucking a note into an order or to network with industry colleagues. Sets can be ordered in a variety of colors and quantities, for more information email Erin at admin@bridedesign.com today!

Bride Design Featured on Envision!

I'm happy to report that Bride Design was recently featured on Envision, a design blog dedicated to appreciating design in products, clothing, art, home wares and more. It was a delight to get noticed by a blogger all the way from Australia! And as the owner/designer at SixOneSix, this blogger definitely knows something about style. SixOneSix is a boutique specializing in unique clothing and beautiful handmade accessories. I must say...their little cocktail dresses are so adorable, they have me hoping I'll get invited to a destination wedding in Sydney sometime in the future. I wouldn't even need to pack...I could just buy a dress there! It was also an honor to be featured alongside dozens of other artistic products and fabulously creative businesses. Check out the review here!

Get a jump on your Holiday Cards (with a special bonus!)

Originally uploaded by bridedesign

It may be nearly 90° outside, but I'm staying cool inside developing new card designs for the 2007 Holiday Season! This year we're inviting new and exisiting clients to light up the mailboxes of family and friends, business clients and contacts with a set of our custom designed cards created just for you!

Cards for personal use can feature family photos (adorable babies and cute pets are always popular choices), custom illustration (sketches of a new home or holiday themed watercolors work well), and of course a special message or quote created just for you! Corporate cards can also be created using photos or illustrations and can utilize your company logo or tagline. These greetings are the perfect way to show cleints, vendors and contacts how much you appreciate their business throughout the year.

I have a great deal of experence designing cards for non-profit agencies, schools and universities, and small businesses. Besides creating my own personal holiday greetings for more than 10 years, I've also had the joy of helping many other individuals and families reach out to their loved ones at this special time of year.

Here at Bride Design, I love the Holidays almost as much as I love a wedding so to celebrate I am offering a FREE matching electronic card with every custom holiday card order of 50 cards or more. This electronic version is suitable for emailing and can help you save on postage or at least ensure that all the techies in your life get your greeting.

If you have ideas or a question regarding holiday cards, please email me at admin@bridedesign.com. I look forward to hearing from you!