Home is where the (artist's) heart is...

I've lived in a lot of places that are packed with creativity: Manhattan...Chicago...Providence, RI. Each one has a vibrant art and indie craft life of its own, brimming with coolness. When I first moved to Syracuse, NY I wondered if I'd find that same type of creative scene. At first, I thought hope was lost. And then? I found the most welcoming, interesting, and hungry art community I've come across yet.

I was thrilled when I landed, by complete chance, in the Strathmore section of the city. A neighborhood with it's own art show, Art on The Porches, designed to celebrate the area's historical homes, as well as the many local artists who live here. Check out this year's poster I created for the event, inspired by the great Government WPA posters of the 1930's.
Syracuse has indeed struggled with it's artistic identity over the years, but as a city resident I've been impressed by how many artists and non-artists alike, deeply value what Syracuse has to offer in the way of locally produced art and handmade goods.

Now, even my wildest expectations are being surpassed with the start of The Salt City Urban Art & Craft Market! More delightful indie goodness, right here on my home turf? It's almost too good to be true. My application is in and I hope to be part of what sounds like it will be an incredible display of local and regional NY talent. Thanks to the event organizers Briana and Vanessa for believing in Syracuse and beyond...

The Times They Are a Changin'

Soon the leaves will be turning autumn hues and school will be back in swing. Honestly, I can't wait! It's my favorite time of year. Lucky for me, I get to experience autumn early every year as I create fall invitations on these hot summer days. Here's a sneak peek of one I truly enjoyed creating for a very fun couple. These invitations featured a natural pressed maple leaves and as highlighted in the photo, an original illustration I created with watercolors. Almost every bride I've worked with this year has come back for programs, or place cards, or some other paper-related delight, so I'll keep you posted with pictures of the items I'm working on to match this lovely suite.

In the meantime, I've got something of my own in the works and am hoping it will be ready for September release—the all new, revamped Bride Design website! The new website will include an online shop, a fully redesigned and self-hosted blog, new additions to our couture portfolio and more. I'm really excited to expand Bride Design's offerings and make shopping our products and services easier for our clients. Perhaps I'll even have a sneak peek into the site's redesign soon!

More etsy treasury goodness!

One of the things I like about etsy is that having a shop has led me to see and find more cool art, jewelry, clothing, accessories, supplies (the list goes on...) than I could ever find roaming the internet on my own. Treasuries are a fun way to do just that. As a shop owner, I love treasuries for the exposure they provide the featured artisans and products. But as a shopper, it's the chance treasuries give to sneak a peak into the mind of my fellow creative consumers and crafts-people that thrills me.

I was thrilled to have my Modern Circles Wedding Invitation included in a very cool treasury entitled Grey Charcoal Red Pink. I think I faved about 4 items, and found a bunch of shops I probably wouldn't have found on my own. How delicious is that yarn? I totally want to renovate my bathroom with a parisian theme around that little toothbrush holder. And I wish I had $450 hanging around for that painting.

I also love that the patchwork sweater blanket included accents the grey and red colors, with an ochre-type yellow. Just like my invitation. Oh yeah, and it gets cold here in central New York...so I'll be needing that too! Thanks to Lesha's Workshop for creating this treasury and including me, and I promise not to send you the bill for all my subsequent etsy purchases {*wink*}.

Living, Loving, Laughing...Working!

Sorry I've been away so long, but the end of the school year, start of summer, and the wild activity of "wedding season" has had me up to my ears in a whole lot of all of the above. I'm really excited about the pochette invitations shown here (and the programs, donation cards, and possibly a few other reception elements that will go along with them!). I had a blast creating them for a lovely bride and groom, who also share tattoos that include the words used in the "logo" I designed for them.

The bride's vision included lots of bright white and the invitation reflects that, but I also enjoyed using her unique accent colors: coral and olive. They provided the perfect pop for the envelope lining and underscored key elements of the interior design. The inside also boasts swirl elements used to evoke the same aesthetic as her gorgeous wedding gown. I'm so thrilled that my friend Jen from She Takes The Cake is creating the wedding cake for this couple's event and I can't wait to see where she takes these ideas on what I know will be a sugar masterpiece!

Between this and my last post, I bet you are thinking what I'm thinking..."it's the year of the rings!" I've moved on to new looks, but I have certainly found wedding rings to be a big inspiration this year, especially in regards to typography. More to come, very soon. We're moving out of summer weddings and into fall and winter now, so I'll get some pictures up soon of more of our summer creations and give some sneak peaks of what you'll be seeing in September and October too!

Design is everywhere...even on fruit.

I have no need for a fruit cozy, and yet I want this one from Unravel Me Designs something fierce. I'm a green apple girl myself, and doesn't this crisp, juicy apple look so...well, cozy in its little sweater?! And don't get me started on the Cheshire Cat closure!

I don't work in an office anymore and so my apple-toting is limited these days, but this just might be the ticket to more fruit eating for me. A little cozy sure would protect my apple from getting banged up in a diaper bag and I think my little girls would love an entire family of apples all dressed in different colors and stashed happily in a ceramic bowl. I can see it now a pile of discarded Barbies and clothing, abandoned in the name of dressing up fruit. I like it.

Be sure to check out Unravel Me Designs. I don't ever think I've been more inspired to write a blog post about an etsy find, as when I saw this picture. Keep up the decidedly creative design work UnravelMe!!

Sunshine (on this rainy, rainy day...)

If you're not reading (or should I say, reading and commenting on) The Bright Side Project blog, well...then you're missing out. Bloggers Miss K and Miss B "deliver sunshine daily" by offering up giveaways for readers that at the same time support emerging and established artists and designers. That's a cause I can certainly get behind!

Not only are the offerings from these artists, gorgeous and unique, but the questions The Bright Side Project asks contest entrants to answer are thought-provoking. I did a workshop for some fellow entrepreneurs, on Unleashing Your Creativity a few weeks ago, and in talking with a few of the women in attendance I mentioned how much visiting and commenting on The Bright Side Project encourages my own creative thinking. Not only do I gain inspiration by getting a peak at what other members of the artistic community are working on, but through answering questions I would normally never think to ask, I'm led to explore new creative territory and discover new inspiration inside myself. Pretty cool, eh? You've gotta try it!

If you do, you just might find yourself a winner. I did, and from quite and unexpected answer I might add! I didn't have to think long when answering "What scent reminds you of your childhood, and why?"
Here's what I said:
As a result, I was lucky enough to win an incredibly awesome hand-poured soy candle from Linnea's Lights! Choosing from their delicious list of scents was difficult. They ALL sound captivating. But in the end I went with Sweet Grass, in honor of my 4 year old's own springtime "kid-sweat" scent. Honestly, I am so loving this candle that I'm going to save my rave reviews of Linnea's Lights for another post...

I'll admit, winning is very fun, but as they say...it is not everything. Trust me when I say, The Bright Side Project has a lot to offer. Now get yourself over there right now and start answering some questions! Enjoy...

Sending Smiles...one card (or several!) at a time

If you haven't heard of Spirit Jump...check it out. As it says on the website "Spirit Jump is a program that directly connects the gift giver with a person battling cancer. It was founded in November, 2008 by two young women who have both battled cancer." Handmade gifts are especially encouraged, and I've been so fortunate to have found this organization so that I can share my craft and (hopefully!) boost some spirits in the process.

Today I sent out the two cards above, which are designs I created for Sweet Talk Boutique. I hope it lightens the load a bit for the two people who receive them, or at least helps them crack a smile. I for one, always underestimate the joy I feel when sending a little gift, or encouragement and good wishes to someone who needs it. I never fail to be moved and blessed by the experience. Thanks to The Sprit Jump ladies Meaghan and Stacy, for all the effort they put into Spirit Jump. They are true inspirations. And I love being a "Jumper!"

DIY Delight!: Bride Supplies

At Bride Design we're forever creating new stationery designs for weddings, events, and life's most meaningful milestones. But that often leaves us with an overstock of cards, paper, ribbon, embellishments, art supplies and more. In an effort to keep our studio tidy and your DIY crafting needs met, we thought we'd offer our high-quality extras to you at extremely affordable prices through Bride Supplies! If you're planning on making your own invites or are thinking about another stationery project, check out what we've got. The shop contents will be updated whenever possible. Please let us know if you've got any questions and don't hesitate to visit our studio's official shop as well!

Weddings: Logo Love

Earlier this week, I delivered an order of custom blush pink and ivory invites to a lovely couple. My favorite part of their design? The very simple monogram I created using the lowercase version of their first initials "p" and "d." The second I started playing around with the letters I knew what font I wanted to use for this part of the design: Century Gothic. Besides the "m_______________" on the response card, the monogram is the only part of the design that uses this face and I chose it for it's pure geometry and consistent stroke. It's "o" character is a perfect circle and the "p" and "d" match perfectly. Creating couture invitations that capture a couple's unique qualities is always a thrill for me. And when I can work with typography? That's even better. The best part of all, the bride and groom love their "logo" and we'll be using it on some additional ceremony and reception items for their upcoming July wedding as well. I can't wait!

Thom Felicia Style: Design Meets Generosity

Last week I had the fortune to attend a book-signing event featuring interior design powerhouse Thom Filicia. You might remember him from TV's Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. Held at the lovely Fingerlakes winery Anyela's Vineyeard, this event benefited local charity Positively Pink Packages—a great organization that provides vital resources to breast cancer patients. The amazingly designed cake for the event was created by my friend, sugar artist Jennifer Comfort of She Takes The Cake. It was stunning, complete with 3-tiers and a full-size, hand-painted cookie replica of Thom's book "Thom Filicia Style!"

Since meeting Thom (so fun!) and getting my book signed, I've had some time to flip through the pages and it's great. As a designer myself, but not one of the home decor ilk, I've found Thom's approach to interiors strangely similar to the way I design for print. Design maxims like "less is more" or "lose the matchy-matchiness" are things I subscribe to when working with paper, but often fail to apply to my own home. Thom's philosophy includes incorporating texture, unique surprise elements, and balance into the rooms he creates. Again, those are techniques I use when creating invitations, logos, and stationery, but they somehow manage to slip my mind when I'm trying to redecorate my living room. Well, no longer. I'm ready to unleash my personal design sense on my home (which is probably why I started ripping down wall-paper in my foyer), and do it with style, smarts, and OK...a little help from Thom Filicia's book (*wink*).

Design Fun : Lying Eyes

If you, like me, fancy yourself a color theory or design buff, I think you'll enjoy this quick little puzzle over at Wired Magazine. Can your "lying eyes" find the two shades of gray that are the same? Thanks to @willfrancis for sharing this over on twitter.

While you are over at Wired, you might want to check out this fun design tidbit on ambigrams (a phrase written so that you can read it right side up and upside down). Very cool. I can't wait to share the one that reads "Reverse Engineering," with my engineer husband. Hope everyone has a beautiful and design-filled day!

Sometimes it's OK to play with your food...

Especially when it's part of a valiant effort to make mealtime more appealing, or fun for some preschoolers. Spring has officially sprung here and I've been sure (even when it's pouring outside) to serve up a little sunshine on my daughters' plates as a reflection of the season. I'm definitely no Hippo Mum, but I do give it my best shot making healthy and pretty meals for my little girls. And with increasingly picky taste-buds, a little design aesthetic applied to their foodstuffs seems to make everything go down a little smoother, and lunchtime a lot less tiring on this Mommy. How do you spice up your kids meals? With new and interesting tastes? Sneaking in some stealthy and healthy staples? Or do you just fall back on making pretty pictures like me?! Whatever works, right?

The Earth Laughs in Chocolate: John&Kira's

Ever since my sister attended her sister-in-law's chocolate- and wine-tasting bridal shower, I've been meaning to tell you about John&Kira's gourmet, artisan, chocolates. I was especially delighted when said sister gave a box of chocolates to my husband for Christmas and I got to try their delicious, melt-in-your-mouth flavor combos. As if producing incredible tasting, and gorgeous looking chocolate wasn't enough, I also appreciate this Philidelphia business' community involvement and earth-friendly stance. They use local and family farms for their fresh ingredients, and support an urban school garden program in West Philadelphia where the mint for their Garden Mint chocolates is grown. I never thought I'd say this but mmmm....Earth Day.

With other flavors like Lingering Lemongrass, Popohaku Farm Ginger, and Lavender Honey...you know you're in for a unique, and often organic experience when trying these chocolates. Carefully embellished squares of chocolate and beautifully packaged product speak to John&Kira's design sense as well and make their sweets even more of a joy to eat. I was delighted to discover they also offer wedding favor versions of their fine product. I think the lovebugs pictured above would be perfect, and a welcome treat for guests, such an event. So happy earth day (a day late) and why not celebrate with some chocolate!?

"You mean when you were a kid, you didn't have music uploaded directly to your brain?"

Rhett and Link s Dead iPod Song @ Yahoo! Video

If you are my friend on Facebook, you're probably already aware that my 2 year old threw my iPod touch in the (albeit clean, but very wet) toilet a couple of weeks ago. My amazingly awesome engineer husband actually got it to work again for about a week and it functioned almost perfectly (except for a little sound glitch here and there). That was until I let the charge run out completely and then...nothin'. This song pretty much sums up the experience. Except for the 18 months to two years part. I only had mine for (gulp) 3 months...but then again the Apple Care Warranty plan does not protect against water damage or 2 year olds. Needless to say, I am lucky enough to have a shiny new iPod and my tinkering husband is still working on making the old one work so he can use it for himself. We shall see. I also now store it at locations that are shoulder height or higher. Lesson learned.

Bride Design's First Etsy Treasury

I was thrilled to wake up and find my Ring Pillow in Dreamy Cream and Beige was selected to be in a lovely and subdued Etsy Treasury titled "What Dreams May Come" by shop owner diaspora. I love the pale and stirring colors, contrasted with some lovely darks. Also included is some great photography, a gorgeous wedding gown, jewelry and more. I love the hanging art that looks almost like falling ginko leaves as well. A nice way to start a cloudy, rainy Wednesday!

Whooo says design isn't everywhere?

Indeed it is. In fact, I love the intricate design that is life, and how it enables us the chance to collide and interweave with other people, cultures, ideas and more. Sometimes life's designs cross in unexpected places, like malls, athletic fields, hospitals, or in the case of me and artist Lucy Mink...a preschool.

I was thrilled to meet Lucy, because our kids are the same age. While facilitating an art project at the school our kids attend, Lucy met my daughters and thought our older girls would make excellent playmates. In true "mother knows best" fashion she was right. But what's even cooler is that Lucy is an artist, designer, and all-around creative, which means we grown-ups have lots to chat about while the kids play.

Besides being an amazing painter, Lucy makes these adorable stuffed owls and sells them at minkstuff.com. My favorite is the sleepy-eyed guy above. I love his velvety-looking red wings and if I were a little kid I could envision myself sleeping cheek to cheek with my owl and wrapping those wings around my face for some nap-time peace and quiet. As I've mentioned before, I love all the benefits that come with buying handmade and I have a special fondness for handcrafted toys. But it's even more thrilling when I can find such treasures local to me. It's better for the environment, good for the community and local economy, and it warms my heart. So check Lucy and her owls out. Enjoy!

Twice as Nice!

I sort of stumbled upon myhandmaderegistry.com the other day, when one of my wedding invitations had the fortune of being featured in a wishlist by Nicole of the etsy shop Nicole's Homemade Treats, on the front page of the site. I was excited to see a site that encourages brides, couples with new homes, expectant moms, hostesses, or anyone who loves handcrafted items, to buy handmade. Needless to say, I joined up. Much to my surprise I was promptly notified that I am the lucky 400th member of this delightful group, and as such Bride Design is happily featured on the front page again. Too cool. Thanks to Dorana, and all at myhandmaderegistry.com. I know there is nothing more I love, than to give and receive gifts that have been designed and crafted with care. I wish you success as you continue to foster that attitude among the masses!

Éirinn Go Brách: My Favorite Irish Exports

With a name like Erin Patricia McKenna (I added my husband's Polish surname after we got married), it's safe to say I'm Irish. My maternal great-grandfather was once the Grand Marshall for New York City's St. Patrick's Day Parade! Luckily, I had the chance to go to Ireland back in 2001 when my husband interviewed for a job there. We stayed living in the states, but that visit only increased my love for "Dear Old Erin's Isle." Yummy pints of Guinness, the freshest oysters to be had from Galway Bay...what's not to love? In fact, I love so many Irish things I thought I'd share some faves (not the least of which is my own Irish lassies dressed up and wearin' the green, see above). From beauty to culture, weddings to handmade finds, there just might be something on this list that you'll love too!

BEAUTY: I'm a lover of perfume, and one of my favorite fragrances is from Ireland. I've never smelled another scent like Inis, ever since I was introduced to it years ago in Boston by a friend. One thing I love about it, is that it is not at all "girly." You can find it online and at many stores that import Irish goods.

BRIDAL: If you are an Irish or Irish-American bride and are looking to incorporate your heritage into your wedding attire, check out the beautiful creations from Colleen Collections of Ireland. They create gorgeous tiara's out of Co. Galway. Each on is stunning and unique.

We all know about "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue." But the Irish take it a bit further and add "and an Irish 5 pence for her shoe." I wanted to cary the luck of the Irish with me on my day, so I taped one into my wedding heels. 5p are no longer minted, as Ireland now accepts the euro, but you can found them online. I also love using Irish blessings for the "Take a Wish" portion of the Make-a-Wish/Take-a-Wish bowls I create for weddings.

MUSIC (and one very cool etsy find!): I grew up loving and listening to Irish music. My favorite album to jig to as a kid was Paddy Noonan and His Grand Old Band's, Live Irish Party at the Barleycorn. Too bad it's sold out, otherwise, I'd have totally scooped up this awesome recycled journal on etsy made from the albums cover. Too cool. On a more modern music note, had you been at my wedding, you would have seen an awful lot of crazy dancing to The Saw Doctors. I've seen this band many times, mostly in Chicago, and they never fail to get the crowd singing and dancing with some serious spirit.

DESIGN/HOME DECOR: Now, even Irish design is everywhere, including your local Target. Check out Irish designer Orla Kiely's Target Collection and get ready to swoon at her mix of bolds and brights. Just lovely.

I'll leave you with one of those Irish blessings I mentioned. Something I truly wish for each and every one of you!

"Wishing you always...
Walls for the wind,
A roof for the rain
And tea beside the fire.
Laughter to cheer you,
Those you love near you,
And all that your heart may desire!"

Spring Cleaning!

Back when I started Bride Design, I was so excited to create anything having to do with weddings. I even made a few ring pillows that matched some of the invitation suites I was designing. I was also pregnant with my first child, so I credit this graphic designer's desperate need to sew with a bit of "nesting" syndrome too. That's how these sweet little 6" handmade ring pillows were born. I loved making them because they were miles from the big ol' white satin whoppers you see everywhere.

Designing invitations and stationery now takes up so much of my time, I reserve what little sewing I do for fun home projects (up next a sink skirt for my new bathroom!). As I make room in my studio for new papers and products, or just try to reclaim a bit of "white space" on my desk and shelves, I thought I'd find a new home for these lovelies. If you know a bride or are a bride using a brown palette then this pillow might just be for you. Or if a dreamy mix of cream, white, and champagne beige are your colors check out this sweet white pillow. Both are embellished on the underside of the pillow with antique buttons from my personal collection.

Help clean my studio! When these are gone they're gone. Oh and rings are not included of course! They belong to photographer Crystal Herry, who took the shot, and her husband. We'll be listing more old favorites in the shop soon as well!

Do Something Good for Goodness' Sake

What's better than online shopping? Doing something good for others while online shopping! Maybe it sounds too good to be true, but it's not thanks to the Grand Opening of the Goods for Goodness' Sake boutique. Think of it as a new way of shopping —where your purchases do make a difference! 

I'm so thrilled to have partnered with this fabulous new endeavor, whose list of amazing stationery designers also includes: Artful Sentiments, Feterie, Hen & Barley Press, Loop, Marzipan, Paper Stories, PaperLuxe Studio, Rock Scissor Paper, Shimmer Studio, Three Wheels Design + Paper, and Tiny Tales! Bride Design is offering three different styles of In Lieu of Favor Cards, exclusively through this fabulous site. So if you're a bride or event hostess who plans to forgo favors and make a donation in your guests' names, do some additional good by supporting the GFGS charity of your choice with your purchase. Stop on by, get to know the GFGS charities and designers, and shop shop shop! 100% of the site's profits are donated to customer selected charities. A very GOOD thing!