Suzanne Williams Design

Dumpster Dive'n

2012-02-14T11:50:00.001-06:00

John and I found this computer chair in our building's dumpster. He did the sanding and staining and I tried my best to cover it. VIOLA!

ps. it's hard for me to give this post that title without referencing Portlandia. preeeeeeetty funny.

Cake or Death

2012-02-08T11:09:00.000-06:00

Have you ever had an irrational thought that you might just DIE if you don't get something?! Most adults remember thinking that pre-kindergarten, but I have those thoughts still! And my most current craving is for these cakes. I might. just. die. if I don't get some of these prints.

Fabulous paintings by Paul Ferney.

Extra Mile Logo

2012-02-01T09:57:00.000-06:00

When Love INC of Columbia, Missouri emerged a few years ago, few people imagined how far it would reach and how many people it would help. It's still growing and changing, but today there are three main divisions - The Love Seat, First Impressions (and the newest edition) Extra Mile.

The Love Seat is a furniture bank. First Impressions is a professional clothing closet, and Extra Mile is a one-on-one adult mentoring program. All of these services are available to those in need.

For me as a designer, what this means is a little family of logos. The first couple are drafts and the third is the final Extra Mile logo.

Below are the existing Love Seat and First Impressions logos.

N + P Save the Date

2012-01-25T12:29:00.000-06:00

My little Natalie is just growing up so fast! *sniff*

Stacey's Christmas Quilt

2011-12-28T16:48:00.000-06:00

My sister-in-law, Stacey, has been in the family just shy of two years. So according to my calculations, she deserves a quilt! I think my favorite fabric that made the quilt cut was Michele D'Amore's olive dots (the backing). No, no I take that back....make that Joel Dewberry's Modern Meadow...ahhhh now that a third fabric is coming to mind (Dogwood Voile by Denyse Schmidt) I better stop and just admit that I can't decide. The joy of quilting - I can use them all! When else can I have my cake and eat it too?!

Katie Day Photography Rebranded

2011-12-16T11:56:00.001-06:00

This past month I had the pleasure of working with the fabulous Katie Day and rebranding Katie Day Photography. Here are a few logos we sifted through before finding the perfect fit. Take a look at her website to see the final result.

Birch Trees Diptych

2011-12-14T09:14:00.001-06:00

I figure if I can't get quality photos, I might as well get a quantity of photos. Each canvas is 3' x 2' and painted with oil. They might not be finished...but for now they are.

oh, and here's one of my Christmas tree!

A Scrappy Christmas

2011-12-07T17:36:00.001-06:00

It was kind of a slow day...so I painted lil Scrap.

Some Book Covers

2011-12-05T15:14:00.001-06:00

I was commissioned to redesign this book cover. Here's what I came up with...

M + A Finished Wedding Invites

2011-12-01T12:20:00.001-06:00

As you can see by these photos, I don't have the greatest camera nor any photo-take'n skill...bear with me. It's probably not going to get better. I feel the need to say that every once in a while...

Since Miss Molly "Soon-To-Be-Bottorff" lived in my current hometown of Chicago for a while, I thought it would be appropriate to take her invite photos from my roof - where I have a bit of a view. Let me also add that the envelope and the navy backing SPARKLE. Also, the printing quality looks horrendous in these photos. I PROMISE in real life they look nicer. Blame it on my dodging, burning and sharpening (that's photoshop talk). I PROMISE the banding doesn't exist!!! ....promise.

and this too!

2011-11-15T09:41:00.001-06:00

Good Morning From Duck from Emerson Made on Vimeo.

R + L Save The Date

2011-11-15T09:34:00.001-06:00

Rachel and Loren's email Save The Date.

Boone Clinic Logo

2011-11-10T13:03:00.001-06:00

About a year ago I redesigned the identity for the Boone Clinic Pediatrics department. The first four logos are the rejects and the last one is the winner!

Back when I was frequenting my pediatrician I used to love those wooden beads that you would slide through the wire loops. Remember what I'm talking about? Anyway, that was my inspiration for the first logo. Hey what do you know! I found it on Amazon!

Which one...which one...to pick...

2011-11-02T12:07:00.000-05:00

My good friend Pam (you know the crazy one who is training for Race Across America) is having a tough time deciding which logo she wants to use for her RAAM Campaign. I thought I would throw this up on the 'ol blog and see if anyone has an opinion. Once the logo is picked she'll be ready for a blog of her very own!

Lot -o- work in the hopper

2011-11-01T14:00:00.001-05:00

After almost a month of silence I figured I should post something just so people know I'm alive. I have a lot of half finished projects and a few just floating out there waiting on me to do something with them...SO. Here are a couple runner ups for Rachel + Loren email Save The Dates. Final design coming soon...

M + A Save The Date

2011-10-03T15:26:00.002-05:00

Breakfast of Champions

2011-09-07T09:16:00.006-05:00

Almost every morning for the past couple months I have made these oh-so-yummy high protein pancakes. I saw a version of this recipe in a magazine and through the course of making it so many times, have altered it a bit to make it (in my opinion) better. I can say with confidence that I will most likely never post another recipe again (you're welcome). However I had to post this one because I am such a fanatic about it. Enjoy!

just shy of 1/2 cup rolled oats (I use Bob's Red Mill Old Fashioned Rolled Oats)
little less than 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (Chobani Plain Non-fat yogurt works best for me AND seems to have the most protein)
3 egg whites
dash of cinnamon
splash of vanilla
dash of Splenda (optional depending on your take on sweeteners)

Whip it all together REALLy well. It should have a nice pancake batter-like consistency (does that make sense?...that is why this is not a cooking blog). Spray your griddle with non-stick cooking spray and pour them on in nice circles. These cook longer than regular pancakes because of all that wonderful protein - so don't try to flip them until they are ready (mine take a good 5 -7 minutes on each side at 350 degrees)

Dump your favorite frozen or fresh fruit/maple syrup/agave nectar on top and enjoy!

Pam for RAAM

2011-08-31T11:30:00.001-05:00

My dear friend Pam is right in the heat of her three year training for The Race Across America. Now, just by the sound of this you can probably guess that this is no easy task. But, to put it in perspective, the race starts in Oceanside Pier, CA and ends in Annapolis, MD - a total of 3,000 miles and 170,000 ft. climbing. This is not a tour either. It's a RACE. Once the clock starts it does not stop until the finish line. Pam is training to complete this in 11 days. ELEVEN DAYS! For anyone who can't reach a calculator, that's roughly 270 miles PER DAY. Nuts? yep. Yep she is.

So that is why I am fully encouraging her to do this. In the next few months I will be working with her to design a campaign to help raise money for her and to benefit her philanthropy - Love INC. Stay tuned to hear more about this crazy lady's adventures.

(I'm great at giving support from the back of her tandem...she never knows when I stop peddling)

M + A Save The Date Runner Ups

2011-08-29T16:45:00.003-05:00

Even though they didn't make the cut, they will always have a place in my...hard drive... Stay tuned for the winning STD (it's just so much easier than writing Save The Date)

Cafeteria Signage

2011-08-19T17:26:00.005-05:00

This project had to be cranked out almost over night. With such speedy growth, the last thing on this company's mind was signage. But, with a couple weeks until school starts these had to get done. And fast.

Each signs will hang above it's corresponding food section in all of the university cafeterias that use Upper Crust Food Service.

Baby Beginnings

2011-08-09T15:50:00.004-05:00

I thought that would be a funny post title following my last wedding post. Ha! Don't worry, I'm not pregnant. One of my friends is starting a little shop for her new line of baby products. Don't be fooled by the name - you have to buy everything.

Tied the Knot

2011-07-31T19:05:00.013-05:00

Well folks. That's it. I'm married! Mr. & Mrs. John and Suz :)

Thanks to the amazing Katie Day (she blogged about 200 more of these photos on her site) and many MANY coffee filters (the main ingredient in making those hundreds of white puff balls hanging from the ceiling).

Oh, and don't miss checking out the wonderful neck ties Emilie and I made for all the guys. I might have pooped out in the end...

wedding preparation

2011-07-13T10:01:00.004-05:00

3 days. Only THREE DAYS. And then I'll be married :)

But, of course since I like to make everything much harder than it needs to be, I decided to make almost every element of the blessed event. I could not have done it alone - pictured is my crafting soulmate Emilie...and Corona- helping me work round the clock to make .... it's a SURPRISE! But just give me a few days and I'll have pictures. Actually Katie Day will have pictures. She's my totally rad photographer.

Kayaks

2011-07-07T12:47:00.004-05:00

When my old boss, Ryan, from Chicago River Canoe & Kayak contacted me about making them some rack cards I was pretty stoked about the idea of getting some free kayaking in - research, of course :)

But, if you're ever in the Chicago area, look them up. The Skyscraper Canyon tour is well worth it.

Reception Invite + Lief Collaboration

2011-06-28T12:36:00.009-05:00

arty in CoMo! After get'n hitched way up in Traverse City, MI, my friends, family and well hopefully some random people who just hear loud music and want have a good time, are going to celebrate the nuptials with UNA FIESTA!

I collaborated with Lief Design on that beeeeeeautiful calligraphy. Thanks, Emilie!

Wedding Invitations

2011-06-20T10:11:00.010-05:00

am not dead! Just busy. After a move to Chicago, a huge change in my job and continuing to attempt to plan multiple wedding events, I have now finally made time to post. Here are pictures of my OWN wedding invitations.

John and I are having a small wedding in northern Michigan and then celebrating back in our respective hometowns with receptions. (those invitations will be posted once I'm assured people have received them in the mail). Because our actual wedding will be small, I was able to go all out on these invites...I even got to bust out my stamp collection....

logs...

2011-05-25T19:39:00.006-05:00

n a sunny day (nothing like today) I stumbled upon two men sawing down a beautiful old tree. I jerked my bike to a halt and asked them what they were planning to do with all of the wood. They said they were going to "pitch it"! Well, I saw opportunity knocking and wasn't going to let it pass me by. I sped home, got my car and drove back to the scene. The two men had left by then, so I single-handedly filled my little coupe with as much wood as it could hold....I knew I would find something to do with it.

My handy cousin sawed the logs into 2" discs and after sanding and staining them, I think they could make wonderful platters, wall decorations, outside placemats....so many possibilities, right?

Proud Mary

2011-05-24T09:34:00.007-05:00

Are you familiar with this little shop? It's just a couple girls in their mid-twenties doing something pretty amazing. I signed up for the Proud Mary e-newsletters back when their stock consisted of a few pillows and fabric by the bolt. Now, they have launched a new site, a new look and new merchandise.

yummy :)

*and feel free to buy me the Diamante Tote Bag...

Typography Class Finished

2011-05-18T10:17:00.006-05:00

I had the wonderful opportunity this spring to teach a typography class at Stephens College. The entire experience was so enjoyable I may have a found a future career...but not for a while :)

The final project for the class was to design a gig poster. Here are few I thought turned out exceptionally well.

Spreads

2011-04-21T15:53:00.005-05:00

The kind that go in magazines. These actually ran two consecutive months in Marketplace magazine. I'm working on a health and beauty section right now that will hit the streets in the next couple weeks.

Forgetfulness

2011-04-07T09:17:00.004-05:00

I was recently asked to recite my favorite poem. hmmm...my first favorite poet (who inevitably will have to be my last favorite poet - due to the poeticalness of such unwavering certainty) was Billy Collins. Introduced to him my sophomore year of college by my poetical pal Perrin, I have taken great comfort in one of his poems in particular. It reminds me of the universal fate of forgetfulness - so when I cannot recall even a single stanza of this beloved poem, I smile, knowing I probably never will. ;)

Sew Sisters Logo

2011-04-06T17:02:00.006-05:00

A logo I designed for a wonderful new group of sewers. Mainly quilters, but all thread-lovers are welcome. Along with their logo design I created a badge/patch - which also doubles as a lovely pattern for all printed materials.

Soon to be a-pickling

2011-03-30T15:07:00.003-05:00

I should wait until the final unveiling of what this little pickle will be...but I can't help it. Everytime I look at it and think about a little pickle dance'n across my desk I giggle...

put this song on and do it right now...hehe. it's kinda funny...

Sweet Home Final Prints

2011-03-28T08:51:00.005-05:00

This postcard design was made to showcase the little green house of a first-time home owner.

Home Sweet Home Postcards

2011-03-16T20:48:00.006-05:00

sunshine

2011-03-02T19:33:00.008-06:00

oh the crazy things you can do with 1,500 coffee filters...

Save the Date...FOR ME

2011-02-13T09:17:00.005-06:00

When I was in college I tried to design everything like my gig poster heroes. I just knew my life would be complete if I could move to the city, become a groupie and screenprint posters for bands. To say the least, everything I designed (especially my senior year) was gritty, distressed, over-sized and IN YO FACE. Thankfully I learned a bit more about design, however instead of seeing both for what they are I did an aboutface and swung the total opposite direction - corporate, subtle type treatments, quiet hues, soft burning of the edges (definitely still do that...probably too much). In my Save the Dates I revisited my true grit roots, but tried to maintain somewhat of a balance.

Sidenote: Was talking to my friend Caitlyn yesterday and told her I don't really like these enough to send them. I was thinking about redoing them. She told me to shut up and start slapping stamps on (of course she said it so much nicer). Ha! Sometimes second best is good enough. Especially when there are a hundred other things to do. She then told me that she printed the wrong year on her Save the Dates..hahaha. Made me feel so much better ;)

OH! and if you haven't received one of these, but know that you should have, don't sweat, I haven't mailed any of them out.

Another V-Day Stop Motion?

2011-02-07T22:52:00.005-06:00

I couldn't help myself :)

*photos by Johnny Miller

Natalie's Batiks

2011-02-06T21:24:00.003-06:00

Natalie's birthday quilt.

Too early for red hearts?

2011-02-03T10:09:00.001-06:00

Just saw this video this morning and thought, I should probably wait at least one more week before posting a Valentine's video...but oh well.

diy valentine's cakes from tiger in a jar on Vimeo.

Bright Beginnings!

2011-02-02T15:21:00.009-06:00

One snow day yesterday was amazing, but now two? I have gotten so much done with TWO whole days of planning, crafting, designing (and sleeping) that I have a new lease on life. ahhhh....

For those of you who know me, you already have heard that I will be happily wed this summer. And with those forever vows I will be moving back to Chicago - thus giving me that needed boost into the great unknown of full-time freelance design. I have mulled this decision over quite a while and come to the conclusion, why not?

So, rather than pushing forward with Suzanne Williams Design, I will be rebranding myself and (hopefully) getting better acquainted with the world of self-promotion. (so hire me hire me!)

In a few months I will be launching my new site, however, until then, this is my new name - Jack & Suz. (forever :) (and when did I get so cheesy?)

I won't be in the full swing of things until after all of the wedding shenanigans have calmed down, but I'm too excited about it to not post my NEW LOGO.

Sunday Flowers

2011-01-31T10:05:00.004-06:00

My friend Amy and I had a relaxing craft day making these oversized paper flowers for my...dumdumdedum, big day :)

For All You Comic Sans Haters

2011-01-19T19:18:00.002-06:00

Comic Sans from Sam and Anita on Vimeo.

The film maker tries to be a bit too unbiased for my taste. I would say that there is never a good reason to use this typeface.

Katy + David

2011-01-17T18:09:00.005-06:00

Pros and Cons of shimmer paper:
Pros: 1.) looks amazing 2.) makes brides extra happy 3.) feels so nice coming out of the matching shimmer envelope
Cons: 1.) makes printers run and hide 2.) gives me a splitting headache

The pros won out on this round, but it will probably be a while before I venture out to shimmer paper again. I wish there was a better way to photograph these, but just trust me...they sparkle!

Love Seat :: Move'n On Up

2011-01-13T09:33:00.003-06:00

How exciting to see one of my favorite logo creations, blown up and slapped on a huge moving truck! The Love Seat is growing and helping more people every day. They are continually looking for volunteers to help in their furniture warehouse, so don't be shy! Volunteer!

BAM!

2011-01-04T17:22:00.007-06:00

I redesigned the identity for the NEW and IMPROVED Bambinos Italian Cafe. Logo, menu, T-shirts, cups, the works! I finally got in there today for lunch so I could snap this shot of the menu and scare a waitress into posing for me.

Michigan Christmas Quilt

2011-01-03T18:21:00.011-06:00

I gave this to my future mother-in-law Christmas morning. I had so much fun putting these fabrics together I got a little sad giving it away...

There was more to my Michigan Christmas than presents. Here, I was introduced to snowshoes.

I'm a bit like a duck, no?

My handsome beau. After teaching me to cross country ski, these snowshoes were cake. With every visit to the Great Lake state, I fall a bit more in love.

Happy Anniversary

2011-01-01T17:10:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was the one year wedding anniversary of my only brother and his beautiful wife. Since Aaron and Stacey wrote their own vows, Aaron had the idea of doing "something" with them and giving them to her. Here's what I came up with.

Happy Anniversary you two. I love you both very much.

Relaxing with Lavender

2010-12-18T10:41:00.010-06:00

I didn't make as many of my Christmas presents this year, but one that I thought would definitely be worth the time is this Relaxing Eye Pillow. It's so so simple, and just so nice to have after eating a big Christmas dinner. You can throw it in the microwave or the freezer for your desired temperature. My quilting mom, Brenda Winkelmeyer, passed these instructions on to me. Now after enjoying my own Relaxing Eye Pillow I thought I would pass them along to you.

Supplies:
- fabric, something soft and luxurious
- flax seeds
- dried herb of your choice (roses, chamomile, peppermint, lavender)
- funnel
- bowl
- measuring utensil

1. Cut out two pieces of fabric to your desired size. (I have recently become an embroidery fanatic so I embroidered mine.)
2. Put right sides together and sew along the side with a quarter-inch seam. Be sure to leave a couple inches open so you can squeeze your little fingers in there to press out the corner seam.
3. Flip your pillow inside out and iron down your seams nice and flat.
4. In the bowl, mix 3/4 c. flax seeds to every four T. of herbs.
5. Funnel the mixture into your pillow only about 3/4 full.
6. Hand stitch your pillow closed and VIOLA!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-03T15:08:00.003-06:00

Thought I would revive my grumpy old Christmas cat. Happy holidays and have a great weekend!

Herbal Oats Granola wrappers

2010-11-28T19:48:00.009-06:00

And they are finished! Kind of. My part that is. The actual wrappers still have to be printed, but here's a pretty good idea of what they will look like. (Front, back and inside of the wrappers)

Also, here is a very scrappy looking 3D model of what the box will look like. I designed it to only use one color to save on cost. The granola bar flavor will be stamped on each box. That way only one version has to be printed, rather than four.

I think I like you

2010-11-22T11:35:00.003-06:00

Listened to this song on repeat while putting binding on a quilt. Pretty much ended up having a solo dance party in my sewing room. Needless to say, the binding was never finished.

Repro Quilt finally finished

2010-11-21T12:14:00.012-06:00

Do you remember a reproduction fabric post I made almost A YEAR ago? Well guess who learned how to finish a project. Aside from a couple hand-dyed fabrics and some run-of-the-mill white muslin, these are all 30s reproduction prints. If fabric history has any appeal to you (I'm speaking to about .5% of the population right now) here is a nice little article on fabric during that era.

Notice the quilt pattern - quilting notions! scissors, thimbles, needles, thread...how wonderful, yes? OH! and I got a little adventurous with my backing. Rather than my normal straight yardage, I mimiced the piano key border and ran a strip through the middle.

Please ignore the unfinished edges. I still have binding to do, but just couldn't wait to finish that before posting.

X-mas Postcards

2010-11-18T09:34:00.002-06:00

I made these for a local insurance agency group.

MO logo

2010-11-16T16:48:00.003-06:00

A couple drafts for a new decorative concrete business in town.

Squirrel Crazy Beer

2010-11-09T20:00:00.007-06:00

When I saw Brew Dog released the world's most alcoholic beer in...a DEAD ANIMAL? I had to post at least a picture.

Introducing The End of History at 55%abv. Only 11 bottles will be available but each bottle will come inside a stuffed animal - a rather polarizing and daring packaging move...but very in keeping with the brand and a sure-fire way to get plenty of attention.

Granola runner ups

2010-11-01T21:47:00.007-05:00

For the past few weeks I have been working with Herbal Oats to redesign their packaging. I thought I would share a couple ideas that did not make it to round two. I should have the final wrappers finished in the next few weeks and hopefully ready to hit stores soon after that.

Shoes #6

2010-10-26T21:28:00.006-05:00

It's been a while since I posted some new shoes. Lucky for me there was a sale at Dillards. If you haven't seen Shoes #1-5, click on the keyword below and check out the series. My day job is really cutting into my natural light, so pardon the harsh yellows. These shoes are actually a nice peachy pink.

follow up...

2010-10-24T19:43:00.001-05:00

Just had to follow up that last post with this one....

WE WON!

MIZ--ZOU!

2010-10-22T08:49:00.003-05:00

A couple co-workers and I got pretty festive last night with our Add Sheet store front window. GO MIZZOU! Beat those Sooners!

Buttonhead

2010-10-21T08:45:00.002-05:00

Margaritas and antique buttons. I would say Merideth and I had a pretty good night.

Spoonflower

2010-10-19T10:31:00.009-05:00

The amazing Kimmy Sue from Paper Nest told me about this online fabric shop. Just loving it...

buttons, bands and clips

2010-10-14T18:58:00.008-05:00

I made these as party favors for a friend. 30 total. Well, 31 if you count the last headband I have on. I simply could not part with that one.

Beth's Baby Shower

2010-10-13T11:49:00.003-05:00

Our little Beph is having a baby! These invitations have a lovely letterpressed flower with digital type. Printed on cream cold press paper.

Media Kit

2010-10-12T13:53:00.008-05:00

It's not always easy designing for a 40 year old brand. As we are redesigning our image, my thought is to incorporate vintage elements with modern simplicity. Keeping some of the old, adding some new. Form meets Function.

D & D Cafe Window

2010-10-10T12:57:00.005-05:00

A few months ago I designed the logo for a local cafe. However, I didn't realize the window display was up until I road my bike past it a couple days ago. After some Sunday brunch I was able to snap a few shots.

balls. all kinds.

2010-10-03T20:37:00.009-05:00

I dusted off my old fabric dyes from college and dyed some cord this weekend. I do miss dying yardage, but not the multicolored skin that always comes with it. Even after trying my best to wear gloves my hands are still a magical smurf blue.

It's a Big Deal

2010-10-02T16:16:00.003-05:00

Donate yo stuff

2010-09-20T23:08:00.004-05:00

Counter cards designed to promote The Love Seat and First Impressions - non profits working to help people out of crisis. (I made the logos too)

Happy Birfday!

2010-09-16T22:20:00.004-05:00

A couple generic birthday postcards I was commissioned to design for a local insurance company. Who knows, maybe you'll get one of these babies in the mail.

How To Be Alone

2010-08-29T19:12:00.003-05:00

Love Birds

2010-08-25T22:06:00.006-05:00

It's been a while, but I still remember how to paint. These blushing birds remind me of a time not so far ago when a boy tried to hold my hand...how nice :)

Typie type

2010-08-18T17:41:00.008-05:00

Typographers: Deanne Cheuk, Jason Wong, Jessica Hische. And some others.

A Wide Thank You

2010-08-10T20:42:00.007-05:00

My first open gate fold. For those who don't know what that is (I'm assuming most, since I'm a designer and only learned of the term last month), an open gate basically swings open...like a gate...from the interior sides of two pages. Thus making it fold out the width of four pages. yes? Not so great with words. Just look at my pictures.

This spread was to honor all those who helped and donated to the Homes For Our Troops cause. Marketplace Magazines and the Add Sheet support many local charities, HFOT being one of them. This charity is especially close to our hearts because the veteran who received the home was Robert Canine, brother to Jamie Canine, part-owner of the magazine (my boss ;). To read more about Robert's amazing story visit homesforourtroops.org/canine.

Weekend Work

2010-08-09T18:59:00.005-05:00

When it comes to home improvement projects I almost always overestimate my abilities. And not just that, but also how much time it will take me. So why would these chairs be any different? What I thought I could knock out in a couple hours took up my ENTIRE Saturday. The payoff was worth it, though. My parent's kitchen looks much better...if I do say so myself ;)

niccceee

2010-08-02T17:59:00.002-05:00

baby type

2010-07-20T20:20:00.005-05:00

I made this for a dear friend for her to give as a gift to her new baby nephew. If you would like your own personalized type-name-thing send 20 bucks my way and I'll have it right up! They do look pretty darling in a little white frame if I say so myself.

Marketplace New Homepage

2010-07-14T11:43:00.004-05:00

I am in the process of designing a series of websites for the different branches of Marketplace Magazine. This main splash page will be what you see when visiting Marketplacemagazines.com. You can then link to one of our three branches from this page. I'm pretty stoked about my montage. Who doesn't love a good montage? ;)

Simply Inspired

2010-07-12T21:51:00.005-05:00

A wise graphic design sage once told me that a designer can only be as good as the client allows. I see myself lucky, then, to have such talented and inspiring clients. Simply Inspired Event Design is an emerging event planning business started by Jennifer Woodward and Ashley Gross. Two fearless entrepreneurs ready to take on what most people would consider daunting - weddings.

I am currently in the process of designing their website, but here is their corporate identity I just finished.

Mahla + Lane Wedding Invites

2010-07-07T17:53:00.007-05:00

peeeper

2010-07-06T11:34:00.001-05:00

grown. picked. eaten. yummmmm.

just farm'n.

2010-06-30T21:21:00.006-05:00

After harvesting the world's largest zucchini, I thought I would attempt to portray my wonderful fledgling tomatoes through the lens of my adoration toward them/Photoshop actions. Sepia tones and fuzzy dark edges. Yep. That's exactly how I feel about those cute little tomatoes.

Fried Green Tomatoes

2010-06-25T18:36:00.002-05:00

And could it be? Not all is lost. Something is growing. I thought of this poem today as I watched a bug slowly chomp his way through a sugar snap pea...

ONLY ONE OF MY DEATHS

Because it seems the only way to save the roses
is to pluck the Japanese beetles out of
their convoluted paradise
and kill them, I think for a moment,
instead of crushing them in the driveway,
of impaling them on the thorns.
Perhaps they'd prefer that.

Dean Young

The fake ones grow the best.

2010-06-16T17:46:00.003-05:00

not enough water/too much water/not enough sun/too much sun/hungry bugs...why is half my garden dying?? Those sweet peas better pull it together if they know what's good for 'em.

at least I can make my own flowers.

Runner ups

2010-06-14T22:36:00.005-05:00

I designed three completely different looks for Mahla and Lane to choose from. Their colors are deep plum and champaign. Such lovely colors for an evening in August. The first invite is easy enough to understand, but the second concept needs a bit of explaining. The main part of the invitation would be printed with the information. The second element would have a monogramed strip of paper sewn to it. Then lastly, would all be tied together with a quick stitch around each edge.

I can't tell you anything about the design they picked. You will just have to wait until it's ALL finished! oh dear it's so soon...

Sock Monkeys

2010-06-06T12:04:00.005-05:00

Just so cute they are hard to resist :) While enjoying Art in the Park I discovered a local wonder - Emma Ginsberg. In addition to making whimsical works of art, she fully believes in making affordable art. Which is my kind of art. Her work is also currently showing at Artlandish Gallery on Walnut.

A couple thoughts more than a Lino

2010-06-02T19:42:00.006-05:00

Yes, it has been a couple years since I dawned a cap and gown and received an empty diploma case. But if that's true, why do I still feel like a kid? Like a college kid?

"Most of my friends who are graduating are artsy and have no clue about their future," a Harvard sophomore told me..."When my friends are asked what they plan on doing next year, they vaguely mention either organic farming in a foreign country, living in an artist's commune, or Brooklyn."

Taken from The New Yorker, May 31,2010 [another way of being pretentious. deepest apologies]

It's funny reading those words back to myself after probably writing those same revolutionary ideas in my journal back in '08. hmph. Maybe seeing those ideas, and finding a bit of humor in them, is growing up...in a small way.

And those pics are what I did before bed last night. Testing out some linoprint ideas...

Oh, and I still want to WWOOF around the world. Doubt that will ever change. ;)

Garden LOVE

2010-05-31T20:49:00.012-05:00

I'm in love a little. Maybe it's infatuation, I don't care, but I've become enamored with vegetables. Not so much to eat, but just to water and watch. My vege-love even spread enough to allow a few flowers in my garden. That wildish looking flower pot was put together by a one John Plakmeyer and yours truly.

I tried to hold off on the chicken wire for as long as possible, but a couple days ago when I found a little bunny snacking on my sugar snap peas, I knew it was war. And I wasn't going to lose. Feeling strangely like Mister McGregor, I dawned my sun bonnet and strung up a bit of a fence. That'll do it. Right?

Is this what happens?

2010-05-28T00:28:00.005-05:00

So is this how it goes? You grow up and get a job and stop being creative and write lame blogs about socks??? My deepest apologies go out to all who had faith in my frequent blog posts. I would make promises right now to get better, but would rather not. Let's listen to this song and forget about how busy we all are.

socks.

2010-05-26T23:30:00.004-05:00

Is it wrong to love a thing? How about two?

Stamp'n

2010-05-15T19:04:00.007-05:00

I read about these DIY typesetting stamps at Staples and couldn't help myself from buying one. It was after 15 cards-o-stamping that I realized I had typeset my own number wrong. woops.

It's ALIVE

2010-05-13T21:34:00.007-05:00

it's growing. I can't believe it! It's all growing (except for the basil...but I'm pretending that I never planted that.). To add to my grower's excitement I purchased a sunbonnet. I might even be wearing it right now while writing this post.

Yes, I do have a couple paintings in the works (I haven't given up everything), but it is so hard to stay inside when I feel the need to nurture and care for these green babies.

Some Marketplace design

2010-05-05T21:53:00.011-05:00

My first window display! Is that what it's called? A window display? Decals? Stickers? Anyway, I wanted the windows to look like coupons...like the Add Sheet & Marketplace...get it? (they are local business advertisement publications) Look at the cute little scissors cutting! haha OK, well I get a kick out of them.

The second picture is the dark...yet surprisingly up beat!!! cover I designed for March Marketplace. A funeral parlor with no creative direction bought the space...hmmm...happy spring!

Lastly, is a new addition I designed for the magazine. The March addition was the first time adding a business testimonials section.

Learning to Grow

2010-05-03T08:27:00.009-05:00

This weekend I planted my very first vegetable garden! Hopefully in a month or so I will start to see the juicy fruits of my labor - tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, peppers, snap peas, beans, and in a couple smaller pots, cilantro and lemon basil. Well, I guess I can't take all the credit. My hardworking neighbors were invaluably helpful. Now my biggest problem is deer....any ideas?

Mahla & Lane

2010-04-26T21:33:00.007-05:00

It was easy to make this couple look amazing. For one, Mahla has great style and asked me to make her Save the Dates with some earthy vintage pizazz. Such an easy thing to do, since they are posed beautifully in a serene meadow. Secondly, I envy the photographer who got to shoot these two. I mean, let's get real, could they take a bad picture?

I used a scan of some rough old hemp to achieve the subtle fabric texture. All that was left was to insert picture perfect, add some vector flowers I had lying around, and VIOLA!

More Alley Finds...and some

2010-04-23T16:02:00.004-05:00

One of my favorite people in the world came to visit me (you know who you are...Caitlyn). And during her stay she and I made these colorful applique pillows. Rather than visit the Bean or the Hancock she wanted to spend hours with me in my sewing room. Did I mention she is one of my favorite people? Our original inspiration came from from a set of pillows we saw at Anthropologie. Devout followers of the store will probably know what I'm talking about.

Before those pillows came into being, though, I was taking a stroll with my roommates and what did we find?? A sturdy wooden bench all alone in an alley! Of course the only thing for us to do was lug it back home and up three flights of stairs to be repainted. I painted it to match some Kaffe Fassett fabric we had on the walls of our living room. My flowers turned out looking more like turkeys, I think...

An Excerpt

2010-04-18T17:08:00.005-05:00

from Spring Lemonade

In late April they spread manure on the fields
the same week the lilac hedges bloom,
so the nose gets one of those symphonic challenges
that require you to stand out on the porch and breathe.

The earth goes around a corner, the dresser drawers slide out
and naturally, we change our clothes,
putting the long underwear away,
taking out the short-sleeve shirts,

trying to make the transition
from psychological Moscow
to psychological Hawaii...

...Last night the sunset was so pink and swollen
the sky looked like it had gotten an infection.

We were sitting on the lawn and sipping lemonade.
Inflamed clouds were throbbing in the feverish light.
Shannon murmured, Somebody better call a doctor.
Kath said, Someboday get some aspirin.
But nobody moved.

And the smell of lilacs and manure blew out of the fields
with such complexity and sweetness, we closed our eyes.
It had nothing to do with being good, or smart, or choosing right.
It had to do with being lucky--
something none of us had ever imagined.

Tony Hoagland

Window Painting

2010-04-15T22:03:00.004-05:00

After finding a whole trunk load of old windows in an alley, I thought I could just whitewash the frames and get to painting the glass...not so much. Obviously these windows were thrown out for a reason. That reason? I found out after applying my first coat of paint...wood rot. It took about five coats of paint per window to cover up that stuff. And gosh, I'm sure it's going to come back in a couple years. O well. Who said art was permanent?

Acrylic on glass. Also haven't found a good way to seal this without getting weird spots on the glass. Ideas anyone?

Friends at Lake Michigan

2010-04-12T14:20:00.004-05:00

My little Natalie and me beside our favorite of the Great Lakes.

Finished Wedding Invites

2010-04-09T22:03:00.006-05:00

ell, all of the flowers have been cut and the invites printed. Address labels and stamps are the only thing separating these invitations from their rightful owners.