design. wash. rinse. repeat.

inspired by mom

my stylish mother was a fashion illustration major in college, how cool is that? (and the girl can sew like you wouldn't believe, she would be a prime candidate for Project Runway.) though she valiantly chose to raise my four siblings and i rather than join the workforce, her love for the craft lives on via myself and my sister (& frequent collaborator) nica. the above image is artwork we created last fall for Creating Keepsakes Magazine. the fashion influence is obvious, and i thought i would share a few of the many magnificent illustrators i find endlessly inspiring:

the incredible Erté

stina persson 

ruben toledo (a fixture in Nordstrom's branding)

kareem iliya

eduard erlikh

and... too many more to mention. sigh. i hope you feel as enriched by these artists as i do.

Creative Spaces winner!

Congrats to Lori P., whose comment was randomly selected to receive a free copy of the Creative Spaces Magazine, generously donated by Creating Keepsakes. For everyone else, don't forget they're offering free shipping in the US until 5.27.11! just enter coupon code SPACESBB.

creative spaces :: giveaway!

Today marks the official release date of the lovely Megan Hoeppner's latest stroke of genius: Creative Spaces, a new special issue from the good peeps at CK magazine. who wouldn't love to take a peek inside the work spaces of other creative women? talk about inspiration. Not only was i lucky enough to have my space featured in the book, i was also asked to create the design, so today i'm doubly excited. my sister Nica and i even got to collaborate on some illustrations to sprinkle throughout the book, which means my hands were covered in paint and ink, something that doesn't happen nearly as frequently as i would like. (it also means my office looked nothing like the above photo... a little less calm, a little more chaos!)

below is a sneak peak of the actual magazine:

Open publication - Free publishing - More craftroom

now for the best part, CK is generously donating a free copy of this fantastic new issue to one lucky reader! to enter, just leave a comment (i'd love to hear what you love about your own work spaces!), and a random winner will be chosen one week from today (people, that would be tuesday the 17th of may!). For everyone else they're offering a store coupon for free shipping in the US until 5/27/11, just enter coupon code SPACESBB.

limited edition valentines

La Bonne Vie (the delightful new patisserie at the Grand America Hotel) needed a custom package for their specialty Valentine's treats, and the good peeps at Struck/Axiom recruited my help. loved getting to work on this project (understatement!). running wild with patterns is absolutely my favorite thing, and it's not everyday a client will spring for luxurious metallic paper & ink. i feel so blessed having the opportunity to work with such immensely talented and inspiring people.

creating beautiful things for appreciative clients :: love. 

freebie :: owl box

whooooo loves owls? this bitty valentine freebie is just for you! born from the same random whim that created my favorite little bird box. 

RECIPE:

1:: Follow the cut lines to trim out the printed pattern.

2:: Score the fold lines, (i pressed lightly with an xacto) and gently bend to crease.

3:: optional: braid a 10" length of yarn and insert as legs.

4:: Adhere together, and fill with a favorite treat.

enjoy!

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happy christmas

freebie :: holiday tags

freebie printable holiday tags. just for you. mwah!

holidays at the Grand

As part of their many holiday festivities, the Grand America in downtown Salt Lake City has put together a delightful "ABC stroll". Various windows throughout their shops are festively decorated, with letters hidden here and there. I was lucky enough to be one of the contributing artists, so last week T and i took the kids down to check it out, and my-oh-my what a fun outing! There is a special card to make note of all the letters you find as you explore, and once completed, the card is redeemable for a sweet treat at the new La Bonne Vie patisserie. yummmm. their tasty samples of italian gelato and eclectic gift ideas are not to be missed. plus the store itself is a meticulously detailed and inspiring space.

For my window i was asked to create a graphic poster with the letters N (nutcracker), Y (yule log), and F (fireplace). i love how the whole project came together and feel so lucky to have had a small part. hopefully all you locals will get a chance to check it out. and for everyone else, well, i've got a free set of printable tags in the works which were inspired by the project, so stay tuned!

 

 

freebie :: holiday card

How adorable is my newest little nephew?! his sweet baby santa photo (captured by my lovely and talented sister-in-law Becky) was the inspiration for this year's freebie holiday card. Sadly my own bitty photo shoot didn't go quite so swimmingly. notice anything wacky in the photos below?? Only i would get my three Littles all dolled up for a magical holiday photo op and mindlessly put my one-year-old's shoes on the WRONG feet. ack. i can't stop giggling at these photos! i wasn't going to show them... but in the end, freaky feet or not, they're such cute kiddos, and who knows if i'll get around to shooting something new. happy holidays.

{scroll to the bottom for the free 5x7 card download. & if this design doesn't quite fit your family photo, perhaps one from the past year or two will be just the thing. enjoy!}

 

freebie :: creepy Halloween treat labels

It would be an unfortunate October if the month went by without at least one free printable download. So despite a hectic work week i toiled til the wee hours of the morning creating some dreadfully vile Halloween treat labels. Four loathsome options are included in the download, plus one "fill in the blank", so that all of your wretched needs may be met.