Shave The Whales! // Design Thursday

A fellow DZ sister, Dana emailed me and wanted me to do some custom work for another fellow DZ sister. How awesome, right? Dana saw the print I did for Claire, here, and contacted me to do something custom for her.

She said that Henry's room is decorated in whales (mainly blues and greys) and we decided that a pop of orange would really be a good accent color in the print. What a cool little boy. Whales, blue, orange and awesome parents. Lucky kid.

I'm totally happy with how it turned out! Can ya dig it?

10 Years, Are You Kidding Me // Invitation Design

I've been graduated from high school a whole 10 years? I still don't believe it.

Why can I so clearly remember playing volleyball with all my close friends? Why can I still remember the table we always sat at in the cafeteria? Why does the song "Remix to Ignition" immediately pop in my head? Why can I remember that my biggest care was what I was going to wear to the Friday night basketball game? Why can I still remember the smell of that Chicken Fried Steak? Why can I still remember my locker number and combination - wait, that was a stretch...

The weird thing is that 80% of people that I talk to said they hated high school. Seriously? I just don't get it. You were around all of your closest friends everyday. You had no bills. You rarely had to pay for food. I played any sport my heart desired. If I could go back and sit in Mr. Wallace's art class - I'd be there in a heartbeat. Seriously, then this? The REAL world. But, I'm gonna throw this out there - not having a curfew IS pretty sweet, well, and a cell phone! The only thing I knew about texting was that my mom would get mad at me for sending 15 cent text. Well, that was until she blocked it. And look at me now...UNLIMITED. Whit-dogg knows the day I finally got unlimited. It was a grand day.

Sooo - BIG news. My reunion is coming up. Holy Crap. I designed the invite. It was hard to pack all of the awesome-ness that was about to go down in one tiny invite. I'm looking forward to it. Yea, that's right - I'm looking FORWARD to my 10 year reunion. Go Tigers!!

Wine Label Friday // Custom Design

Today....I'm hungover.

Hangovers hurt much more as an adult than as a college student. I'm not sure how I could bounce back so fast after a bender. These days it takes me a minimum of three days and about 5 gallons of water to fully recover and feel like a human. Getting old(er) sucks. Okay, it kind've does. I won't knock it completely. But, the paychecks - yeah, those are nice.

How appropriate that I'm posting wine labels on today's blog post. Saying wine doesn't really affect me but the word that rhymes with fin and starts with a G...well, now I want to take a nap...at least I didn't dry heave.

Anyhow, I've never actually even met Jessica. My BFF Emily who last year moved to Shanghai recommended me to design her custom labels. So, we properly were introduced through Gmail. That intranets is a beautiful thing.

Speaking of beauty - do you like any of these? The top one was the winner winner - cheeseburger dinner. Crap. Now I want a cheeseburger.

Never Too Old // Bachelorette Party T-shirt Design

Seriously, I'll never get to old for Bachelorette Parties.

Never. You think I will - but I most definitely won't.

Especially when they consist of cramming a cabin in the middle of nowhere with 12 amazing girls. Especially when it happens to be Miss Barb Smith getting married. Especially when the girls are some of the nicest, funniest women you've ever met. And Barb, I love that girl. I love when you can see the love between two people and everyone celebrates it! And I haven't even met her fiance, Chris yet! Her wedding is next month in July and if the bachelorette party was any indication how much fun the wedding is going to be - I hope I don't get arrested!! :)

Since it's not allowed that I post any pictures from the bachelorette party. I'll just show you the t-shirt design that all the girls rocked on a plum t-shirt. I would post pictures of the t-shirt - but, ummm - they don't quite make the PG cut of this blog.

The top design is the winner winner - chicken dinner.

Which one is your fav?

Handsome Gavin // Baby Announcement Design

I'm just gonna say it.

I love designing baby announcements.

There is nothing better than designing the first thing a mother sends out to "show off" their new baby.

I don't get to see Brooke as much as I would like to. It actually has been quite some time since I've saw her and many of my fellow Purdue DZ sorority sisters - but the great part - we can always pick up right where we left off. So, I was thrilled to design Brooke & Grant's announcement of their handsome Gavin.

Take a look!

Design Thursday // My Motto

I don't care who you are - happiness looks good on everyone. I love the feeling of smiling so much that your ears hurt. Yeah, you thought I was going to say cheeks. But, I'm weird like that, and smiling so much makes my ears turn red and get so sore. But you know what they say, no pain - no gain.

SO go on. Be happy. Smile so much it hurts. And if you have any good jokes - send 'em my way!

Design Tuesday | Boys Wall Art

So I have this friend that I like to call Whit-dogg.

We've been BFF's since we've been in kindergarten.

We've been through up's and down's. Definitely more up's though.

She's the kind of gal you can always count on. No matter what. We don't see each other nearly as much as we used to or would like to, for that matter. But, she's the kind of friend that you pick right back up where you last left off every time you see her. And I have mad love for her.

And her little man, Parks.

So, I just thought rather than going and picking out a toy for Parks' first birthday (even though they do have some killer toys out these days) - I thought I'd do something more memorable. Maybe not so much for Parks (I'm pretty sure he can't read his new art) - but more for Whit-dogg. Because she's amazing - and everyone deserves new pretty wall art.

The countdown for NKOTB in St. Louis is on, Whit-Dogg! June can't get here fast enough!!

Logo Wednesday // The Outtakes

I've been getting to spend a lot of quality email time with Sarah Wolfe, owner extraordinaire/creative food genius, of Farmer's Daughter in Princeton, Indiana. I'm not even mad - she's one awesome chick. She is an awesome female entrepreneur who brought this gem of a restaurant to a "it's Friday night let's go to Applebee's" type of town. I applaud her. I'm awed by her spirit to do it - and do it well. (I'm refraining to not fire up LL Cool J's song, "Doin' It") The atmosphere, the food, the booze - IT CAN'T GET ANY BETTER, FOLKS!

When Sarah approached me about working with her to create a new logo for her restaurant I was pumped/amped/totally stoked. Seriously, me?

#1 - I was honored
#2 - Farmer's Daughter is seriously my favorite place to eat in Southern Indiana. You've never had a homemade s'more until you see one torched at your table right in front of you. Seriously - I'm drooling thinking about it.
#3 - Sarah and I used to take art lessons with Brenda Wick when I was in 4th and 5th grade. I've never forgot that she was the one who taught me how to get my hair to stay up off my neck with a number 2 pencil. Loop, twist and tuck - BAM.
#4 - She's a badass woman who has a badass entrepreneurial spirit. And, I got mad respect for that!

Anyways - we've been working a lot together and we have finally settled on a FINAL logo! So, I thought I would include some of the outtakes that didn't make it to the final but deserve to show their face to the blog world.

Last but not least - when you're driving on 41 and you see the "PRINCETON, INDIANA" exit sign, take it. Follow it downtown to the square and pull up a seat at Farmer's Daughter. You won't regret it. That's a fact.

I can't wait to show you what we've come up with!

Throwback Wednesday // St. Louis Wedding

I was introduced to Jen from my soul-sister/BFF miss Carolyn.

Below is us at Carolyn's 30th Birthday Bash. A fun weekend of sun and fun on the Michiana shores!

Ahhhhhh that did it - now, I've officially started daydreaming about sipping Bud Light Limes & eating Corn Salsa from Al's. (My. Mouth. Is. Watering.) And if we're gonna talk about Al's - I'm gonna shout out to my personal favorite chai latte! I haven't found one comparable since, not even close!

Don't we look so fun? Yea, I thought so too!

Check out that sun-kissed, fresh from the beach look! (Jen is on the left, me in the middle, and Carolyn on the right) That's a whole lotta Abby sandwich happening right there.

 

Okay - back to real life and the point of this blog post.

Probably about 2 years later Jen asked me if I would create a wedding logo for her. Her and her now husband love to go to concerts. They are huge fans of new, old, alternative, oldies, classic rock, country, "Paper Planes" by MIA (should out to Brett) basically any type of music. So, Jen thought of the awesome idea: making the table numbers a memory of them at a concert and they wanted to include their wedding logo on the table number. Boom-shaka-laka.

Jen also had the logo made into a stamp that she stamped on the seating cards, out-of-town guest bags and any little cute thing she could get her hands on.

Okay - I'm done rambling. Check out some pictures!

All photos are courtesy of Jen's rockin' wedding photographer, Nikki Eads. Except for the awesome candid turn the camera around shot at the top - that's my handiwork! :)

Funny Friday // When Friends Text

Personally, I'm not a big fan of texting (even though, yes, I do it all the time). But, I like to think that I am one of the few people that really appreciate a good phone call.

But, my case and point is this text below - I'm so thankful that Whit text me so I can go back and laugh every time I read it. This text is a prime example of what friends are for!

Happy Friday, friends! Make it a good one!

Sorry, Granny.

Just letting the blog world know that I'm still alive, I'm still here and I'm still thinking 'bout cha.

And - Happy St. Patty's Day [only two days late], I hope you got to indulge in the tastiest green beer on the block.

Hand Lettering // Let Her Sleep For When She Wakes

"Let her sleep for when she wakes - she will move mountains."

I just love this quote. I just picture tiny baby dreams. Tiny baby aspirations.

My cousin's baby, Claire, had her 1st birthday party over this past weekend and I just knew that I wanted to do something special for her. I'm not even lying when I say she is an absolute joy to be around. This girl doesn't fuss at all. I mean, I'm sure she has her days - but don't we all!? She's constant smiles and giggles. If I was a baby - I'd totally want to be best friends with her because she's just the little miss social butterfly - always wanting everyone to have fun! That's my kind of lady!

Plus, her mom had her in the cutest polka dot shoes that had squeakers in the bottom. Seriously, I just about died with cuteness overload.

The bottom image shows what it looked like framed. A shout out to Hobby Lobby for the 40% off coupon! I love the shabby chic look! (And my corral cords!)

Even on a rainy, gross Monday - I can think about this little girl and she immediately puts a smile on my face. Ugh, Monday's. I can't wait to see what kind of mountains this little lady moves.

Sneak Peek // Wedding Logo

I'll let you in on a secret I've been keeping...

Texas loves Indiana. (Who doesn't love Indiana?!)
Chris loves Barb.

All the same in my book.

I designed this logo for my sweet, sweet, seriously sweet friend, Barb. Seriously - she's a gem. She met her soon-to-be hubby at Mardi Gras in New Orleans. How awesome is that? She deserves one of those awesome loves - because frankly, I think she is so awesome. So ready to see all of my Purdue 7th floor Shrever Beaver loves at Barb's wedding this summer! BOILER UP!! Hard to believe almost 10 years has gone by since we first met.

Whip It. Whip It Real Good.

So, I've been making a lot of homemade hot fudge lately. Probably more times than I should. Okay, way more times than I should (sorry, Weight Watchers!). But when I get out my whisk - I just can't help but "whip it - and whip it real good."

This design is a shout out to my favorite kitchen utensil. Holla ah 'cha gurl.

World's Easiest Microwave Hot Fudge Sauce
1/4 cup Light Corn Syrup
1/4 cup Sugar
3 T Unsweetened Cocoa
1 T Water
1 T butter or Margarine

Combine all ingredients in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 2 minutes. Get out your whisk - and whip it (or stir it) real good. Then VOILA! 3/4 cup of Hot Fudge Sauce for you to indulge in over your ice cream!!

You are welcome.

Pattern // Oh Deer!

I am a tad bit obsessed with the triangle pattern that I created for my Turquoise Penguin header.

So, why not put a pattern fill inside of a deer silhouette? Seems logical right? Ehhh, maybe not.

I think this is going to look good framed (maybe even a red fancy frame!) - what do you think?

Hand-lettering // Bless Your Heart

For Christmas I asked santa/mom/dad/whomever was listening for a Wacom Bamboo splash tablet because I've really been drawn to hand-lettering lately. And I thought, what the hell, I'll try my hand at it. Literally.

I'm not gonna lie, I've really enjoyed using my tablet. I actually don't even use a mouse anymore. I'm a believer in tablets. I'm kicking myself because I let my fear of tablets keep me from one this long!

Anywho - you don't care about that.

One of my favorite songs is "Only Prettier" by Miranda Lambert. Because why?

Well I’ve been saved by the grace of Southern charm
I got a mouth like a sailor and yours is more like a Hallmark card
And if you wanna pick a fight
Well I’m gonna have to say goodnight
I don’t have to be hateful, I can just say bless your heart.

That's right - I can just say, Bless Your Heart.

P.S. I love Miranda Lambert. P.S.S. I love The Pistol Annie's.

Valentine Memory // A Bushel and A Peck

Do you have a saying that makes you feel deep down to the bone loved?

One that sends you back to a memory that you have stored in your brain that you pull out only for special occasions.

I do.

My mamaw used to sing this to me at night, during the day or just flat out tell me that she loves me a bushel and a peck. If you asked me to sing the rest of the song - I couldn't. But the words, "I love you a bushel and a peck, a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck" are tattooed on my brain. I can feel the love as I type.

So, why don't you tell your Valentine, loved one, best friend or stranger, "I love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck." I guarantee you'll get a smile back. And in the end, a genuine smile can be the best "change" the giver can receive.

 

Windy City Save the Dates

For these Save The Dates, Alex, a long-time friend of the family came to me wanting a STD (ha, I just laughed out loud) that they could print out themselves. The pictures that they sent me were easy to work with - they are such a beautiful couple. Congrats Alex & Jackie!

Which one is your favorite??

Green Leaf Cafe // Logo Exploration

Sometimes things fall thru - so something better can fall into place. 

The client I was working with designing these logos had a ton on his plate already - so, his idea of Green Leaf Cafe slipped through the cracks (for the time being, at least). But, I thought I'd brush some of the dust off and show you some of my logo ideation.

I was happy with how these turned out and I could already picture the branding for the entire cafe. Which still makes me a little giddy. But, you know what my mom tells me, "you can't win 'em all." And in this case - these pretty logos never made their appearance in the world - but, I think they at least deserve to say hello on my blog!

Do you have a favorite? 

Modern Vintage // Logo Design

You know those people that you just really love working with? I mean, the type of people that you just get. That work - really doesn't feel like work.

That's Modern Vintage.

Jess and I started out as co-workers and turned into friends (I blame it on our Montreal, Canada trip). Great friends. I ran and trained my first and fourth half marathon with Jess. Seriously, if you can stand to spend grueling hours running together - I feel like you can do anything together!

Anyways, this post is long overdue.

Jess asked me awhile back to design the logo for her and Becca's sweet little business venture, Modern Vintage. And seriously - working for them has been a dream. They are two amazing women - and even more amazing wedding planners.

So - check out their logo and when you're done go check out their website!

Cheers To 30 Years!

Previously I posted about a surprise birthday party for my Grandpa Barry. Well, exactly 1 day before that we had my brother's surprise party too! My family sure does love a good reason to order a Donut Bank cake. I mean, seriously - they have the best icing on the planet. Sometimes my whole hand accidentally hopes to run into the cake. Okay, Okay - maybe not my WHOLE hand. But pointer finger, yes, definitely. (I'm not even mad)

For my brother's birthday we decided to go with a "Cheers To 30 Year's" theme. For one, he like his beer. For two, my family always loves to have something to 'cheers' about!

front:

back:

Happy Birthday, Brother!! Proof that you can't help but have a big ol' grin when you're holding onto a Donut Bank cake.

 I'm just glad he shared.

 

I'm sensing a birthday theme on the blog lately. Who's next?!

Sweet Baby Andi

This birth announcement was extra special for me. Primarily because it was for my second cousin who lives in Texas. Let me shout this out: long distance family - sucks. Codi and her sister, Britany used to come to visit for a couple weeks out of the summer back when we were kids. We always had a fun time getting into some kind of fun - whether it was at Aunt Alice Faye's or Aunt Susie's. I can't really exactly remember the last time we saw each other - but I'm sure if was one of those fun summers that we were inseparable. Let me shout this out: Thank God for technology. Through Facebook I've watched Codi get married to an awesome guy and have a beautiful baby. Seriously. Thank you, Mark Zuckerburg.

Since I wasn't able to make it to any of Codi's baby showers, I decided that I would offer to design her birth announcement for gorgeous little Andi. It actually worked out much better than I could've imagined because I got to visit with Codi in the meantime.

So, if you're sitting on your seat with anticipation to see the sweet little babe's birth announcement. Here she is. Welcome to the world, Andi Lynn. May your future be as beautiful as you are!

Put Your Swagger In It!

When sending our your Christmas cards - are you the type of person to really add your own flare?? Or did you find yourself just running out to Target in hopes they would still have some cards left of the shelf? Or were you like me and didn't send a dang thing out. Whoops. :)

My great friend, Emily Beavers asked if she could use me for my designing abitities and I much obliged. Because for 1) she always lets me put my own flare on things and 2) I knew that it would turn out pretty awesome. Don't mean to toot my own horn, but - toot! toot!

So after a few emails and what's app messages we came to the conclusion that the card was going to be based around "Joy to the World & 2013" Emily really wanted her card to be based around travel because she had a HUGE change in life last July when she and her husband packed their bags, their sweet doggy Stella and made the trek to Shanghai. So naturally - she wanted her card to really be about where they have been and where they are now.

So, I think this is a perfect example of adding your own "swagger" if you will to your own card. Because honestly - people spend a lot more time looking over cards with pictures or something personal. Rather than opening - seeing a Target card and then a signature. BOR-ING. Yes, yes, don't yell at me - I understand some people just don't have the time or cash flow for a personal card. But, there are a plethora of other venues you can take to making your Christmas/New Year card personal. I personally appreciate the typed out letter letting of what each and every person in the family is up to - including the dog!

So, without rambling too much. Here is Emily's "Joy to the World & 2013!" Let me know what you think of it! And of course, contact me for your 2013 Christmas/New Year cards. Never hurts to start planning early, right!?

TGIF!!