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!!

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.

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?

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.

 

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!

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!

Pretty Paper...

Remember how you were going to send out Christmas cards last year - and remember how you didn't? I'm teaming up with Kelli from CK Photo to make some badass Christmas cards for anyone who feels like beating the hustle and bustle of the holidays!

Shoot me an email if you feel like getting some more deets! abby.lynn.raber@gmail.com

Happy Thursday!

Growing Up

There are so many people that are growing up around me.

Sometimes I wonder if people think that I'm growing up?

Nearly 76.2% of my friends are married.

Out of those 76.2% - I'd say 45.333333333% are with child, having a child or thinking about children.

How do you judge growing up? Is it an age? Is it owning a house? Is it having a steady job? Is it having a significant relationship with another human being? Is it finally obtaining the house with the white picket fence and 2.5 children? Is it owning your own business? Is it traveling the world?

Whoa - this is way more serious than I want it to be.

I originally set out to write this post about my best friend and her new baby - Anna, growing up. She's two months now. Since Lauren lives in Alberta, Canada - I get to watch Anna grow up via Skype & pictures. Thank God for Skype. But, I was blessed with her getting to come home 2 weeks ago and I made the 5 hour trip to go see my best friend's baby. And of course see Lauren, Brandon, Amy & Tom - but Anna was the main event.

I think there were multiple times that I had flashbacks of meeting Lauren for the first time at Purdue. Or having flashbacks of us complaining about class, going to get Den Pops, complaining about boys, drinking (kool-aid of course), or watching re-runs of Sex & The City on that infamous purple futon. Regardless, when I step back and look how Lauren has grown into an incredible wife and now mom - I tear up. I'm so proud of her.

Okay, enough sappiness.

I designed Anna's birth announcements and tried my hand at snapping some family photos with my trusty Nikon D5000. It's even crazy to me to see how much she's grown up in those 2 short months! I can't imagine how Lauren feels!

Take a peek!

It's easy to photograph people when they are so darn cute.

TGIF, Friends!!

Hello, Ella.

I've been fortunate enough to really be catching the groove of life lately. But unfortunately, really hasn't allowed me to give this blog the TLC that it deserves.

I've recently started a new job in Nashville that I've truely found my passion and love for design again. Currently, I'm working on the stationery side of the company and have discovered that work doesn't actually have to be work. Along with starting a new job, I've been blessed to be able to work with many wonderful clients - including my brother. I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am that he asked ME to design his wedding invitations for his upcoming nuptuials to his beautiful (on the inside and out) fiance, Erin. So - with that being said, no complaints. Well, at least for right now, right mom? :)

When life happens, let it happen - and enjoy the ride along the way. Little Ella's birth announcement is actually long over-due. I'm sure the Holden family has been over-joyed to watch her grow into the beautiful little lady that I'm sure she is. After all, she does take after Rebekah. So, I'm formally welcoming Ella to the blog world.