Dust

I'm excited to share my submission for the "Say Something Poster Project" benefiting Boys & Girls Clubs of America; a poster design competition and gallery show created to give designers the opportunity to use poster design to say something that will inspire, motivate and educate teenaged kids.

You can place your vote (it takes just a few seconds) and see the other submissions here: http://www.saysomethingposters.com/2011/11/29/dust/

And for an inside look at the creation of this chalk illustration, check out this 2-minute time lapse movie (my first try at iMovie!) http://vimeo.com/user9454289

 

So what's the story behind this? I believe that out of even the most hopeless circumstances, beauty and hope and restoration can be found. I've experienced it in my own life, and I have witnessed it in the lives of others. There are many layers of meaning to the phrase in my poster. To some, it may bring to mind an image of God breathing life into man and forming his finest masterpiece from dust. To others, it may evoke images of dust-covered bikes lining the streets of New York ... and firefighters rushing in to sacrifice their lives for another. To others, it may just remind you that it's been forever since you dusted your mantle (wink). Because chalk is essentially dust, I thought that it was an appropriate medium to use for this message.

Whatever it means to you, I hope that this image sends a message of hope and optimism. :)

P.S. Did you vote yet? If not, take a moment and vote here!

crafty people: go jump in the lake.

Crafty people can be the worst dressers. Being somewhat crafty myself, I'll be the first to admit it.  This weekend, I witnessed it first-hand at Plymouth, Michigan's Art in the Park. Every year, artistans, merchants, and hippies alike converge in one place to sell their creations and show off their tie dye outfits and appliqué t-shirts.You know the ones I'm talking about. 

So when I come across something truly different, I can't help but share it. A few years back, I came across these great signs by Go Jump In The Lake a few years ago. They make these incredible rustic-looking silkscreened signs. Last year, I got one for my in-law's cottage on Higgins Lake. This year, their booth had doubled in size, as had their offering of fabulous signs in delicious colors. I couldn't help but pick the following sign up for our son's room (shown with a rustic chair I picked up at a nearby antique sale for my mom, and some cement bunnies for my favorite rabbit-lover):

It's hard to tell in the photos, but it's the most gorgeous papaya-orange color behind one of his favorite songs (second only to "God's love is like a circle").

A few of my other favorites...

They also have some options for customization, so be sure to visit their Etsy store here.
Credits and kudos to Laurie and Lee Dayvault of Go Jump in the Lake. You've made a certain mom of a two-year-old very happy... and have renewed my faith in local art fairs.

Now if only I could find my tie dye jumper for next weekend...

Words to read by

Several months back, I worked on these little bookmarks. I'm not about wasting paper, so when a client ordered square postcards and the printer had some extra space on the rectangular sheet, I designed these little bookmarks with some good little reminders to keep on hand or between the pages of your favorite book.

Now if only I had time to read...

I got the above Lovebird placecard holders at Beau-Coup. Each bird has little slot in its beak that can hold a piece of paper. They're made of solid metal, giving them a nice weight, and come in a set of eight. If you've never shopped at Beau-Coup, they offer exceptional customer service, and have some really cute products on their site.

guess whooo!

Guess whooo's having a baby? (hint: it's not me!)

My good friend Jeanne is having her first baby this June. I may not be much of a baker, but I can make a mean baby shower invitation. I decided to have some fun with the scratch-offs and woodland creatures. Each of the invitations requires the recipient to scratch the tree stump to reveal who the shower is for. They were mailed in gorgeous chocolate brown envelopes from Paper Source with a shiny penny inside for scratching!

Isn't this cream felt-finish paper gorgeous? It handled the ink beautifully, and gave the invitations a lovely, natural quality. Delish!

As for the cupcakes, I'll be commissioning the ever-so-talented Diana Gawet from DG Cupcakes to make these charming treats. I can't wait to see them!

Have a hoot today!

hyperactivitypography

Dear blog,

I'm sorry I've neglected you. To say I've been under the weather this week would be an understatement. On the plus side, I can check off one New Years' resolution.

I'm excited to share this delightful book, Hyeractivitypography. It cleverly illustrates typography in the form of a 1950's children's activity book. The exercises are hilarious, the design is perfection...what's not to love?

Have a healthy, hypertypographic day!