{Last Day}

Wholey moley! Today's the last day of September 2008. How will you spend your day?

Here are my plans:
* work on my resume
* upload pics to Flickr
* grocery shop @ Trader Joe's
* yoga class
* take a hot bath
* write in my gratitude journal
* fall fast asleep ;)

{DIY: Thank You Cards}

I've been all about the DIY lately and I'm excited to share my latest creation with you. The great merry go lucky Etsy shop is where I ordered my custom rubber stamp. And the paper I used to stamp these cards on are paint chips from my local Ace Hardware. We had a large collection of them in the studio, so instead of having them go into the trash I put them to good use. With name colors like chic blue & wishful thinking printed on the bottom corner how could I resist. ;)

Have fun creating your own custom printed cards!

{ Jorge Oswaldo: Vinyl Artist}

I've been following this inspiring L.A artist for years. Jorge Oswaldo uses vinyl layering and eye popping color to make his designs have such a grand visual presence, making it hard to pick a favorite. The layers of vinyl are then affixed to multiple pieces of plexiglas. This layering affect creates depth & interest at very angle. I've seen his work in person and trust me these photos only due them half justice. Check out the video of Jorge Oswaldo’s walk through his studio, his process, and his incredible work with vinyl. You’ll never look at stickers quite the same again!

{ Free People }

{Photos by Free People}

I blame the shifting of seasons on my current online shopping obsession. Something about the romantic notion of changing leaves, chilly cozy nights spent snuggling under blankets with a good book & hot tea to keep you company. Oh...I digress. Take a quick flip through Free People's online catalog sometime this weekend. I'm loving all the head wear that is big this season along with all the lovely hues of plums & purples! Have a great weekend everyone ;)

{ Amy Butler: Dinnerware Collection }

Amy Butler fans can now enjoy her designs while entertaining! Clean lines and curved silhouettes frame vibrant florals to create a setting that is lush, romantic and graceful. Made of the finest quality porcelain, Vintage Botanica's distinctive, sophisticated style is vintage inspired making it the perfect dinnerware for both casual and elegant entertaining. Designed by Amy Butler for Mikasa.

{Photos by Amy Butler}

{ Rethink Everyday Objects }

This morning over at Creature Comforts, the lovely EZ posted about home decor and how sometimes the simplest personal touches can start your day on the bright side. It got me thinking about a few everyday objects that I've repurposed to serve a function and for display. The best part is you don't have to spend lots to make the everyday work in your favor. Here are some of my favorite everyday objects that make me smile. ;)

A flea market find (5 bucks) that used to hold tea lights now serves as my earring display.



The birdie & camera (both flea market finds) serve as shelf organizers & make me happy to look at.

{ DIY: Business Cards }

I've been busily working to get this tutorial put together & now I'm excited to share my finds and photos with you to help you create your custom business cards or other promotional materials. I'm a big fan of finding new print materials to play around with and these Avery clear labels + shipping tags are all you really need to create cards that look as stylishly presentable as you are! Enjoy making these in a wide variety of sizes (because the clear labels are actually 8 x 10 sheets of printable goodness!) Make an afternoon of designing, printing, and putting these together. BONUS: I've included this design as a free printable download under the Fresh from EV's Studio column to the right of my blog. Enjoy & happy promoting!

{1}.Laptop
{2}.Printer
{3}.Avery Labels 25/pk. $23.99
{4}.Shipping Tags

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STEP 1: Design & Layout

Using Photoshop or another photo editing program create a new 4 x 6 sized document. I find that designing one label in this smaller document size is easier and allows you to save a smaller file for future revisions. After I'm happy with my design and type placement I create an 8 x 10 document (this is a little smaller than the 8.5 x 11 Avery paper size). Copy & paste your finished label into this new document and arrange your label to desired printable size. (see photo below) For my labels I printed them 3.5 x 1- 3/4 to fit onto my shipping labels. Continue to copy & paste your label until you fill your 8 x 10 document. I was able to fit 17 onto one page. Make sure to leave enough space in between each label to allow for cutting.

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STEP 2: Printing

Adjust your printers settings to match your paper size & paper type. For this printing material I used the paper size 8.5 x 11 and the setting for luster paper.

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STEP 3: Cut/Peel & Paste

Once printed I recommend using a straight edge and exacto knife to trim away the excess white around your labels.

Gather your shipping labels and printed labels. Peel the backing off your printed label (yes, these are like stickers)! Place and secure onto the shipping label.

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STEP 4: Add Personal Touch

Add your finishing touch to your personalized cards & start handing them out! Yay.

{ Fossil Love }

I'm not a big fan of shopping from one shop to pull a look together but after receiving the new Fossil Fall catalog I couldn't help myself ;) There style has definitely evolved from much more than watches and handbags. I'd consider there style to be part J.Crew with a mix of American Eagle, very easy going, comfy pieces with a touch of fun prints and nature inspired accessories. Perfect for Fall!

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{Shopping Cart}

1. 3 Charms Pendant~ $28
2. Kelly Blazer ~ $98
3. Gold Leaf Hoops ~ $28
4. Geometric Tote ~ $20

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Bonus!! Get a look at some of there photography, design, and fresh new fall looks! Makes me renew my love for commerical photography, yay!

{ EV @ Renegade Handmade }

You can find me here now too! Yay for finding a shop that supports independent artists and all our creations. A spin-off of the well-loved Renegade Craft Fair, owner Sue Daley stocks the shop with irresistible hand-made items by artists that have participated in past fairs. The Renegade Handmade store is located in the Bucktown/Wicker Park area of Chicago.


Just in case you were curious (or just being noisy) here is some of my work they are selling. Its from my vintage camera collection. They are photographs that were digitally created to look like illustrations. To play off of the camera theme I also added a photo frame border to complete each print.

{ 9-5 Project }

Hello. I've been chained to my desk today coming up with concepts and a design for the layout for one of our newest studio clients, Kmart! We are working on creating a fresh new look for there shoe division. I had fun looking through all the piles of shoe samples they sent to the photo studio last week. So many shoes...only two feet. ;) Hope you are all having a great Tuesday!

{ Happy Friday }

It's been a crazy and random week for me. So I am more than excited that the weekend is here. Here is a quote for you to ponder.....{hhmmm} I know it's kinda deep for a Friday but it really made me stop & think. Happy Friday to all!

{ ISSUU Love }

I've recently discovered a great (and free) way to show your work in a cool magazine format. ISSUU is an online library of publications in which you can share with anyone. You can also upload your own documents and get them published in there cool, easy to use magazine format! Even if you don't have anything to upload or share its fun to explore and flip through others publications. I have a feeling this is going to be the next new way to share and show your work online. Partly because its fast, easily accessible and a cost effective way to get your work seen my anyone! Yay! Enjoy flipping through this design & photo filled magazine titled "Design This Design That". This is the first issue for editor Ariadna Ramley (graphic artist/blogger). In this issue Ariadna explores the magic behind the polaroid. Can't wait for the next issue!

{ Interview with Lara Cameron }

I was fortunate enough to take some time with Lara Cameron, the very talented textile designer I featured last week, and ask her a few questions about what inspires her to design, how she nurtures her craft, and where she hopes to see her beautiful designs printed on next!

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EV: When did you first know that design was your calling?
Lara: When I was very young I was into all sorts of arts and crafts, but as I grew older I developed the notion that I could never make a career out of being creative - that I didn't have "the talent". It wasn't until I did an internship during Uni (in a creative role) that I realized that maybe I could! It's very much about practice and persistence.

EV: What inspires you to design?
Lara: I just really enjoy the creative process, and positive feedback on my work really drives me. Since starting a blog I've become so much more confident about what I do, and therefore a lot better at it. Living in such a creatively inspiring city such as Melbourne always helps.

EV: What kind of supplies and construction goes into the making of your textiles?(meaning what kind of dyes, fabrics, and printing methods are used)?
Lara: We print with water based, solvent free inks, onto mostly cotton/hemp fabrics. With the new printing studio we'll be hand screen printing on a 11m yardage table.

EV: Your designs include so much more than just textiles. Where else do you see your designs making their mark?
Lara: I've always loved the idea of printing wallpaper, which is something we'd definitely like to experiment with in the new studio. I also would love to create a range of stationery - preferably letterpress. Having designs cut out of metal or wood would be awesome too.

Yay! Thank you, so very much Lara for taking time from your busy schedule. Congrats on the new printing studio (get a peak of her new studio here) & much continued success to you and your talented team!

{Lara's newest design}

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Want more of Lara Cameron? Find her here:

Website: http://www.laracameron.com
Blog: http://kirinote.blogspot.com
Shop: http://laracameron.com/shop

{ Design Bug }

Just wanted to share with you a few designs I've been working on for my portfolio. You might recognize some of the photography but the text and designs are newly added. I love when photographs can serve as visual appealing pieces you can frame and display in your home but also as marketable objects (its the commercial photographer in me ;) Happy Friday everyone. Enjoy!

{Photography:Courtney Bruesch}

{Photography:Courtney Bruesch}

{Photography:Courtney Bruesch}

{Photography: EV}