{found design} in my bag

A good designer usually doesn't stop thinking about the way things go together when not at work.  I know I have a hard time stopping the color and composition thought process.  A good example is the array of goods I carry in my purse at all times - they go together.

Image via Olive & Emerald

I'm currently in the market to replace my cracked iPhone case...  And I happen to love this leopard print case from Rifle Paper Co.  It coincidentally complements the stuff I carry around with me daily.

Image via Rifle Paper Co.

I find that these little occurrences where things end up matching or having a theme liven up what might otherwise become monotonous.  Nothing that I carry around in my purse has been a life-changing purchase, but these little bits and bobs help me stay organized (because each one is so different, it's easy to remember what goes where), and entertained.  This is a deeply rooted passion for design...

{typecast} hand-lettered

Image via Dribbble

I love the new reemergence of hand-lettered goods in the world.  Sometimes, it's the best option and gives a brand or a project a sort of visual integrity that I associate with the artists of old.  Seen any good example of hand-lettering around your area?

ella suite in action

A few months back, I was going through a bit of a rough patch in my personal life.  It was the kind of experience that one needs to be distracted from, and thankfully a trusted colleague recommended me for a wedding vendor collaboration with Sarah of Sarah Kathleen Photography.

Do you remember the Cinderella-themed inspiration board I posted?  Or the peek into the Ella Suite?  Well, that's the project I was able to worked on.  With only a week to get everything together from start to finish, I had a few late nights and tried to challenge myself by thinking outside of the box (or sheet of paper in this instance).  The result was quite pretty, and I hope to get more shots of the paper goods soon.  They're made in part on pearlescent paper, so in the evening light they can be tough to capture.

Below are some photos taken by Sarah during the shoot that she and the ladies of {ever after} Artistry coordinated.  More can be found on her blog here.  And sorry it took me so long to share these beauties...

The Cinderella Shoot Dream Team:  Styling, Hair & Makeup, Venue, Floral Design, Stationery & Paper Goods, Vintage Rentals, Headpieces & Gloves

illustration with paperfashion

Between the day job and client deadlines, I've been sneaking in time this week to work on my illustrating style and technique.  A talented artist, Katie Rodgers of Paperfashion, taught an online course for the last week and a half.  It was a blast.  We covered the basics like sketching, color washing, and embellishing - I feel like I'm bringing new life to my work.  My "final project" is the sketch below, complete with iridescent glitter and gold ink.

illustration class

Image via Pinterest

I'm taking an online illustrating class and tonight's homework is to collect fashion images that inspire you.  They should be good enough to turn into an illustration.  These photos of Rachel McAdams are so captivating; I'm loving the neutral color palette.

Can't wait to show the end result!  You can see my inspiration here.

reason to visit michigan 01

During my time as an architecture student, I was a bit fascinated with the idea of Detroit.  A once booming town that was now selling blocks at a time for unheard-of-low-prices?  Even if I did not fact check that, my interest was still piqued.

Lately, a lot of professionals I admire have been making locate in the midwest; many in Michigan.  Just today, I was reminded of another reason to visit the state: French Paper Co.  This witty, vibrant, American-run paper mill has become a favorite of mine.  They're located Niles Michigan, doin' their hydro-electric-paper-making thing on the banks of St. Joseph River.  I dig.

Also, check out their crazy print collateral.

All images via French Paper Co.

wood box

Photo via Artifact Uprising

I love containers, boxes, vessels, etc.  And, surprisingly, I think these boxes are rad.  Isn't this a sweet way to commemorate a new baby or a marriage?  You and your new spouse can throw your completely filled guest book in the box with funny polaroids from the reception and a dried boutonniere or two a la wedding party.  I wish I knew about this when Michael and I got married, it's that cool.

dorothy inspiration board

Dorothy: proof that you can find personality in unexpected places.  Remember I recently found some awesome, vintage paper drawer liners?  Well, they're about to be transformed into something new, and this is my inspiration board for the project.

Images via Pinterest

The vibe I'm hoping to achieve: something fit for a lady-who-lunches (from the 60s).

"cinderella" inspiration board

Images via Pinterest

Last week, I got an awesome email in my inbox: would you like to be a part of the Ever After Series?  Oh, yeah, you have a week.  I took the challenge and pulled together a nearly full set of stationery within that time, not having to compromise much at all.  You can see the essentials that inspired my flurry of work.  My modern Cinderella concept: out of the ashes and into the limelight.  It was really a fun project.  Check out Sarah's other Ever After photo shoots.  Alice in Wonderland is my absolute favorite so far.

"elegant outdoors" inspiration board

Images via Pinterest

In May, I'll be part of a collaboration with a great team of wedding professionals from Lake Tahoe.  It's all a part of this sweet Photographers Fellowshop organized by the talented Bret Cole.  I'm so blessed to be working with so many talented people!

This board shows the vibe I wanted to elicit in the pieces I've been designing (almost ready to print!) and let's face it, rugged loves romantic.

"lady of the wood" inspiration board

Images via Pinterest

Action and adventure?  Modern and rustic?  The Lady of the Wood has it all.  She's oh so very complex.  I think this mix of personality will make for an excellent suite.

{sneak peek} ella suite

Pop Cap by Olive & Emerald

This week sure has been a crazy one.  Serious ups and downs, but some really great things have come out of it.  Stuff like this awesome Pop Cap (sticks above the other text on a line) I made for a new creative collaboration.  I cannot wait to show more of the suite!

brightness

Images via Jen Pomphrey

I like these photos.  I re-found them as a mixture sourcing inspiration and cheering myself up.

"little bird" inspiration board

Images via Pinterest

Although this board may look subdued and old-fashioned, the end result should be much more fun and contemporary.  These traditional forms and vintage feelings will be transformed into a modern day suite...  For a baby shower.  I'm beyond excited and can't wait to get to work!

happy third birthday

Olive & Emerald officially turned three today.  I say officially because even before the business name, license and bank account, I was working in the same spirit on design projects for friends and family.  To help celebrate the occasion, you can get 10% off in the Shop until the 7th; just enter HAPPY3RDBIRTHDAY at checkout.

Thank you all for the fun inspiration and support over the last three years, and Happy New Year!  I'm hoping 2013 will be bigger and better!