Color Overload

I need some color in my life today.

Maya Hayuk's paintings are the perfect cure at the perfect time. I stumbled upon Maya's work on Apartment Therapy while taking a brief inspiration break from work. The vibrant colors and geometric shapes in her paintings are the perfect blend of 1984 (the year not the book) and Constructivist Russia. Can we talk about how much I want one of these? I even have the perfect spot for one of these beauties right over my stairs (this may be an unrealistic hint to my hubby).

on a completely unrelated note: Don't you hate when you go to photograph something and your camera is DEAD!!! I was planning on sharing new work with you today, but that will have to wait. We can just overindulge ourselves on these beauties above for now.

Letter Envy

I have a special place in my heart for letters and lace. I love the intricate details of both forms, and basically feel head-over-heels in love with this Q, by Rebecca Sandlant the moment I saw it. This hand-drawn letter embodies everything beautiful about the letter q and the unique lace details make me drool. Simply put, I love it...

hope you do to.

Hand-Painting Sign Inpsiration

I love that sign painting is going through a revival right now. It is super trendy and I couldn't be happier. Below are a few inspirations I found. If only I could get a "mural"type job... Just think sitting outside, painting letters. Sounds just about perfect for warmer days (not today, it is cold and dreary).

This one by Visual Armory is right down the street from me in Chicago. Love the yellow.

I love the name of this place. It was painted by Tunnel Bravo and found here.

This is a vintage one taken by photographer Jay B Sauceda for his painted sign project.
Beautiful, huh?

Yummy Monograms

My clients do the MOST amazing things with their monograms. Elizabeth sent me a picture (on the day of her wedding) of her custom 1 letter monogram on a sugar cookie. This delicious monogrammed cookie greeted the guests as the checked in to their hotel.

Liz got married a little over a week ago, and just got back from her honeymoon in Hawaii (can we say jealous). I cannot wait to share her entire wedding suite and extra pieces with you soon. Not to give too much away, but the cookie wasn't the only amazingly creative thing Liz did. From the few pics I have seen, it was a stunning affair.

Continuing on in the monogrammed sweet category...

I also found these delightful treats:

 from Dainty Delights on etsy. Ummm - when can I find a reason to buy these?

Love the simple elegance of these from Sweet Ambs on etsy. I am so inspired by edible letters!

The Perfect Quote for a Type Lover's Friday

It is truly amazing how much inspiration you find when you actually have a couple of free minutes to breath. While still busy, this week has been a lot more manageable than the past few. Which has given me a bit of time to catch up on some inspiration hunting and blog reading.

The typographic quote design seen above is from one of my favorite new finds this week, The Phraseology Project. This blog-project simply ROCKS. I am so inspired by designers who create a digital forum and evolutionary visual experiment using the greater web community. The creator of The Phraseology Project, Drew Melton, uses this forum to grow as a designer, practice the trade of creating original typographic imagery, and get do a little self promotion. I love the work and I love the idea.

The positive words and beautiful type in the showcased image make me smile, especially since I read it with a Forrest Gump accent.

Happy Friday!

Serious Blog Inspiration: Pixel Whisk

I always LOVE finding new and inspirational blogs. My find this week is SERIOUSLY awesome. Pixel Whisk is a clever, beautiful and yummy blog created by Seton Hurson Rossini, a childhood friend and fellow designer. Along with being a designer, Seton is an incredibly talented baker. Pixel Whisk combines her visual talent, witty humor and delicious baking chops into one amazing blog. Did I mention that she designs cute printables to go with her recipes.

I will admit, she has inspired me to bake more (which is saying a LOT). I hope you enjoy the blog as much as I do.

*All photos are the property of Pixel Whisk

New Designs: Diana & Ian's Wedding Stationery

Invitation with liner

My good friends Diana and Ian tied the knot a few weeks ago in an absolutely beautiful ceremony. Over the past 6 months you have seen sneak-peaks of the pre-wedding details, such as their monogram, shower details, save the date and website. And, now, after a lot of waiting, it is time to showcase their entire wedding suite...

Diana and Ian wanted an elegant, simple and classic look for their wedding. Think candlelight, roses and romantic lighting. We worked together to create letterpress stationery that would help set the tone for their picturesque wedding at the Chicago Cultural Center. Diana and Ian's custom monogram along with the navy and lilac color palette helped tie all the pieces together. But the details like envelope liners, labels, and edge painting helped bring these invitation set to life. I hope you enjoy!

Rehearsal Dinner Invite

Full Stationery Suite: Invitation, Response Card, Envelopes, Thank You Stationery and Accommodation Card

Custom Monogram Up Close

Not the best picture, but I loved how the edge painting turned out. Such a nice minimal touch.

Panel Program for the Big Day!

Menu Cards that were placed at each place setting. I get hungry just reading this - Delicious!