The Creativity Exchange Redesign & More Free Printables

Have I ever told you all how lucky I am? I really think I may have the best clients in the whole entire world. Not only do they have great visions for the projects we embark on; they also allow me to explore my creative freedom to find the best possible solution for them.

Cyndy of the Creativity Exchange is one of those amazing clients. We have worked together for a couple of years now doing everything from a blog design, to collateral, to a blog redesign. She constantly brings new and innovative ideas to the table, and always encourages my creativity and unique vision. I don't think I can say enough how thankful I am to work for with her.

We (with lots of wonderful help and support from Tony of Evenpar Solutions) launched her new blog look last night. Cyndy really wanted to simplify the overall look of her site. She wanted something that was modern but still had a "hands-on" feel to it. I love the way the site turned out and especially love the photo header for each of the blog's sections. Cyndy's blog is a fun one to read. She always has great crafts, delicious recipes and home decorating tips. Plus her Tree Cones are AMAZING!!! Make sure you check it out!

A few weeks ago Cyndy asked if she could do a feature on Chena Design. Of course, I immediately said yes!!! She posted the feature today. It is kind beyond words, and I am so grateful for everything she said about my little company and my design work.  In exchange for the feature, I provided a new and exclusive set of Christmas printables for her readers. If you are in need of some holiday gift tags, please download these on her site! I hope you enjoy.

New Design: Alison & Tony's Architectural Wedding

When Alison and Tony contacted me about designing their wedding invitations, I immediately knew they were going to be perfect clients. As a couple they are down to earth, smart and incredibly kind, and as clients they brought those wonderful traits along with a love for paper, details, and a willingness to go outside-the-box to the custom invitation process. (Not to mention, the mother-of-the-bride was beyond amazing, and one of the best mom wedding planners I have ever met).

The couple got married in the Sofitel Chicago Water Tower, an architectural beauty in downtown Chicago. From the beginning of our design process, they envisioned the building playing into their wedding paper. The structural and unique lines became the main visual element in every piece of the suite (along with all the day-of design). The overall look was modern, but by using more traditional typography we added in a classic touch. In the end, the letterpress printing, cotton paper, and attention to detail combined with the architectural theme helped build joyous anticipation for Alison and Tony's big day. Enjoy!

  Close up of the response card and detail card.

 The structural lines on the invitation implied the height and strength of the venue.

 

 The entire suite: invitation, response card, detail card, and thank you stationery.

All of the day-of paper also matched the invitation suite. The program was the main element, but we also did signage, table numbers, escort cards and much more. 

New Design: Stylish Patina Revamp

visit the site

I am very excited to introduce the new look and feel of Stylish Patina (an awesome blog about painted furniture, vintage finds, decorating and more). Tony, of Evenpar Solutions, and I first designed Kelly's page a little over a year ago, but she was ready to update and simplify. I was thrilled to work on her new site, and am extremely happy at the way it turned out. We are still working on a few new buttons and such, but the site is about 90% done. The new look is pretty different from the original design. This site is clean, streamlined and modern with a bit of vintage flare. In my opinion, it is a perfect visual representation of Kelly and all her work.

And, for those of you in the DC area, Kelly's monthly barn sale is this weekend! I wish I lived closer because the stuff for sale is ADORABLE!!!

The Stars at Night...

...are big and bright. Deep in the Heart of Texas!

I have been in Texas for the last few days and it has made me a little nostalgic for home. Over the weekend, I visited my brother in San Marcos and then attended a wedding for Reid's cousin in Austin. It was a jam-packed weekend filled with good food and lots of quality family time.

In honor of my "Heart of Texas" trip, I thought I would share a few pieces of Texas typography today. I hope you enjoy!

This piece is my absolute favorite. It was done by GSD&M for a Texas tourism campaign. 

If you are from Texas (like me) it is pretty awesome.  

 

I adore the hand lettering in the above stationery set from etsy.

The type on this one is in stark contrast to the others, but I like the simplicity and modernity.

It's the Most Wonderful Time: Chena Design 2012 Holiday Cards are Here!!!

It's "almost" the most wonderful time of the year. And you know what that means...

It's holiday card season!

I am happy to announce the launch of Chena's 2012 Holiday Cards! This year's catalog offers more designs, and all cards can be fully customized for your family and lifestyle.

Below is a sneak peak of a couple new card designs, but check out the catalog to see all of the options. Please share the catalog with your family and friends. It may seem like a long way away, but December 10th is the last day to order in time for Christmas. Happy Shopping!!!

 

Open publication - Free publishing - More cards

*All images are the property of Chena Design.

A Few New Digital Invitatations

Over the past few months, I have had more and more requests for digital invitations for different events and announcements. Digital printing is always a great option for small quantity orders as it saves a lot of money, allows printing in multiple colors, can be printed on your choice of high-quality paper, and has a much shorter production time for those quick turn-around jobs. The three invitations below were all designed for celebrations of marriage and a baby. I hope you enjoy!
 

Alyssa and Tye's Shower invitation has a lot of "bridal" flair without being too feminine since it was for the ladies and their men. We kept it simple and bright.

My cousin, Amy, helped host Bethany's festive bridal shower.  She wanted the shower invite to reflect Beth's bright and playful personality, and also stay true to her wedding colors.

The final invitation was designed for Sarah, a mother of two boys who was expecting her first baby girl. The hosts of the shower wanted an overly girly invitation that incorporated a simple and classic monogram for the new previous baby.

Big News! and Hand-Lettered Baby Announcements...

What do these beautiful baby announcements have to do with my life? For starters, they are absolutely gorgeous, and you know how much I love stunning hand-lettering. And...

Wait for it...

Baby Bolton is expected to make his/her appearance towards the end of March!!! Reid and I are beyond thrilled to welcome this new addition into our life. Let's just say the first few months of pregnancy have been nuts. But we are trying to soak it all up (good and bad) and enjoy the experience before our little one arrives. Needless to say, I had to put the blog on the back burner during the first trimester :) But my energy is back, and so is the blog.

So, is it bad that I am already dreaming of what our announcements will look like? The three below focus on custom typography and have simple, elegant features that look and feel as precious as the babies they were designed for. Hope you enjoy!

A beautiful hand-lettered, letterpress baby announcement by the amazing Jessica Hische.

I adore the saying here as well as the lettering done by Greg Christman for the birth of his son.

The whimsical lettering and color palette in this announcement designed by Moglea is so playful and perfect for a new born little boy.