Found Monogram: The Chicago Fire Department

Yesterday, while eating breakfast at Eleven City Diner in Chicago's South Loop, I snapped a photo of this beautiful monogram that was above our table. I wanted to add it to my collection of found monograms and inspirational letterforms (I see a themed weekly post coming out of this collection).

Later, after doing a little research I found out that this monogram is the original logo for the Chicago Fire Department. It is a beautiful monogram. The three letters flow in and out of each other in a seamless way that I envy. Plus, I really love the organic touch at the end of each terminal.

Have a great weekend!

New Design: Diana & Ian's Save the Date and Website!

For the past week, I have been not-so-patiently waiting to show you Diana & Ian's save the dates and wedding website design. I wanted to make sure each save the date had a chance to arrive at its destination before I jumped the gun and posted them to the world wide web.

Diana and Ian are getting married at the Chicago Cultural Center early next fall. They are a great couple with wonderfully classic style and a keen eye for the tiniest design details, which makes them a blast to work with on stationery. For the save the dates, the couple wanted to do high quality photo magnets with envelope liners and address labels (yay!). The purple pattern and the color palette are both inspired by the Tiffany Dome at the CCC and will be used throughout the stationery suite.

Once everything was printed we had a fun assembly party (Ian and Reid, my husband, where thrilled about lining envelopes).

I also designed their wedding website using the same pattern and colors. I can't wait to share their invites and custom monogram with you once they are done.

Hope you enjoy!

Inspiration Overload: Linzie Hunter

I always love stumbling upon a new designer's website especially when I have seen their creations out in the real world. Today, as I was researching letterforms for a new custom monogram, I stumbled upon Linzie Hunter's website. Linzie has an awe-inspiring knack for hand lettering. Her illustrated letters remind me of my teenage doodles. Maybe it is her use of bold colors, or the excessive, feminine decoration? Even if I can't pinpoint exactly what it is, I know I like love it!

The illustrations seen below are from her Christmas Card collection and her sketchbooks (also on her website). The creative process of other designers fascinates me, and I appreciate that Linzie gives us a brief glimpse into hers. Inspiration like this is exactly what I needed today.

They are in the Mail...

Kate and Will's invitations have been sent, and boy are they proper. Mine hasn't arrived yet...

I bet that the quality of printing, foil embossing and paper is to die for, but the design is way too traditional for my taste. I guess you don't get much say on your invitation design when you are marrying the future King of England.

 

I just hope the thoroughly modern royal couple break some tradition during the wedding ceremony. They both (especially Kate) seem to have such fantastic taste and modern views on life. I think this white and gray bouquet is gorgeous. It would go great with the soon-to-be princess' sapphire ring, and breaks the royal mold just enough. What do you think?

Enjoying it While it Lasts...

 picture via

Not much to say today other than, it is BEAUTIFUL outside in Chicago. I am going to enjoy it before the cold sets in tonight. Happy Weekend everyone!

I have been busy in the studio and will have more to share next week.

An Impressive Ampersand Logo & Its Online Community

It's Fashion Week in NYC and the blogosphere is burning up with amazing photos. I cannot get enough of it!

Yesterday while inspiration hunting (drooling over all the runway shows), I came across the Mac & Milk logo on What I Wore (a fabulous daily blog about living through fashion). I love a good ampersand, and this one tops the charts. The letters within a letter and the hand drawn aesthetic are stunning. Absolutely remarkable. I am in logo heaven.

Beyond just being a good logo, Mac & Milk (two companies highly involved in the fashion world) have successfully collaborated by bringing us Milk Made Live, an online community and project that allows everyone to upload Fashion Week photos. I am completely mesmerized, and wanted to share some of the most inspirational photos. What do you think?

Holy Sparkles!!! The colors in this photo, by James Stone behind the scenes at The Blonds show and found here, are extraordinary.

This photo is also by Stone and from The Blonds show. I wish I could have seen it.

I love the fact that social networking allows us to see this stuff almost immediately! Check it out when you have a chance.

Current Obsession: The Perfect Ottoman Tray

image via

In our living room we have a big and beautiful ottoman that also functions as our coffee table. Only problem: we don't have anywhere that is large and sturdy to set glasses, plates, books, candles, flowers, etc. So, for a few months I have been obsessed with finding a perfect tray that is beautiful, affordable and just-the-right-size to place on our current "foot rest." Turns out I am picky about design and pretty frugal on the cost which equals... hard to find. Anyone have any good suggestions of where to look?

For now I continue to the search and continue to be immensely inspired by some of the things that are out there...

I love the modern and monogrammed twist on these from iomoi. Simply awesome!

The image above, from the brand new High Gloss Magazine, mixes beautiful bold colors with a cozy and lived-in vibe. Now, if I only knew where that tray on the coffee table came from...


Thanks again to my wonderful sister-in-law, I have found a new obsession in Lonny Magazine. That ottoman tray is this picture is perfect: simple and sophisticated.

And, thanks to Lonny, I have found the designer Hillary Thomas who uses color and butler trays brilliantly. Maybe I should do two smaller trays? Can't wait to see more of her stuff!