Nella Designs

Yoo hoo!

2011-11-01T13:40:00.000-04:00

Hi readers! I wanted to let you know that Nella has moved! Yup, I now have my own site, which includes a new blog! So, please make sure to change your web address in your reader and bookmarks section to www.nelladesigns.com/blog Hurry! You don't want to miss out on all the fun and insider info, now do you? See you there!

Work it Wednesday

2011-10-19T15:56:00.000-04:00

In keeping the fashion with my Work It Wednesday posts seen here,

this would have to be my favorite design of the week.

Lovely custom silhouette of sisters at the beach. Too cute.

Coffee Talk 2012 Calendar

2011-10-17T09:30:00.000-04:00

It's no secret that I love my coffee. I guess that's what inspired me to expand on my latte collection!

This whimsical and fun wall calendar measures in at 13x19", making it the perfect wall accessory for your home office or cubby at work. Grab one while they last! What's your favorite type of coffee?

Available for order here.

illustrations/design ©nella designs, llc

Just in time for Halloween!

2011-10-13T20:45:00.000-04:00

Boo! I just added this little fella into the shop. Who doesn't love a good Halloween sticker?

These can be customized/personalized with whatever message you wish! They are 2" and come in a set of 20. Since they are waterproof, they are perfect for labeling halloween treats!

Find these and other sticker goodness here.

Happy soon-to-be Halloween!

LIttle Fall Owls

2011-10-09T15:13:00.000-04:00

I just love owls, don't you?
These little guys made it into the shop this week. Just in time for Fall and Halloween.
They come in a set of 24 and only cost $5! Grab some while they're hot! here

All images © nella designs, llc

Friday Funny

2011-10-07T12:37:00.001-04:00

It's a known fact that Daddy Long Legs freak me out. They just do. People on stilts freak me out too, but I digress. My guy sent me this video of a German fellow who shares in my frustration. I find it hysterical.

Happy Friday, everyone!

Work it Wednesday

2011-10-05T16:10:00.001-04:00

Today's work it wednesday (which is where I share my favorite design of the week thus far) is one of my favs. I just love when customers want to include their pets in their custom silhouettes. Let's face it, they are a part of the family, no? Try telling Maddie any different.

Have a wonderful rest of the week!

Holiday Collection 2011

2011-10-03T14:40:00.003-04:00

The 2011 Nella Designs Holiday Collection is here!
This year I'm offering photo cards! I've had a lot of requests for them over the years and finally decided to offer them in the shop. Postcards are back this year and are now available in value packs with stickers! I think I'm most in love with my new furry friends 2012 calendar. It features 12 popular dog breeds and a few kitties too! With two different formats to enjoy, let the gift giving begin.

I will also have a few old standbys in the shop from holidays past, since they are always popular.

Oh, I almost forgot...hop on over to my facebook page and "like" Nella. There's a special sale going on JUST for friends!

All images ©nella designs, llc 2011

Please do not copy or repost without permission.

Happily Ever After

2011-09-13T20:40:00.000-04:00

Just stopping by to share a new print with you! These Happily Ever After prints would be perfect to give as a wedding gift or perhaps for a first wedding anniversary (since the gift is supposed to be one made of paper), no? As is everything in the shop, they are fully color customizable, personalized & come in many sizes. Check 'em out!

Summer Sale!

2011-07-24T18:27:00.000-04:00

Hello! I realize it's been a good long while since I have posted here. All I have to say is that I've spent the summer in and out of the hospital and so my business sort of took a backseat to recovery. To celebrate being on the mend and getting back into the swing of things, I've decided to have a summer sale!

Here's the skinny.

From now until July 31st, buy ANY print in the shop and get any print of equal or lesser value FREE! (excludes custom silhouette prints)

Have your heart set on a custom silhouette print? Buy any size custom silhouette print and get an identical 8x10 copy FREE.

Once you make your purchase, simply tell me what free print you would like in the notes to seller section when checking out. Easy Peasy!

You can get started here. Happy Shopping!

Strawberry Fields Forever

2011-05-17T10:02:00.001-04:00

It's May..and that can only mean one thing. Strawberry season! This weekend my mom and I went and picked a bucket of fresh strawberries.
(NOTE: It seems blogger erased the rest of my content during their mini meltdown last week. Seeing as I can barely remember what I had for breakfast last Tuesday, it will have to remain this way since I don't have time to sit down and rewrite this entry. Just know that my first batch of strawberry jelly was made and will be enjoyed for the summer months to come! A true learning experience and one I will cherish experiencing with my mom always.)

absence

2011-05-01T11:05:00.000-04:00

I apologize for my long absence here. I've been resting and recuperating after a rather sudden surgery last week.
I feel a little out of touch from my work and the studio. I'm really hoping to get back into the swing of things this coming week once I get the all clear from the doctor.
Until then, I hope everyone enjoys the first few days of May! I know I'm ready to say 'so long, April!'

(rainy day rest with Maddie)

New for Spring!

2011-04-20T11:28:00.000-04:00

Spring totes are finally here! Perfect for the beach, the gym or to use as a diaper or overnight bag. I'm really pleased to say that these bags are very sturdy with their gusseted bottoms. I can't stop using mine! The first two shown above are made from your submitted photo. A new spin on the custom silhouette prints if you will. View the entire collection here. Get yours in time for Mother's Day!

This geometric one I made this past weekend. I think I'm going to keep it for myself!

I need your help!

2011-04-18T11:57:00.000-04:00

I'm running a little survey over on my facebook page. I want to have a SALE for all of you this week, but I'm having trouble deciding on what would be most appealing to all of you. Would you mind taking a few seconds to help me out? You can do so, here. Thank you kindly!

I can feel it in my bones...

2011-04-06T08:30:00.002-04:00

Spring is on the way! Thank goodness too, because this long, dreary winter has really done a number on my moods. My mom recently sent me some pictures of some new neighbors moving in this Spring. How exciting! I can't wait to see them once they arrive.

prepping for the move.

All moved in!

Have a wonderful week! I hope to be back here soon to share some new products with you for the new spring line.

Steven and Chris Show

2011-03-21T13:15:00.000-04:00

Last month I was contacted by a Producer from the Steven and Chris show in Canada.

They wanted to do a segment on my designs..specifically, my custom pet silhouettes.

After doing a little research and asking a few Canadian friends about the show (wanted to make sure it was a good fit), I said yes! Turns out, Steven and Chris are the #1 Talk Show in Canada. Pretty cool. The Producer wanted to have a silhouette made of the hosts beloved dog, Maxi. Here is how it turned out:

And here are some pictures from the show. I wish I were able to see the show, but due to some sort of government regulations, those of us in the states aren't able to view it online. Boo. I did hear from a good friend who lives in Canada, that the piece was great!

And here is a screen shot that my friend Adele took of her television while it was airing. That's my shop on the screen. Thanks Adele!

The whole thing was very exciting and everyone at the show was wonderful to work with. I simply love doing pet silhouettes/portraits..and I pride myself on being one of the first to design them in a unique way. Feel free to contact me if you have any special requests!

Oh and here is an article that was written on the segment that also profiles some lovely other Etsy shops!

new for spring

2011-03-10T14:17:00.000-05:00

Hello! I have been in 2010 tax prep you-know-what for the last week. I apologize for my absence!

Perhaps a little introduction to some new items in the shop for Spring will redeem me?

First up Bicycle Built for Two invites. I just love these and they can be used for save the dates, engagement parties, weddings, birthdays, etc..and of course you get to choose the coloring.

I've also added custom, geometric, initial coasters. These make great gifts.

and you can pick from a plethora of color combinations. Here are just a few:

Finally...in the not so new category..are these sunshine invitations. I had been getting a lot of requests from customers who wanted the option to have a picture placed within. Ask and you shall receive!

Well, that about does it for now..I've had some exciting press features too, but I'll save that for another day. Oh, and I've started taking on custom work as well. So if any of you need a custom design for an upcoming event, give me a shout!

Send them your love...

2011-02-27T16:05:00.000-05:00

This warm weather we've been having around here has inspired me to create some new Spring designs for my Pingg collection.

Never heard of Pingg? Well, they have to be the coolest e-card/invite site out there right now. I highly encourage you to check them out when you want to send your next invitation or electronic greeting..and not just because I'm there! What sets them apart from other companies out there is that they support small time artists (like me!), illustrators and photographers. You simply will not find another collection of original art/designs comparable to theirs. Ok, getting off the soap box now. Wouldn't these make super cute invites? I think the bunnies are my favorite for Easter and would be perfect for a baby shower.

Please stop by and take a gander..you can tell 'em I sent ya. (oh, and please excuse my cheese-y glamor shot)

Nella Designs for Pingg Collection

Solace

2011-02-24T09:53:00.000-05:00

Please excuse my absence as of late. I took a little time away to get recharged and spend some time with the family during this beautiful weather we have been having in the South. Sometimes going home is good for the soul...and your creativity. There were lots of late afternoon walks, day trips, plundering through antique stores and mostly eating. Now it's back to the old day to day routine of design, print, ship, repeat! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend..normal posts will return next week.

I'm in love..

2011-02-15T14:32:00.000-05:00

...with Shabby Apple. Perhaps you have heard of them?

Their dress designs are to die for and I am in love with their retro flair.

I myself, picked up this little spring number. Isn't it tres cute? I can't wait to get my mitts on it.

Scurry on over to their site and peruse for a spell. Happy Tuesday!

Picture Pages for Valentine's Day

2011-02-03T15:55:00.000-05:00

Hello! I'm just stopping by to share a Valentine's Day freebie for all you mom's out there (or anyone really!). I put together a quick, valentine's day coloring page. Even at my age, I still love some good, old fashioned Crayola time.

Print these cute, little owls out at home..they are the perfect coloring activity for kids & adults alike. Hang them on the wall, the fridge, or anywhere you want to spread some valentine's day cheer. Just click on the image and download it to your desktop! And don't forget about the iphone valentine's day background freebie here. As always, please enjoy this for personal use only!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Reflection

2011-01-29T15:46:00.000-05:00

Today was a good day to just sit out on some rocks in the river and reflect. Reflect and make plans. And that's just what I did. It was finally sunny and warm (60!) enough to get out and enjoy the sunshine. I have decided that there will be some new, strict rules placed upon myself in order for me to fully thrive...in work, in life, etc..some of those include:

1. no working on weekends! This is going to be a tough one, but is the most important of all for me. It's really starting to wear me down..always being ON and at the ready to work, work, work with no down time.

2. keep work solely in my studio. Right now my entire living space is one big office. I tend to work in my studio and then work out in the den as the day progresses. This needs to stop.

3. Keep set hours. Not necessarily stop working at a certain time, but only work a set amount in one day. Then call it quits. No exceptions.

4. Become more involved in the community. I'm meeting up with an old friend tomorrow to talk about doing just that. I can't wait.

5. Plan a summer vacation with the honey. We are thinking somewhere warm with blue water. Any suggestions? :)

6. Enjoy life! Stop sweating the small stuff.

I'm hoping that if I write these goals out and share them with you, then perhaps I will be held more accountable in the long run. At least, that's what I'm telling myself anyway. Wish me luck? Now if only I could get out of cleaning the house on the weekends too. Hmmm...Have a terrific rest of the weekend, ya'll!

A hint of Spring

2011-01-27T12:49:00.001-05:00

How many of you out there are sick of winter? (raising hand) Well, I am. Last night I whipped these cuties up on the ole wacom tablet to get me out of the winter doldrums. Lilies and hummingbirds.

Do hummingbirds gravitate toward lilies? Who knows, but in my world they do. These cards are a bit different than most of my others as they are a 2.5" square. I rather like it though. Look for them in the shop today. Back tomorrow with some exciting news to share. (I hope) Toodles!

Search for creativity

2011-01-20T14:18:00.001-05:00

Some days I just can't find my creative spark. Do you ever have that problem? Working from home can do that to you. On days like this, I detach myself from anything computer related and try to draw from my surroundings. Things such as..

my bowl of colorful organic o's

sleeping kitties

A wall hanging I'm compiling with some illustrations from friends & artists alike.

And some days, I like to take a trip to the local bookstore for inspiration. I ALWAYS end up in the children's section. For me, this is inspiration/creativity overload. Even at 33, it still makes me giddy. Weird? Wait, don't answer that.

Do any of you remember these?

Awesome. I believe my favorite was Little Miss Bossy. Er, ummm..not that I could relate or anything. What do you guys do to find creative inspiration?

Fab Iphone Freebie

2011-01-17T16:05:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday, lovelies! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. I'm just stopping in today to share a cute little valentine download for all those out there with iphones/smart phones.

I sat down this morning and designed this fun, heart background for my iphone and decided to share it will all of you! Simply click on the design and download it like you would a picture file. Please feel free to share it with your friends, but please do not use it for commercial purposes or anything other than personal use. (sorry, I have to say that)

I hope you like it! Oh, and a quick hi to all the new readers *waving big*..please leave a comment and say hello! It's so nice to "meet" you.

*please let me know if you have any problems with the design. I know it will definitely work on your Iphones, but not so sure ab blackberry's, etc...

Will you be mine?

2011-01-12T20:23:00.000-05:00

My 2011 Valentine collection is in the shop! Have you seen?

If not, pop on over and check out the goodies. This year I'm even offering up some printable, cute, owl school valentines.

Limited quantities are available..once they're gone, that's it! So hurry and get yours early.

You can find them here. Oh, and if you have any special requests..just ask!

Fab Freebie

2011-01-11T12:43:00.000-05:00

Ahoy there! I'm popping in to let you know about a rather big giveaway that is going on. I would have done it sooner, but with the big snow & ice storm that hit yesterday, things got a big out of sorts around the studio (pictures to come later this week).

I've been a big fan & loyal reader of Young House Love for a while now (Sherry and John are adorable and their posts are fun and informative all at the same time)..so I was ecstatic when John allowed me to be a part of their Fab Freebie series!

Two lucky winners will receive a custom silhouette print & a 2011 nella desk calendar! So if you have been wanting a print for a while now (of your family, wedding, pet, kids, etc), now is your chance. Just pop on over to Young House Love and leave a comment to win. The giveaway ends tomorrow night (weds 1/12) at 8pm, so don't delay! Good luck.

Oh, and stay tuned for a Valentine's Day post with this year's goodies coming up tomorrow.

A Friendly Reminder

2011-01-04T14:56:00.001-05:00

Sometimes this job is hard. Don't get me wrong, I love what I do. I'm very lucky. However, sometimes long hours, limited social time and the stress of keeping up can wear a girl down, ya know?

That's why getting a friendly email from a customer last week couldn't have come at a better time.

A little background info... Over the holiday, I created a custom silhouette pet portrait for a very lovely lady.

She was purchasing it for her sister, who's beloved kitten had passed away at a young age. We worked together to get the portrait just right. Once perfected, I shipped it off to her and didn't give it a second thought, but hoped that her sister would love it.

Last week I received an email from her expressing her gratitude over the print and letting me know that her sister was overjoyed with the gift...but what really got me was this

It's her sister's current kitty looking longingly at the print. This warmed my heart.

The customer's sweet email and inclusion of this picture made me realize that this is exactly why I do what I do....to bring happiness to those that receive each product I make...if even in the slightest way. This friendly reminder made me realize that all this hard work is sooo worth it in the end. Have you ever been given that little nudge to keep on keeping on? Do share.

Oh, one more thing before I sign off for the day..the bloom coasters/tiles I mentioned here, are now available here.

Looking forward

2010-12-31T11:37:00.001-05:00

It's that time again. Time to make wishes and hopes for the new year to come. This year I'm taking it a bit more seriously. As you can see from the picture above, I am making a Goals and Intentions list for 2011. Why not resolutions you ask? A bit too cliche for me. I'm heading into this new year with a new attitude, new direction and the resolve to get things done! Number 1 on that list is blogging more. Not just more, but better. This means better content, more giveaways, more tutorials and freebies for all you lovelies!

Tonight I will say 'so long 2010!' and welcome in 2011. Not just the beginning of a new decade, but the beginning of expanding my brand, working smarter NOT harder (as my good friend Steph says) and enjoying this little ride of mine. So with that, I hope you all have a wonderful, happy and healthy new year. I am grateful for all of you. Here's a toast to us all. May this year exceed ALL our expectations, hopes and wishes! See you in 2011.

It's new(ish)! It's printable!

2010-12-29T17:59:00.001-05:00

My popular bloom cards are now available as a download you can print yourself!

Use them for calling cards, gift inserts or gift tags. When purchasing, simply enter what you would like on it and I will email you a template for you to download, print and cut!

Easy peasy. Find them here. Oh, and they can be designed horizontally or vertically.

sneak peek of the week

2010-12-27T17:49:00.000-05:00

Hello lovelies! How was your holiday? I hope swell. I'm just dropping by to let you know that I will be adding some new ceramic tiles/coasters/hot pads to the shop this week.

These tiles feature my lovely dahlia pattern. Bright, fun and of course, personalized. (although they can be purchased without an initial/letter if desired) Each set (4) is hand made and waterproof/heat sealed. Look for them in the shop this week! More patterns and styles will debut soon. Don't hesitate to let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Toodle-loo!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2010-12-20T19:20:00.001-05:00

Hello friends! Brinkley and I want to wish you all a very, Merry Christmas!

Posting will be rather sparse around here until the new year arrives, so I hope each and every one of you has a wonderful holiday. I don't know about you, but I hope to get some rest after this busy season. Oh, and don't forget to place your order for a 2011 calendar...it'll be here before you know it!

Holiday cookie exchange. (better known as how to win over your coworkers this holiday season)

2010-12-14T07:00:00.008-05:00

This is an older post from last year, but thought I would bring it back for the holiday season, since that's when most oh-my-gosh-I-have-to-bring-something-to-the-office/neighborhood/family-holiday-party moments occur. Enjoy!

So I said in this post, that if the chocolate chip cookie recipe I made was any good, I would share it with you all...well people, they were oh-so-good. The secret ingredient is a package of vanilla instant pudding mix which make the cookies cake-y, but still gooey at the same time. I should probably put a disclaimer on this post to anyone who is on a diet, thinking about a diet or no longer on speaking terms with their elliptical machine, to PROCEED WITH CAUTION! These cookies are so good they might just make you say, 'What Weight Watcher points?' And can I just mention the dough? Oh my, the dough was so scrumptious that it barely made it into the oven! But I digress..I share with you..the ultimate chocolate chip cookie recipe!

1 cup of softened butter
1/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup lightly packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 large box vanilla instant pudding
2 1/4 cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup of your favorite chocolate chips

(I cheated and used a mixture of nestle semi-sweet & butterscotch chips)

Cream the sugars and butter in a large bowl. Mix in the egg, vanilla, and pudding. Slowly add the flour and baking soda, and the chips last. Mix just until well combined.
Roll into 1 inch balls and place on a cookie sheet about 2 inches apart.

Bake at 375 degrees for 7 to 10 minutes. (You do not want to over cook these!!)

Let cool for a bit or if you are impatient like me, wait barely 5 minutes and scarf them down piping hot!

Enjoy! Please let me know if you try it out, I would love to hear! A big thank you to the blogs My Favorite Things and Marta Writes for sharing this recipe. Or maybe I should send them hate mail..my thighs haven't decided yet.

the singing christmas tree

2010-12-12T21:56:00.000-05:00

This weekend the boyfriend and myself went to see The Singing Christmas Tree at our church. I had never been and was told it was a pretty big deal. It's true, I wasn't let down. I managed to capture some rough video of the intro...it really doesn't do it justice at all..but you can get an idea. This was pre-people-singing-in-the-tree, obviously. It definitely got me in the spirit, as I so love hearing a live orchestra. What traditions do you and your family partake in over the holidays?

Holiday Shipping

2010-12-06T12:35:00.000-05:00

Just a little reminder on ordering for the Christmas holiday! All international orders need to be in by Dec. 4th to ensure holiday delivery. All U.S. residents, please order by Dec 12th (for custom orders Dec 10th) to ensure holiday delivery..I will be shipping past then, but can not guarantee delivery in time for Christmas. So hurry on over to the shop while the gettin's good!

Thanksgiving Countdown & More...

2010-11-21T18:00:00.001-05:00

Ok, so I've been pretty slack about updating ye old blog..but I have a good excuse. Between designing, shipping, prepping for the holidays and taking a break to visit family, I've been pretty busy.

So what's new? Well, I've added a new section in the shop called PRINTABLES

I've gotten a lot of requests for digital files of my designs, and so I finally decided to offer my invitations in a print-your-own format as well as some printable holiday items such as the cute dove gift tags below

All files come with a template and instructions on how to cut, etc.

Oh, and etsy just launched a new feature that allows coupon codes! (hooray!) They are just beta testing it now, and I was one of the lucky ones chosen to test it out. Customers will simply enter a code during the checkout process and a discount will be taken off prior to final payment. Nice.

Having said that, I've decided to have a Black Friday

I'm telling you early, bc I know that not everyone reads this blog every day (goodness gracious!) and some might not see this if I post too late in the week. SO...for Black Friday (Nov. 26, the day after Thanksgiving) I am offering 20% off any item in the shop. Simply use code BLACKFRIDAY when you check out.

Last, but certainly not least, Maddie and I want to wish everyone a happy, safe, Thanksgiving holiday. May you be blessed with love, family and good food!

Happy Thanksgiving, ya'll!

For the bookworm...

2010-11-10T15:53:00.000-05:00

I just added these cute latte personalized bookplates to the shop! They come in a set of 18 and are printed on glossy self adhesive. I thought they would make great gifts this season for all those coffee lovers out there, wouldn't you agree?

HOLIDAY SALE!!

2010-11-04T16:53:00.001-04:00

I wanted to offer a special incentive for my wonderful customers to kick off the holiday season. So, from now until November 12th shop here for a Buy 2 Get 1 Free Sale!

Simply purchase 2 items (excluding custom silhouettes) and get one additional item for FREE! Free item must be of equal or lesser value than the lowest priced item purchased. Only one free item per customer.

Simply state in notes to seller upon checkout which item you would like.
Please DO NOT purchase 3rd item or place in your cart. Sale ends Nov. 12.
Please spread the word, will ya? Happy shopping!

because I am neurotic

2010-11-04T10:12:00.000-04:00

A THIRD calendar for 2011! I must admit, I got a jolt of inspiration late in the game and these flower illustrations just came pouring out of me. I love how they turned out. Each month represents the birth flower of that month. I think these would make perfect gifts to give to all those moms out there and anyone who is an avid gardener. So check 'em out here and here. Limited quantities, so get yours soon!

spooktacular

2010-10-30T11:29:00.000-04:00

Best Batman costume ever! This guy was genius.

photo courtesy digg.com

HAPPY HALLOWEEN, YA'LL!

Time keeps on slippin'..

2010-10-26T14:08:00.000-04:00

So I couldn't help myself. Late last week I designed another calendar for 2011. It's a large format wall calendar. 13x19 to be exact. I can't help but think it would be the perfect way to brighten up any room; and I just love the bold dahlia print. I like it just pinned to the wall, but it's designed to be framed as well.

What do you think? You can see it here.

Oh, and check it! I did a SERIOUS update to my big cartel shop over the weekend.

Zits are beauty marks.

2010-10-22T10:02:00.003-04:00

Does anyone remember Sassy magazine? I grew up reading it in the early to mid 90's and it was a refreshing departure from the pish posh of other teen mags such as Seventeen and YM. Sadly, it eventually went the way of My So Called Life...leaving a rather large void in my teen existence.

You can imagine my excitement when I ran across the blog Zits are Beauty Marks. In their words, this blog is.. "A tribute to Sassy magazine and all of its contents, including but not limited to: cute bands, Lynda Barry, zits as beauty marks, insulting Tiffani Amber Thiessen, giving you free R.E.M. vinyl, love advice from Thurston Moore, feminism, 'zines, Evan Dando's disembodied head, quizzes, bitchin 90s fashion, unrequited love for Keanu Reeves, and the importance of being sassy."

Brilliant. I am particularly enjoying this blast from the past post featuring an old MTV clip of Donal Logue. Find your nicest pair of overalls, lace up those black combat boots and enjoy.

image courtesy: Zits are beauty marks

2010 Holiday Collection

2010-10-20T17:37:00.001-04:00

It's FINALLY done! hoorah! Well, I might have one more thing to add, but that's neither here nor there. I hope this year's collection is well received. I sure did have a lot of fun putting it together. The two little guys over there are my favorite..after weeks of procrastinating, I finally finished up the illustration last night. I think that it will definitely be this year's holiday postcard that I ship out to friends and family. Which one is your favorite? Check out the entire line here. Enjoy!

a new addition

2010-10-07T08:00:00.001-04:00

I'm happy to announce a new addition to my line and something non-paper! Custom silhouette ceramic coasters. A simply wonderful housewarming or wedding gift. They come in a set of 4 and are created from pictures the customer submits (just like my custom prints). I love how the contrast of the black silhouette looks against the glossy white tile.

image ©nella designs

Each set is made by hand, so if you want to order them for the upcoming holiday season be sure to place your order in advance! You can learn more, here. Until next time!

It's here!

2010-09-30T18:57:00.000-04:00

My 2011 calendars have been released! Check them out here and here. If you want to order multiples, I would suggest ordering from my Big Cartel site, since you can purchase more than one at a time there. Enjoy!

a love so rare

2010-09-28T08:00:00.000-04:00

Today's share is rare indeed. I was contacted recently by a customer that wanted to have a custom silhouette made of her husband and his beloved cat. You heard that right..cat. Being a cat person myself, I was overjoyed to take on the project! I have had countless requests for dogs and/or owners & dogs, so it was a nice change to see (although I do LOVE dogs!) Let me just put it out there that in my opinion, no matter how much flack a guy may get from his buddies, men CAN be cat people! (although more than one cat might be kinda weird..just sayin') I do hope he loves the final product.

ho ho ho

2010-09-21T11:40:00.000-04:00

It's the holiday season over here..and I'm in the midst of it, which is why I've been absent from the blog lately. I've been busy creating new illustrations for holiday cards & postcards and even a new line of ceramics! I hope to release my 2011 calendars in the next few weeks and the rest shortly thereafter. So I had better get a move on! It's so hard to focus on all things wintery when it's 90+ degrees outside. The little guy above is helping though! Jess bought him for me on our last trip to Sunset and I simply adore his slightly retro style. How about you? Do you have a certain knick knack that helps you get into the holiday season?

lovely surprises

2010-09-15T09:48:00.002-04:00

I woke up to a lovely surprise this morning. A bride that I worked with a few months back was profiled on the Wedding Chicks blog. Ingrid and Tim were such a joy to work with. I am in awe of how beautiful the wedding turned out. Ya know, it's so fun to see the end product, when in the midst of creating you (or rather, I) never really think about where the product will end up.

All photos taken by Sweet Monday Photograpy

The brides color scheme was yellow and teal/ocean. Isn't her dress amazing?

Here are some shots of how she put the custom silhouette stickers I made for her to use. The color combination is so wonderful.


©Sweet Monday Photography


©Sweet Monday Photography

Again, amazing. You really must read the entire article, the pictures alone are enough to lust over. You can do so here.

Sneak Peek!

2010-09-09T10:01:00.002-04:00

I finally finished my 2011 calendar and here is a very sneaky peek (forgive the dark picture). This year over half of the illustrations are brand new to my line (there's been a lot of sketching going on this summer!) I'm really excited about it. Not only is it a new format for me, but they will come with a super neat case to display on your desk! I hope to have them available for pre-order in the next few weeks, so be on the lookout..although I'm sure I will post about it here.

.......................

On another note, I want to offer a giveaway next week, but since I'm really not sure who reads this regularly, I need a gauge on whether or not to forge on with this idea. So could you help me out? If you are interested in a giveaway could you leave a quick comment and let me know? There's nothing more embarrassing than offering to give away something and only having family (hi mom!) compete for it! hehe. Thank you kindly...

show and tell

2010-09-02T08:00:00.001-04:00

I purchased this handmade necklace from LillianEveDesigns and have fallen in love with it. So much so I just had to share with the rest of the class. It is even more lovely in person and the flower also doubles as a hair clip! Do I think you should purchase one for the Fall? Indeed! All the cool kids are doing it.

You gotta know when to fold 'em..

2010-08-26T09:50:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the lull in blogging lately folks! I am taking a week long hiatus from creating & filling orders, etc, etc...I need this break before all the holiday madness kicks in! There will be plenty of fresh coffee & coffee cake to nosh on (no guilt, ya'll)..

Followed by bike-rides-a-plenty enjoying the warm ocean breeze.

Note to self..Self, do not try to scratch, adjust sunglasses or wipe face of sweat whilst riding said bicycle. Your agility and rebound ability are sadly, not what they once were.

Also, if anyone has the pocket change of 1.9 million to buy this quaint little cottage for me, I would be most grateful...m'kay? Thanks.

Stay tuned next week post hiatus where I will be back to share pictures and musings abound. I know you can hardly stand the anticipation. Happy week, ya'll!

mid-day melodrama

2010-08-12T15:00:00.002-04:00

This is how I've felt this week..it's fitting that I chose to wear this today to say the least. It's been one of those weeks, heck, summers..I am burnt out and ready for some relaxation and NO working! Counting down the days until I am here.

For those of you scratching your head in wonder regarding the above pic, oh, it was only the coolest, (well, it ranks up there m'kay?), video game of the 80's!

What took so long?

2010-08-09T08:00:00.002-04:00

My new large format printer arrived this past week and I have been having the best time printing out orders on it. I was rather overwhelmed with the response that I got once I started offering these beauties..but now that it's here, I can't help but wonder, what the heck took me so long? (thanks steph!)

Each large format print is printed on fine art velvet paper..this textured paper is so luxurious and thick it's almost too nice to frame! And check out these colors...

These are sure to be the hit of the party, so be sure to get one for that next gift when you want to surprise someone with something unique and special..or treat yourself! Large fine art prints are available here and here. Sizes are for 11x14, but 13x19 is available upon request.

Someone else enjoyed the arrival of the new printer just as much if not more than myself!

(maddie playing hide and seek in the printer packaging)

Summer Days

2010-08-04T08:30:00.002-04:00

The end of summer is near, but I wanted to release just one more Summer print. Remember the nursery ryhme 'She Sell Sea Shells..'? Well, I took that and turned it into a cute illustration. I think it would look really perfect in a nursery.

It's available for purchase here. Of course it's available in a multitude of colors and is also available as an 11x14 or 13x19 fine art print upon request.

Also, released last week, is this little girl's art set

The set includes a 5x7 print of Sugar and Spice, as well as Thank Heaven. Two of my more popular prints for girls. Well, there you have it! A quick shop update for this week. More to come soon I am sure...I hope you all are enjoying the last few weeks of summer!

New Bigger Sizes!

2010-08-03T08:00:00.003-04:00

After much procrastination and many emails from customers wishing my prints were available in larger sizes, I am here to say that your wishes have finally come true!

All prints in the shop are now available as 11x14 and 13x19 (upon request). Not only are they available in a larger size, but they will be printed on 100% cotton fine art paper with archival ink! So your prints will stay bright and fade proof for years to come. Come on over and check 'em out here.

Man's Best Friend..

2010-07-30T08:00:00.002-04:00

I just had to share this custom silhouette print that I did today for a lovely customer.

It is of her beloved dog, Boogie. I just love how it turned out.

I really enjoy doing animal silhouettes. Dogs are by far the most popular, but why not a furry feline, bird or hamster friend? If you would like your furry companion made into a print, you can do so here.

Sometimes we need to be reminded...

2010-07-28T12:43:00.001-04:00

Hello lovelies! I just wanted to stop in really quick-like to share a new print series that I put in the shop last week. I really love it.

Sometimes I find that we all need to be reminded of this, ya know? It's available right now in 8x10 here, BUT...in a few weeks I will be offering it in a larger poster format of 11x14! So if you are interested in that size, drop me a line and I will put you on my waiting list. It's offered in a multitude of color choices as my other prints are and I have introduced some NEW colors to my palette as well.

Welcome Dust, Battleship and Orange Crush to the group. I had been getting a lot of requests for some neutrals, so I decided to add them permanently. Well, back to work for me! I hope everyone is having a lovely week!

Because I think it's awesome..

2010-07-22T18:00:00.007-04:00

I wanted to share this etsy find with you, well, as the title says, because I think it's awesome. Who out there remembers using a typewriter to type up a book report or heck, having a typewriting class in high school? (raising hand) Well if you are feeling rather nostalgic my friends, look no further!

(picture courtesy of usbtypewriter.etsy.com)

usbtypewriter has converted these old typewriters into usb keyboards! I will let them describe further:

This Smith-Corona Super Sterling is in beautiful condition. It has been modified to work as a USB Keyboard for PC, Mac, and even iPad!
The USB device recognizes all letters, numerals, and punctuation marks. It also includes shift, space, and return carriage (literally activated by the typewriter's return carriage!).

Pretty awesome, right? You're welcome.

Go Fish

2010-07-21T12:34:00.001-04:00

I just added these super cute note cards in the shop this week.

I really like the modern and bright feel of them.

Of course you can get them in any color that you like..

but my favorite is the teal..it reminds me of summer.

Get a set here.

A trip to the Farmer's Market

2010-07-19T18:30:00.002-04:00

Last week while I was back in my hometown, my mom and I took a trip to the Farmer's Market. I must say there were many abundant fruits and vegetables to be had, but my favorite part was the nursery. I took a good bit of photos of various flowers & plants as inspiration for my 2011 calendar (yikes! is it that time already?), but I won't bore you with those..instead here are some of my favorite snapshots...

I fell in love with this alligator topiary.

This waterfall was peaceful. Do you see someone hiding under the lily pads?

Don't worry, it's only a (faux)ligator.

A nice shady place to hide from the bright sun.

Some very creative ways to plant your flowers, indeed!

I just love summer outings like these. What sort of things do you enjoy during summer?

Happy Weekend Ya'll

2010-07-16T18:00:00.001-04:00

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Get outside, wriggle your toes in the green grass and enjoy the summertime. A big thank you to everyone who has ordered from the new shop! The July special is still in effect for a little while longer, so take advantage while you can :)

New neighbors

2010-07-15T18:43:00.000-04:00

Today I discovered some new little neighbors moving in at my mom's. We noticed a lot of commotion on the porch, only to discover a mama bird was feverishly flitting back and forth between nearby trees and planters.

Seems she was building an intricate nest in our hanging lamp. I couldn't resist taking a few snapshots. (they are a smidge dark bc I had to take them through the window)

Welcome to the neighborhood wren family!

July Special

2010-07-11T18:00:00.003-04:00

Just for you dear readers! As an incentive to get things rolling at the new shop, I wanted to extend a special offer your way. So...for the rest of July, when you shop www.nelladesigns.bigcartel.com, enter coupon code Nella10 during checkout and receive 10% OFF your total purchase PLUS a free gift! How sweet is that?!

Feel free to pass these savings on to your friends and family.

Happy shopping!

a NEW way to buy Nella!

2010-07-08T18:30:00.007-04:00

Hooray! I am so excited to announce that it is now easier to buy your favorite Nella Designs products! After much thought I decided to open a store front on Big Cartel. Don't get me wrong, I love etsy and I fully intend on keeping my shop open there, but I wanted to be able to offer my prints and especially my invitations where people could select the quantity they desired. This alleviates me having to convo back and forth with them on how many they need and adjusting the listing price and shipping, etc. No muss, no fuss.

I will also be able to issue coupon codes for discounts (this is the part where you say hooray!). So check it out and I'm going to need your help spreading the word..pretty please? (unlike etsy, there is no built in traffic..meaning I have to generate my own)

Let me know your thoughts and if there is anything you might like me to add. For now, only a few limited selections are available in the new store until I get an idea of how popular things are. Happy Shopping!

www.nelladesigns.bigcartel.com

Customer Delight

2010-07-06T18:31:00.001-04:00

Today I woke up to a special treat in my inbox. A sweet customer sent me some photos she snapped of her newly framed prints. Seems she is awaiting the arrival of a baby boy any moment now! I just love how she designed the nursery, don't you?

If you have any pictures of nella that you have purchased, please share! I would love to see.

A little visitor

2010-07-02T08:00:00.002-04:00

Today we were visited by this agile little fella.

He is our resident squirrel. I don't know why, but he's the only one around..and today was his lucky day because he hit the mother load. I didn't mind really. Our feeder isn't that nice.

He thought he was being pretty crafty. I must admit I found his Spider-man-like agility pretty amusing. What he didn't realize though...

was that he was being watched..intently..

BUSTED!!

I hope you all have a wonderful July 4th holiday. I intend to. I also hope to share with you some exciting news very soon! Until then.....

New for summer!

2010-06-25T09:00:00.000-04:00

A few new goodies have been added to the shop! Take a peek..

Birds of a Feather, 8x10 prints are personalized with names and special date. These little cardinals are an original illustration of mine drawn after the mommy and daddy cardinals that frequent my studio window.

Isn't he pretty?

Never Give Up, 8x10 Children's Prints are also new in the shop this week. Regretfully, I didn't have them sketched and ready in time for Father's Day (drat!), but that's ok. I think they would make a great addition to any little boy or girl's room, don't you? Such a great message.

More to come in the near future, hopefully. Feel free to share any special requests!

heat exhaustion..

2010-06-15T13:16:00.001-04:00

It's 110 degrees here today with the heat index. I'm melting..and literally would rather be some place cooler.. like here. At least there would be a breeze..

Sunset Beach.

Here Comes The Sun

2010-06-10T09:00:00.000-04:00

Nella was selected to be a part of Poppytalk's "Here Comes The Sun" market for the month of June. Please stop by and check us out!

NYC, I will miss thee...

2010-06-03T09:00:00.003-04:00

well, hello! J. and I officially got back from our first NYC trip last night after a long day of travel. We had a blast! I already miss it terribly. Mainly the walking. Everywhere is within walking distance pretty much..or just hop on the subway. Definitely a luxury. We spent 5 days there and although we didn't make it to any museums or plays (we'll cover that next time), we certainly kept a busy schedule.

There were trips to Central Park. I enjoyed this the most. On our last day, we watched an impromptu roller skating dance party (shown above). The older lady in the fringe was a dancing queen and her jubilance was contagious.

There was shopping. A trip to kate's paperie was top priority on my list. A little time with Apple. Some cool vintage Singers in SoHo and a handmade moss elephant in Anthropologie caught my eye. I adore that store.

And there was eating. Oh boy, was there eating. Thank goodness there was a lot of walking to counteract it all, but I digress. One highlight was our first subway trip downtown (I promise I wasn't intoxicated when I shot the pic of us on the subway..I look like I should be throwing a peace sign, no?) to Katz Deli, home of the infamous When Harry Met Sally scene. If you look closely in the pic above, you can see the sign they have hanging above the table where it was shot. The gentleman pictured at the table, much to my dismay, did NOT reenact the scene. J. found his food soul mate in their signature pastrami sandwich. I wish I had ordered one, but got the beef hot dog instead, which was still really, really good. If you go, be sure that you hold onto that ticket they give you when you enter! I made the mistake of laying it down on a table and not taking it with me when we moved to another table. You would have thought I lost someone's first born the way they scurried around looking for it and encouraging me to check my pockets again. Luckily, it was spotted by a busboy and all was well. Thank goodness because we would have had to shell out $50 had they not. Still not exactly sure why they have that policy..weird.

Next post...part two...

These shoes are made for walkin'?

2010-05-13T12:00:00.001-04:00

Our NYC trip is fast approaching and I want some new "walking shoes" that are comfortable and cute; an alternative to tennis shoes. The newest line of crocs have peaked my interest. Now, I've never worn a croc so I don't really know what all the fuss is about, but the newest flats look pretty darn cute.

I only have two questions/concerns.

1) are they as comfortable as tennis shoes? For long periods of walking.

and 2 and this is a REALLY big 2.

Do they make your feet feel and smell like these?

Jellies. Those of us that grew up in the early 80's know exactly what I'm talking about. Walk a few blocks in these on a sunny day and it feels like you took a foot bath in crisco. Let's not even discuss the smell. Plus there was always that one piece of plastic at the tip of the toe that popped off from the sole.

So dear readers, see my predicament? If any of you can shed some light on this, good, bad or otherwise, please share!

Mother's Day at the Zoo

2010-05-11T09:00:00.001-04:00

This Mother's Day we asked our mom what was the one thing that she wanted to do on her day. The answer, was visiting the zoo. Sure, it might seem a bit odd a 32 yr old daughter and 36 yr old son tagging along with their mom to the zoo, but it made her happy and ended up being a lot of fun! Below are some pictures from our zoo adventure.

This fella was zonked out cold! It was pretty funny. Look how cute his hind feet are?

The majestic and always dapper penguin. He really hammed it up for the crowd.

Ok, now this guy I could have watched all day long. He was massive and I'm not sure you can tell, but he has his feet resting up against the glass enclosure. Just chillin' and looking rather annoyed that all these weirdos keep gawking at him. His behavior was so human like it was incredible. Wiping his nose, scratching his belly..I half expected him to sit up and start talking. This guy actually got loose last year in the park. He managed to climb over his enclosure during park hours! You can read about it here. Crazy.

This was at the botanical garden part of the Zoo. A cute representation of Macgregor's Garden from Peter Rabbit. Too cute.

This is my brother. I think at this point he'd had enough "fun", as the blackberry checking began. It was a wonderful day and we couldn't have asked for better weather. I enjoyed spending time with my mom and bro. It's always an adventure! If you are ever in SC, I highly recommend a trip to Riverbanks Zoo & Gardens.

New look!

2010-05-10T08:00:00.001-04:00

Nella Designs has a new look..well, more like a new direction. Now when you go to www.nelladesigns.com, instead of being directed to my etsy shop, you are directed to a new home page with links to my blog, shop, about and contact info. I wanted something very, very simple for now. I drew out all the elements (illustrations, etc) and the computer wiz boyfriend wrote the html. A full blown web site design with functioning shopping cart, etc etc will come soon, but until then, I think this will do nicely indeed.

A little press..

2010-05-07T08:30:00.002-04:00

This week has been pretty exciting as far as nella news goes!

A big thank you to the editors over at The Knot and The Nest for including nella in their live segment in nyc for mother's day gifts under $30.

They contacted me last week regarding my family silhouette prints and I happily shipped some up to them. I hear they gave one to the CEO and his wife the EIC! Cool.

Watch the segment below. Even more exciting news to share Monday, if you can believe it!

Have a super weekend everyone.

Nella for every occasion

2010-05-06T09:00:00.003-04:00

I have been sitting on this news for about 2 months now, and am just pleased as punch to now be able to say that Nella is now a part of the Designer Series over at Pingg!

The wonderful people over at Pingg contacted me a few months back to participate, and I jumped at the chance.

What's Pingg you ask?...well it's a site where you can send free ecards & evites to people and I must say their selection is absolutely eye-catching! Not like some of the other sites out there.
I have to admit that I need to beef up my collection a bit, which I am working on. In the meantime, mosey over and check it out why don't ya? Let me know what you think!

hello!

2010-05-05T09:00:00.003-04:00

Sorry we've been hiding!

Things around here have been pretty busy and life has gotten in the way. I promise to be back blogging more regularly though, as I have some pretty exciting things coming up that I hope to share with you!

With everything going on I did manage to spruce up ye ole blog a bit. I'm really digging the links at the top for quick access. What do ya think?

A little press...

2010-04-28T09:56:00.001-04:00

Nella is featured on the Apartment Therapy Ohdeedoh blog today!
A pretty cool thing to wake up to.

Love Me Do.

2010-04-21T09:00:00.000-04:00

New item in the shop! I think these simple and modern silhouette prints are lovely. The silhouette is one that I did recently of a lovely couple and I just thought this saying was a perfect fit for it.

Each print is fully customizable. You choose color and name & date to be displayed.

Available currently in 8x10, but smaller sizes can be made upon request.

Check them out here.

Mimi

2010-04-14T09:00:00.003-04:00

Remember her?

that I talked about here?

Well let me introduce you to Mimi...

Mimi and her kitty, Lucky, are available in 8x10 prints. I really wish the representation here was as bold and beautiful as when printed, but please take my word. I am SO very proud of how she turned out and I hope that you like her too. This print was inspired by my grandmother, who used to sing that very song to me as a child..happy times.

See more of Mimi, here.

As always, please do not copy, steal or borrow this illustration without my consent. thank you kindly.

Diners, Drive-ins and Dives

2010-04-12T09:00:00.001-04:00

This weekend, the boyfriend and I decided to hit up a local joint called Pawley's Porch. It was a beautiful night and we were both craving some serious grubbage. If the name sounds familiar, that's because the restaurant and their burgers were recently featured on the Food Network TV show Diners, Drive-ins and Dives with Guy Fieri. All of the burgers on the menu have a unique southern name and boy, they do not disappoint.
Much to the boyfriends dismay, I took some shots of our grub before the big chow down began.

The boyfriend order the Fripp Island Burger...southern salsa, fresh greens, boursin cheese and topped with a fried green tomato..held together with a huge steak knife. Yum!

Regretfully, I can not remember the name of my chicken sandwich! (boo), I believe it was the Edisto, but I can tell you that it was a delicious grilled breast of chicken topped with fresh greens, goat cheese and caramelized onions. Hungry yet?

If you are ever in the Capital City, I highly recommend you check them out.
For an even more compelling presentation, check out the actual segment that aired..

the green monster

2010-04-09T09:00:00.000-04:00

An itchy, sneezy mess. That's what I've been like as of late. Haven't you? Some members of this family just don't see what all the fuss is about and think the green tinge is a nice compliment to their coat..*ACHOO!*

mini break

2010-04-08T09:00:00.002-04:00

This post is a wee bit late, but I have been playing a bit of catch up the last few days. I went home over Easter and had a blast with my friends and family...here are a few pics that I managed to shoot over the long weekend. Enjoy!

The Easter table before all the yummy-ness was served! I realize now that I should have taken some pictures of our feast. A definite departure from my everyday diet!

Mom made sure the Easter Bunny visited all of us! I never get too old for this.
Thanks Mom..er, I mean Easter Bunny!

The pets got presents too! This is Brinkley (aka Mr. B.) with his new toy...

He looks so happy doesn't he? I should mention shortly after this photo was taken,
the new toy was ripped to shreds..so sad.

A big thank you to everyone who offered up tips/advice regarding my last post. We booked our trip today! 5 days in NYC...can hardly wait...should be an adventure indeed!

Let the sun shine in..

2010-03-31T09:00:00.002-04:00

I recently made some 'You Are My Sunshine' invitations for a sweet lady celebrating her child's first birthday. Aren't they cute?

Well, I loved the way they turned out so much that I decided to add them to the shop!

You can find them here...and although these are shown in curry, you can get them in whatever color tickles your fancy.

On a completely unrelated note, I have made the decision to comment more on the daily blogs that I read. Lord knows that I have a slew that I go through in my google reader everyday, but I know how much I enjoy it when I hear from you, so I thought I would make more of an effort. So, if you are reading this, say a quick hellohiheythere..I would love to hear from you!

this and that

2010-03-29T09:00:00.000-04:00

Hello all! It has been hard to work lately as we have had quite a bit of this in the last week!

However, I have been plugging away nonetheless! It's a busy time in the shop and there is a lot on the horizon, which I hope to share with you here soon. This weekend was a good time to do a little bit of relaxing on the porch with a drink and a magazine. Maddie enjoyed it as well!

Tomorrow begins another busy work week ahead. Oh, before I forget..a new item was released in the shop last week. These multi labels have been really popular and I have gotten a lot of requests to make them into calling cards, so, voila! They are fully customizable and come in a set of 30.

and you can get a set for yourself or a perhaps a friend here. Happy Monday!

Hippity Hoppity...

2010-03-22T09:00:00.000-04:00

Easter's on it's way! A new bunch of Peter Cottontail labels in the shop for easter and spring. You can personalize them any which way you like. They make great gifts for an easter basket and are handy for letters and personal items! You can find them here

How to (not) succeed in business.

2010-03-18T09:58:00.001-04:00

It's new to you..well, maybe. Today's post is a recycle from a little over a year ago. It was just a lot of fun and well, I thought you might enjoy it..Happy Thursday!

Today's post has nothing to do with design, but is strictly for your reading enjoyment.
I believe that when you start a new business, one of the most important concepts is to have a good strong name. Something that captures the essence of what it is you are trying to sell. On a recent trip to a neighboring town, I came across two businesses who must have indeed kept with that notion. I can only imagine the brainstorming session that endured. (Please forgive my camera skills or lack thereof..I was in a moving car)
Clearly, the owners were confident in the food they would be serving up. I found myself wondering what "& Mo" would consist of. Fishing tackle perhaps?

In case you can't make out the name of this fine establishment, it's the Sho Nuff Good Family Restaurant. Clearly the best place in town to perhaps have lunch with one's family after church on Sunday's or to shoot the breeze with your friends after a long day at work.

Sadly, I made another trip to said town several months later and discovered that both Off Da Chain and Sho Nuff had closed their doors. How could that be? Perhaps they are going to merge and reopen their doors in a collaborative effort..something like Mad Skillz BBQ. I would like to think so. Fo sho.

wedding season!

2010-03-17T09:00:00.000-04:00

I usually shy away from doing any wedding suites. One, brides are extremely picky and hard to please. I have heard so many horror stories! and two, it's a lot of work! However, when a friend approached me to do his (that's right the groom took the initiative!) wedding invitations, I found it hard to refuse. The couple was very open to suggestions from the start and pretty much let me run wild with it. The couple did however, want a custom silhouette made from their pictures. Knowing the main color of the wedding palette, I decided to go with a simple design because this couple is uber laid back and informal.

Not sure if you can tell, but the RSVP card has their silhouettes ever-so-slightly transparent in the background. I really can't wait for the couple to see them once they are assembled.

Perhaps I should rethink my hesitation to take on wedding suites? Maybe even add these to the shop? What are your thoughts?

work hard, play hard.

2010-03-12T09:00:00.000-05:00

We have worked hard this week! All of this sketching and planning have left some of us pooped! Here's to a relaxing and sunny (hopefully!) weekend ahead...perhaps with a little St. Patrick's Day festivities thrown in for good measure. I hope you all have a splendid weekend! Perhaps a little baking might be involved? If so, do share your results. See you on Monday...

Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies

2010-03-10T09:00:00.002-05:00

Bake at 375 degrees for 7 to 10 minutes. (You do not want to over cook these!!)

Let cool for a bit or if you are impatient like me, wait barely 5 minutes and scarf them down piping hot!

from me to you

2010-03-09T10:00:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to spread a little sunshine your way today. The sun is out and the studio is full of bright, spring colors..seems only fitting to share :)

change of pace

2010-03-08T09:00:00.002-05:00

This weekend all I have done is r.e.l.a.x. which is a change of pace for me since most weekends are interspersed with work..designing and filling orders and the like. Saturday was my "bed day" and consisted of me, maddie, a little lifetime/hallmark channel sappiness and my sketchbook.

This little girl is what came about. She isn't quite finished and we will have to see where in the spring line she ends up, but I just love her little sweater don't you? If you have any ideas, please share!

Oh, I also finished this custom family silhouette for a sweet family on Friday.

I just really love how it turned out so I had to share. If you would like one of your own for you or someone special, you can find them here.

Today (Sunday) was too nice to NOT go out and enjoy the sunshine and warm temps. So the boyfriend and I took a nice long walk and a trip to starbucks. Always good times. Now I plan on enjoying a little Oscar red carpet coverage and whipping up a batch of these. I'm curious as to how the vanilla pudding mix will enhance the flavor. If they are any good I will share the recipe here this week. What did you enjoy doing this weekend?

the ole switcheroo

2010-03-05T10:00:00.001-05:00

You may remember these popular calling cards that are currently in the shop.

With the season of birthdays, graduations, baby and bridal showers fast approaching, I decided to revamp them into invitations. They may only be a hit with me, but I must say I love them. The color combinations are endless and customers can also choose from different icons to add a little flair.

They are already up in the shop if you would like to take a closer look here.

I think they would be really cute with matching labels and thank you's! What d'ya think?

Rainy Day Loves

2010-03-03T10:00:00.005-05:00

I must admit, I love a rainy day. This is especially true since I work from home. Nothing puts me in a more creative mood than when listening to the rain...perhaps it inspires daydreaming. Nonetheless, today was a soppy mess and it made me think about all the things that I am loving right now that are perfect for rainy days.

a) These are my favorite pair of Kiss My Feet rain boots. Pretty, pastel and even sporting a little bling

on the side buckle. What more could a girl ask for? Go grab a pair.

b) I am absolutely loving this Nellie McKay album. A sultry mix of Doris Day inspired tunes from

yesteryear. Perfect for a rainy day. They remind me of my mom and grandmother. Upon sharing my

favorite ditty "Crazy Rhythm" with my mom, she pointed out that my grandmother was quite the

dancer..a jitterbug champion mind you. That makes me smile. A big thanks to Persimmon & Pink,
for sharing this little gem.

c) I absolutely must have this black and white pinwheel umbrella! Playful indeed.

d) An absolute must is a warm mug of your favorite coffee. This mug set was given to me by a dear

friend..a modern twist on the ole cat mug.

What are some of your favorite things on a rainy day? Do share...

Customer Picture

2010-03-01T10:00:00.002-05:00

I always love to see how customers use my products. These silhouette stickers were used at a baby shower to announce the name of the couples new baby girl! I love the ribbon..a very nice touch indeed.

Happy Monday everyone! Where did February go?

Back by popular demand..

2010-02-25T10:00:00.001-05:00

After a bit of a hiatus, 8x8 You Are My Sunshine prints are back in the shop! They make great gifts and as always, can be customized in whatever color you fancy. You can find them here.

I have some exciting news to share in the coming weeks..cross your fingers for me, will you?

A little birdie told me..

2010-02-24T10:00:00.002-05:00

Who doesn't love birds in party hats? I brought these guys back after a bit of a hiatus. They are great to have on hand to send to someone for their birthday. Sold individually, but also available in a set if desired. Find these bright little guys here.

I always feel like..

2010-02-23T10:00:00.001-05:00

Ever get the feeling that you are being watched?

A Saturday Adventure..

2010-02-22T10:00:00.202-05:00

Saturday my mom, brother and I went to Aiken, SC to put some fresh flowers at my grandparents burial site. My mom grew up in Aiken and my brother and I spent most of our summers there growing up, but it had been a while since I had strolled around it's downtown area..so I was thrilled when my mom wanted to grab some lunch..plus I really wanted to stop by an old friend's coffee house to buy some fresh beans for my recent growing coffee addiction. My brother, well, let's just say he was along for the ride :) Our first stop was the Stoplight Deli where we had a nice little lunch. Once at our table, I simply HAD to take a pic of these retro salt and pepper shakers. Aren't they adorable? Had they been for sale, I would have snatched them right up!

After lunch we mosied down the street to do a little leisurely shopping. If you aren't familiar with Aiken, SC, it's known as horse country..I noticed that there were many horse statues around the downtown area and each one had been painted by a different artist. I really loved this one. Very southern looking, no?
This alley is known as well, The Alley (original, right?) and while the picture isn't that great, it's a very charming, quiet street that ends at a fountain. My mom told us that growing up she was always afraid of the alley because that's where the jail used to be located. My grandfather, further fueling the fire, told her that it was where all the hoodlums hung out. I thought this was quite funny. My grandfather was quite the story teller. For the longest time he had us convinced that Big Foot was real (a story for another time).
   Towards the end of the day possibly the cutest thing we saw were these two little ladies sitting outside a gift shop. I swear they looked real from a distance. Dressed in their finest "about town" clothes, they appear to be soaking in the sun and sharing the latest town gossip. I would like to think that their names would be Eloise and Agatha, respectively.
   Finally after one more quick jaunt into a local antique mall and hearing my brother mumble 'I didn't sign up for this' one last time, we hit the road. I have to say it was one of the most enjoyable days I have had in quite some time. Very rarely do just the three of us get to spend time together and each time we do it's very special to me. I hope we get to do it again soon. How have you spent time with your family recently?

*Side Note* Sorry for the lack of actual "people" shots in this post. My mom took them all on her camera and well, she lost it in the woods while we were there. Also a story for another time!

It's almost here!

2010-02-21T11:37:00.008-05:00

The daddy Cardinal stopped in today to let me know that Spring is almost here! It's a beautiful, sunny, 70 degree day here and I intend to make the most of it.
It's hard to believe that only a little over a week ago we had 8 inches of snow! I hope you are enjoying your weekend as well. Tomorrow, a post on my adventures in horse country yesterday...quite an adventure with lots of pics!
Until then...

Happiness is...

2010-02-19T10:00:00.004-05:00

A new pair of shoes! Well, at least for me anyway. I bought these lovelies yesterday for Spring and they make me happy. Something about the fuschia/violet-y color (which doesn't really show up all that great in the photo..boo) reminds me that Spring is only a few weeks away!

Also the fact that the insides are gold doesn't hurt. I like to call this color "Solid Gold Dancer" gold. All those late 70's, early 80's babes out there know what I speak of. I was enamored with this dance show when I was a wee lass. I yearned for the day when I too could strap on a pair of gold, strappy, 5 inch heels and dance, dance, dance. Sadly, due to my inherent clumsiness and the sheer lack of discos in my area, this dream has yet to come to fruition. However, the dream will stay alive with these cute flats! Enough rambling..I hope you all have a simply splendid weekend!