Vintage Wedding Stationery on Etsy

I have finally launched my Etsy Shop called Equip Creative Ink.

Here, you can find several styles of customizable and personalized wedding stationery sets including vintage, rustic, and modern designs. Sets include wedding invitations, thank you cards, rsvp (reply) cards, and save the dates.

Every item is easily customizable, including fonts, colors, and design layouts.

You can also request additional items including programs, table numbers, name places, shower invitations, engagement party invitations, and a personalized wedding logo.

Shop now at www.etsy.com/shop/equipcreativeink.

Album Sneak Peek

I have been working with Margo B. Smith in designing the artwork for her new album, Alleluia Through It All.

The songs were written as she watched her father losing his battle with cancer. On her website, she states, "It is difficult to watch a loved suffer, but God is faithful and loving. He stands near to comfort us. We just need to turn to Him." She wrote these songs as encouragement to herself as well as to those who may be going through similar trying circumstances.

I will post a followup when the album is released, along with a link of where you can sample/purchase her cd.

In the mean time, check out her website at www.margobsmith.com.

Sweet Pea

A few months ago, I designed this logo for a gal who is opening up child's apparel shop called Sweet Pea. Tagline: "maternity. nursery. baby. and beyond." 

The "beyond" includes carrying specialty items that are hard to come by (like pump parts, wubba nubs, etc.). It is in the works and everything I have heard sounds extremely innovative! I'm excited to see Sweet Pea hit their niche and the word spread like wildfire! 

I will keep you posted with their launch date, location, and future projects!

I Did it Myself: Faux Granite Countertops

I have hated our Formica counter tops since the day we moved in. To make matters worse, we accidentally flooded the kitchen 2 years ago, which caused a lovely bulge underneath the Formica next to our sink.

Recently, I had enough. The hubs was out, so I took to the bulge with a kitchen knife, hammer, and nails. Can we say Ghett-o-fied? On top of this tactful approach, I decided it was time to paint the counter tops. If it turned out tacky, so be it. I would replace them with granite after my retirement.

After some quick research, I ran to Wal-Mart and picked up some supplies. Total cost? Less than $100. This included:

This Old Frame

I like to think of myself as a semi-decent photographer. Let me rephrase. A semi-semi-decent photographer who can transform a crappy shot into something a little better using some mean design skills in Photoshop (not applicable to the iPhone photos below)! Who's with me?

Anyhow, it doesn't matter how much time and effort I may put into editing a shot if I never print, scan, frame, or otherwise share the photo. So I have taken it upon myself to scrounge up and transform some cheap old frames (I used these in my Senior Art Show back in college - What!).

My tools:
- 6 old frames with white pre-cut mat board
- Sand Paper
- 1 Can of white Rust-oleum Lacquer spray paint
- 12 Nails
- Hammer
- Level
- Pencil
- Face mask
- Tarp or newspaper
- Pavers or something heavy to hold down the tarp/paper

First, I chose two very bare walls in our kitchen (please ignore the landscaping out back...I have plans to revamp the yard very soon!).

Next I pulled out 6 old frames that were 4 photos deep (okay, so I used to be good about framing photos, not so much since the kid came along).

After measuring my nail marks on the wall with the level and pencil, I removed the backing, foam, photos, and mat board from each frame. I then numbered each frame to correspond with the placement of each frame (1, 2, 3...). I had to do this because the hooks were not in the same location on each frame (like I said, el cheapo).

Next, I jumped into some scrubs and took the frames, spray paint, sand paper, and mask out to the driveway. I set out some tarp, and held each corner down with some random pavers we have (plans for these in the future as well:). I highly recommend doing this on a calm day. If there is much wind, it may blow grass, dirt, etc. onto your wet paint.

Then I took my sandpaper and very quickly sanded the surface of each frame (only where I would be spraying the paint). I literally spent one minute or less on each frame.

Then the fun part! I sprayed each frame thoroughly and I only used one coat. If you want more than one coat, you will need at least 2 cans of paint.

Since it was such a sunny day, the frames dried quickly (I gave them about 45 minutes). I brought them inside, placed the mats and photos inside each frame, and hung them on the wall! Voila!

As for the wall on the right? I cheated and found this already-framed-art at BB&B for $30 (with a coupon). :)

Nixing the Niche

Ad by Mercedez-Benz. Source: adsoftheworld.com

Graphic Designer. Web Designer. Social Media Specialist. Photographer. Illustrator. Animator. Underwater Basket Weaver. It's insane how many avenue's we 'right-brainers' pursue all at once.

For the longest time, I promoted myself using all (minus basket weaving) of the above descriptions. I wanted potential clients to know I could do everything. And anything that wasn't listed on my resume, I could learn with my hands figuratively tied behind my back.

Oh, I could cringe thinking back to my beginner days, fresh out of college ("fresh meat" they called us). My portfolio was a conglomeration of photographs, sketches, design work, and then some. There was no consistency. No niche to capitalize on.

I had dreams of being a one-man show... of taking on a position at an advertising agency as a Graphic Designer, Photographer, Journalist, and Video Editor. So you can imagine how disappointed I was when my first job out of college was at a sign company laying out signage and applying vinyl letters to placards.

Thankfully, the signage job didn't last long. Let's just say it was an extremely motivational season of my life. I knew I would get my portfolio together and make it consistent, or die trying.

{Fast forward to present day.}

In the blog world, it seems as though the above does not apply so long as there is a distinct common thread that appears from time to time. In fact, with this blog I hope to rabbit trail on a weekly basis. I plan to return to my first-loves: Animation, Videography, Audio Mixing, You-Name-It.

My hope is that many of you 'right-brainers' will join me in utilizing this blog as a creative outlet. No doubt, it will be therapeutic! Post links to work that you pride yourself on, art that you wish you could create, or ideas that need further brainstorming...even if they are worlds away from your specific niche.

Gadgets and Giggles

Okay, for you new and future mamas, here are just a few gadgets that we have found invaluable in the last 4 months.

Gadget #1: Ergo Baby Carrier (Performance). It is light weight, breathable, and easy on the back (unlike the Baby Bjorn which I found out the hard way). Its stylish enough that mom can wear it with just about anything (comes in gray and green), and its manly enough that dad doesn't mind sporting it.

It has a nifty rain hood that comes out of the pocket and attaches to clips on both should straps, conveniently covering baby's head. It also brags multiple ways of carrying baby (and toddler): front, back, or hip. A++!

Gadget #2: Sophie the Giraffe. Sophie is a teether that was invented in France in 1961. It is extremely popular, and I see why! Brady has been using it since 3 months (granted, I had to stick Sophie's neck in his mouth at first, but Brady has caught on since then and can do it himself). Sophie also squeaks, which makes Brady (and Spalding) smile. Its made of 100% rubber, so its safe for them to chew on and doesn't taste all that bad. It also sports contrasting spots, so Brady loves to just stare at it!

I give this little guy two thumbs up! The only down side? Sophie isn't all that cheap. She can run up to $20! Thank you, Patricia, for buying this gift for Brady! It has been a life saver.

Gadget #3: Leacho Cuddle U Nursing Pillow. Okay, it mayy seem like your normal boppy, however, this pillow comes with a harness which makes all of the difference. You can let baby use the pillow without it, or, when they are smaller, it helps hold them up so they don't slide off of the pillow. It also doubles great as a nursing pillow, oh, and a booty pillow for post pregnancy so mom can sit on it (sorry, tmi). Dad can also use it as a giant neck pillow if you are ever on the road and he needs a good nap!

And a little PS Gadget: LOVE the Wubbanub pacifier. Brady has used this since he was 3 weeks old and loves to hold and look at the puppy! He's super easy to wash as well. Just throw the pup in the washer and voila!