RAGBRAI 2009

It's (outdoor) cycling season again and we're getting ready to ride RAGBRAI in three weeks. Like last year, I designed a team logo for t-shirts and such. Check out the full story on my website blog: www.originalspaperart.com/blog.



Happy Friday... long live the weekend!

Originals Keepsake Card Box

Check out this simple, yet elegant, solution to keeping greeting cards from a special event! Read more about it on my website blog... www.originalspaperart.com.

Quaker Marriage Certificate

Have you heard about Quaker Marriage Certificates? I hadn't until recently when a bride hired me to design one for her. Read more about this fabulous project on my website www.originalspaperart.com.

Calligraphy for Hire

There is one tradition I still believe in when it comes to wedding invitations... and that is they should be hand-addressed. It's a special event you're inviting your loved ones to be apart of... show them how important they are and hand-address their invitation. Even if you're not happy with your own handwriting, I'm certain somebody in your family would do it for you. And if not, I'm here for you!

Here are three handwritten "calligraphy" projects I did last month. To see more click on over to my website www.originalspaperart.com and visit the calligraphy page.

Envelopments Graduation Announcement

It seems many people "Google" certain design things and Google finds more of your searches here in my Blogger Blog than my new WordPress Blog. I know it's obvious why... the two are owned by the same monster company. So, I've decided to mix it up a little. A little here, a little there! Seems like a good idea for now. We'll see.

Below is a recent graduation announcement using Envelopments. Be sure to get the scoop and design details by visiting Originals Paper Art.

2009 NEMO Bridal Expo

It's quickly approaching... the 2009 NEMO Bridal Expo. It's the second year and growing quickly. It's a fabulous way to meet the many talented vendors in the area that do and do not have retail storefronts! Mark your calendars... and be sure to spread the news to newly engaged couples you know.

Christmas Invitations!

'Tis the season for friendship, fellowship and fabulous invitations!  Below is an invitation I designed for the Gourmet Club here in town.  Red, white and silver... a yummy combination.

I randomly add a post to this site because I continue having visitors... if you're just discovering my blog... you'll find more on my new website (w/blog): www.originalspaperart.com/blog.  It's everything to do with paper, design and anything creative!  Check it out... and bookmark it!

Hand-Stitched Journal Class!

Are you still here? If so, you should switch your bookmark to originalspaperart.com/blog and see my latest and greatest paper projects and design assignments.
Last night was the first Hand-Stitched Journal class! Click on over to my new site and see more photos and fun chatter!

Happy Friday!

snapshots! & originals merge!

Not to worry... my blog will continue under a new name and location... simply switch your bookmark to www.originalspaperart.com and click on blog! And... you can still see my random snapshots under the appropriately named page: snapshots! Go check it out if you haven't already! I think you'll like the larger photos and organized pages!

Have a creative day!

Originals Paper Art - new format!

I've been blogging for nine months and quickly realized the power of this fabulous, fun and free marketing tool! During those same nine months... (not to mention the years prior to my blog), my beautifully designed website (thank you Sarah) became outdated... and fast. I'm not a web designer and 'outdated information' has always been a pet peeve of mine.

To make a long story short... I found the perfect platform! I hired a web-designer-friend (thank you Britta) to set me up with an all-in-one site that has blogging capabilities. Now I can market my services on their own pages and continue to blog the latest projects from the studio! It's perfect (for me). She also spent an afternoon coaching me on updating my information... and THAT... I love!

Please check out the new site www.originalspaperart.com and bookmark it for your daily (okay, weekly) dose of paper art!

Happy Monday!

Happy Birthday Kelby!

I made this birthday card for my niece a couple weeks ago. This summer she rode the STP (Seattle to Portland: 205 miles!) with us... and at the time she was 14! So the saying Nothing is Impossible to a Willing Heart was appropriate.
I positioned the willing heart as if it were riding the bike... and love the metal combination with the natural hemp cord and brown tones.
The main design element is raised using mounting tape to add dimension. To me this card is one that could be framed in a shadow box and kept for years. A card and gift in one!
Have a creative day!

MFA :: Today's Farmer magazine

A few months ago I posted the redesign of the MFA Today's Farmer magazine. Only this issue is a little different because I actually had the opportunity to start designing it because the other graphic designer was away at a conference. I'd venture to guess I prepared about 85-90% of this issue and then handed it back to be finalized and sent to press.

The cover on the right is the redesigned cover of the issue I designed. I also got to choose the images... and I must have done a good job, because none of them were traded out. It was a fun project.
This is a story that started and ended within this two-page spread.
UPfront is a section scattered with quick and informational news bites... so graphics, illustrations and colored blocks draw you from story to story.
I guess what I'm saying today is that it's very satisfying to me that, one... I redesigned the magazine, and two... I got the opportunity to actually prepare an issue for publication.

American Heart Association :: Donation

I'm doing my part to help raise money for a variety of good causes this fall! This donation is for the American Heart Association. ATSU is holding a Kirksville Rhapsody in Red Heart Gala next month and I'm donating $500 towards a dream wedding invitation package.
I designed the auction display invitation using an Envelopments® classic ecru Envelofold®. The invitation is layered using cocoa, green tea and classic ecru papers. Great colors for this time of year. I purchased the whimsical leaf illustration from istockphoto.com.When you flip the invitation over there's a thank you card/envelope tucked into the ribbon detail that wraps around from the front. For an actual wedding invitation this would be the rsvp card, map card and/or the reception card.
Snug as a bug in a rug... nice and neat! No information cards falling out when your guest opens the invitation... priceless!The invitation ensemble would be sealed nicely into the Envelofold® with a round sticker... and then mailed in this yummy square cocoa envelope!
Just a reminder that I'm an Envelopments® dealer/designer and I can order any item you see on their website... better yet, let me design the entire invitation for you too! That's what I love to do!

If you're in the area, attending this event, and have a person in your world that is engaged... you should really bid on this! It's a great deal. Have a great Friday!

Tin Can Tavern and Grille

Here's what's brewin in the studio. Tin Can Tavern and Grille just opened last night in Columbia, Missouri. I was lucky to work with these guys on their menu design. They have three locations... and this menu will be used in all three.
I used beer stain images on a recycled paper (to look like a coaster)... how appropriate since it's a bar that specializes in canned beer. They loved the idea... and so did I!
To make the menus stand out, I designed them 8.5 x 14 (flat) and they fold in half to 4.25 x 14. Perfect since they'll be placed in buckets on each table.
Last night was their soft opening... after delivering their menus, Allen and I stayed to celebrate! They're located at 220 S. 8th Street in downtown Columbia! Check 'em out!
Hey, look! Here are two menus on display at the end of the bar! They weren't serving food last night, but I'm sure these were a teaser to bring people back soon... like today!
Another fun thing Tin Can Tavern and Grille does... you buy one of their koozies and personalize it while you're there. They have a shelf for you to stash it for the next time you visit. Very fun and entertaining! Mine says brooke the designer... and Allen's says tri-athlete in training!
And one last thing... this photo seems a little flashy - sorry - (I used my computer camera)... but it's their logo wear! I got this cute t-shirt last night and couldn't wait to show it off. Great place... go check it out if you're in the neighborhood!
Have a great day! Gotta get back to work.

Handmade Scrapbook

As I mentioned a few weeks ago... I love the fall and my creativity is overflowing. A long-time friend of mine asked me if I would be interested in donating an original to an auction she's involved with... and what better opportunity for me to escape to the craft room and just play! Here's what I came up with... an 8.25 x 9.5 handmade scrapbook using this incredible handmade paper (that I've been hoarding)!
It has 50 acid-free pages bound together using simple sticks and hemp cord! The perfect compliment to this incredible handmade paper!
Inside is a thin, translucent handmade paper fly sheet... I love it!
The pages end up 8x8 which is perfect for photos, embellishments, memorabilia and personal journaling (that's so important to me).
And, it's a signed original... by me! Maybe someday it'll be worth millions! One can always hope... right!
Make time to play... everyday! Happy Monday.

Congratulations Card!

Sometimes a good design is worth repeating! Three people in my world had great things happen in their lives and they all deserved a handmade card filled with well-wishes! I loved this card so much I made three of them!

If you're a fan of stamping... the background block and sentiment stamp are from Hero Arts. The martini glass is from PSX (Personal Stamp Exchange)... I'm pretty sure they're out of business now... but nonetheless, it's one of my favorite stamps.
I used a color pencil to color in the stars and then added glitter glue for a little shimmer and shine! Gotta love getting back to the basics! You should try it... it's very rewarding.
And never stop with the card... decorate the envelope too! For these cards I designed a cute label, printed in on my laser printer, then stamped it with a solid star to match the card. Ahh, I love to play in the craft room. I need to do it more often.
A few people send me fun mail from time to time... and without fun mail I'd never want to check the mail! Why not take a few minutes today to send a friend a handwritten hello... I guarantee they'd love to receive it!

Gifts! Gift Cards! Gift Certificates!

The gift giving season is right around the corner and I feel it here in the studio -- as my clients are gearing up!

This is a computer illustration I designed for Super Suppers in Columbia, MO. It's being printed on front of the gift certificates this season... ahh, the gift of time with family and friends, not time in the kitchen... Super Suppers makes a great gift! Check it out!
I designed this custom gift card for Eyedentity Eyewear and submitted the artwork to a gift card company so that EE could have their own branded design... not a template that is shared by the rest of the world. I love how fun it turned out! Check out their beautiful shop in Columbia!
And how about the gift of a shampoo and cut at Varsity Clips for the starving students in your life? (That's my own endearing term from back when I had a retail store--they always claimed they didn't have any money -- not even for food!) I'm designing gift certificates for Varsity Nails as well! Sweet! They're located in downtown Columbia! Stop by when you're in the neighborhood...
That's it for today... I need to finalize a few projects that are near completion... check back often... and have a great day!

Original 'Paper Art'

As the summer fades and fall blooms my creativity is rejuvenated! The world around me is on fire with beautiful autumn color which lures me outside with my camera to snap a bunch of pictures (see snapshots! on left), and my flower press to collect a handful of colorful leaves. I love the great outdoors... especially during the fall!
This (book) card defines me. The colors, the texture, the sentiment, the shape... and the function. It's a card that has a 2-page signature stitched into it... just enough to write a short letter, add a few pictures, a few pressed leaves and mail it to a loved one letting them know you're thinking of them. That's me. That's who I am. That's what I love to do.
I'm creating a handful of these book cards and consigning them at a cute little shop in town named Tranquil Seasons! It's a great little gift shop that sells seasonal products for those who love the great outdoors... and more! If you're in the neighborhood, you should stop in and tell her Brooke sent you!
Have a great week! Get outside as often as you can... old man winter is lurking around the corner.

IFO Fitness, LLC

I love receiving out-of-the-blue emails from my Originals past! Amy used to shop at my retail store years ago... and is now a corporate law attorney in DC! She thought of me when her boyfriend needed a designer for his business cards and we hooked up!
Be sure to check out his website IFO Fitness! Allen and I are both fitness fanatics... so we appreciate all that he has to offer. Sign up and start ordering now... their store is open!

December Weddings!

What a wonderful time to get married... December! All the magic, decorations and time spent with family and friends. Katie was referred to me by our mutual friends at SilverBox Photographers! We met over coffee and have many things in common... especially our love of paper! Look at this yummy red envelope and beautiful invitation tucked inside!
Katie has a friend that drew the jingle bells for her to brand her wedding day. I took the illustration and created a vector image for all printing purposes... AND for Katie to get a custom wax stamp made for the wax seal inside! She used Old School Seals and raved about their service and product! Check them out if you're in the market!
Peek-a-boo! There's the sweet little wax seal holding in all of Katie's information cards. I don't have a picture of the actual seal... as Katie ordered that herself, all I did was provide the appropriate artwork. We make a great team!
Inside the invitation are the information cards held together nicely with a silver wrap and red wax seal. I hear many brides mention opening an invitation and all the stuff falls out... this is a great solution.
Katie needed four info cards... rsvp, accommodations, brunch and rehearsal dinner. On the back of each event card is a detailed map to help out-of-town guests around town with ease. Priceless!
I look forward to meeting with Katie next week to discuss her wedding day needs... like programs, favors, place cards, table cards, thank you notes... I guess I'll find out soon, and so will you in December. Stay tuned!

Fall Classes 2 :: Kirksville Arts Center

I call this the Design Photo Album. It's another book class I'm teaching at the Kirksville Arts Center this fall. If I get the excitement here in Kirksville that I'm getting from others across the United States... all my classes will have waiting lists. Thank you for the kind emails.
The internal pages are black Stonehenge and take advantage of the deckle edge. There are five signatures stitched into the liner creating 20 pages. It's the perfect size to document a weekend adventure with friends or family!I love to embellish my albums with goodies from various scrapbooking product lines... specifically Making Memories.
I designed this book by incorporating a few bookmaking basics from a couple bookmaking books. My favorites can be found at most book stores and/or online. One title is Cover to Cover by Shereen LaPlantz and Unique Handmade Books by Alisa Golden. Enjoy!

And if you're in the Kirksville area... call the Arts Center today to reserve your spot.

Hold That Hug

This logo assignment has a bitter-sweet story... in short Sarah E. M. Becking passed away before her time... she was a professional photographer, fabulous friend to many, wife and mother of two. Read more on the blog Hold That Hug put together by our mutual friends at SilverBox Photographers. This is a drop-in family photo shoot organized by her friends and family in her memory. If you live in or around Columbia, Missouri... drop in and support their efforts.
I've been told the Hold That Hug logo will be used on a variety of items surrounding this event. The thought of this sweet logo on the front of a white fitted girl t-shirt makes me smile.

Long Beach, Washington

We're back from vacation. Allen did well at the USA Triathlon Nationals in Portland, Oregon... and then we ventured to Long Beach, Washington for a few days of R & R with family and friends! Here are my two favorite snapshots! from the deck of the beach house we stayed in... yep, the beach was in sight at all times. It was fabulous!
My sister-in-law is a photographer in Washington state (Milestones Photography) and captured this moment of Allen and I during an hour-long photo session. It captures the peace we found on the west coast. I miss it already.
More designs coming soon... I just need to get through the work queue and make time for a photo session.

Varsity Nails, Hometown Service

Varsity Nails is a lovely nail salon located in Columbia, Missouri. I received a tour last week while I was there and was ready to make an appointment.
I designed this nail service order form to fill out prior to your appointment. Look at some of the great services! I'd like one Spoiled Rotten Pedi please!
This is a Ladies Services Menu for both Varsity Clips and Varsity Nails. They back each other up on a slender 2.75 x 11 card. It has service descriptions and prices. Excellent marketing tool that will be saved and hung on a bulletin board for future reference.
It's time to turn off the computer and do something creative! That's me talking to me... and you! Have a great (and creative ) day.

Custom Wedding Invitations!

Does this look familiar? I designed Save the Date cards for Ashley and Nolan back in April... and now it's time for the formal invitations! Similar to the Save the Date cards, the invitation has a belly band that has a punched graphic and addresses the guests casually like you would traditionally see on an inner envelope.
Slip the belly band off and open the card to the formal invitation also with a graphic punch in the lower left corner. I used this oak leaf because that's all I have... Ashley actually used a cute little pear... which looks fabulous with these colors! Can you visualize it?
The rsvp postcard and map/accommodations card are printed on one 5 x 7 card that is perforated in the middle.
This is a Memory Card. Many guests will be unable to attend the ceremony... so Ashley and Nolan are sending these cards with the invitation that requests each guest Share a Memorable Moment (on the front), and on the inside it has a place for a photograph.
The Memory Card and rsvp/map card tuck into the belly band nicely on the back side of the invitation. Nice and neat!... nothing falls out when the guest opens the invitation.
Thanks for stopping by to see the latest snapshots! More designs are brewing! Literally! Check back often... you'll find out what I'm talking about!

Witt Print Shop - Columbia, Missouri

Hey look! These are my printer guys! Brian, Rey, Terry and Gary at Witt Print Shop in Columbia, Missouri. Read the entire article here!
They're all that and more! Some people buy for price... I buy for a quality product and honest customer service... and Witt is IT for me!
If you're a print buyer, you should check them out! He has no website... you just gotta stop in and say hi! Tell him Brooke sent you!

Kudos Brian!

Handmade Sketchbook 2

The Kirksville Area Chamber of Commerce is doing an auction fund raiser and asked if I was interested in donating something. Beings I just made that pretty cool sketchbook for my upcoming classes for the Arts Center... I thought that would make a great original item for an auction!
Confession... Allen actually made this one! And once this sketchbook was complete I didn't want to part with it! I absolutely love the green batik handmade paper used on the covers.
It's got nine signatures that consist of five white sheets of paper and a shorter chartreuse sheet (just like the other sketchbook) and is sewn together with waxed linen!
It's goes to the highest bidder! This is your chance to own an Original! Hee Hee!

LEK Jewelry, Kirksville

LEK Jewelry is another home-based business here in Kirksville, Missouri. I met Lesa back when I had the retail store on the old court house square. When she decided to start her jewelry design business she called me for graphic design assistance. I designed her LEK Jewelry logo, business cards... and just finished a 2ft x 5ft trade show banner.

Lesa made a smart decision and ordered 2500 business cards... they're the least expensive marketing tool out there!
Allen drilled a small hole in the top center... creating the look of a product tag. And then using this antique corner rounder (below) rounded all four corners of the card. Love the look!
Here's her business card tied to a bracelet I purchased from her last year at Red Barn Arts & Crafts Festival! Oh, and she'll be there again this year... look for the banner with this logo! Tell her Brooke sent you!

Red Barn Arts & Crafts Festival

It's finally time for Red Barn Arts & Crafts Festival in Kirksville. A fun festival that people mark their calendar for here in Missouri! Below are some of the last minute projects I've designed to compliment the brochure, applications, poster and flier designed earlier this year.

I designed a 4x6 postcard for the Antiques Show committee to mail out just days before the festival as a reminder to attend. The Antiques Show is new this year.
Notice the new Kirksville Arts Center logo in the lower left of the postcard? I designed it too earlier this year! Good stuff!
Here is the 5-3/4 x 8 ad I designed for the local newspaper. Event branding is just as important as branding your business. Design a look that creates an instant recognition to the consumer... it's that easy. The old red barn and fall leaf has done exactly THAT for the Red Barn Arts & Crafts Festival.
If you happen to live in the area... you should really venture over to the festival on Saturday the 20th! It's a great arts and crafts show... and so much more!

Fall Classes :: Kirksville Arts Center

With fall comes rainy days and creative projects. This weekend I made this hand-stitched journal as a sample for a class I'm going to teach at the Kirksville Arts Center this November. Check it out... along with other classes on the Kirksville Arts Association website.

The front is designed using rubber stamps, embroidery thread and stickers.
This journal has seven signatures made up of five cream sheets and one short chartreuse sheet to infuse a little color and design element.
The stitch is beautiful and completely exposed on the spine of the journal. Love! Love! Love it! Are you ready to sign up yet?On the inside of the front cover I made a little pocket with half-moon notch so that you can collect things that inspire you!

Because of the stitch, this journal can be laid flat on your desk or table so writing and/or drawing is simple.Wanna sign up for the class? Check out the class schedule... and sign up before it fills up!

Beyond the Invitation...

So your original wedding invitations are mailed out... and you start thinking about items you want for your wedding day and reception... like programs, signs, favors, menus, place cards, table cards... and so much more! I design those items too! Here is the most recent sample of wedding branding from the studio.

I designed 12 two-sided 5x7 table cards and printed them on my OKI C5500 color laser printer. Each table card was named after a location the two had visited together. One side is a picture of them, the other side is a picture of the location. I used a wine cork to hold it up in my snapshot! Fun and easy solution!
Two other items I designed for Megan and Charles' wedding day are the favor tags for the homemade berry jam they're giving to their guests... and dinner menu for each place setting.
Thanks for visiting... have a great day!

a few kind words from megan & charles:

We loved your designs. Your work helped make our wedding special. Every piece you contributed was complimented by our guests. We wanted our invitations, table cards, menu cards and party favour cards to be from our hearts; and you got us there.

Thanks so much, Charles & Megan

Tools of the Trade!

I just finished making a few invitation mock-ups and a second order of over-sized thank you cards for my friend Lisa. When I was done, I looked down and was amused by the mess of tools I had scattered all over my work space!
I'm a wee bit anal when it comes to creating an original and thought I'd share with you my mess of tools used to produce my finished goods. An old wooden ruler, paper punch, stylus, self-healing mat, adhesive, paper bone, corner rounder, eyelet setting, hammer, notch and die kit, stamp positioner and don't forget needle nose pliers... who knew?

Not only does each project require a variety of tools... but an incredible amount of time and effort goes into each and every product that leaves my studio.

Made in America. How sweet the sound!

Happy Labor Day Weekend.

Accenture Chicago Triathlon 2008

We spent last weekend in Chicago at the 2008 Accenture Chicago Triathlon. Allen placed 36 out of 503 in his age group! I'm pretty proud of him. Here are a few snapshots! from the weekend... enjoy!
Sunrise photo of Cloud Gate in Millennium Park
Picture of the buildings that are reflecting in the Cloud Gate
Chicago Triathlon | Swim Start | 34th Wave (Allen in orange)
Chicago Triathlon | Allen beginning 10k run
Buckingham Fountain
Allen and I at the Navy Pier Beer Garden
Love the American Flags at the end of Navy Pier
Downtown transportation
View from Flatwater restaurant on the river walk
I would have loved to spend a full week in the Windy City... it was so beautiful. I highly recommend visiting.

Originals Paper Art is Nine!

It's hard to believe... on August 26, 1999 I opened Originals Paper Art as a retail paper store on the courthouse square in Kirksville, Missouri. It was a beautiful store and inspired many creatives for five fabulous years!
January 2005 we opened an Originals Paper Art in Columbia, Missouri (pictured above) and in addition to the paper sales, we focused on the custom invitation and design part of the business.

October 2005 we decided to forgo the brick and mortar retail store and invest strictly in the design portion of the business... and wow!... who knew it would grow and develop into the design studio it is today in 2008! It's my dream come true. Thanks to all of you along the way that made it possible.

Custom Invitations!

Boy!... I'm getting some great inquiries lately about creating out-of-this-world custom invitations! And I love it! Without giving away too much... here are some tight snapshots! of a few ideas generating here in the Originals Paper Art studio for upcoming weddings. Do they make you want to have a party just for the sake of cool invitations? Well, there are some of us out there that would do just that!... and I know I'm not alone in this crazy club.
I'm off to Chicago for an extended weekend. Allen is doing the Accenture Chicago Triathlon! Pretty cool. And you know me, I'll snap a thousand pictures. Good times!

Introducing Varsity Nails!

My most recent logo design is for Varsity Nails in Columbia, Missouri. It probably looks familiar to some of you... and it should... it's a spin-off of Varsity Clips (same owners). The nail salon is due to open soon. The nail salon is focused on the ladies... and so we opted for a fun and vivacious pink... used my handwritten nails and kept the rest the same in order keep the relationship obvious. I feel like it turned out very well.

Originals Paper Art

So this is essentially how and why I named my business Originals [Paper Art]. I love to take paper and combine it with anything and everything to create an original piece of art for the people I love. And you know what... others loved the idea... and here I am nine years later still creating for my loved ones... and the loved ones of others.

The story behind this entry can be read in depth on Lisa's blog Thatamuch? Two months ago her son Bo (age 9) was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. After a very rough two month roller coaster ride they're playing the waiting game.
During this two month time frame Lisa and her family were showered with love, friendship, gifts and generosity beyond their expectations. She wanted to do something special to thank a handful who went above and beyond. She asked me to create a thank you card big enough to frame that incorporated a picture (her two sons and their two friends (Bo is on the very left)) and the quote "there is always hope".
To the paper studio I vanished for a few hours and came up with this over sized card (8x10 for framing). It captures the spirit of young boys with hope of playing big league ball some day... and in the same breath... hope that Bo lives a long full life.

A few kind words from Lisa:
I just LOVE you--you are the best, best ever! I can't express how much this means to me, I could never thank you enough. - Lisa

Customer Service!

I'm sure it's a difficult decision for clients to order invitations online... whether it's from across the state OR across the world. But let me assure you, it's possible. Now I'm not saying it's perfect and that I haven't had issues arise, but I can assure you it can be done (and has been done over-and-over again) and that I'm here for you through and through.
Below is an email I received last week from Gwyn (mother to one of my bridal clients). I provided her with electronic files of the monogram we used on Rebecca's invitation... and she was experiencing technical difficulties (don't we all).

Brooke,

Just to let you know we got the monogram to work and the programs worked out great. We even went in and experimented with making stationery and such. So, she CAN manipulate it some in her Word program and have fun! She has used her rubber stamp quite a bit already for several things. It is so cool.

I felt so out of my league, I thought I'd never be able to get my "assignments" done. Kind of like falling off a bike, though, once you get the hang of it you want to race. So, now I wonder what else we can do!!

Thanks again, for your patience and help in getting things to work, especially at the last minute.

Gwyn M.

2009 NEMO Bridal Expo, Kirksville

I'm on the planning committee for the 2009 NEMO Bridal Expo. I'm responsible for all the printed marketing materials... a design job that I absolutely LOVE! As in all cases I began with the logo. Actually... I designed the logo for the same event last year and added to it this year.
Our first step is to send out this whimsical vendor packet to potential vendors that may want to participate in the Expo. The outer envelope introduces the Bridal Expo logo and thus the branding begins... it's eye catching and sure to be opened and read versus recycled with unidentified junk mail.
The potential vendor will pull out a vellum sleeve that is full of information and details needed to make a well-informed decision and sign-up to participate in the 2009 NEMO Bridal Expo!
The 2009 NEMO Bridal Expo registration form can also be found in the vellum sleeve along with a self-addressed envelope to simplify the registration process.
The final piece to this marketing package for potential vendors is a sample postcard that is designed for the vendor to order in advance and as the Expo draws near, mail it to their mailing list and/or hand it out to potential brides. This approach helps reach markets that no one vendor could possibly do individually! Brilliant.
Once we have these vendor packages mailed out to businesses we'll focus on marketing to brides and their wedding circle. Stay tuned to see the ads, fliers and posters.

So then... are you interested in participating as a vendor in the 2009 NEMO Bridal Show? If so, contact Donna Brown at 660.341.9993! Tell her you read about it on my blog!

Have a terrific Tuesday!

International Interest in Originals!

I just have to share these three email messages with you that I've received in the past seven days. It's an incredible feeling to receive such uplifting comments... from across the world.
Dear Brooke,

We have happily stumbled upon your website in our search for that elusive perfect wedding invitation and are very much impressed by your creations. If possible we would like for you to assist us in preparing our invitations.

— SB / Hong Kong
Hi Brooke,

I stumbled on your blog when I was looking for booklet invitations on Google Images and I am very in love with your work. From the beginning of our wedding process my main concern (other than the food!) has been our paper products. I love design and marketing and it has been a challenge to find invitations that meet both my love for something artsy as well as being informative. That is until I saw your work.

We live just outside of Boston and I wanted to know if you've ever worked with brides from other areas and what is your price range for invitations. I know it varies dramatically, but we're looking at an invitation design at the involvement level of Kristan and Bryant's yellow church invitations on your blog.

I work in internet marketing & promotions and was surprised to see that your work hasn't been covered by some of the major bridal resources on the web. Other brides-to-be would definitely be interested in your work and I'm sure it would bring you a lot of business.

Thanks so much.
— NC / Boston
Hi There

We are in LOVE with your invitation booklet with the little wooden sticks bound into the side. We would want the whole series such as menu cards, thanks yous, place cards etc. We love the whole concept, as our theme for our wedding is Raw elegance. Is there any chance you could provide your services to us, we are in Sydney Australia. Our wedding is in Oct next year, but being a destination wedding, we would like to provide our guests with their invites in Jan. Let me know if this is possible (my fingers are crossed these are the best we have seen!)

Cheers
G&J / Australia
So today my friend (and printer) asked me, "how come you continue to do weddings instead of focusing on commercial design?" My answer to him was that designing invitations allows me to be creative far beyond what most commercial accounts allow. And hey, with comments like these... I must be doing something right! Right? Thanks for indulging me while I toot my own horn.

Have a great day!

Envelopments Graduation Announcements

I realize this graduation announcement is two years old... but I just came across it the other day when going through my portfolio. I designed it for my oldest nephew and now wish I had done something a little more creative for my graduation other than the canned stuff you get from the school vendor.
I designed this announcement using a metallic Envelopment (I'm a dealer) to present this special occasion in such a way that shows just how important it is to him and his mom (my sister)!
As crazy as it seems... you, your sibling, your child and/or your nephew may be graduating in 2009 and the decision often falls early in the year on what you're going to do for graduation stationery... I would love for you to consider custom graduation announcements for this important occasion.
It can be any graduation... high school, college, medical school... really, any accomplishment worth announcing! Forward this post onto somebody you know that would be interested! They'll thank you!

Happy Day!

A few kind words from my sister:

Brooke,

I was just visiting your blog -- as I do often -- and was very surprised, and pleased, to see a picture of Dan's graduation announcement.

I remember the disappointment in how boring the school's announcements looked and how, after many email communications and phone calls, beautiful Dan's looked.

I remember showing them off with great pride and even passing your name and card to a few parents in Edmonds who were considering contacting you in years to come for their announcements.

Your blog is so right. No graduates announcement has to look like a mass-produced product. They're all individuals and their individuality should shine through right down to their announcement!!

Thank you for the wonderful trip down memory lane -- even though it's only been two years -- it was one well worth taking and brought more than a tear or two to this proud mom's eyes!!

Your work is, as always, beautiful and deeply treasured!!

Paige

Wedding Celebration from London!

I received an email a few months ago from Megan in London inquiring about custom invitations for their stateside wedding reception. I immediately assumed it was a referral from my other London bride. Come to find out, Megan found me by searching the internet! How cool is that!... working in small-town USA and designing for a client in London for an event at Bedford Springs Resort in Bedford, Pennsylvania! Check it out.
I absolutely love the blue and poppy color combination that Megan and Charles chose. The cover stock on the outside has a fabulous dimple texture and opens vertically to the whimsical, yet elegant wedding reception invitation.
When hiring me to design your custom invitations... your options are endless... limited only to your imagination (and mine)! So don't be shy, contact me today to discuss your very own original... one-of-a-kind... custom invitations!
It's your special day and your invitations are the first indication to your guests of what to expect when they arrive. So why not have wedding stationery that is all about you, your style and your theme? Think about it... and give me a call!

Happy Friday Eve!

Century 21 Business Cards

before and after :: Heather wanted an updated look for her business cards to compliment their new Century 21 website. The new business card design is vibrant, energetic and fun... just like Heather!
I believe your business card is the single most important marketing tool you can buy... and it's probably the most inexpensive (besides word of mouth -- but that's free -- so make sure it's good). If you're thinking about updating your business cards and/or entire business stationery program... give me a call, I'd love to present you with a new perspective!
Always give out 2(+) business cards... one for the recipient to keep, the other(s) for them to give away to friends. Happy marketing!

Snyder Engineering, Inc.

Another business brochure hot off the press! Snyder Engineering, Inc. was in the process of designing their brochure internally and decided they wanted to step-it-up a notch and hire a designer. I was happy to take their existing layout and fine tune it here-and-there. After a few revisions we found a look that worked visually and functionally.
All of the project photos were provided by Snyder Engineering, Inc. And then I purchased a steel background photo to indicate the use of steel in their miscellaneous fabrication.
I also used horizontal and vertical lines to emphasize the engineering detail throughout the brochure. Subtle details, I know... but oh-so important to the overall design.
If you or somebody you know are in the market for Miscellaneous Fabrication... give Mark Snyder a call at Snyder Engineering, Inc. and tell him Brooke sent you!

Have a great day!

Kirksville Arts Center

Speaking of calligraphy and logos... I hand lettered the word arts and then designed this logo for the Kirksville Arts Center (arts being the center of activity that filtrates into the community), home of the Kirksville Arts Association. A great way to showcase the art of writing... and keeping it alive in such an electronic age!

calligraphy :: the art of writing

With so many computer fonts at our fingertips these days... it pleased me when I received a call from Dr. Montgomery a few weeks ago interested in hiring me to letter some poems.

The one below was written by his grandmother and given to him as a very young child. He's kept it with him through the years... as he just turned 90 a few weeks ago. It's a touching poem we all should live by.
He's also had this poem hanging in his home for years... (of which his wife loved - and so do I) and wanted to give a version of it on to a friend.
My calligraphy services have served brides for wedding invitations, businesses for logo design, and individuals for gifts. Keep me in mind for any special writing needs you may have in your near future.

Have a great day.

Seattle to Portland - We did it!

We did it! All eight of us started the Seattle to Portland (STP) bike ride at 5:45 am Saturday morning... together. And all eight of us finished the ride Sunday afternoon... together! It was a fabulous family adventure. I highly recommend it.

Below is a picture of me with my mom and niece... three generations rode the STP together. We had physical and mental challenges as we faced hill, after hill, after hill... and endured mid 90 temperatures (unusually hot for the northwest). But it was a great time.
Here we are at the FINISH line! Allen led the team through... me on the right... and everybody else you see on bikes is part of our family! It gives me goosebumps thinking how cool it was.
Here's a snapshot! of my bike computer with the official mileage I rode in two days. I'm still amazed that I did it. It's such a cool feeling of pride and accomplishment.Now it's time to get back to work. Thanks for stopping by today... more design work coming soon.

Oh, and ps: as a team... we ALL got many, many comments and compliments on our STP logo wear (see entry below). It was a natural high for me to hear people ask about it and where could they buy one! Good stuff.

Seattle to Portland Bike Ride - 2008

So it's time... Allen and I are off to Seattle tomorrow to ride the STP (Seattle to Portland) bike ride (which takes place this weekend - July 12th & 13th) with six other members of our family. I am SO excited. Here's a sneak peek at our team logo wear that we just picked up this morning! As you may recall, Allen and I designed the team logo which incorporates the last names of all those riding. Good times. I also hope to capture a few snapshots! to share upon our return.

I got a little white ball cap and tank top for myself using the small STP2008 logo! The cap will be perfect for my helmet hair! HA!
This is the back of the ladies jersey shirts... and the smaller logo is on the right sleeve since it has a Nike logo on front. I like it on the sleeve! So different than the norm!This is the front of the mens jersey... the small STP logo incorporated well with the Under Armor logo... not to mention we couldn't put it on the sleeve because the guys shirts have black band down the sleeves.And here's the back of the mens! Pretty fun, huh! I'd better sign off and finish packing now! I'll be back late next week.I have a bunch of projects to share when I return... a calligraphy job, wedding invitations, a brochure and a few more things that are in the works... so check back soon.

Thank You Casi!

I received this compliment the other day from a girl who took the time to email me directly. These compliments keep me going... when the going gets tough. Thank you Casi.

Hi, I just came across your blog through Google, and I thought I would tell you that I love your work. The wedding invitations you designed have been some of the best that I have seen. Great work. — Casi
I have a handful of fall and winter wedding invitations in the works... so check back often! They're fantastic (if I do say so myself). And, I must also admit, it's not all me behind the concept and design... most of the time it's a collaborative effort between the bride and I.

To see more of this incredible New Years Eve wedding invitation I designed using Envelopments (above) click here.

Kirksville Arts Association Membership

Are you a member of your local arts organization? If not, I encourage you to become one. No matter where you're reading this from... I'm sure your local arts organization would benefit from your support. It doesn't have to be monetary... many volunteer services are much appreciated. I'm a board member of the Kirksville Arts Association and am very proud of what we do for our community.
My largest contribution is the donation of my design services. Our materials are professional and designed to attract new membership, increase participation at our events, and help qualify us for more grant funding. These snapshots! are of the membership application form, membership card and membership certificate that I designed. Other items not pictures are: two different workshop coupons and logo window clings.
In addition to designing the membership certificate... I donate my calligraphy services for that personal touch. Calligraphy fonts are fine... but sometimes you just want the recipient to know they're special... and a hand scripted certificate is one small way of saying so. Not to mention calligraphy is also an art worth sharing!
Contact me if you would like an estimate for scripting certificates, addressing envelopes, original writing for logos, signs or even invitations.

Happy 4th of July!

Varsity Clips, Hometown Haircuts

Varsity Clips is located in The District of Columbia, Missouri. It's locally owned and has lots of perks that will guarantee you'll return over-and-over again. Be sure to check them out. Their address is 904 Elm Street... right next to Cold Stone Creamery (yummy).
Varsity Clips has been doing their own marketing materials the past two years and decided it was time to hire a graphic designer to be on their marketing team. They're coming up with more and more design needs every day. The options are endless.

Below is a snapshot! of their new business card/coupon I designed. It's a great use of this single 2 x 3.5 piece of paper! We printed thousands of business card masters (front) and can go back later and imprint different coupons on back (in smaller quantities) as needed. It's brilliant! Contact me if you want to discuss something similar for your business.
I also designed these folding gift certificates. They're just the right size to slip in your wallet (same as business card), and act as the gift card as well. Varsity Clips wants to test this product out before ordering a large quantity... so I printed 25 on my color laser printer here in the studio... nice inexpensive option.
These are electronic templates I designed for their internal signs. The two larger styles are 8 x 10 and 5 x 7 so they can be placed in frames. The smallest one is 4.25 x 5.5 and can be used to print specials on, etc. I provided them with electronic files so they can make and print their own signs when they need them. Such freedom!
When it comes to marketing materials... the list never ends... and every business is different. As a fellow small business owner, I love coming up with solutions to assist you in branding your business professionally and within your budget. Don't delay... contact me today!

Engelhardt Management, Inc.

Remember this posting? I designed this logo for my dad. He has a property management business in Boise, Idaho! I have finalized his business stationery (letterhead, envelope, business card) and services brochure. Enjoy!
The stationery products are printed two color on Classic Crest, Solar White paper stock.
The business cards are nice and heavy... they're printed on Classic Crest, 110# cover stock! I designed them two sided with his slogan on back. The business card is your most versatile marketing tool... I say maximize it's real estate!
Here it is... the entire campaign. It's very crisp, clean and sharp. Just like his business!
No tri-fold brochure here... we broke out of tradition and went with a tall slender brochure which helped us keep the information to a minimum. Less is more! Very nice.
The back presents all the important contact information for quick access. Anybody need a property manager in the Boise area? Give him a jingle! Tell him I sent you.I'm very pleased with the finished product and now it's in the hands of dear-old-dad! Have fun.

Stock Photography

Years ago I read an article about creating your own collection of stock photography. As a graphic designer I found this to be a great idea! I'm always searching stock photography websites for random images! So since I got my new camera a couple months ago... I've been snapping pictures of anything and everything! It's really quite fun. I use these images as screen savers on my computer, for greeting cards and postcards, in marketing materials and some I simply frame! Enjoy.

2008 HyVee Triathlon | DesMoines, IA
Summer Grillin'Garden Fresh Strawberries Blue Summer SkyRiver Rock Garden Laundry Day Exterior Wall on Old BuildingOld Weathered Shed
Siding on Pontoon Boat

My Sketchbook

I subscribe to HOW magazine. It's a fabulous publication for the design/creative industry... and I'm always inspired by the articles. This issue they're looking into sketchbooks of 7 creatives... which is pretty cool to see. So I thought I'd share mine with you.

So here it is. I made the book itself many years ago and my first sketch in it is dated 7/2004. This one is full and I've since moved on to others... (confession: I have several throughout my house... I choose which one to sketch in based on my mood). Enjoy.
I adorned the front with embellishments from Making Memories. Inside are blank pages now filled with pencil sketches dedicated to all my fabulous clients!
[above] logo design for Eyedentity Eyewear | Columbia, MO
[above] logo design for Schick Training | Columbia, MO
[above] logo design for Edit Rx | Kirksville, MO
[above] brochure concepts for Event Solutions | Columbia, MO
[above] brochure concepts for Super Suppers | Columbia, MO
[above] franchise packet for Il Spazio | Kirksville, MO
[above] and many, many, more!
I think everybody needs a sketchbook! Whether you draw, write or journal... it's something you will enjoy looking back at for years to come. It defines you and your style through the years.

Seattle to Portland Bike Ride

Those who know us know we're training for the Seattle to Portland (STP) Bike Ride next month. We're going to ride 200+ miles over two days. We're doing this crazy event with a group of family and 9,500 other riders! We're going to get t-shirts made for everybody with this logo Allen and I designed together! This one will be large enough to fill the back of the t-shirt...
...and this one will be much smaller on the front! What do you think? Wanna join us?
Have a great weekend! And hey, in our honor... get out and ride! ; )

Envelopments & Self Promotion

Look at this sharp self-promotion package I designed for TLS (Trevor Lee Simmons) Interiors. Envelopments was the perfect choice to represent Trevor and to deliver the multiple pieces he wants to share with prospective employers.

The first thing the recipient is introduced to is the TLS logo on a seal attached to the signature flap of this Pocket Fold by Envelopments.
The Pocket Fold opens horizontally and immediately introduces the reader to Trevor, shares his philosophy of design and provides his phone number to prospective employers.
I used my Basic Grey Notch & Die Cutting Tool to cut half-moon slits to hold his business card in place on the outside of the pocket. Tucked inside the pocket is a DVD with his portfolio presentation, his professional resume and a visual sample of his work. Trevor needed a small quantity of self-promotion packages... so in an effort to keep costs down I printed his entire package on my OKI C5500 color laser printer.Allen and I spent Sunday cutting, notching, adhering and finalizing this incredible self-promotion package for Trevor. He's now ready to represent himself with a professional package to compliment his professional and fabulous design talent!Best wishes Trevor! It's been fun working with you! Stay in touch!

Midwest Wedding Photos!

You must zip over and see the wedding photos from the Midwest Wedding that I've been documenting the past month! Our friends and business partners of SilverBox Photographers did an amazing job capturing their special day! Enjoy the show.
If you, or somebody you know, is in the market for photography... you should consider SilverBox Photographers. They are incredible ladies that LOVE what they do! And they do it all... weddings, babies, families... and have assisted a variety of businesses with photos for marketing campaigns. What are you waiting for? Go browse their site! They are truly amazing!

Happy Friday... Happy weekend!

Custom Photo Album is Done!

It's Done! And it's so beautiful. Here are a few snapshots! of the album before we packed it up and shipped it out to Seattle. Allen did such a wonderful job!
Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Monogram Invitation

This invitation is proof that custom invitations can be done on a budget. Rebecca came to me based on a referral... and was concerned because she'd already purchased "Invitation Kits" from a supply store. Together we worked through her ideas... and mine, and came up with a solution to use the existing kits.
She liked the idea of a horizontal invitation rather than the traditional vertical orientation which makes for a very elegant layout.
Rebecca knew from the start she wanted a monogram. I put together two monogram concepts using the two fonts she chose, and then the best thing happened!... her mom sat down with her calligraphy pens and created this lovely monogram for Rebecca! What a wonderful gift.
We used the monogram on her invitations and then ordered a custom rubber stamp made through Impress that she can use for so many things. I did an "impression" test on the stamp and then made it into a cute round tag. Her options are endless!

Happy Day!

My New Canon EOS 40D Camera!

After working with my friends at SilverBox Photographers for a few years I've fallen head-over-heals in love with photography! Don't be mistaken, I've always been a shutterbug... but seeing professional images day-in and day-out from all the photographers in my life, I've been yearning for a new camera. THEN, my sister-in-law was here last month and I got to take some pictures of her and my nephews using her Canon EOS 20D camera and fell in love it. My search for a new camera began immediately. The newest model is the Canon EOS 40D... so I saved... and saved... and saved... and finally bought it last week.
The picture of my Canon EOS 40D [above] was taken with my tried-and-true little Kodak Easyshare Z740 [photographed below with my 40D] that I purchased 2-1/2 years ago when I first transitioned from my 35mm to Digital. I took thousands and thousands of pictures with this camera. Look at the difference! I'm so excited!Stay tuned for more fabulous snapshots! taken with my new camera!

Custom Photo Album Progress

So here's the latest on the photo album for my sister-in-law... Allen finished cutting all the frames and inserting the images a couple weeks ago. Last night he stitched all the signatures together with waxed linen and a very thin piece of leather to ensure the waxed linen doesn't tear the paper.
Here is a view of the album from the bottom edge. It shows how each signature is positioned into the spine and fans open with ease when looking at the book.
Allen built the book cover with book board, covered it with beautiful textured paper and then created the spine with a thin piece of leather for flexibility.
The thin piece of leather and raw paper edges are now covered up with the nice gray book cloth we got from Paper Source. He used PVA Glue on the spine so that it remains pliable.
It's drying now. Probably overnight. Here's a closeup of how it looks so far... pretty cool, huh! A friend mentioned wanting to order one after reading my last entry... and, well, not so sure Allen is up to making another any time soon. As you can see, they're very time consuming.
Stay tuned for the final steps in the next week or so.

The Willows Lakehouse

Last weekend Allen and I had a fabulous time with friends at this great get-a-way nestled right here in beautiful northeast Missouri. It's called The Willows ~ A Lakehouse Retreat. Be sure to visit their website to see for yourself how beautiful the surroundings are... how accommodating the house is... and then reserve a weekend for your own weekend get-a-way! And speaking of weekends... have a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend.

MFA Gold Star Mineral

I remember about a year ago meeting with MFA to discuss freelance possibilities and Linda mentioned feedbags in the line up of project possibilities. I've always wanted to design packaging... I just had no idea it would be a mineral bag. It was definitely a design challenge for me... and FUN at the same time.

This is an electronic view of the new Gold Star mineral bag. This is one of nine. Each version has a different color on the bottom of the bag so that they're easy to identify in the warehouse. When the day comes that I see them in our own local MFA... I'll be sure to get a few snapshots!
This is also an electronic view of the Gold Star ceiling sign. There will be three of these panels connected together (in a triangle) and they will hang in MFA retail stores throughout Missouri and neighboring states.
And finally, an electronic view of the redesigned Gold Star brochure. It's actually an over-sized tri-fold brochure with an inside pocket and business card slits. If you do business with MFA... be on the look out for the new look of Gold Star minerals!

This entire Gold Star campaign (to-date) includes: nine mineral bags, ceiling signs, tri-fold brochure, brochure insert, vertical banner for trade shows, post cards, and training manual cover and spine.

Final Midwest Wedding Projects

So here are half of the directional signs being packaged for delivery! They were a big hit with Kristan! The wedding is this weekend and SilverBox Photographers will be documenting the celebration. Be sure to watch for the photos on their blog The Silver Lining.

Below are custom place cards I designed incorporating the whimsical church image (wedding branding) and then I hand addressed each one with my script writing.
Here is a custom table tent sign that will be placed on a table surrounded by various jars filled with yellow candies. I also designed candy jar labels... but we'll have to wait to see those photos from the day-of... again, watch for them on The Silver Lining.
These sweet little blank note cards are for Kristan to write welcome notes to her guests and tuck them into a metal pail with welcome gifts she has collected. I hope to see pictures of these as well...
Here's a quick flashback of Kristan and Bryant's invitation ensemble from a few weeks ago... as you may recall, the invitation was designed using a Portable Pocket from the Envelopments product line. Be sure to check out their website... and if you'd like to discuss their products, please contact me!

KAA 2008-09 Membership Brochure

Allen and I are very active in the arts community here in Kirksville. I've served on the Board of the Kirksville Arts Association for four years (and counting)... and so has Allen as a very supportive husband!

I've donated four years of graphic design and production services to many, many marketing projects and this one is the annual membership brochure. It's updated annually and each year we debut a photograph from a local photographer (amateur or professional). We keep a handful flat and encourage our membership to collect them. They're standard size so that framing is easy (nothing custom). Stop by the Kirksville Arts Center and collect all three!
This year is a photograph of mine that I snapped last spring while visiting Les Bourgeois Winery in Rocheport, Missouri.
Inside the brochure shares with the reader all the fabulous things the Kirksville Arts Association does for our community in hopes that YOU consider becoming a member. Not just for the wonderful things we do... but the knowledge that you're keeping the arts alive in our community.
The brochure folds down in quarters and is perfect for our membership mailing. Please support the arts and become a member this year! It's a small investment that will make a big difference in Kirksville. Have an artistic day!

Another Midwest Wedding Project...

I mention to all my bridal clients that if they need anything else that's paper... just let me know and I can make it happen! Kristan sent me a wedding day wish list and between Allen and I, we made all her [paper] wishes come true.

This post is about one of her wishes... directional signs to four wedding weekend events they'll be hosting. She needed 35 of them.
I first sketched a couple of ideas for Kristan... she chose the style she liked best... and then Allen and I started shopping for materials.
These signs are made with basic white foam core for the sign, basic black foam core for the directional arrows, double-stick adhesive and wood stakes.
I designed the signs to match her wedding stationery... including the whimsical church that I computer illustrated for her months ago to brand her wedding with... used the same fonts... and then printed them on my color laser printer...
Allen trimmed the printed pieces and adhered them to the foam core.
Using (very sticky) double-stick mounting tape, Allen applied the foam core sign to the wood stake! And there you have it... a fabulously designed and produced wedding directional sign!
Then we did a product test outside in our front yard... and it stood up to the winds that blow over the ridge we live on... so we figure they'll hold up for Kristan on her wedding day!

Duke was so excited that we came outside to play with him!

New Envelopments!

Look what just arrived! My new Design Decks from Envelopments! The paper colors and prints are fabulous! They're perfect for wedding and special event invitations, business marketing packages... and much MUCH more!
So many new prints......and solids that look great together! Imagine the possibilities!Click here to contact me for a complimentary design consultation!

Today's Farmer Magazine

This was a fun project for me, the redesign of MFA's magazine Today's Farmer. Another first for me. I've designed booklet brochures... but never a 40+ page publication. I did my homework on publication design, studied a handful of magazines and then went to work. MFA also did their homework... they had already chosen their font families, knew what they liked and most importantly what they didn't like, and set me free with a month to submit the finished project.
Not all my ideas were adopted into the new design, but overall, the redesign looks updated and has a fresh new look.

[above] The redesigned Cover (in front) uses the new font family Antenna which I have grown to love! [below] The Contents page received a complete make-over! This is one of the pages that got modified once it left my studio... but uses most of the elements I suggested.
Linda said the Recipe spread has received many comments. I created a recipe card look for the main recipe [left side of spread] and then with subtle images suggested they tear out the additional recipes [right side of spread], three-hole punch the page and save them for future use. Something I do personally!
And then there are the articles. Below are snapshots of the Viewpoint and Country Corner features. I recommended photos, a three-column layout, more white space on the page, pull quotes that draw you into the article and so much more...
The redesign of Today's Farmer was so much fun. I can see why designers choose this niche. I'm telling you after spending a month on this project, I'll never look at a magazine the same way! There's a lot of time and knowledge used to draw YOU, the reader, into each and every article!

Custom Photo Album

My sister-in-law asked us if we would make her a custom photo album for our nephew's first year photos and I couldn't resist. It's not finished yet, but here's where we're at in the process!

Allen is really the Bookmaker in our business... I dabble a lot, but he's the master! Usually I'm the one who sketches out the functionality... and the look of the book... and he's the one that makes it come to life! Below are Allen's notes on how many signatures he'll need, a stack of signatures and his template for marking the photo window.
Here is a stack of all the signatures. Once all the windows have been cut out and the photos adhered in place, he'll stitch these signatures together creating a book block.
Here are three signatures complete with photos in place... four more to go. It's a time-intense process and very critical because each window is hand cut – one slip of the knife and he has to start over. We're both perfectionists... and realistically that's what makes our finished product so fabulous! toot-toot!
Stay tuned for snapshots! documenting the next steps of this custom photo album for our nephew!

Buz-Spin by Rattlebrain Lures

I read an article in HOW Design Magazine that encourages designers to be Specialists vs. Generalists. I've come to the conclusion that I'm both. A Specialist when it comes to designing wedding invitations... and a Generalist when it comes to designing for all other businesses. Being a freelance designer in the midwest... I think it's a great position to be in!

Take a look at one of my most recent projects! Gary has a US Patent on this fishing lure... it's called BUZ-SPIN. I think that's so cool! All he needed from me was an illustration for his packaging. Easy enough I said... and away I went. I first recruited Allen to draw it on paper...
I scanned it, traced it using Adobe Illustrator CS3, cleaned it up, added the final details... and provided Gary with various file formats for his Printer to choose from when designing the packaging! Project complete!But wait... a few weeks later Gary called me again and said the Printer didn't even come close to designing the packaging he envisioned. He hired me on the spot!

Gary sent me three lure packaging samples he purchased from a local sporting goods store (you know the ones... bold, bloody and obnoxious). I studied the samples and then his website... I quickly realized that none of the samples depicted my vision of what Rattlebrain Lures is really about. Gary and his dad are very much about the fishing experience... and thus I chose an entirely different design approach. I used an image of a father and son fishing at sunset from www.istockphoto.com. And it was a hit!
On the back of the packaging is the illustration Allen and I provided earlier... and looks fabulous on the back of the card. Crisp, clean and easy to read! You should see the others... so much copy you would NEVER read it! Less is more! I can't tell my clients that enough! Great job keeping it simple Gary!
And here is the finished mock-up! The BUZ-SPIN lure is in the bubble packaging on the newly designed packaging! It's freshly approved and on it's way to press! Truly an Original!
So I enjoy being a Generalist when it comes to my design clients! I've learned a lot about so many types of products and services by doing so! And I'll always have my Specialist status with my wedding invitations! I do believe I have the best of both worlds.

Have a great weekend! Maybe you should go fishing!

London Bride

I was so surprised late last year when I received an inquiry from a bride in London! I know the internet is powerful... but my goodness. Well, come to find out, she graduated from Truman State University years ago and used to frequent Originals Paper Art when I had a brick and mortar retail paper store. I just love hearing stories like that! It proves that genuine business/client relationships endure the test of time and are rarely forgotten! Thank you Ashley and Nancy!

So then... look at this fabulous Save the Date card! I absolutely LOVE it! The size, the colors, the way it presents the message... the entire piece!
It's a petite z-fold card, 3.5 x 5 (folded) with a slim wrap that was punched using a craft punch (I used an oak leaf... the actual punch will be a pear... it's currently back ordered).
When you slip the wrap off, the card extends out to 10.5 x 5 and reveals all the details for the upcoming wedding celebration and will have a photo of the couple.Quick show-and-tell. When the day finally comes to ship everything, I gather all the product (printed pieces, envelopes, ribbon, adhesive and anything else related to the project)...
I perform one last quality control check... double count each project piece... ribbon wrap in stacks with description tag... and then carefully package them in the box so that no corners get smashed, dented, or anything else imaginable in the shipping process.
Thanks for stopping by... and have a creative day!

Midwest Wedding

I absolutely love working with brides that have something special and unique in mind for their wedding stationery... and then making it come to life! It's a wonderful feeling of satisfaction.
Kristan wanted a whimsical, yet sophisticated invitation ensemble that captured the spirit of the midwest in the summertime. The whimsical church illustration was first introduced on her Save the Date cards sent out a few months ago. And the sophisticated font has beautiful swirls that compliment the church nicely.
I designed four information cards that nicely tuck into this classic white Portable Pocket by Envelopments. To jazz up the pocket, I added a simple tag with the church illustration again. It's tied on with natural hemp cord. This falls into my wedding branding I talk about so much.
Here are the information cards... RSVP postcard, Wedding Weekend (agenda), Local Attractions (for down time between planned events), and of course the Travel Accommodations and Events Map (on other side).
To dress up the white envelope, Kristan's mom created custom postage stamps from Zazzle.com using the yellow background and white church illustration (so cute!). And the icing on the cake was having them hand-addressed in my script writing.
A few kind words from Kristan:
Just wanted to let you know the invites arrived. Thank you so much. They are absolutely adorable! And your cute little note cards that you included ... that was so sweet. I love them. And I know Bryant will too. You are so wonderful. I feel so lucky to have been led to you.

I'm going to begin assembly now, but just wanted to drop a note to let you know they arrived and look perfect! Thanks again Brooke.

Mid Continental Restoration

Ever wonder how graphic designers work their creative magic? We all work through the creative process differently, I've learned that over the years. And Me?... I'm a designer that sketches things out first! I need a plan on paper before I even start on the computer. I've discovered this approach saves me, and my client, time and money that is better spent on designing the chosen concept.

Below are three brochure design concepts I sketched in detail and presented along with three full-sized folding mock-ups to my client Mid Continental Restoration Co., Inc.
We are working with existing copy which makes designing the concepts easier for me. If the copy hasn't been written, it's more of a challenge to guess how much space I will need to accommodate it.
Mid Continental Restoration has their own photo collection we can choose from for the brochure... but they're also open to taking new pictures if needed to accomplish the chosen design concept. Together we'll find the perfect pictures that represent their business and attract new clients.
Mid Continental Restoration chose Option A. The next step in the design process is for MCR to provide me with the brochure copy, existing photos and special instructions. With those items in-hand... and my well-sketched plan, I'm ready to start designing! Be on the look out for the final brochure in the near future!

Engelhardt Management, Inc.

As with any profession you find yourself working for family. This logo design is for my Dad's business... Engelhardt Management, Inc. His Property Management business is in Boise, Idaho. I designed this logo with one thought in mind... signature service. "You've got my signature guarantee that I will provide you, the client, with the best property management service available."
Be on the look-out in the next few weeks for the business stationery and bi-fold brochure that I'm designing for his upcoming marketing campaign.

win our hearts | win your wedding

Our win our hearts | win your wedding contest deadline has come and gone. There were many incredible stories that captured our hearts. We narrowed it down to five Silver Finalists and three Honorable Mentioned couples. Be sure to meet them, read there stories, and comment if you like... by visiting The Silver Lining... SilverBox Photographers blog! And while you're there admire their beautiful work - Amy Enderle and Kim Wade are two amazing artists and friends!

Here are our five Silver Finalists (in no particular order!)...

And our three Honorable Mentioned couples:
Congratulations to every couple that entered!

You've Been Shot!

I designed this logo for a friend of ours that is a photographer in his daddy time. He spends many of his evenings and weekends at ball games around the area. He takes pictures of his kids, your kids, and everything else that makes game day memorable! He passes out his card with a password on it so that those attending the game can view and purchase photos (online) if they want! Great idea... and a great way to spend a day at the ball park. Be on the look out... you may be shot!

Simple Elegance!

And along comes a bride looking for a simple, elegant Invitation design... and I am reminded of just how beautiful they can be!
I designed this two layer Invitation (and similar Announcement) with a fabulous textured Envelope. The beauty is not just the in the paper... but in the overall design. The combination of type-faces and layout of the information is what I love to do... and do well.
Below is a snapshot of various extra cards Randa needed for her wedding weekend. Invitations to a Friday Night Dinner and pre-ceremony Wedding Day Brunch, two versions of RSVP Postcards and a custom Map with all the various destinations. All professionally designed and printed to compliment the Invitation and Announcement.

Wedding at Les Bourgeois Winery

I just mentioned all the great new colors this spring! Look at these beautiful pastels! I designed this Invitation Ensemble using paper and Pocket Folds from Envelopments.
Jen and Orus are getting married at Les Bourgeois Winery in Rocheport, Missouri. She wanted to incorporate grape vines and grapes into the design of her invitations... and I found this fabulous illustration on www.istockphoto.com. And it's perfect... we used it everywhere! I call it branding your wedding.
Inside the pocket are two information cards: the RSVP postcard and Map & Accommodation card. Many brides start out saying they want to do these cards themselves to save a little money, but you can see here just how nice it looks when they're designed to match the Invitation.
I've said this many times and I'm going to say it again... all of my maps are custom. All I need from you are the destinations (and addresses) you want on the map and I'll do the rest. I designed the map below to show Les Bourgeois Winery in Rocheport and the intersection in Columbia where the hotels are located. And for those that like written directions... we included those too!

Colorful Spring Weddings

Brides are venturing out from the trendy color combinations and finding new and refreshing colors that really define spring! Look at this yummy combination Katie chose... Topaz Yellow and Opal (both metallic).Remove the wrap and when you open the invitation you're introduced to the third and vibrant Persimmon color. Elegant, yet playful too! The RSVP postcard and map card are also printed on the Opal paper. Love-Love-Love it!
The ceremony and reception are in two different cities (and states). One side of the map card is a map for the ceremony in Palmyra, Missouri, on the other side (below) is a map for the reception and hotel in Quincy, Illinois.
A few kind words from Katie:
I finally got to see the invitations in person... WOW, I love them. They are so beautiful! Now we will start putting them together (fun, fun)!

The Handwritten Letter

I was recently hired to handwrite this very touching letter from a newly married couple to each of their parents. Megan told me that after seeing my handwriting on her Originals Box Set (proof album) from SilverBox Photographers she asked Amy Enderle about the possibility of having me handwrite these very special letters for them. I couldn't resist. I love a good handwritten letter.

win our hearts | win your wedding

Remember this win our hearts | win your wedding package? I designed it a couple months ago for our win your wedding contest. The contest is in it's final week... so if you have referred a couple, or two... follow up with them to make sure they've entered. And, if you plan on entering... do so this week. It's an incredible opportunity!
To refresh your memory... the winner receives a SilverBox Photography package worth $5800 and $1000 towards stationery design and calligraphy services from Originals Paper Art.
And, a great thing about this contest is the person who refers the winner also wins! That lucky person receives an on-location just-like-you session with handcrafted album and canvas print... a gift from SilverBox Photographers and Originals Paper Art.
It's not too late. If you are, or know of, a couple that is perfect for our contest... you have until April 1st to enter... no fooling!
A few kind words from Tracey to Amy Enderle (SilverBox):
WOW! Win a wedding! How much fun is that!!!! I got your package in the mail. First off, did you write the address on the outside of the envelope? It was just stunning! You have such great penmanship! I want to write like you when I grow up. Also, you're just too darn creative for words. The graphics/visuals/text for those wedding giveaway packages are out-of-control cute. I swear, if you were in charge of the packaging graphics, you could sell me a bar of soap... car... soda... pillow... whatever. You're just so talented.

A few kind words from Amy Enderle to Tracey:
oh cute you!... BUT all the things you just gave me credit for... calligraphy, packaging, really EVERY graphic element — it's all Brooke Goans, (who you MAY have actually met... or at least popped into her Kirksville store with me once? She's a Seattle transplant that found herself in Kirksville so she opened a Seattle-worthy paper store on the square... except NOW — because she's so talented, she was able to let the retail side of things go and creates stuff out of her home studio)... and NOW she blogs, too!

Red Barn Arts & Crafts Festival

I designed this brochure package for the Red Barn Arts & Crafts Festival. It's an annual festival sponsored by the local Kirksville Arts Association. It arrives in the mailbox in this attention-grabbing envelope...
Inside is an information-packed brochure about the festival and an additional panel of information that specifically targets the exhibitors. An application is enclosed for the exhibitor to fill out and send back.
We print extra brochures in advance and trim off the exhibitor panel. We hand out the altered version on the day of the festival to visitors. It's genius!

Kirksville Rotary Club

I am a member of the Kirksville Rotary Club. The club just celebrated it's 90th birthday and we had a big celebration a few weeks ago. Below is the birthday logo I designed for the monumental occasion. It was used on all the materials to market the big event, including, but not limited to the birthday cake, the website, all media advertising, the event program, all name tags, and the list goes on. It will continue to be used throughout the 90th year.
I designed the table tent (below) that was placed on the tables weeks ahead as a reminder about the event and to prompt ticket sales.
I also designed and printed the tickets. I kept mine - surprise, surprise... and added them to my inspiration wall (refer back to my February post Originals Paper Art - Inside the Studio).

The Best of Missouri Hands

The Best of Missouri Hands is a wonderful organization dedicated to the development and recognition of Missouri's artists and artisans through education, interaction and encouragement. (As stated right on the front of their newly designed membership brochure.
The images for their brochure are perfect! They used actual images of members hands creating their specific form of art... fiber, wood, clay, pen, metal and the list goes on!
This brochure was designed to be a self-mailer (or easily included in a marketing package) and includes an application meant to be cut off and mailed back with membership dues.Most recently The Best of Missouri Hands handed out close to 2,000 Membership Brochures at the Stayin' Alive - 2008 ArtSmart Conference at Lake of the Ozarks a couple weekends ago! It's an annual membership event... check it out on their website.
I designed this square, over-sized brochure that opens up to a whopping 12 x 18. We had a lot of information to fit and wanted to capture the attention of new attendees.
Each year has it's own theme... this year was Stayin' Alive... retro- seventies style! It was fun working with completely different, funky, and fun fonts... images... and lingo! The graphics are from www.istockphoto.com and the photos came directly from the organization.

Baby Announcements!

How SWEET! It's so nice to step back from the crazy days of corporate design and participate in such a marvelous time in a couples life... the arrival of a new baby. Two babies entered into our circle of friends this past month and I wanted to show and tell these one-of-a-kind... Originals-style announcements.
Stella Kaye Rose was born February 13th and thus the playful usage of "our little Valentine" in the introduction and the sweet little heart on her calling card and beside the parents names.
Welcome Cole Joseph Fischer. This is the first child of our friends Mike and Kristi Fischer... the ones that got married in Seattle a couple years ago! Their wedding invitation was one of my first postings when I started my blog!
Quick and Cute... I used one of the digital pictures Mike took of Cole within the first 24 hours of his life (I'm guessing here)! Adorable little guy, isn't he!
I printed the announcement on my color laser, cut it out, layered it onto a light blue card stock, and then added the magic and fun of a translucent envelope! SWEET.

Calligraphy Class

What did you do this weekend? I'm giving back to my community and teaching a three week calligraphy class for the Kirksville Arts Association at the Kirksville Arts Center. My first class was Saturday morning and I have four enthusiastic students that are doing very well. The class is $65 and all proceeds go to the Kirksville Arts Association.
As a part of the class fee, each student received practice grids, 2 felt marker pens, a dipping pen and ink, and a cute little (candy) tin to keep their nibs. And of course two fun-filled hours of calligraphy instruction! We had a great time!
If you are interested in attending one of our classes OR teaching a class, you can contact me or go directly to the Kirksville Arts Association.

MFA Incorporated

I'm a freelance designer for MFA, Incorporated headquartered in Columbia, Missouri. I've done a variety of projects including trade show banners, statement stuffers, magazine ads, magazine redesign, and most recently a logo for a new internal software program called Inforward. I received the assignment on Wednesday afternoon... with a Friday afternoon concept deadline. I did it!... I provided them four logo design concepts Friday morning.
I received a phone call that afternoon with their logo decision (no changes) and in the same breath a request for two posters by Monday morning. No worries... that's the beauty of being a freelance designer... it's not 8:00-5:00, instead... work when you have projects. Below are the two 24 x 36 posters. The images are from www.istockphoto.com.
Thought I'd add this MFA Health Track magazine ad as well... it's my favorite so far! It's a good sign of what the weather has been like this winter! Lots of snow, ice and freezing cold temperatures. On that note... have a warm & wonderful day!

Britches Clothing Store

A few years ago Jeremy Furse from Britches Clothing came to me with a new logo sketched out on a sheet of scratch paper with a sharpie pen and needed a graphic designer to create it for him electronically. The theory was to have the graphic image appear both as a heart and the letter B (as it does). And, the Britches Clothing font is truly an Original... I took an existing font and completely transformed it to compliment his sketch.
Once we finalized the logo I designed new business cards for their three locations. My concept was to design their business cards like a clothing tag. The design was approved. They were printed on a variety of brilliant Sorbet duplex card stock (which some of you are familiar with), corner rounded and then drilled at the one end. Fabulous, frisky and FUN... just like their clothing line!Two other projects I was involved with was the design of their tissue for their product bags and custom gift cards. Both were firsts for me. It's always fun to learn about the production of new and different printed products. Next time you're in Britches Clothing (Columbia, MO, Lawrence or Overland Park, KS) think of me!

Field of Dreams

Today's entry has nothing to do with design, well... unless you consider this a new addition to the studio...?
Many of you reading this know that Allen and I have five dogs. And this cute little black puppy showed up in our neighborhood last week. He made friends with our pack and has been hanging around for a few days. We spent the weekend trying to find his owner... or a new owner. We had no luck. We were referred to a local organization called Field of Dreams. Have you heard about it? I went to their website and saw lots of animals that need good homes and animals that have been given new homes. I read the poem (below) and it brought tears to my eyes... Allen and I have since decided to keep him! If you're in the market for a family pet, please consider Field of Dreams.

Il Spazio - An American Bistro

When our friends at Il Spazio asked me to design a billboard for them, I thought, sure, how hard can that be?! Up to that point in my design career I had never designed a printed piece that size! That size being a whopping 14 feet high x 48 feet long! How crazy is that! How cool is that! Anybody need a billboard sign designed in the near future?
I drove by this sign a hundred times and never got a picture. It has since been replaced by some other sign and thank goodness for my [fellow-shutterbug] friend Kathy... who captured it on film when she visited last November.

The fabulous photo of the Italian wood-fired pesto pizza was one of hundreds taken by the talented ladies (Amy Enderle and Kim Wade) of SilverBox Photographers. If I recall right, this was a first for them too! This was the first time an image of theirs had been blown up this large. Pizza anyone?

Bible Grove Beach Bash

Tell me this doesn't make you smile! A friend of ours from the Kirksville Chamber of Commerce hired me last year to design an image for her own personal 5th Annual Beach Bash.
Her email said (yes I still have it)... I had a wacky vision the other day for the logo: a black cow with sunglasses, Hawaiian shirt, and lifesaver around his neck, propped in an inter tube and a tropical drink in his "hoof!" Truly, I know this is wacky, and you're the designer. But, just something to think about. If you could incorporate a black cow somewhere, that would be great.

Being a designer in the middle of cattle country, how could I resist? I did alter her request a little, but incorporated most of her vision. At the last minute we added the ear tag with the number (year) 2007. Good times! Thanks Alisa... it was a fun project!

Colorful Invitations

Not many of my invitation designs incorporate handmade paper anymore, but whenever given the chance to show them off and add them into the mix of materials... I love it! I absolutely love how colorful these invitations are... leaf green and papaya orange with a handmade paper wrap that adds personality and pizazz!
I continue to use the handmade paper throughout the entire ensemble. Once you slip off the wrap, inside you are immediately greeted by the invitation on the right and tucked in on your left are the rsvp and map + accommodation cards.
I also ordered extra handmade paper for Julia so that she could use it on other things for the wedding and reception. If you find yourself wanting to incorporate handmade papers into your wedding stationery, be sure to let me know and I'll bring my swatches!

The Full Meal Deal!

Many, many years ago I worked at Dairy Queen and they had the Full Meal Deal. You got everything, the burger, fries, drink and token for a sundae later. Well in a funny way I'm going to compare this invitation ensemble to the Full Meal Deal. Allison envisioned a variety of unique things and we were able to accommodate her every want and need. She got the Originals Full Meal Deal.

Allison wanted an image on each piece of the invitation ensemble. We did incorporate a few different images... however, the hydrangea on the invitation is truly an Originals creation and is used on a few different things besides the actual invitation.
Allison started with save the date cards (not pictured), then I designed her simple, yet sophisticated invitation ensemble which included a flat card invitation, rsvp post card, map + accommodation card and blossom pink envelope. I also designed wedding announcements and Allison used a green envelope to distinguish the difference (not pictured). This is a great use of wedding colors, leaves a great impression and is inexpensive! Cheers to that!The thank you notes carry on the look of the invitation. Allison decided on using first names only which allowed her to use the thank you notes for shower gifts, wedding gifts and if they had extras she could use them for other occasions in the future. I added color to her hydrangea image and designed a sweet little tag for her wedding favors. She had a sugar cookie in clear packaging and tied this tag to the top with matching green ribbon.This place card was definitely a first for me... not the place card itself, but the map of the reception room [inside the place card] so that her guests could find their table and other items with ease. Each table was named after a location on campus. Because the place card was so small, I pulled one little flower from the hydrangea artwork and used it alone. It was just right.Each table had a framed menu card that listed all the food options available to them. We also printed place mat menus for those in the wedding party seated at the bridal table. Look closely at the sweet little single flower in the lower right corner of the picture! Details! Love the little details.
There are still a few things not pictured... but I think you got the Full Meal Deal comparison here. So never be shy to ask about something you've envisioned... because if it's a paper product, Originals Paper Art will make it happen! Have a great weekend!

Envelopments Wedding Invitation

I designed this invitation a few years ago and still LOVE it! The antique gold jacket is an Envelopment. Some of you may be familiar with this line of pockets and folds. Be sure to check out their website for their fabulous paper, pockets and designs. If I had to work for somebody else... I think it would be fun to work on their design staff!
The HK monogram was designed by a friend of Cynthia and Kevin. We used it on everything! If I remember correctly, Cynthia had a rubber stamp made and used it on a variety of things for the wedding day and reception. Again, wonderful branding.
The Envelopement opens up horizontally. The 3-layer invitation on the left and information cards tucked in the pocket on the right. It was a stunning representation of the fabulous New Years Eve Wedding their guests were being invited to!
A better look at the information cards. I used the monogram on everything. It keeps unity throughout the entire ensemble... and why not, it's a beautiful monogram. Below is yet another Originals map. I create each map specifically for the bride. It's not a photocopy from some random map program.A few kind words from me:
This invitation is one of my favorites, as it is a favorite to many of my potential brides. And do you know why we all like it so much? Because we all like beautiful things. And we also know that beautiful things often cost more than average things. So I ask you to please remember that when considering a graphic designer (any designer) to design your invitations vs. purchasing them from a catalog. There's a reason why designer invitations cost what they cost... it's because they're being designed for you... not millions of other brides across the United States that are going to absorb a portion of the cost... but for you and only you. In the same breath, I don't want you to think that all designer invitations are over-the-top costly... but it's only obvious that the more details you add, the more dollars you add. Thank you for listening, I appreciate your time.

Super Suppers, Columbia

Super Suppers, Columbia has been a client of mine for a couple of years. We've done so much together! I'll try and narrow it down a little. Below is a snapshot of their horizontal brochure with shallow flap that keeps all the information cards in one place. A design I use often that's classic and very functional.
Another favorite from this design collection is the gift certificate. I designed it so Lisa can keep track of the transaction using the left side and with a perforation down the middle, the actual gift certificate can be torn off and placed in the yummy chocolate envelope. It's a beautiful gift in itself!
I've been working with Lisa on ads for years. Most of that time is researching photos to depict what saving time "looks" like to you... the consumer. It's been fun and really makes me think what exactly would I do with all my extra time!
Super Suppers is in the food preparation business. They prepare fabulous meals in advance so that all you have to do when you get home is cook and serve. I love that they're homemade and freshly frozen... locally. Add a salad and some bread and you have a healthy meal at home! You should really give it a try. I use Super Suppers for large gatherings... specifically Thanksgiving, Christmas and summer reunions.

Pawsitive Animalworks

When Laci moved her dog grooming business Pawsitive Animalworks to a new location she called me to discuss a new logo. She said something along the lines of... I want to do it right this time. So before she got started with marketing her new location we developed her new logo and a few marketing and branding elements.She wanted an easy template-like ad to provide the various newspapers and businesses looking for artwork when she advertised with their publication and/or program. We chose this simple vertical arrangement that a headline could easily be added to (above or beside). I also provided her with the stand-alone paw element for future branding products... like stickers for gift wrap, tags, etc.
And finally I designed her exterior sign. This is a design proof created in Illustrator, I really need to get out and take a picture! Maybe when it warms up a little and the grass is green again. The sign itself is a white vinyl kit with decals. Allen made the hanging phone number piece out of wood, painted it, added the number decals, and then hung it with a disassembled dog collar! Laci has landscaping lights on both sides for evening exposure! It's perfect!

Local Wedding

Kate and her family were fans of Originals Paper Art when I had the retail store. So when it came time for Kate to choose her wedding stationery she tracked me down (from California) and we had a great time designing her mid-west wedding! We met once while she was home for Christmas and we did the rest via email.
We started with her save the date postcards. She knew she wanted to use a sunflower image, so we created this one and used it throughout the entire stationery design.
The invitation is vertical and has a complimentary open-ended envelope. The RSVP postcard and map+accommodations card are one piece and perforated so that nothing gets overlooked in the bottom of the envelope. The guest tears off the RSVP and keeps the map for the day of the wedding. It's perfect for this style of envelope.
A few kind words from Kate:
Planning a wedding has been one of the most enjoyable, though sometimes a tad stressful, experiences of my life--and the planning all started with Brooke! Brooke's guidance and creativity helped to inspire the whole feel for our wedding. In our initial meeting, Brooke sat down with us, and somehow took my jumble of ideas and streamlined them into a clean and simple design that (though I didn't know it in our initial meeting), was EXACTLY what I wanted. Her designs focused my vision for our big day--and our guests loved them. I received so many compliments from our guests on our invitations, which really were a perfect paper representation of our wedding. Brooke was truly amazing to work with!

Design from a Distance

When Angela contacted me, she had an invitation in mind, but couldn't find it in her wedding colors. She wound up at a local Columbia print shop that referred her to me. We never met in person, but with the fabulous electronic age we live in . . . Angela and I spoke a few times on the phone, had many email conversations and I was able to design her custom invitations and programs from a distance.
This invitation ensemble has the traditional double envelope. The invitation and RSVP postcard is kept together with a light weight vellum sleeve. Very soft and subtle detail that adds elegance to this incredible invitation.
The invitation is a vertical z-fold and expands to a striking size that captures your attention and leaves a lasting impression. LOVE it!

Summer Wedding in the Country

You may be asking why so many invitations all of a sudden . . . well, it's because our win our hearts | win your wedding contest officially started on Valentine's Day and I'm trying to showcase a variety of invitations I've designed over the past few years.
This is a beautiful summer wedding ensemble. On the outside is a faux seal with a bible verse and ribbon embellishment. It opens up to a beautiful invitation with a subtle wheat image that sets the tone for a beautiful summer wedding in the country. Look at some of the amazing photos SilverBox Photographers captured of their wedding day.
The RSVP postcard and accommodation card also have the wheat image. As a matter of fact I forwarded the image to Amy and she used it for a variety of things for the wedding and reception. Branding your wedding! Brilliant.

Winter Wedding

This invitation is very fun and functional. The snowflake is created using a standard craft punch (imagine the possibilities) and the paper band acts as an inner envelope to address your guests casually.