Letterpress Cards

Back in March, I really wanted to make home-made thank you notes for the baby gifts we received but as Shiloh’s due date drew closer I began to realize I didn’t want that pressure right before or after she was born. In turn, I began searching for the perfect thank you cards. When I saw these letterpress bi-fold pelvis cards on etsy by Communication Company I knew this was the perfect card. And of course it wasn’t going to be as simple as just writing a message inside, I had to add another level to it. The pelvis opened into a picture of our little girl just a few hours old. Weird, quirky…yes but I thought it was kind of funny.

If you are in the market for some unique letterpress cards check out  Communication Company’s etsy site.

Herrigel Kennedy Real Estate Logo

Recently, I did some graphic design work for the real estate company Herrigel Kennedy of Portland, Maine. They are affiliated with Portside Real Estate and were guided by the need to define their individual identity within that existing group. Their logo had to be unique yet work harmoniously with  Portside’s branding. I referenced elements of Portside’s logo but created a brand that is purely Herrigel Kennedy’s own mark.

FINAL LOGO and LETTERHEAD:

PROCESS SKETCHES:

I always enjoy seeing process sketches and drawings so I thought it would be fun to include them in this post. Here were some of the options along the way.

Kitchen Renovation

A couple of years ago I helped design a kitchen for a couple in Sanford, Maine. My work included space planning, elevations, 3D perspectives and a rendering. This summer their dream kitchen was completed and they are thrilled with the final outcome.

AFTER:

RENDERING:

BEFORE:

Vineyard Gardens Advertisements

It has been a very exciting year full of change. I became a mother and a Texan all in the span of a 3 week period. Two very big adjustments to encounter at the same time but both have been extremely fulfilling. Throughout the move, raising my daughter, being a wife, and exploring Austin I have continued to work as a freelance designer. Working from home with a baby has been a perfect way to keep my creativity flowing and be with my daughter all day.

One of my clients is Vineyard Gardens of Martha’s Vineyard. They hired me to do their entire advertising package for the year. Their vision was to take more of artistic approach in their advertising. Fortunately for me that meant combining my art background within the graphic design realm. One of the ways I did that was incorporating watercolor/sketches of their “plant of the week” specials. For variety, I created two different layouts to use as a base design.

Below are some of my favorites from the year.

 

Watercolor Sketches

I have been working on advertisements for Vineyard Gardens of Martha’s Vineyard. Their vision was to take more of artistic approach in their advertising. Fortunately for me that meant combining my art background within the graphic design realm by incorporating watercolor/sketches. Below are a couple of drawings that I just completed that will be integrated into some of their ads.

cherry blossoms

pansies

Baby Sweater

I just finished knitting this itty-bitty sweater for Shiloh to come home in. I can’t get over how small and how cute it is; and that there is going to be a little baby girl to fill it soon. It’s really enjoyable working in the miniature scale.

 

Wool/Cashmere Sweater

I am 38 weeks pregnant and was in need of a warm sweater to adjust to my ever-expanding belly. In the fall I designed a stylish white “maternity” jacket (posted on November 19, 2012) to wear throughout the winter. I wear it all the time and decided to recreate it with this incredible soft wool/cashmere blend material. It wears more like a sweater than a jacket and is just perfect. It will look great post pregnancy as well!

 

Graphic Design

I just completed a graphic design project for The Peacedale Congregational Church of RI. They are organizing a community outreach program committed to serving children and their families, the alone and the hungry to come together at The Peace Dale Dinner Table. All are welcome to this table regardless of where they might be on life’s journey.

Their design criteria was to limit the logo colors to black, white and one other color. It will be used on stationary, flyers and a sign.  If the program is successful it may be applied to  aprons, cups, bags  etc.

Hotel San Jose – “a hotel with soul”

This past week Derek had to go to Austin, TX for work and I was lucky enough to join him. The city’s incredible energy reignited my creative fire and I absolutely loved every minute of it! To top it off his company was kind enough to put us up at the chic Hotel San Jose. I immediately felt at home amidst the harmonious blend of rustic gardens, natural materials, and urban modern decor.

I love the story behind the space as well. Liz Lambert, originally a New York trial lawyer turned hospitality designer, transformed this 1930s motor lodge into an urban bungalow-style hotel with a communal outdoor courtyard, lounge, and pool area. Located in downtown Austin it is the perfect oasis to retreat to at any time of day.  I loved walking out our bedroom door into an open garden, filled with native Texas plants, rustic pathways, and tucked away seating areas. I am more than ready to go back and stay there again!

(Unfortunately I forgot my camera and wasn’t able to document the space so I had to go to the trusty internet to find images. In doing so I learned the Hotel San Jose has Polaroid cameras for guests to use!!)

We ate breakfast every morning at the adjoining coffee shop, designed by Liz Lambert.

{images via Seeds and Fruit, Free People Blog, Remodelista, More Ways to Waste Time, and Claudia Bravo!}

 

 

 

 

Amanda

This past summer I made my first piece of custom clothing, for someone other than myself…for my amazing sister-in-law. She is very fashionable and loves to wear creative and unique clothes. This made it really fun to play around with different designs and styles. The final product is this zipper down shirt. Thank you Amanda for being my guinea pig!