Sometimes...

Sometimes my personal blog and my design blog intersect. Check out photos of my little ones at my personal blog, here. I don't claim to be a photographer, but I do like to use some of the skills I learned in art school every once in a while.

A link to enjoy

Image from the web.

If you are from my generation and happen to be a girl, you will probably remember Full House and have identified with "D.J" and "Kimmy." I loved their funny relationship on the show and was excited to read that they are still in touch all these years later. The name of this article totally cracked me up and I always love to read about a person's running story. Check it out here. I enjoy Candace Bure's blog and follow her on twitter. She seems to be so grounded and positive.

Family Collaboration

My sister and I have always enjoyed working together on projects. Lots of our skills and personality strengths differ and compliment one another. Sometimes working together is just consulting on what works best, other times we need a real critique. She was interested in creating a family tree for her girls' rooms and actually made a paper version that she liked. The fun started to involve me when she decided she needed a family tree that can be updated and duplicated! I really like the way these have turned out and plan on making a version for my house in different colors and a slightly different design. I love seeing ideas come to life through conversation and collaboration.

Original design by Holly Andler.

Princess Party for my Princess

My little one and I have been working on Princess Party ideas since her last birthday (maybe not really, but it feels like it). It finally all came together last weekend and she had a blast. We did use some Disney Princess materials, but I also wanted to make a custom princess party for her. I was really happy with the fun design and hot colors. The pretty cake and cupcake toppers are by Sweet Stella Treats. You can find the "Yes, I am a princess" printable tshirt design in my etsy shop, along with the Princess Birthday Invitation, here.

Jovie Sneak Peek

I was lucky enough to take some photos of my next to youngest niece over the weekend. She just had her first birthday and is growing so fast. Personally, I think she's a genius because she can say "cracker" and "thank you." Love her!

On the Edge

Lately, I've had the privilege of working with a photography with a mission. Susan Sidebottom, a lifestyle photographer, has been working on a wonderful project to bring awareness to the plight of the homeless. I was able to help her create some print pieces to promote her work to museums and galleries. After a visit to the Charlotte Rescue mission last Saturday, I was reminded of the importance of this issue. Those in need are so easily forgotten in our fast-paced world. Thank you Susan for your work on this issue! To see more of Susan's work, click here.

Journal entry

I was inspired by the tiny twig, to think about dreams and aspirations. For a while now, I've felt like something was coming. Something big. A new idea. Maybe a business venture. Maybe a move. A little kernel of something keeps wanting to be planted, wanting to grow. It could be because my kids are finally big enough that my brain is working a little better or it could be that I'm bored. I really think it's ambition, mixed with a calling. I'm motivated, people, and am not always able or willing to follow through on all those little dreams that pop up at night. I've tried things over the past few years since mothering has become my full time job. And really I've loved learning and thinking and trying. But this time it's different. No, I probably won't become a missionary called to China, but I do feel a longing. A call to be better, to make it matter, to give it all away. I'm not deluded enough to think that I'm ready for something big. But I will be when it comes.

Beautiful Inspiration

Last year, I was asked to create some communication materials for a church with a new outlook. Derita Church in Charlotte is a church with a lot of history that is rethinking the way they want to impact their community. This church also features some really beautiful stained glass. You can see some of it here, by clicking on Looking Through the Glass. I was able to redraw the center of one of the windows to create a new logo for the church, along with using bright, fun colors to emphasize the upbeat, community  outreach focus of the church. I appreciate the members of the church trusting me to create something a cut above what you can order from a church supply magazine. And on a personal note, I wish Derita Church the best as they strive to grow and shed light to the community!