Joy'l Ver Heul

Movin on, up and out

2009-12-13T18:58:00.003-06:00

My new web site is finally finished!

Move on over to www.papernestdesigns.com

Getting Settled

2009-10-06T20:48:00.002-05:00

What a summer! I'm feeling settled, energized and inspired. A combo I've been waiting for all summer! Woo hoo! We are in our new home and new things are happening. Stay tuned for a new web site, new name launch, new products and I have some folks I'm excited to introduce you to!

Shell Desktop Wallpaper

2009-06-07T16:04:00.003-05:00

I've been dreaming of the beach and searching for shells...

Do It Yourself Bird Seed Packets

2009-05-12T08:20:00.000-05:00

Here's a simple bird seed packet to create for a wedding or party favor. I purchased the clear cellophane bags at hobby lobby and then recycled some old paper and used these fab bird stamps and viola! Another fun idea would be to put wildflower mix in these little bags and stamp on some flowers or use a cool floral print for the paper. I have also created small treat bags for a baby shower recently and put chocolate covered pretzels in them with a paper design that matched the rest of the shower decorations. Happy creating!

Graduation Announcement

2009-05-10T19:53:00.002-05:00

Looking for a unique way to invite your family and friends to your graduation party? Contact me for a custom made photo announcement.

The Art of Gathering Local Style - TODAY

2009-05-02T08:17:00.003-05:00

Come out today, May 2, to The Art of Gathering Local Style. From 11am to 1pm come and get fabulous ideas for your next event whether it be a wedding, birthday party or graduation party. The event is located in the DeVos Communications building on Calvin's campus. Stop in and visit my table along with other folks that will be there such as a photograher, baker, jewelry maker, dj/videographer, a fair trade shop and more. Come out and support your neighbors today! I hope to see you there!

Save the Date - May 2

2009-04-25T15:56:00.002-05:00

Come out next Saturday to The Art of Gathering Local Style. From 11am to 1pm come and get fabulous ideas for your next event whether it be a wedding, birthday party or graduation party. Local artists will have their work on display and Elissa from Local First will be coming to talk about why going local is important. Come out and visit me at my table next Saturday at the DeVos Communications building at Calvin College. I hope to see you all there!

Eco Cottages

2009-04-23T11:52:00.002-05:00

Photo from http://venicebeachecocottages.com/LeBebe.html

How adorable are these eco cottages out in Cali? I just think they are so adorable and decorated so fun. It would be such a treat to stay in one of these little urban retreats. I would never want to leave for sight seeing! Also what is so cool is that 3% of the revenue from each stay is donated to charity. Read more about it and check out the galleries...

Happy Birthday Noah!

2009-04-11T07:23:00.001-05:00

Front of announcement

Back of announcement

I have so much fun celebrating my little nephews birthdays. My favorite part is blowing out the birthday candles and watching their excitement and expressions. I need to make a shout out to my sister-in-law for that amazing home made race car cake!

My fourth love of Boston

2009-04-10T07:54:00.000-05:00

My fourth love of Boston is Modern Pastry. Wow do they make amazing pastries. It was like I traveled back to Italy all over again. But what I was even more excited about was the pastry yarn!

My third love of Boston

2009-04-09T07:43:00.001-05:00

Innovative and creative store names and signs is my third love of downtown Boston. There were so inspiring and refreshing.

My second love of Boston

2009-04-08T07:26:00.001-05:00

My second love of Boston was all the adorable apartments and alley ways. Elicia and I would peer down the short alley ways lined with black street lamps and gaze in awe at how stinkin cute they were. Then I'd realize it is actually someone's front door and how stupid we must look just staring at it with stars in our eyes and a deep breathe would leave my mouth after I realized I was holding it. We wandered on to find the next one and the next one like little girls at a candy shop!

My first love of Boston

2009-04-07T07:20:00.000-05:00

My first love of Boston was the Freedom Trail. I wish I had days to roam up and down it. The brick path turns a corner and just picks up on the other side of the street. You don't even need a map! You can just follow the brick road to the next treasure of American history and peek into all the adorable apartments and store fronts as you wander along. Totally fabulous!

Reflecting and Dreaming

2009-04-06T18:52:00.006-05:00

I traveled to Boston a week ago with 17 college students and one fabulous friend, Elicia, for a week of service-learning. The trip was stretching in all directions and I have spent a lot of time reflecting on my experience. Trying to figure out God's purpose for my time there and what I'm supposed to do now that I'm back in the comforts of my home. The students refreshed my soul, the physical work made me realize how old I am and a week focused on social justice made my heart heavy and my eyes wider. Laughter was the medicine for our bones and souls as we went through the week. I said to Elicia, "Come on! Sign up to lead this trip with me!" and little did she or I know what was in store for us. How God would open our hearts, hands and eyes to His world through the inner city of Dorchester.

One evening we were able to get downtown Boston and I'm excited to share some of my Boston finds this week on my blog. I adore downtown Boston and can't wait to return. Talk about a place to start a stationary/invitation shop! Lets just say I had fun roaming the streets dreaming...ok and picking my jaw up off the freedom trail as I would come upon adorable shop names and signs.

Bridal Shower Invitation

2009-04-05T15:58:00.002-05:00

There's a New Lawyer in Town

2009-04-01T19:39:00.003-05:00

Nathaniel and I sat next to each other in German 101 back in the day. Who would have thought I'd be designing his logo for his new law firm. Funny how that works out after college...

Poppy Chic Designs

2009-03-21T07:32:00.000-05:00

I bought these fabulous poppy hair accessories at Poppy Chic Designs on Etsy. For only $7 you can have some too! I can't stop wearing mine!

Lebone Educare Center

2009-03-20T07:19:00.001-05:00

A few months back my parents traveled to South Africa with their church. While they were there the group took photos of all the children at the orphanage that the church supports. I then produced a bookmark for the church to hand out to their congregation to ask for financial support for these children and the educare center. This project was very moving for me as I stared into the faces of over 99 orphans.

Welcome to the world Kyle John

2009-03-18T19:11:00.003-05:00

A few weeks back we welcomed a new little nephew into our lives, Kyle John.

Party Ball Stationary Set

2009-03-07T09:31:00.006-06:00

I had a fabulous friend of mine, Megan, ask for a stationary set that matched her personality while at the same time looked professional with a touch of fun. A big request! We settled on a variety pack in the end so that depending on who she's sending the card to she can pick a style. I like to call it my Party Ball stationary set because Megan is a party of fun and laughter all the time. I always want to wrap her into a ball and take her with me! I also think that this kelly green fits her to a T. Megan, it was fun working with you on this project and thanks for giving me some sunshine during these gray winter days!

Best of Both Worlds

2009-03-06T12:08:00.002-06:00

I must admit that I'm a packaging snob of sorts and will purchase products based off of the packaging. I couldn't resist these two items in Target yesterday. They popped off the shelf against all the other average soap packages. And I got the best of both worlds because the scents and sudsiness is as good as the packaging!

Both images taken from Method's web site.

Clothing that ruffles my collar

2009-03-04T19:49:00.004-06:00

I love stopping by Rose la biche's etsy shop. I find her clothing so inspiring. I think her work is beautiful and so unique.

Photo taken from Rose la biche's web site.

Stella Rug

2009-03-04T07:33:00.000-06:00

Oh how I love this rug designed by Michelle Mason. I'd like to wake up in the morning and land my feet on this piece of art. What a great way to start a day!

Photo taken from michellemason.

For the design-savvy parent

2009-03-03T19:12:00.003-06:00

I have several pregnant friends and have been searching for some fun gifts and stumbled upon these little gems designed by 10 Swedish Designers. I love the bright colors and pattern options. It's so refreshing from all the pink and blue. They also have an uber cute stroller line.

Both photo from 10 Swedish Designers.

Peacock Note Cards for Sale

2009-03-01T16:46:00.002-06:00

I just posted my latest note card design at my etsy shop

Amy Butler's Nolita

2009-02-27T07:41:00.002-06:00

Oh how I'd love one of Amy Butlers Nolita bags for spring. I am so drawn into her designs. Last night I was in hobby lobby and out of all the papers I instantly went to her collection. Her paper book is 30% off at hobby lobby this week ladies! Snatch one up while it's on sale.

Photo from Amy Butler's web site

Free Desktop Wallpaper

2009-02-24T08:00:00.001-06:00

This design stemmed out of my love right now with peacock feathers. Enjoy!

It's all a-twitter

2009-02-23T20:00:00.002-06:00

Since the world's a-twitter I thought I'd join in the fun. You can follow me at:

twitter.com/joylverheul

Dreaming Under Crystals

2009-02-23T07:00:00.001-06:00

I'd love to have this gorgeous little piece of art hanging in my bedroom.

VIOSKI Sectional

2009-02-22T16:45:00.003-06:00

This sectional jumped off the page at me when I was looking at home magazines at Schulers today. I had to sit and stare at it for a bit and take in the awe of the piece of art that was staring back at me. The sleek, modern design with the console table that fits perfectly inside is brilliant. I'm so drawn to the angles in this piece. It's flexible in that it could be used as a room divider, not only a sectional which I just love. In the midst of all it's design I still want to cuddle up and read a book on it. Check out VIOSKI's web site for more of his amazing work.

Image from VIOSKI's web site

One of Each Please

2009-02-22T06:55:00.001-06:00

west elm reversible side tables

west elm faceted mirror side table

west elm moroccan drum table

Dreaming of Venice

2009-02-21T18:37:00.002-06:00

I've been dreaming of a return trip to Venezia... in the mean time I may need to purchase an Art Shark print.

New Envirosax Design

2009-02-19T07:35:00.004-06:00

Envirosax launched a new design called "candy". It's definitely candy to my eyes! I LOVE these bags. If you don't have a set purchase them and you'll enjoy grocery shopping so much more.

Russell + Hazel

2009-02-17T07:00:00.001-06:00

I'm in love with this website. Talk about organizing. I'd love to fill my office with their amazing products. And all you brides out there they have a wedding section.

Organizing the Unorganizable

2009-02-16T11:03:00.009-06:00

If I could only have a closet like the one above... but if you're like me you have a closet the size of a coat closet and you have to share it with your husband. Here are some ideas from the container store that I find inspiring and cost effective!

Sunshine and hopes of spring always get me in the mood for organizing. I think this organizer idea is brilliant! And even better it's only $6.99!

I've tried shoe racks upon shoe racks and they just don't work. The shoes fall off of them or slip between the rails. I really like this clear box idea and they're stackable. Only $1.99!

I love storing things in nice boxes. It just keeps the whole space nice and neat. I think these are great with the label. Plus the charcoal color is ageless instead of going with a trendy print.

Happy organizing!

Valentine Desktop Wallpaper

2009-02-06T18:23:00.002-06:00

800x600
1024x768
1152x864

Like this print?

Congratulations Julie and Andrew!

2009-02-03T08:00:00.000-06:00

See more invites >

It's Everywhere!

2009-02-02T08:00:00.000-06:00

Mimosa is everywhere! Even on my friends! Go out and get some!

Less is More

2009-02-01T11:41:00.004-06:00

There's been a lot of packaging changes in the grocery isles lately. I really need to take a double take before throwing my items in my cart to make sure I'm getting the right product. Packaging designers seem to be thinking less is more and honoring that white space is a good thing. I like the clean designs and am excited they're getting rid of splashes, swooshes, light beams and decorated text. It's a lot more appealing to my eyes when I'm scanning the shelves and I'm sure that's the whole point...to stand out from the rest.

Logo Mock Ups

2009-01-29T08:00:00.001-06:00

A few logo mock ups for a church out in Maine. Stay tuned for finals!

Cravin it

2009-01-28T18:35:00.002-06:00

I'm dreaming of a winter weekend away in the windy city. Roaming through museums and hitting up a show at the Looking Glass Theatre. Maybe I'll plan one...

Send Love

2009-01-26T19:01:00.001-06:00

Less then a month to purchase your valentine's postcards. Send your friends a hug through the mail.

Andrew Bird's New Disc is a MUST purchase

2009-01-25T17:01:00.003-06:00

I am so excited about Andrew Bird's new disc, Noble Beast. I have been in love with him ever since my husband brought home one of his discs back in 2007. We rushed to Vertigo to pick up his latest and I fell in love all over again. Stop in at Vertigo and ask Herm for a copy. You'll be really glad you did.

Mimosa

2009-01-17T08:00:00.000-06:00

Pantone selects mimosa as the 2009 color of the year. I couldn't agree more. Here are some of my etsy favorites in celebration of the pick.

Patchwork Frame Pouch - Oktak's Shop, Yellow Wooden Earrings - Little Charm's Shop, Countess Daphne - Miss Ruby Sue, Owl Mama - Needlings

Feather Obsession

2009-01-16T21:15:00.003-06:00

This season I have fallen head over heals in love with feathers. I love how they're delicate, wispy, elegant and so feminine. I drool over the natural color palette they bring. The pieces above are so stunning.

Luxedeluxe's Shop - necklace, Cafe Baudelaire's Shop - print, Red Ruby Rose's Shop - clutch, Ancient Future's Shop - scarf

Rays of Sunshine

2009-01-16T17:30:00.002-06:00

What got me through today's single digit temperatures were these two little rays of sunshine. My favorite mug filled with chai tea (of course) that I received from a fabulous friend and my new boots that kept my feet nice and toasty warm. See! There's some perks to winter!

Congrats Natalie and Nathan

2009-01-13T20:16:00.003-06:00

I really enjoyed designing this wedding invite for Natalie and Nathan. I love it when a design fits a persons personality to a tee. It's the best when you receive an invite in the mail and you say to yourself, "That is so them!"

Share the love

2009-01-13T12:00:00.002-06:00

Share the love with your friends this February.

Valentine's Postcards on Sale

2009-01-12T19:08:00.004-06:00

Valentine's postcards are now on sale in my etsy shop!

2008 in photos

2009-01-07T10:00:00.001-06:00

I stumbled across this slide show at The New York Times today. Take a moment to view it. I found it very moving.

http://www.nytimes.com/packages/html/photo/2008-year-in-pictures/?ref=us

Nina Simone

2009-01-05T18:00:00.003-06:00

I've been loving this disc during these cold days of winter. Stop by Vertigo and pick up a copy.

Victory Life web site

2009-01-04T16:27:00.006-06:00

This upcoming weekend is a big weekend for my good friends over at Victory Life Ministries. Their first service is Sunday, January 11 at 1pm. If you're in Big Rapids be sure to stop in for the service and if you know of any students over at Ferris be sure to tell them about it.

Along with the logo we finalized a few months back I designed them a web site. Be sure to check it out!

Post Christmas Craft

2009-01-03T08:00:00.001-06:00

I am totally going to steal this idea from Starbucks and make one of these this month. I fell in love with this when I saw it down in Cozumel.

Cruisin!

2009-01-02T15:59:00.003-06:00

I just got back from an amazing cruise with the fam over Christmas. Even on vacation I enjoyed some design including Norwegian's very own corporate identity. Creative execution of the logo onto every piece of literature. I really loved the consistency and color palette. Their tag line is "freestyle cruising", hence the fish swimming in the opposite direction. Fun stuff!

Stylish Jewelry Holder

2008-12-27T08:00:00.000-06:00

One of the favorite gifts I received this year was this jewelry holder. Finally a stylish way to travel with your jewelry instead of a zip lock bag!

Ace Pear Cider

2008-12-26T08:00:00.001-06:00

Instead of bringing in the new year with champaign pour some bubbly Ace Pear Cider in your flutes. Your guests will be glad you did!

Make-Up Artistry

2008-12-24T08:00:00.001-06:00

All you brides out there! Check out Julie's new site and book her today for your makeup. She does amazing work.

http://juliestrating.com/

View Amy Carroll's photo shoot to see more of her work.

Creative Twist

2008-12-23T08:00:00.000-06:00

I was delighted to receive this card in the mail from Gilson Graphics. I knew the minute I felt the envelope that a surprise laid inside. The design of this card is really creative and the paper they printed the card on is gorgeous. I think the gift tags are just adorable!

Worth the Wait

2008-12-21T08:00:00.001-06:00

I've been waiting all year to receive this basket for my birthday. A couple years ago I saw women carrying them at the farmer's market and at first site I always wanted one. Now I am a happy owner! Pick yours up today at Art of the Table.

ICKY Bag

2008-12-20T08:00:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite gifts I'm giving this year is the ICKY bag. I found these adorable, locally made bags at the Beneath the Tree event a few weeks back. They are a lined bag so you can store wet stuff, food, cosmetics etc... inside. I drool over the fabrics every time I look at them. Order yours from etsy!

Homemade Magnets

2008-12-19T08:36:00.004-06:00

I made these magnets for a fabulous friend of mine and you can too! Print your designs out on your computer, cut some recycled cardboard for the backing, glue a magnet to the back and adorn your magnets with jewels. I also coated mine with some mod podge to make the paper a littler sturdier. If you're not up to making your own designs go and grab some awesome patterned papers from Hobby Lobby or Michaels and add some jewels. Viola you have some hip magnets and a gift that your friends will love!

Add Pizazz to your Gifts

2008-12-17T15:00:00.000-06:00

I love a fabulously wrapped gift. The wrapping means just as much to me as the gift! This season think about adding some pizazz to your gifts by attaching ornaments, twigs, ribbon and more. Visit your local craft shop and dig through the $1 twigs and holly or stop in at the dollar store and pick up ornaments and bells for $1! Remember this after the holiday season and pick them up at 50% off for next year!

The Gift of Time

2008-12-16T18:25:00.002-06:00

Do you have friends and family that have everything and never put anything on their Christmas list? We go from store to store hoping to find something they'd love and just end up buying something random. This year for my parents my family decided to give the gift of time. We all put together fun themed baskets with notes inside that say, a day on the boat, an evening in Rockford, a dinner at the Stray Dog... In our busy lives all we really want as a family is to spend time together. The memories of laughter and good chats last a lot longer then a random gift from Target. Get creative and think of activities that your friends or family would love to do and go with a theme!

14 days till Christmas

2008-12-12T08:00:00.001-06:00

Order your holiday cards this weekend to get them arriving in mailboxes before Christmas!

Holiday Cheer

2008-12-11T20:54:00.003-06:00

I received my all time favorite card of the holiday season the other day from a dear friend. It doesn't get sweeter and cuter then this delightful little snow man who says "Thanky Very Much" Thanks for the laugh till my stomach hurt my dear friend and for the best homemade gift of the season.

Break out the crayola crayons and glitter this season and create your family and friends a homemade greeting.

Congratulations Sara, Mark & Big Brother Leo!

2008-12-10T06:20:00.004-06:00

Free Desktop Wallpaper

2008-12-05T14:58:00.002-06:00

Download this months free winter wallpaper:

The Gift of Play Date Calling Cards

2008-12-02T07:31:00.001-06:00

Order the hip mom in your life a set of play date calling cards for Christmas. Set of 32 cards for $13 or a set of 16 cards for $8. Order via email joylverheul@gmail.com.

See the full collection >>

Personalized Christmas Photo Cards

2008-12-01T18:14:00.001-06:00

View my entire collection >>

Photo Christmas Cards

2008-11-26T14:17:00.002-06:00

Order your custom photo cards for the holiday season. Sets of 30 for $30.

Give the gift of monogram note cards

2008-11-24T07:00:00.001-06:00

Order your set of custom monogram note cards for the perfect stocking stuffer. Find one on my web site you like or let me design you something new! Set of 30 for $35. Order yours today!

Homemade Christmas Gift Idea

2008-11-23T15:30:00.004-06:00

I love this easy homemade Christmas gift for my friends and family that love to read. Purchase any combination of beads and string and you've got a book thong! Also this week just in time for the holidays beads are half off at Hobby Lobby!

Get your Christmas Cards this Weekend!

2008-11-18T07:00:00.001-06:00

Stop by Beneath the Tree this weekend and purchase your cards without having to pay shipping. Pay $5 to tour 5 homes and shop from over 100 artists to get one of a kind unique gifts for the holidays.

Tour and shop on Friday from 11am to 9pm and Saturday from 9am to 1pm.
The address of the first home is: 2297 Pleasant Pond Dr. Byron Center
From there you will receive a map on where the other homes are located.

I'll also be selling an assortment of my engraved tiles at this event. I'll be strolling around shopping myself Saturday morning so I hope we run into each other!

www.joylverheul.etsy.com

2008-11-16T18:07:00.003-06:00

Today I opened my etsy store! I'm super excited about it!!

Not all of my holiday cards are uploaded to the site yet. View my entire collection on my web site:

www.joylverheul.com/makemerry.htm

If you're looking for a custom photo card drop me an email (joylverheul@gmail.com) as I will not be posting them on etsy.

Don't see anything you absolutely love? I'm taking custom orders daily and would be happy to create you a one of kind design!

Happy Shopping!

An Evening in Douglas

2008-11-15T14:29:00.003-06:00

Now that these cold evenings are upon us it's time to find cozy restaurants to enjoy a glass of wine and food by the fire. Be sure to add The Wild Dog Grille to your list. If you head out early enough you can hit up the shops. They have the village all decorated for Christmas already and it's like a storybook.

Musical Inspiration

2008-11-10T07:00:00.001-06:00

I love listening to music while I design. Actually I can't design without it. I get in a routine where I keep listening to the same disc over and over. When I'm surfing or Google chatting I can listen to anything and put my itunes on shuffle but when I need to get down to business and really crank out some work I fall back on two discs over and over. The National, The Boxer and Arcade Fire, Neon Bible. If you don't have either of these discs go out and get them today. You'll be amazed what they do to your inspiration and creativity!

Logo on 8th Street

2008-11-09T13:42:00.003-06:00

Strolling downtown Holland yesterday I wanted to make sure I made a stop at Greg's Greatlakes Database company to check out the logo I designed a few months back. Pretty cool seeing it on the door right on 8th street!

Presidential Logos & the Red White and Blue!

2008-11-04T17:46:00.005-06:00

Amidst all the commercials and ads for the campaign I must say I've enjoyed watching the graphics in the backgrounds of the debates, how all the talk and news shows added political jazz to their sets and how the candidates are using their presidential logos. When doing research on the candidates I was amazed at both Web sites and how well they were done. I was impressed with how Obama's Web site used their logo on their people pages so nicely. So creative and well done caring the logo through to every last piece. Enjoy all the red, white and blue this evening!

Free Desktop Wallpaper

2008-11-02T14:50:00.001-06:00

Happy November! Here's a free desktop wallpaper for you to enjoy!

Save the Date

2008-11-01T15:29:00.001-05:00

Mark you calendars for November 21 and 22 for the Beneath the Tree home tour and artist event. There will be over 100 artists on display selling their art in different homes in the Byron Center and Grandville area. I'm having a table at one of the homes this year which I'm really excited about. Take a friend, do some shopping and get inspired on how to decorate your home for the holidays! More information coming soon!

Peace on Earth Card

2008-10-25T09:49:00.000-05:00

Ning's Friendly Help

2008-10-21T09:56:00.000-05:00

I've been crawling around Ning debating about starting a social network and I had a question I wanted to ask and was filling out the form and came across a question that asked "I'm Feeling..." and thought how funny. Here I was a little confused because I couldn't find what I was looking for and once I read that question I thought...hmm....what am I feeling? I'm sure it helps frame the response you get back. Right away I was like, "oh, they care about my question." Also it probably helps them rate customer satisfaction and even gives them clues about user navigation. So smart!

Before and After

2008-10-19T19:14:00.001-05:00

Design Frenzy

2008-10-17T21:37:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. I've been a design maniac getting ready to launch Christmas cards! For now you can enjoy this one...

Philosophy eau de parfum

2008-10-15T18:57:00.001-05:00

I saw this in Sephora today and fell in love with the simplicity of the packaging and just had to pick it up off the shelf and smell it. Well, needless to say it came home with me... I ended up with inner grace but they all smell fabulous (state of grace, amazing grace, pure grace, and baby grace). Happy shopping!

Business Cards Arrived!

2008-10-11T08:11:00.000-05:00

Showing you the way to Victory!

2008-10-10T09:00:00.000-05:00

I designed this logo for some wonderful friends of mine starting up a ministry to spread the Word to college students. "Showing you the way to Victory" is the tag line of this clean, crisp logo. The top logo will be used for the overall ministry and when they're specifically reaching college students they will use

Thanks Razel and Camille for this fabulous project. It was an honor to be a part of your ministry and I can't wait to see how God works through you to expand His kingdom!

Stay tuned for the Web site...

Brilliant Advertising

2008-10-09T16:23:00.000-05:00

As a designer I just love it when I see an ad and think, "That's Brilliant!" This ad is fresh, catchy, intelligent, and made me stop and just stare in awe...

Moonflowers

2008-10-07T10:55:00.000-05:00

Having a moon flower in your garden is a necessity. The beautiful white trumpets open at dusk and remain open into the morning and then wilt in the light. If you have a patio or deck that you frequent in the evenings or early mornings plant one of these in view and enjoy it all summer and into the fall.

Masha D'yans Designs

2008-10-05T09:36:00.000-05:00

I love sending notes the old fashion way -via the mailbox. I love Masha's cards and every time I'm in target I have to buy a few. I am definitely putting one of her prints on my Christmas list.

Happy October

2008-10-01T20:43:00.000-05:00

The Gallery

2008-09-30T17:51:00.000-05:00

I'd like to live at The Gallery just based off of this cool sign! This sign made me stop dead in my tracks and I just had to snap a photo of it. I love how the frames have both male and female characteristics. I can't wait to see what the building is going to look like.

Yellow!

2008-09-28T09:44:00.000-05:00

I thought these yellow menus were really great at Republics. I don't often see yellow used in a good way and this just popped. The yellow complimented the atmosphere of the restaurant very nicely. Combine this yellow with a dark, rich brown and - wow!

Cobalt Blue Magic

2008-09-25T19:08:00.000-05:00

I was ecstatic when I got this invite back from the printer. The thermography was beautifully done. The cobalt blue and silver are magic together. See more invites on my Web site.

Brightening Right Back Up

2008-09-22T19:31:00.000-05:00

I love the color that pumpkins add to fall landscapes. Just when the perennials are dying off we get bright splashes of orange to brighten everything back up. Kale is another fall favorite. The blue/purple hues are a perfect backdrop for pumpkins.

Pumpkin Fun!

2008-09-21T18:37:00.000-05:00

Every year I get my pumpkins from a farm in Holland. I love picking out the perfect pumpkins for my doorstep. This year I was excited when I found a little pumpkin with batman wings on it! It totally rules! Nature never ceases to amaze me!

Mood Boards

2008-09-18T20:37:00.000-05:00

I've been putting mood boards together lately of things I love for the home. I bought an adorable binder and I keep gluing things in it. More to come...

Recycled Paper Mobile

2008-09-15T19:13:00.000-05:00

The long, rainy weekend gave me plenty of time to finish my recycled paper mobile. I love it and I'm already working on my next one.

Cookin Easy - Light and Simple

2008-09-10T19:22:00.000-05:00

I LOVE this cookbook. Everything in it has been delicious and full of surprises for my taste buds. The flavors are exceptional and the recipes are easy and don't require many ingredients. Another perk is that the recipes include a lot of vegetables. Go out and get your copy! It's a must for your recipe book shelf.

Vintage Venezia

2008-09-08T18:41:00.000-05:00

Awhile back I entered a wedding thank you card competition for fun. The task was to come up with a design that the bride and groom would pick. I chose the couple, Anne and Tom because they were traveling to Italia for their honeymoon and having gone there recently I thought this would be fun. Below is the photo I took of our lovely hotel room along a quiet canal in Venice. I think you'll see the resemblance. The title of my design is Vintage Venezia.