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ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR FUR BABIES

For those of you that know me personally, know that I have four dogs, they are my fur babies. So when Julie asked me to design announcements for their newest fur baby I was smitten. She sent me a recent picture of Lilly Rose, along with her current stats, and from there I designed this simple, yet adorable, announcement in advance of them picking up Lilly from the breeder. One of my favorite things about this piece is Lilly's foot hanging over the man's finger which made it possible for me to carefully crop around her paw and allow it to hang over the decorative band.

Announcements :: Frank & Julie :: New Fur Baby

Designing personal projects like this announcement bring me so much satisfaction and happiness. The icing on the cake was receiving one of these announcements in a hand addressed, pink envelope, via the good 'ole United States Postal Service. Thank you Julie. XOXOX

THE BEST GIFTS ARE PERSONALIZED... AKA: ORIGINALS

If you're a fan of Pinterest, you've probably already seen these inspirational quotes in a variety of fonts and sizes attached to an infinite number of websites and blogs. Only these are different... they're part of a personalized gift that was so much fun to design and create. It was my gift to my sister after the completion of a one year nutritional challenge. Throughout the year we would post Pins to encourage one another through highs and lows... from those I chose 16 of our favorites and created a deck of inspiration quotes with a small black stand.

Each day we choose the inspirational quote we need the most to keep us on track. AND the best part is it's a sweet reminder of our one year adventure together.

Have you ever thought of a personalized gift you'd like to give that special someone? Spouse? Parent? Sibling? Child? I would absolutely love to make your creative thought a reality. Contact me today for a complimentary consultation.

FOR THE LOVE OF PAPER. Originals Paper Art

AWESOME FACEBOOK REVIEW!

I was blushing last night when I received this review from Brian at WITT Print Shop in Columbia, Missouri. We've worked together for years as graphic designer and print owner and become great friends. Thanks again Brian for taking the time to share your thoughts on me, as a professional graphic designer, and how I run my creative business. You're a true friend.

CLICK HERE TO READ FACEBOOK REVIEW.

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FOR THE LOVE OF PAPER. Originals Paper Art

CREATIVE PORTFOLIO :: C

I've decided to change the format of my posts to accommodate the challenge presented to me. Having designed for nearly 18 years... I have a large portfolio of creative projects and it's hard to narrow each letter of the alphabet to just one project.

Each project below has the related name, creative services listed, a link to view/read more, and another photo of the project. Enjoy!

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C is for COLUMBIA'S KITCHEN
Logo Design, Business Stationery, Marketing Material, Exterior Signage

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C is for CHARMED CARDS
Concept, Design, Production, Packaging
Visit: Originals Paper Art / Paper Art

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C is for CORK BOARD
Custom Frame, Cork Collection, Production
Visit: Originals Paper Art / Beyond Paper

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C is for CYNERGY HEALTH
Logo Design, Business Stationery, Marketing Material, Interior & Exterior Signage
Visit: My Cynergy Health

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Do you need a graphic designer for a day, a week, or a specific project? Contact me today for a complimentary consultation.

FOR THE LOVE OF PAPER. Originals Paper Art

CREATIVE PORTFOLIO :: B

I simply have too many projects in my creative portfolio to pick just one that begins with B. Here are some of my all time favorites...

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B is for B MOHR CREATIVE
Logo, Business Cards, Note Cards

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B is for BAILEY GIRL SOY CANDLES
Logo, Stationery Suite, Packaging, Matchbooks

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B is for BATH UTOPIA BATH SALTS
Logo Design, Stationery, Packaging, Product Photography

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B is for BRIDAL TEA PARTY INVITATION
Concept, Design, Print, Assembly

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B is for BINDERY OPTIONS
Glue, Eyelets, String, Floss, Ribbon, Twigs, Wax

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Do you need a graphic designer for a day, a week, or a specific project? Contact me today for a complimentary consultation.

FOR THE LOVE OF PAPER. Originals Paper Art

CREATIVE PORTFOLIO :: A to Z

I was recently challenged by a friend in the creative profession to a blog booster project. My challenge is to post one portfolio piece per day starting with A and ending with Z. This should take me about six weeks {minus holidays and weekends} and wrap up by the end of 2015. Challenge accepted.
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A is for ADAIR COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Trifold Brochure, Self Mailer, Donation Gift Form

Do you need a graphic designer for a day, a week or a specific project? Contact me today for a complimentary consultation.

FOR THE LOVE OF PAPER. Originals Paper Art

BEYOND PAPER

My creativity does not stop with a skillfully designed and beautifully printed piece of paper. I've been hired dozens of times to create various projects that go well beyond your traditional assignment. Here are just a few:

GIFT BASKETS (BOWLS) FOR TOP REFERRING CLIENTS

CONCEPTUALIZE / PURCHASE / PACKAGE / DELIVER

CUSTOM CANDY WRAPPERS

GIFT BASKETS (TINS)  FOR TOP REFERRING CLIENTS

PERSONAL GIFT EXCHANGE :: CHRISTMAS 2015

DORM ROOM DECOR :: HAND LETTERED CANVAS

DORM ROOM DECOR :: HAND LETTERED & PAINTED CANVAS

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY :: PHOTO COLLAGE IN SHADOW BOX

Click on the BEYOND PAPER tab to see other projects compliments of Originals Paper Art.

GRADUATION PARTIES

I haven't been designing much for Originals lately, but when I was approached by my goddaughter to design the graduation party invitation for her and her best friend, I couldn't resist. This is one of those moments, as a designer, I treasure most. It is my gift in more ways than one.

When I sat down with Katie and Ashley to talk about the overall theme and feeling of their graduation party, here are words they used to describe their big event: backyard party, dancing on the sport court, bbq ribs on the barby, bonfire and s'mores bar, lots of fun pictures, mason jars and tulip decor, and the color lavender. Whew... I do believe I successfully represented their party in one 4x9 invitation.

ORIGINALS PAPER ART For the love of paper {and design}.

HOLSTEE MANIFESTO :: INVITATION INSPIRATION

Some of the words Kim used to describe the overall look and feel of their wedding day included the Holstee Manifesto, woodcut type, comfortable and fun, simple and relaxed. She tossed in some decor specifics as well, like her colors... navy blue, apple green and bright white, with touches of natural twine, mason jars and white lights. What a fabulous vision! So with that, this is the final version of the wedding invitation I designed for her and Jamie.

The tea length invitation was bound together with the RSVP/Map card using the natural twine and then delivered in a navy envelope hand addressed using white ink. I loved that the post office had apple RSVP postage stamps, they were the perfect accident!

The ceremony program was also tea length to compliment the invitation. Kim had fun and creative plans for displaying the escort tags of which I'm eager to see. The napkin tags were going to be tied around white napkins using natural twine. Can't you just see it? I love everything about this stationery ensemble. Thank you Kim for trusting me with your wedding stationery from 2000 miles away! Cheers.

FOR THE LOVE OF PAPER Originals Paper Art

BRIDAL SHOWER INVITATIONS :: TEA PARTY

2013 WEDDING WALK TACOMA... CHECK!

Like any grand event, so much time and effort goes into one day, and like that... it's all over. I had a wonderful time working with Gina Lillie of A Greater Plan Weddings and Events Consulting and meeting other amazing vendors that, like me, are living the entrepreneurial dream. Here are a few photo collages of our collaborative work.

To get an idea of how this design evolved... Google the artist, Alexander Calder prints and then William W. Philip Hall, U of W Tacoma. Using the contemporary style of the artist and architectural elements of the venue, this is what I designed to compliment Gina's vision for the event space.

WEDDING WALK TACOMA 2013 :: WEDDING STATIONERY

Here is the luxury lounge area where we incorporated the icebreaker bingo game and cocktail & concoctions.

WEDDING WALK TACOMA 2013 :: LOUNGE SPACE

The guest tables at the reception that include customized table numbers, dangling place cards and monogrammed napkin rings.

WEDDING WALK TACOMA 2013 :: GUEST TABLE

And finally, the head table, absolutely amazing floral design and original paintings by Gina Lillie. Love it!

WEDDING WALK TACOMA 2013 :: BRIDAL TABLE

FOR THE LOVE OF PAPER. Originals Paper Art

TOUR OF HOMES

It dawned on me yesterday that Wedding Walk Tacoma is like Tour of Homes. You know what I'm talking about, don't you? Did you ever go to one as a kid, or around Christmastime? You get to see all these amazing homes all decorated with beautiful things. THAT'S exactly what Wedding Walk Tacoma is like, but you get to taste delicious food from various caterers, sample amazing cakes from local bakers, admire floral arrangements like no others, and meet the talented event planners that pulled it all together in five different homes... oh, I mean venues! Be sure to swing by this Sunday, February 24th between Noon and 5pm. Purchase your passports for Wedding Walk Tacoma at William W. Philip Hall at U of W Tacoma, stroll through the five venues filled with local talent, and then end your evening with dinner on the Tacoma waterfront. Sounds like a fun-filled day to me. We hope to see you there.

FOR THE LOVE OF PAPER. Originals Paper Art

Wedding Walk Your City
Wedding Walk Tacoma
Downtown Tacoma
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Noon to 5pm

BRAND SPANKIN' NEW COLORS

Just in time! Look what arrived from Mr. UPS Man yesterday, the Brand Spankin' New Colors for the 2013 Envelopments Collection! Be one of the first to see and feel these fabulous new papers at the 2013 Wedding Walk Tacoma this Sunday, February 24th from Noon to 5:00.

WEDDING WALK TACOMA

A little Monday morning reminder as I scurry around the studio finalizing paper details... Wedding Walk Tacoma is Sunday, February 24th 12:00 - 5:00 pm. It's a must attend event for those who are planning a special event in 2013. Be it a College Graduation, Wedding Weekend, 50th Anniversary or Company Party... there are dozens of local vendors ready to show you their talents! Tickets are on sale now. Swing by and say hi... Originals is debuting wedding stationery with Team A Greater Plan at U of W Tacoma / William W. Philip Hall.

THE HANDMADE VALENTINE

Years ago I received a care package in the mail from my late Grandma Van. In it was a handwritten letter about her adventures, a handful of photos she found of my sister and I as children, a few lotto scratch tickets and this sweet treasure... a handmade Valentine I made for her and my Grandpa many years ago. In her letter she wrote, "Brooke Leigh, you were destined to make greeting cards." It brought tears to my eyes then, and it does now as I write this post.

As a graphic designer and paper artist, I often hear my family and friends express anxiety at the thought of making a paper project for me for fear they will suffer in comparison. The thing is, I don't compare... I just love that they took the time to make something for me and express their love from the heart.

This valentine is the perfect example of sweet love. So my message here today is it's not too late, don't hold back, grab some paper, pens, paints, scissors, glue, glitter, pictures, the works... and make your loved one a one-of-a-kind, Original, valentine. And while you're at it, tell them in your own handwriting just how much you love them. It feels fabulous to give such a card, not to mention, receive such a card.

FOR THE LOVE OF PAPER Happy Valentine's Day!

WEDDING WALK TACOMA 2013

Bridal shows aren't what they used to be, Wedding Walk Your City is different! Rather than sending bridal couples up and down isles and isles of vendors sitting at tables, Wedding Walk Your City chooses a number of venues (in select cities), and within each venue an event planner presents their talents by decorating the space using other fabulous vendors, i.e. linen rentals, florists, caterers, cake designers, musicians, photographers, and yes... stationery designers like me!

Above are photos from Wedding Walk Port Orchard that I participated in last winter. The bridal couples experienced the design talents of Gina Lillie, A Greater Plan Events & Consulting  at Gold Mountain Golf Club. I designed a wedding stationery suite that included: Save The Dates, Wedding Invitations, Ceremony Programs, Escort Cards, Place Cards, Table Numbers, Menus, Signature Cocktail Sign and, well, I think that covers it!

It's a wonderful concept and must-see event for bridal couples and business people alike. If you know a couple that's getting married or a business professional that plans a lot of corporate events in the Seattle/Tacoma area... please, please, please tell them about this incredible opportunity to network with local professionals and see for themselves the amazing talent in one fun-filled afternoon.

WEDDING WALK TACOMA
Sunday, February 24th, 2013
Noon — 5:00 pm

Visit the official website for event details: Wedding Walk Your City

FOR THE LOVE OF PAPER Originals Paper Art

MOMMY-TO-BEE STATIONERY

A while back I designed this logo for B MOHR Creative with an adorable little bumble bee... do you remember it?

Fast forward a few years... B MOHR Creative is expecting a baby in December, congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Mohr. I was invited to design thank you notes to match the baby shower invitations which incorporated the B MOHR Creative bumble bee. You gotta love when your design is loved so much they want to use it in other elements of their life.

We switched the bee to blue for symbolic reasons {hint hint}, chose chocolate brown envelopes (with white gel pen), and added a custom sticker seal for the return address and it was a good excuse to use the bee just one more time. I absolutely love the vertical stripes—good call Kim!

We printed half in yellow to match the invitations and the other half in blue... I absolutely love them both and couldn't pick a favorite if you asked!

FOR THE LOVE OF PAPER Originals Paper Art

DESTINATION WEDDING STATIONERY

I loved working with Cheryl on her destination {Hawaii} wedding. She already had her invitations done and needed wedding day stationery to compliment them. We met over coffee, which is a major perk to my work, and came up with a list of items. We ended the meeting with eight items: welcome bag tags, water bottle labels, snack bag tags, ceremony programs, place cards, custom napkins, menus and round favor tags (for cookie boxes). Everything is pictured below.

I used her colors in various ways. White paper, pink graphics, gold eyelets and elastic cord, and natural raffia. Everything came together beautifully and she was all smiles when she received her bag of goodies.

I love a well branded wedding... begin with custom Save the Dates, follow with designer Invitations and finish with whatever Wedding Day Stationery items you want/need.

FOR THE LOVE OF PAPER Originals Paper Art

BOOKLET PROGRAMS

This will be the final post on the Nichelle & Reed wedding, they married on September 29th. I'd like to share the booklet programs that completed their beautiful wedding stationery package. Here they are in various stages of production: print. score. fold. collate. punch. tie. repeat.

And here they are complete... wrapped with an elegant vellum overlay, bound with natural hemp cord, and then securely closed with a petite tab using their custom sunflower and mason jar image.

A close up photo of the petite tab shows you how it looked wrapped around onto the back of the program. Love. Love. Love.

It all comes down to this... everything is packaged up and I'm ready to meet Nichelle with all of her wedding day goodies: booklet programs, table numbers, cocktail napkins, dinner menus and a few extra favor tags.

FOR THE LOVE OF PAPER. Originals Paper Art