Links to Love: November, Vol. 6

I haven't shared some of my favorite things I have been finding and seeing from other artists and bloggers in a while. This is one is going to be a November and first part of December round up...so here we go!

- I always love reading about others beauty routines. I loved when this article popped up on A Beautiful Mess back in early November. The Neutrogena makeup remover wipes have always been a staple for me, I was happy to see them among the bunch. I can't wait to try out the Revlon color bust balms. Just look how vibrant the tube is!

- Beautiful fall and winter mood board by Making It Lovely . I think I love it so much because they are a toned down version of my wedding colors. (I will never let go of loving orange and pink, regardless the shades they are in. )

- It is always great to read a little slice of advice from artist you admire. Here they have rounded up 100 different designers who are all asked the same 5 questions and have great tips and advice to share. They are only on #72, so you can still catch up : )

- I occasionally look at wedding posts still (there are so many beautiful ideas and wedding out there!) This wedding at the Parker just took my breath away. Did you see her flower crown/veil combo? Or those orange doors? Wow!

- Gift Swaps, White Elephant, Christmas Exchange, Secret Santa, Secret Jesus...whatever you call it, it is always fun to participate in giving. This year I signed up to be apart of a international and national gift swap, Goody Goody Gift Swap curated by Jenna Cantagallo. I received my "swapee" this week and am so excited to make her something special as a gift!  Check out gifts being sent this year, and from previous years with the #goodgoodygiftswap

- The Christmas season is dictated by music galore - so many decades of musicians and versions of old and new favorites. I am often bouncing from Bing Crosby, to Sufjan Stevens, to Mannheim Steamroller. A favorite group of mine, Sleeping at Last, has released an album of their Christmas music. I particularly love their rendition of "Silver Bells".

- Last but not least, check out the 24 Merry Days. A sweet 24 day give away put on by 24 different bloggers. Each day a new blogger has a new prize you can win, and entering is so easy! Plus there are so many great blogs to look through too! (Don't worry you can still enter the past ones, hooray!)

Any links you absolutely loved this past month?

Holiday Photo Cards from Lina Lulu Paperie!

It’s that time for decorating the tree, decking the halls, catching snowflakes on your tongue and eyelashes, and mailing out holiday cards! It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of the holiday season, but there is a richness in sitting down with the right holiday tunes playing and a good cup of something hot near hand to write to loved ones, a holiday tradition that I look forward to every year. I know not everyone has time to write, so why not consider a fun, photo card to send holiday cheer to those you love?

New to the shop, I have created six different versions of the photo cards, all which are customized with your family's photo and say what you need to send your holiday cheer! All versions are available in my Etsy shop now. Order yours today!

Snowing and it's a ...

Fall

Last week I saw my late summer tan lines fade from my feet. The earth crescendoed with warmth for us here in Chicago-land (a sweet day of almost 72 degrees) allowing us to bid farewell to the mild fall. The leaves  brilliant in their colors and it almost seemed that the trees were showing off - trying to show one another up with who could have the most brilliant blaze. Captivating red to orange or sweet fade of green into yellow. As the warmth faded, it seemed not to go out with a fizzle but with a bang. We ushered October out, and our Indian summer, on Halloween with sleet and snow. The leaves are almost gone, November has come, and the clocks are set back an hour to let the darkness nestle in quicker. It seems that Fall is finally here – and so we’ll bust out our coats and heavy scarfs, wrap ourselves up in our favorite blankets and nestle into our homes on those blistery days.  It's the weather for thick sweaters, comforting flavors, and copious amounts of pie. Let's begin to cherish the sweetness of the seasons changing. Let’s fall back into fall.

Circles 2014 Reflections

About a month ago my sweet friend, Nicole, and I took an adventure down to the great state of Texas to attend the Circles Conference 2014. Circles is a conference for the creative to feel inspired and to reignite ones imagination. This years conference certainly lived up to what it said it was all about. Inspire. Create. Repeat.

Two fast, well filled days full of inspired speakers, conversations that produced hundreds of thoughts, and many powerful ideas shared. Though each speaker had unique experiences to share, a handful of common, strong threads seemed to pop up through each talk.

As they spoke, many of the speaker power points were filled with projects that were recognizable, with recognizable company names attached. The projects that you saw them light up  and pause at were the personal projects. Projects that had stories, personal interests, and passion attached and sewn into them. My favorite examples of this were projects by Matt Lehman and the Heads of State. They both took initiative to do projects that were driven by person interests and have allowed their personal interests help them showcase what they could do, and not just what they were known for.

Create with depth and authenticity.
 - This one seems like a no-brainer, right? Often though when  asked to churn out design after design, that depth seems to fade and the authenticity becomes replaced with concern to move on. Jay Argaet spoke deeply on this subject, not only urging us to create with authenticity, but imploring us to step away from the computer and the “inspiration” sites to look at the world around us for inspiration. He has some lovely stories about how this has effected his work style and his staff at Hillsong Church.  

I instantly connected with what Becky Murphy had to say when she spoke about the importance of celebrating your first drafts, and not discounting the sketch work you do before the final project. Woven in with funny life stories and great illustrated slides, Becky proceeded to tell us of her "misses" and of the handful of projects that were successful for acknowledging what was wrong with the first ideas. “Measure by progress,” she said, “not by comparison... we all can have a piece of the creativity pie.” We all start at the same point; Celebrate and learn from your first drafts; Look at your old work and move on. In a day and age of easily accessible sites and work it has been a welcomed daily reminder.

I didn't realize that often I gave the answer "I'm busy" to the question of how I was doing until Kathleen Shannon pointed it out in her talk about shelving fear. "Busy is not an answer" she gently reminded us,  and continued on to remind us not to become so busy "you forget to live a life."  We each are human, each given gifts to share with the other humans around us. Sweet reminders of this came from speakers like Doug Bowman, who shared on finding your voice. Then there was Lee Steffen, who not so subtlety, hinted at the importance of family and life over work. He talked about not waiting for the calling or adventure, but to find the spark of life. As well, he urged us to find our voices and genuinely cultivate a life that allowed us to authentically give our gift or art and creating back to those around us.

Each speaker, in his or her own way, reminded me that they were not the sum of their projects, but rather their projects were being influenced as a production of their life being lived. Each speaker presented old ideas in a new way, and new ideas in a simple way. I could continue to go on about each speaker and the daily gems they gave me to mull over and make my own, but I highly recommend you jump over to Circles, listen and discover the gems you need to hear for yourself.

Color Companions: Olive & Orange

I love how fall blends the last of the summer greens into its swirling heat of colors such as red, plum, and especially orange. Fall in the Midwest is a time for strong golden hues, apple picking, and pumpkin carving. Just mention October and pumpkins seem to pop out of the ground, ripe and ready to be jack-o-lanterns. Green and orange among the ripened trees and floating leaves seem to abound, creating a perfect pair to bring us into the crispness of the Fall season.

Clockwise: Wood Pumpkins | Dahlias | Olive pants & Pumps | Kettle

The Essentials : The Airport

Images by Caroline Hutchison for Linalulu Paperie

Vacations and traveling can be really fun. Going to the airport, on the other hand, can be not so fun. I have had the opportunity to travel more this year and have found a few essential things I now can’t travel without:

(Clockwise)

Slip-on Shoes: Getting through security can be a breeze if you set yourself up for it. Waiting on a cold tile floor as I push my belongings through the x-ray can be, well, gross. I wear simple flats so just right before my turn to walk through I can slip them off to toss in the bin and easily slip them back on once through.

Lite Reading: I usually bring a short book and a magazine with me. Having either to switch back and forth is great when you're not sure how long your wait is or to pass time on the plane. For even lighter reading, download Audible or OverDrive app and listen to your book.

Sketchbook & Pens : The airport is incredible people watching, and usually has great art pieces decorating the terminals. I have a sketchbook with me to capture all the funny moments and when inspiration strikes.

Chap stick: ...and a lot of it. The plane is dry and you can never have enough chap stick.

Jacket or Sweater: Jackets are nice in case of a cold airport or airplane. Plus they can double as a good blanket or pillow if need be.

Snacks: The airport food court always seems tempting to just grab food, but with higher prices and strategically placed Starbucks kiosks, I opt to bring food like granola bars or fruit snacks to tide me over. Plus it helps with the travel fatigue and meltdowns.

Water bottle: Just like carrying chap stick, having a water bottle is always smart to keep you hydrated and ready for anything that comes your way.

Carry-On Bag: One of the most important things to make sure you have, man or woman, is a sturdy, versatile carry-on bag. A bag with reachable pockets for your phone and wallet, a zipper closure to make sure nothing falls out when you slip it under your seat, and both short and long shoulder straps that can carry heavier items like a laptop with out strain or snapping.

Other travel essentials for me:
Ear buds, Phone Charger, Cash, and Comb & Toothbrush - You never know when you will need to freshen up.

What are your travel essentials?

Out of Office

Last weekend I had the privileged to step away from the office and immerse myself in learning and listening to inspiring and engaging individuals in the design world at the Circles Conference in Texas. What a wonderful world we live in! I have so much to share from Circles and will be sharing in the weeks ahead!

This weekend will be no different! I will be stepping away from the office and heading (once again) to warmer climates to learn, grow, and just live life with other creatives and entrepreneurs for a few days. I'm also looking forward to finishing my time on the west coast with my sweet husband,  relaxing near the beach, and getting to see a few of our dear friends.

Sketches and stuff

I'm waiting on the edge of my seat as I watch my full, 120 passenger flight start to board. I have been excited about going to Circles conference in Texas since about this time last year. In a few short hours I'm going to get to hear men and women I admire in the design world speak on a range of topics and glean from their past triumphs and mistakes. Notebook and pen in hand, I can't wait for these next two days to start, as well as meet new people! While I wait here at the gate I'll continue to sketch- I'm already feeling inspired...

Four Years Strong, Two Years Binding

When I met my husband formally for the first time my sophomore year of college, frankly, I couldn't remember his name (oops!). The things I do remember from that meeting was how kind and easy his dimpled smile was, and how even though the only thing he said to me was a formal greeting and introduction, he lingered in my thoughts for far longer than I would have liked to admit at the time.

The above pictures are the first photos we took together. We weren't even dating yet - but I had no hesitation saying yes to be his date to an outing with his dorm floor.  I love those photos. I love that I instantly felt at ease with him. Four years later I still feel that instant ease when we are together. We have had four strong years of memories, growth, chats, fights, laughter, and unimaginable surprises.

He set my life swirling. I was swept away in his big dreaming, ridiculous scheming, and goofy personality. I have been married to this man for two years - two stretching, fast-moving, wonder-filled years full of ups and downs and more running than I could imagine. In our ever changing life, I found I have a constant and comfort in his steady love - a love I know he has mimicked and learned from our Father and Lord.

Happy Anniversary Reid.

Links to Love: August, vol.5

I keep forgetting it is September, but I love that this month is finally here! August has seamlessly flown by with picnics & vacations, time by the lake, time spent with family, friends, and moving out of our first apartment and into our new (more spacious) apartment a town over. Hooray!

Here is some of Augusts round-up for me of links to love:

-  I really love the freedom of a gallery wall and all the unique ways you can arrange and showcase treasured pieces. The picture above is one I put together in our Living room. Check out some great ones here.

- I constantly feel their is an infinite amount to learn within the Adobe CC suite. With my main platform being InDesign, I came across these quick tips to help you work a little smoother in the program. (I will take all the quick tips and keyboard short cuts I can!)

- Sweater weather seems to be around the corner (How did September come so quickly?) and I love this fun sweater that will definitely ease the change from sunny summer days to crisp fall weather.

- With moving into a new apartment that (space wise) is very different from our old one, we have made numerous trips to IKEA. (Thank the Lord for furniture you can carry up narrow flights of stairs in pieces.) IKEA recently launched their new catalog (That you can see on Instagram) , and this great app that allows you to see how their pieces would look in your space before you buy them. Pretty convenient ! Watch the video here.

- Though I love our sunny apartment, I often crave a yard or patio. These beautiful projects by the Beautiful Mess team definitely settle my craving.  Porch swing, Pergola, and their Party Patio. Love all those colors!

- Finally, from the creators of Instagram comes Hyperlapse, a video app that allows "handheld time lapses that result in a cinematic look, quality and feel". WHOA. Check out more on Instagrams blog.

Happy  weekend - and here's to a happy September!

September & Such

by Caroline Hutchison for Lina Lulu Paperie

For many, September marks the end - the end of Summer, the end of warmth, and the end of carefree schedule. When growing up it meant the start of school, new pens and pencils, volleyball season, and homework.  In high school it meant homecoming float building, bonfires, and figuring out how I would balance class and social life. In college it meant the reuniting with sweet friends, returning to an actual art studio, and getting to participate in all the new school year rituals while watching the Freshmen navigate what I knew to be so familiar.

Now, a few years out of school, September holds a new meaning of promise. September now marks a new beginning. It marks when I first met my husband. It holds the day we married. It marks our "new year" together.

This September in particular has so many things I'm looking forward to. A handful of trips, our two year wedding anniversary, and the unspoken promise of a sweet season ahead.

September, I'm glad you are here.

Portfolio: All Creatures Great and Small

This past summer we celebrated the coming birth of my sweet cousin Laura's third baby and third little boy - Crosby Thomas. We found out she was decorating the nursery in a Noah's Ark theme and then asked if she had a quote, verse, or lyrics she wanted framed.

This project was so fun for me to work on! I loved combining my illustrations of all the happy creatures (great and small) with calligraphy. I used a premixed ink and regulated the pressure and amount of ink on the nib to give the letters an ocean feel of dark and light blue. As well, I added a little more swashes then I usually would for a "masculine" print to help give it that moving water look.

I loved working on this piece and I love that sweet Crosby and his brothers will see it everyday reminding them of all the great things our Lord has created.

Color Companions: Summer Neutrals

August is already here - how did that happen? I love this month, especially in the Midwest. The mornings are a cool preview of the fall weather to come, but the days seem hazy and dreamy with soft sunshine, and warm (sometimes blistering hot) days. With the old adage of not wearing white after Labor day, these dreamy August days are perfect for fitting summer neutrals and floral in every part of your life.

Clockwise: Plates | Botanical Prints | Pitcher | Cardigan

Links to Love: July, vol. 4

In honor of  National Geographic 125th anniversary, last year N.G. released Found, a curated collection of photography from their archives.  It is a beautiful completion of photos showing an every day perspective through the lat century and a quarter.

Have you seen this stunning short, Duet, by Glen Keane? It took my breath away the first time. An animator for Disney for over 38 years, he wanted to draw again- and this is the final result. Here is also a short video about the making of Duet.

The typography for Rio Olympic 2016 games is so full of life - and no wonder, the beautiful type was based off of the vibrant city of Rio, as well as the movements of the athletes themselves.

DesignStudio has helped Airbnb launch a new logo, and a new way of looking at this great service. Check out more of both here.

I'm in love with this space! Designer and renovator, Sarah Brown does a great job mixing sultry blues, crisp blacks and whites, and a handful of colors to create a relaxing apartment.

Some cool ideas for a designer on the go - I really love that dopp kit for designers. Would be a great addition to clean up any carry on.

Portfolio: Hand Done Type

A few friends recently put together a weekly, collaborative type challenge called Type Club 2014. They passed the link on to a handful of creatives they know, and the results have been really beautiful to see.

The premise: Each week a new quote is posted. You can interpret this quote any way you like, using any medium you like. There is a time "constraint" of one week. This "constraint" creates a deadline and a push for you to share the "final" piece with everyone else with out belaboring your work through social media.

It's a great exercise, and fun to see the interpretations and beautiful design from everyone.

Original art by Caroline Hutchison for Linalulu Paperie

Portfolio: Baby Berge Shower

A few weeks ago a group of ladies and myself threw a sweet baby shower for our friend and mama-to-be, Heather! This is Heather and husband, Daniel, first baby - and they are waiting to find out the sex of the child! SO brave but very fun!

We picked up on their nursery theme, Jungle Animals, and chose gender neutral colors of yellow and mint to compliment the fun animals. Heather is only a week away from her due date and we all can't wait to meet this newest little one!

See more of Heather's invite in our gallery.

Color Companion: Independence Day

Clockwise: Kate Spade | Dessert | Hair Bow | Garland

Links to Love: June, vol. 3

Well, June, you have been a sweet month; hello July.

- Sam Smith's "Stay with Me" has become a quick favorite for me since I heard it back in early the Spring - his voice is gorgeous! I have been anticipating his album (out now) and I love the rendition he did for David Letterman. Just wow.

- This lovely lady, Jessica Pezalla, of Bramble workshop is so talented! Her installations are incredible! Here are a few of my favorites: hermès artemis windows, oh joy! studio, wall hangings

- Adobe recently updated their Creative Cloud with more great features, and announced the arrival of this tool, the Adobe Ink and Slide. When can I get mine?

- Nothing says "summer" like being poolside with a good drink! Strong contenders include Tropical Pineapple smoothie, Italian sodas, or a good summer cocktail.

- The Chicago Design Museum has a permanent home.

- A friends passed this on to me,  the Arrels Foundation  is collaborating with men and women who live on the streets to help their voices and stories to be heard through their hand writing by helping them turn it into a font. You have to watch the video.

- Last minute July 4th Party? Add a little sparkle to your party with these cute downloads by Lovely Indeed.

Portfolio: Longyne/Smies Wedding

A few months back I had the pleasure of illustrating a beautiful, city inspired wedding suite for Cindy, and husband-to-be, Tyler. You can see the mini moodboard here I created when beginning this project.

I loved hearing the passion that Cindy and Tyler have for the city of Grand Rapids, MI and how it has played a role in their relationship - and now in their wedding! We went with dark green and a grey metallic inks to bring out the scheme of their wedding. I love how the metallic ink shimmers and makes the city feel alive in the background.

Best of luck you two - I know the Lord has much in-store for you in marriage!