Reading: Me Before You by Jojo Moyers
Listening: Ultraviolence by Lana Del Rey & Strange Trails by Lord Huron
Wearing: Short Sleeve Knit Sweater
Eating: Plated subscription food box
Update: 100 Day Project
To be honest I have fallen deeply behind on my 100 Day Project (Yikes!). I loved the first two weeks of drawing and setting aside the time for just Myrtle and me. Then this busy season came blowing in. Myrtle has successfully been to the zoo, and her adventure was so fun to dream and scheme. I know that this wasn't meant to be overwhelming or should be - rather to help build habits and be apart of the creative community at large.
I have loved viewing others project, and seeing the creativity of people in this world. Some amazing work out there! Have you looked through the #the100dayproject Seeing others work encourages me and inspires me to pick up where I left off and to continue on, instead of watching it steadily drift away and say, "Oh yea, I was doing that...". I hope in a month I will report where Myrtle has been - no, I will report on it (how's that for confidence?).
Anywhere you would like to see Myrtle go?
Color Companion : Spring Florals, Anthropologie
Flowers are great any time of the year and Springtime is their time to shine! I love the variety and stylization that floral prints take on. I couldn't narrow it down to one type (because I love SO many!), I decide to narrow it down to one company. Anthropologie is dreamy unto itself, but then you add all the floral's and BOOM - a slice of paradise. I especially am excited for the Paper Crown & Rifle Paper Company collaboration line ( lower bottom left).
I love the variety of florals they always have in store. From their clothes to their home goods, everything looks good with a little floral splash - am I right? How do you use florals? Are they everywhere or do you limit them to just clothes?
New Spring Prints in the Shop
Springtime is officially here in the Midwest and I couldn't be more happier with the sunshine! Plus my new Spring Print collection is now in the shop! Winter was long and cold, and I dreamt about the sunnier things to come. Inspired by a few favorite things, my 2015 print collection is full of simple color and whimsy.
Check the entire collection out now in my store: Linalulu Paperie and lookout for the spring stationery collection coming at the end of the month!
100 Days Project
Image from The Great Discontent
About a month or so ago a friend showed me the 100 Day Challenge and asked a bunch of us if we would like to be involved. I was so hesitant at first, I mean what could I do for a hundred days that wouldn't seem daunting or at the same time underwhelming? As a creative type I knew that I wanted to do something with art, but more specifically with something off of the computer. After debating (with myself of course) for a while between drawing and some type of lettering and I remembered a doodle series I developed back a few years ago.
Meet Myrtle. Born out of a whimsical and slightly skewed sense of humor, Myrtle will be going on adventures for the next 100 days. If you would like to follow along with me you can find the drawings here #myrtlesadventures - I know I can't wait to see where she'll be going next!
It has already been a little challenging to make sure the picture goes up each day and we are only three days in! I love the time I have put into sketching out thoughts and then completing the frame. Though it seems like another thing on my list of "to do's", it's been relaxing to get back to a sketchbook and drawing for my own pleasure.
I also have loved seeing what friends have committed to working on and exploring what others are doing through the #100dayproject and #the100dayproject
Want to join the challenge? It's not too late - here is how to join:
The Essentials: Spring Flats
Top to Bottom: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
I couldn't wait for this snow to melt and slipped on my flats about a month ago! I was tired of my socks and boots and wanted my toes to be free of constriction and my feet to add a little more pop to my outfits.
I love flats. LOVE THEM. They have almost become a part of my uniform in a way. At one point in my life I had close to 40 pairs, just flats, in my closet. I now own about 10 pairs, and am always looking for more (but not too many).
Shoes are a great way to throw in bold color and patterns into even the most formal of outfits. I'm crushing hard on those MadeWell sandles (#3) and the floral flats on the bottom. Sigh...my birthday is only a few months away...
What shoe is your must have staple? Do share...
Recap: February 2015
February was a sweet time filled with family, friends, and events. I can't believe next week will already be March. With lots of traveling - Wisconsin and Colorado as our highlights - February has been my favorite month so far this year. I love this time of year though, with the snow melting, the sun feeling warmer, and the flowers coming alive, slowly, but surely. Somehow, though, it is still snowing here - ugh. I look forward to the sunny sky's ahead. Hello April!
How did your February and March go? Anything new and exciting?
Welcome March & Desktop Wallpaper
March is here and the countdown to the first day of spring is on - March 21st can't come soon enough! Though the snow is pretty when it is falling - I'm ready for bright colors, sock free feet in flats, and little flowers popping up all around. Thank goodness Shamrock shakes are already here!
To celebrate the coming of the Spring I have created three different desktop and phone wall papers for you all! From a lovely quote by Longfellow, to a sweet reminder of His peace from the book of Micah, and then for the more orderly in the group a simple calendar.
Download one or rotate through all three!
Springtime Splendor : Desktop WallPaper | Phone Background
March Calendar : Desktop WallPaper | Phone Background
Micah : Desktop WallPaper | Phone Background
To download: click on the link above to the one you want, the image will open in its own window, and Save As or simply drag the image to your desktop. Then select system preferences and then desktop/screensaver.
Portfolio: Daisy Print
I love flowers, and growing up I had a sweet spot for daisies. Not quite what Kathleen Kelly said in the film, You've Got Mail, but I have to still agree daisies are the happiest and friendliest flowers out there. I hope spring comes sooner than later around here...
Pattern Play
I have been loving the patterns popping up on my Pinterest lately. From fun food patterns to illustrated gems, they seem to be all that I have been pinning. I especially have been loving the floral and geometric gems. I grabbed a few of my favorite to create this mood board. What have you been pinning lately?
Free Valentine's Day Printables
Wow, Valentine's Day has snuck up on me once again! Luckily there is still time to get the cards into the mail and plan a little something for Saturday. Since my husband and I started dating, Valentines Day has always been a low key affair. Last year we went to a great little pub near by, ate delicious cheese, had some wine, and played games from the bars collection - our favorites including Blockus, and a few rounds of Gin Rummy.
One day a year is not enough to tell those you care for most how you feel, especially with such a happy thing as getting a handwritten note in the mail. I created two downloadable cards that you can print out yourself and spread the love to those around you.
Choose one or both; send one or keep sending them all year long! Each fits onto a 8.5" x 11" sheet of paper and when cut out & folded will fit a standard A6 card envelope. Also, it's blank inside - easy for you to write down all the reasons you love that special someone, or just sign your name.
Download them here, Linalulu Paperie Valentines Day Downloadable, and happy card writing!
Portfolio: Emily Dickinson Quote
A friend approached me to do a few prints, and among them a quote by Emily Dickinson. I learned that the quote would be a gift for her mother who had been diagnosed with Breast Cancer. The quote had brought me to tears, and with the circumstance we agreed on a softer and cooler color palette.
I loved how the piece turned out, and often pull out my sketches and "mess ups" to look over the sweet words. I hope they both feel comfort when they reread these words, and even more comfort knowing where true hope is found.
Portfolio: New York Print
When I think of my favorite films growing up the 1998 classic Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan movie, You've Got Mail, instantly comes to mind. I remember when my parents took us to see it in theaters. Many lines from this film have seemed to become go-to's for me.
F-O-X.That is amazing, you can spell "fox"! Can you spell "dog"? F-O-X.
It is a gem of a film, and I mean how much more classic than you can get than Tom and Meg? From the also quotable Sleepless in Seattle to the lesser known Joe vs the Valcano - they were a dream team of the late eighties and nineties romance comedies .
I recently created this print based on one of the opening lines from the movie, (cue "Dreams" by The Cranberries please!). The illustration was fun to pull together from pictures of the movie set and New York city itself. I haven't experience New York in the Fall, but with the quote dancing along in my head I think a trip might be in order in the months ahead.
Gift Swaps & Goodies
I had the opportunity to participate in two gift swaps this Christmas season which were so much fun to be apart of. The first one, Christmas City Swap, is curated by Allie Lehaman of Be Up & Doing . Being her third year curating the event, s lays out the concept so simply : sign-up; be paired with a random swap-mate; purchase a gift for your swap-mate locally, from your hometown; send your gift before the new year. What I thought was really cool was the person your sending to is not the same person you're receiving from, so it is one giant swapping circle. Love this!
I received a beautiful and simple statement necklace and some great natural lip balm for my gift. The necklace has quickly become a staple piece in wardrobe - I think I wear it now three or four times a week.
Since I still live near my true hometown, but live in a different suburb of Chicago I picked a few items from both my hometown and some local Chicago makers to send to my swap-mate. My most favorite item being chocolates and a hand-made candy cane from Grahams Chocolate shop, delicious!
The second gift swap is the Goody Goody Gift Swap curated by Jenna Cantagallo. The idea is to create, gather, or shop for a thoughtful and personal gift for your swap mate. This one you are paired up with the person you are sending to and will receive from. I loved the idea of creatives around the world exchanging intentional and beautiful handmade gifts. You can see a lot of the gifts and processes here, #goodygoodygiftswap.
I loved putting my gift together for my swap-mate, Paige. She told me she loved traveling, glitter and her puppy. Among my package, I included two prints - one of her puppy, Poppy, and a travel quote; a glittery heart from BanDo; and then some small, monogramed cards.
I loved gathering and creating the gifts for her. She sent me the cutest package including a great calendar by Sugar Paper and even a gift for my cat. Now that is one of the fastest ways to my heart.
I loved getting to participate in these great swaps, and am already looking forward to participating next year. If you are interested in participating next year - I know, I know its months away - watch out for the sign-ups in November. Can't wait for Christmas? Check out the Handmade Valentines Day swap curated by The Stationery Place.
Color Companion: Marsala
Recently I have been seeing this deep wine, almost brown color in a variety of mediums - clothes, flowers, home goods, ect. Who knew that the actual color name was Marsala?
Regardless the name and the slight variations I have seen, I think the color is lovely. If you are not sure what to pair this rich color with, Pantone has given us a quick guide of a variety of colors that will complement Marsala, including a few of my favorites : Calypso Coral, Cress Green, and Marina. What do you think of 2015 color of the year?
Portfolio: VandenBranden Bridal Shower
I did these lovely invites to honor a family friend back in the late summer. Set with a a color palette of purple, cream, and grey - I knew I wanted to keep the invite itself airy, feminine, and bright. I had been admiring the Saint Agnes font for sometime and knew that these sweet invites would be a perfect use for the elegant, but whimsical font. The combination of it all created a beautiful outcome, don't you think?
Saint Agnes is a part of the foundry Great Lake Lettering started by Molly Jacques and Dathan Boardman.
Portfolio: Heirloom Creations
I have a handful of projects I would love to show you guys - starting with these cute business cards! Lynne, a very talented crocheter, approached me to help her take her sweet creations to the next level. She has been creating and selling beautiful crocheted baby gowns, dresses, and booties for some time to friends and family, and recently stared creating adorable barretts and hair-clips.
When we sat down to go over her business cards, she knew exactly what she wanted - orange and teal that could look vintage with a whimsical nod. She told me what she liked, brought me samples of her work, and told me what she didn't want to see. I loved her clear vision and voice which made creating a few samples of cards a breeze. After tweaking things here and there, we had our fun, final product!
These cards also have a double function. Lynne will punch holes on the orange polka dot block when an order is placed for hair clips. This way she can clip them on to the card. A simple way to have all the information next to the product for reorders. So fun!
I know Lynne loved them just as much as I do! She is currently working on opening an Etsy shop to sell her beautiful, baby goods. I can't wait to see all her beautiful goods to come!
Christmas Card 2014
Our 2014 seemed to fly by but was filled with a few huge markers. We made the move to a roomier apartment in a quaint downtown with some great restaurants, complete with a second bedroom for us to set up an office. We both had shifts in our jobs, and for Reid a change in career. We traveled to see friends, family, and on our 2nd anniversary we ventured to the west coast. It seemed at points this year was endless, but I'm sure thankful for everything that we accomplished, learned, and will have to keep unpacking in this new year.
My brother took our photo this year, you can check out more of his work here - The Preplete. I caved and did a photo card, but couldn't resist doing something a little more. I loved doodling out our high points for the year. It was so fun to remember all the places we had a chance to travel to, the stories behind each event, and what we have to look forward to in 2015. This might become our traditional Christmas card, I guess I have this whole next year to decide.
New Year, New Work
New Years has always been a hit or miss holiday in my life. I have spent it with friends, at home with family, working as a hostess minutes before midnight, and even falling asleep to wake up around 2am and missing the whole shebang completely. The last two years have born a tradition of grilling steaks and ringing in the new year with our sweet friends Mark and Andrea.
2014 was filled with so many joys and each month brought something different into my life. Some sweet highlights include:
- Our niece, Olivia, was born in late February and earlier in the month we went skiing with some dear friends in Colorado that now has spawned a tradition we will live up to again this February.
- It seemed that both Reid and I had the opportunity to travel quite a bit this year, both internationally (for Reid) and nationally. Each trip held something sweet - from watching friends get married, watching my brother graduate college, learning new things, discovering new places, and spending sweet time with family and friends.
- We spent our 2nd year anniversary in California, spending time both in the dessert and by the ocean. I can see why everyone falls in love with the west coast. The dessert was breathtaking and magical, and watching the sunset over the Santa Monica pier was lovely. I'm already planning a trip back.
- We moved form our first apartment into a beautiful two-bedroom, rooftop apartment in a downtown area. It has amazing natural light, and having space for an office has been so sweet. Now fully furnished and decorated (for the most part), with the addition of our cat, Italics (in August), our apartment now feels like home. I love our little slice of the suburbs, and love even more the addition of our sweet little kitty.
- Work brought new adventures as well for both Reid and I. Last January, as well, I started this little space and my Etsy shop.
I have been thankful for the growth this year both personally and professionally. Looking into 2015 I hope to experience more growth in my work, growth in my marriage, and growth in my everyday life. So here is to the New Year, to 2015, and may every day you do something creative.
Giveaway Time!
It feels like I have piles of work to share you all! With the rush of the holiday season, it seems this little space has been put on the back burner. With 2015 coming swiftly, I know one of my resolutions will be to put more time into updating my work.
On that same note, my dear friend from high school, Meredith Bazzoli, has written up a lovely piece on the coming of the new year and resolutions for 2015 over on her blog , Very Revealing. To accompany her fantastic post, I have worked with her on the print you see above as a fun giveaway to spark you on the road to keeping your resolutions for the new year!
Meredith writes in a matter of fact, down to earth style infused with humor that will make you feel like you have been friends for years. To enter the giveaway, jump over to Very Revealing and subscribe to her new series, Revealing Resolutions.
The new year is already being to look up!
