originals :: paper art & design

My Booklet Invitations have become a favorite with my bridal clients.  Here’s another version using chocolate brown and aqua blue (some call it Tiffany Blue).  I designed the custom monogram using the script font used in the invitation and dots from the filigree graphic we incorporated throughout the ensemble.  I’m very proud of this invitation!

Here’s a shot from above to give you an idea of the overall booklet concept.

The RSVP postcard and FRIDAY rehearsal dinner invitation are held in place with a colorful wrap and wax seal… my brides love this option, it keeps the cards in place with purpose.  Love it!

This Booklet Invitation design really gives the bride a lot of room for various blocks of information.  On the left side of this version is the reception information and graphic element and on the right side is the formal invitation.

I couldn’t pass up this final snapshot!… 150 bound Booklet Invitations ready to ship.  It took Allen and I a combined 40 hours to assemble these invitations.  Never underestimate the time involved and attention to detail when it comes to assembling a project like this!

Have a great week!

I was approached by Seattle Central Community College to design a department logo for their Distance Education and eLearning program.  The SCCC logo is shown in the upper left corner of my sketchbook.  My first round of sketches are shown below and my thought process behind each sketch in writing below it.

Every once in a while I don’t connect with the vision of my client (the first time) and this was one of those times. I was so focused on making the DEeL logo compliment the existing SCCC logo that I didn’t expand the creative field. My client asked me to send a round of new ideas and to please provide a rough electronic version of each rather than sketches… and so I did. Here is round two of the sketches (per their feedback and focus) and quick electronic versions.

Why sketch? you may ask… I’m a believer that by sketching you can get lots of ideas in a short amount of time and then elaborate on the strong ideas. When I work on the computer I tend to perfect everything… and that’s a waste of my time and the client’s money. It doesn’t always work… like in this case, however it usually does. Here is the DEeL logo finalized.

What are your thoughts on the final logo? Care to share your feedback with me? I’m happy with it and believe it’s a nice compliment to SCCC, graphically represents the program and has nice icon appeal. Gotta run! Have a great day!

These invitations (pieces) just arrived from my printer and I couldn’t wait to share the finished ensemble with you, so here it is in pieces.  You can count on seeing it fully assembled next week, but for now, just admire the pieces with me.  In this shapshot is the printed invitation, monogram element, RSVP postcard and Friday night rehearsal dinner.

Here’s a closer look at the monogram I designed to compliment the whimsical graphic.  The graphic was the first thing we decided upon, then I chose the font combination to compliment the graphic, and finally… I designed the monogram incorporating the two.  I’m so pleased with the monogram.  Your thoughts?

OH! and the stacked cards with continuous flowing graphic – it worked!  These are tiered cards and I designed them so the graphic appears seamless.  This is an element the bride and groom mentioned liking during our consultation… and it worked.  It’s so rewarding when everything comes together so beautifully.

That’s it for now. You’ll have to check back next week to see how these pieces all go together. It’s one of my favorites… I can tell you that. Back to work. Have a great afternoon.

Months ago I designed this blended logo and every time I see it I’m very proud to say I did it. Saturday night we went to a wine and chocolate tasting hosted by West Winery at Jackson Stables & Mocha Hut and had a great time. Delicious wine paired with Belgian chocolates… what could be better on Valentine’s Day weekend?!

If you’re following my blog and live in the midwest, you should escape to this little piece of heaven.  West Winery at Jackson Stables is a beautiful place to visit and enjoy an evening of quality time with friends and family.  They encourage you to bring your own picnic basket with snacks and treat yourself to some wine.  They occasionally have musicians play too!  Check out their events schedule on their website.  And tell them Brooke sent you!

Are you familiar with Envelopments? I fell in love with their product years ago before I became an invitation designer. It’s only appropriate that I became an Envelopments Dealer and Designer. If you’re not familiar with their line of paper products, be sure to check out their website next!

I designed this sample using an Envelopments Pocket Fold, their yummy colored papers, exclusive artwork and my fabulous laser printer.  I love making samples!

Envelopments is well known for their Pocket Folds.  Many brides love the fact that all their extra cards can be nestled nice and neat into the pocket which adds elegance to the overall design of the invitation.  So say goodbye to the days of photocopied maps and directions! Yikes!

When cropped down, the spiral graphic adds a nice border on the additional cards, ie: travel details (map, hotel, directions), rsvp postcard and Friday night rehearsal dinner.

It’s very busy here in the Originals Paper Art studio and my blog has suffered. I apologize. I skipped my spinning class tonight to get caught up… but not to worry, I’m making up for it tomorrow by running the Frostbite 5K. And it ought to live up to its name tomorrow morning… they’re forecasting 24 degrees at the time the race starts. Wish me luck and have a great weekend.

Last weekend was the 2010 NEMO Bridal Expo.  Not only was Originals Paper Art an invitation vendor in the show, I was also a member of the Bridal Expo steering committee and the Kirksville Arts Center Bridal Expo committee! I was stretched a little thin last week.  It was fun… but I’m really glad it’s over for another year. Kristina, Katie and I put together a beautiful booth for the Kirksville Arts Center.  I ordered flowers and cupcakes, designed print ads and favors, and edited and recorded radio ads.

These little favors are printed on light weight vellum, adhered to skewers and curled with scissors (you know the method). They turned out really cute. My theory was the recipient would want to know what the message said and thus unroll the favor. I witnessed many unroll it which made the hours of assembly well worth it! The message read, “We have an elegant venue for your wedding celebrations in downtown Kirksville”.

Here are the cupcakes on the tiered cupcake stand in the Kirksville Arts Center booth at the NEMO Bridal Expo. Unfortunately I ordered too many cupcakes, however, I’d rather have too many than not enough.

Kristina researched chair covers, table design and floral arrangements. The round table dressed up beautifully. The most talked about feature was how the table itself was lit from below. It was stunning with the dim booth space. Many brides thought table design was a service we provided.  Hmm.  Sounds like an opportunity knocking… anybody there?!

Katie is a graphic designer and paper fanatic just like me! She designed the faux menus, place cards and table card to give this beautiful table a personal touch. She also designed our information card that has all the rental information.  It was a terrific team effort and so much fun.

So then, in addition to sharing my party favor design and snapshot photography, I want to plug the Kirksville Arts Center as a lovely space to rent if you have an upcoming event in northeast Missouri. Call Judy at (660) 665-0500 if you have questions about the space. Be sure to tell her I sent you!  Have a great day!

The 2010 Northeast Missouri Bridal Expo (brought to you by Tailor-Made Events) is this Sunday, January 31st and I’m getting my booth layout figured out this week.  Here is one of my display towers.  Each will present four original invitation ensembles.

Originals Paper Art & Design invitations do not come from an overflowing catalog or electronic template, but from a creative session between the bridal couple and me!  They are truly original and designed to represent the couple and their special day.

Whether your budget is average or ample, I can design an invitation for you. I must be honest, if you have a strict budget, Originals is not your best option. A set budget is beneficial prior to the creative session… it helps us stay on track when discussion your invitation options.

I’ll have hundreds of invitation samples at the Expo for you to look at and get ideas.  Your invitation is the first thing your guests see and it indicates what they can expect the day of your wedding.  Represent yourselves well.

Originals has a rainbow of paper colors, tactile textures and fancy finishes available in hot pink, rich red or chocolate brown, you name it, we’ve got your color scheme covered!

I’m an Envelopments dealer/designer and have access to their entire line of paper, dimensional pockets and original graphics.  Check out their website and let me know if I can be of assistance with your Envelopments needs.

See you at the Bridal Expo this Sunday! Be sure to drop by my booth and register to win a variety of Originals Paper Art & Design prizes!

This is sweet little baby Garrett Allen Fischer… isn’t he just darling!  He’s the second Fischer boy and Allen’s namesake.  We haven’t met him yet — summer can’t get here soon enough.

I used the same design elements for his brother Cole two years ago.  I absolutely adore the circles, round font, and new to this announcement… the excited, wide-eyed fish!  It’s a terrific combination and so fitting for our friends.  This announcement would be so sweet mounted and framed in a shadow box.

Details. Details. Details.  They make the difference between a large photo website template and an Originals custom announcement.  If you’re expecting or know somebody who is, this is a great way to announce the arrival of your loved one.  Purchasing baby announcements as a bridal shower gift is unique, unexpected and well received.  Contact me today to discuss how to get started.

I’ve been designing the ArtSmart Conference brochure for The Best Of Missouri Hands (BOMH) the past three years and I find this one to be very clever and eye catching!

Find the Missing Pieces for Your Success in the Arts – that’s the theme for 2010.  It’s taking place at the Isle of Capri Hotel & Casino in Boonville, Missouri.  Check out the BOMH website to learn more about this fabulous non-profit organization.

Are you involved in the professional art market OR considering it?  This series is for you… look at the line up of events offered to you AND the keynote speaker!  Sweet!

Inside the brochure is a description of all the “pieces” involved in this weekend adventure.  Thinking you and a friend might want to participate?  I’m going to direct you straight to the BOMH website… there you can register online or download the brochure and mail your registration form and payment.  Good times are in store for those who attend.  Sign up today for the Early Bird discount!

Have a marvelous Monday! Cheers!

Cheers to another happy bride! Beth called me yesterday, in lieu of an email (she said), to tell me in person how much she loved her invitations. She continued to say they were all that she wanted and more. As you can imagine… I love receiving this kind of phone call. Rewind four months: Beth contacted me with her wedding theme, colors and concept right from the beginning. We had a nice long conversation over the phone and from that day forward we worked through various situations one email at a time. So for those interested in my work, but not in my neighborhood, not to worry… we can make it work.

Beth and I both researched pine cones and agreed on this one. It complimented the script font I chose for their names that was already in place and well-liked!

I used her favorite color, eggplant purple, as the anchor card and kept it classy with a black layer, black satin ribbon wrap, ecru invitation and a splash of metallic silver in the pine cone. It’s very striking in person and oh, SO tactile.  Love it!

The black satin ribbon wraps around the invitation and holds her information cards in place.  I like this option because once the information cards have been removed, the ribbon doesn’t lose it’s purpose… it simply becomes one with the invitation itself.  Follow me on that?

Beth needed three additional cards:  (1) an Information card that included hotel information, travel suggestions and a schedule of events for the entire weekend; (2) an RSVP card with Return Envelope; and (3) a Dinner Reception card detailing the celebration that followed the ceremony. All three cards included the same design specs and pine cone graphic.

The above snapshot showcases her Friday night Hot Chocolate, Coffee & Confections invitation, mailing envelope and RSVP postcard. And the final piece I designed for Beth and Tyler was a Thank You note to match. Whew! How’s that for a stationery suite. Nice.

Here’s a nice message I received from Claudia (mother of the bride) as well. Toot! Toot!

Dear Brooke,

The invitations arrived today and we (Beth, her Dad and me) were so pleased with them…..thank you for doing such a wonderful job and also your input that helped Beth put her ideas into them.

Many thanks,
Claudia

Allen Goans is organizing the first Kirksville Stars and Stripes Marathon & Half Marathon for July 3, 2010 at 6:00 AM. Not only am I his wife, I am his graphic designer, marketer and PR gal! Here’s the logo we developed together:

The STARS symbolize our midwest athletes… anybody that can run a marathon or half marathon is a STAR in my book! The STRIPES represent the country roads in which the runners will travel for 13.1 or 26.2 miles. And of course the summer sun that will be greeting the runners at 6:00 AM! Your thoughts on our logo…? An official website will be up soon for the Stars and Stripes Marathon/Half Marathon… but for now check out the KIRKSVILLE MULTISPORT blog for race details.

I received a phone call a few weeks ago from Millie at The Blue Note.  She accepted a new position as Special Events Coordinator and wanted some fun and reflective business cards.  Here are the four design concepts I sent her for review.

Here is the design of (budget) choice.  Millie REALLY wanted to go with the coaster design… but we all know that’s a spendy option.  With a line up of event bookings she hopes to order them next time!  How fun will THAT be!

Rather than having these cards die cut, Allen created a cutting jig for our large cutter.  The high tech jig is pictured below made of chipboard.  The top and left edges are perfectly square and fit into the cutter this way.  Allen places a stack of cards into the jig (as shown), places the cut out jig piece on top of the cards, clamps down the cutter to hold the cards securely in place and cuts.  Just like that we have an angled cut.  The angled cut is designed to match the slanted roof in the logo AND most importantly makes the card stand out in a pile of cards!

If you’re in the Columbia (Missouri) area and looking to book a venue this year for ANY special occasion, you should consider The Blue Note!  Call Millie for all the fabulous details… and be sure to tell her Brooke sent you!

My sister came up with a fabulous gift for her guy for Christmas and recruited me to bring her thoughtful idea to life. Her guy is a snapshot photographer and loves to photograph flowers. She sent me her favorite photos (of his) to choose from along with the quote, “Earth laughs in flowers” by Ralph Waldo Emerson and told me to perform my design magic.  This is what I came up with:

I chose an old Polaroid picture frame to capture the essence of his thought process while snapping the photo, added a note to a random few using a casual handwriting font and scattered them around like you might do while admiring your favorite things (no matter what those “things” are). The quote was well thought out too… the word EARTH is sky blue and the words laughs in flowers is in a fluid and spiky font that resembles grass.

Here it is in all it’s glory! I went to STARBUCKS on New Year’s Eve and found a Create Your Own Tumbler just so I could photograph the finished product for my blog! However, I didn’t pass up the chance to get a seasonal Eggnog Latte while I was at it! Not until I was waiting for my husband to finish his First Night 5k race (while talking to my sister in freezing cold temperatures) did I realize just how fun this project was – and that I really wanted to do one for myself as well!

Have you ever considered a “create it yourself” project and wished you had some creative assistance? Let me help you! It’s very easy… I promise! My sister is 2,000 miles away in Washington state and she simply traced the template and emailed it to me. I used the template to design the tumbler and then sent her the final printed templates having never seen the actual tumbler – live and in person! It was a team effort to create this very personal gift for her special guy. He’s lucky to have such a thoughtful lady in his life!

While talking to my sister about this creative adventure we experienced together I got to thinking about what a great client gift this would make… hmm… think about it… I sure am! The options are ENDLESS!

Speaking of coffee… it’s a balmy 11 degrees here in Northeast Missouri and I need to go get a warm up on my coffee and get to work! Have a warm and wonderful day. A great big thank you to my sister, Paige, for recruiting me for this project… I loved doing it for her… for him. Cheers!

Originals Paper Art (OPA) has had the same logo for ten years (1999-2009). It carried us through two retail stores, numerous bridal shows and business expos,  a home design studio and now an office in town. Yep, that’s right… Originals has changed and developed through the years and I felt the logo needed to reflect that change in the new year.  Here’s the OPA logo the first ten years…

For those who didn’t know – the name Originals was created using my handwriting (A).  I used the tag line Paper Art (B) to define what my retail store had to offer (back in 1999). I added the rectangle box (C) as an second logo option to solidify the logo and used these two versions for a few years.  I added the swirl graphic (D) into the mix and it changed colors through the years based on the marketing piece.  In the last three years I combined the rectangle box logo and green swirl (E) and worked on branding the logo via my blog and printed materials.

TA-DAH! Here’s the updated OPA logo that will lead us into 2010 and beyond! It’s a nice transition from the “original” logo without compromising the hard work I put into my branding efforts through the years.

I switched out my handwritten Originals for a nice round, contemporary font (A & B) and kept the swirl by incorporating it as the O.  I really like the way they work together.  I added (& DESIGN) to the tag line since my business has really transitioned from a retail paper store to an invitation and design studio.  I softened the rectangle box by adding rounded corners and removing the outline (C & D).  Each version of the logo has a black version and a color version… perfect for different print and media needs.  I’m working with a variety of savvy brides and business clients and want to reflect that characteristic with this flourish (E).  It can stand alone or with the OPA logo.  I love it and am very excited to implement it into all my marketing efforts.

How about you?  Do you like it?  I’d love to hear your feedback… do share.  Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas and short note to my clients and loyal blog readers… I’m going to take advantage of this quiet time and slip away from the office for a little time off between Christmas and New Years.  I’ll be back in the office Monday, January 4th. This is a perfect time of year to make connections with friends and family afar… and THAT I plan to do! Enjoy the season and all that it represents.