The Dingbat's Agenda

I've moved!!!

2009-02-17T08:55:00.000-08:00

Over the long weekend (outside of printing, estimates, more work on finishing the catalogue, etc.) I decided it was time to switch to Word Press and self-hosting. Blogger has been a good starter friend and it's been good to me with simple html and css editing, however I think it was time to move on to something a little more customizable! All posts have been imported over there, and while I'll be updating and finessing it throughout week, you'll want to update your favorites and bookmark the new blog!

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-13T20:18:00.000-08:00

As we were wrapping up bedtime tonight one child had disappeared amidst the brushing teeth, insulin injections, crying and hugging, and Children's Motrin routine (both kids are recovering from a cold).

Upon tucking Dave in, we went looking for a good 5 minutes for Evelyn. Tracking under beds, in bedrooms, closets, tubs, we finally realized some little feet poking out from under the kitchen sink. This is the first time she's hid on her own, and in a NEW hiding spot (I think she's been thinking about this one for awhile though). This was a camera moment not to be missed, and amazingly Evelyn didn't make a peep once until I snapped the toes picture. Then of course the reward, my sweet baby face! Too bad I had a fixed lens with not a very good night time aperture so the shots are a little blurry due to slow exposure and no tripod (hold your breath)!

Happy Valentine's Day! from Dingbat Press on Vimeo.

Usually I don't take a ton of initiative when I come up with and idea (hey I should make an animated GIF with this picture...wait I don't know how). But tonight I decided to go for it. If you want to learn how to do an easy animated GIF from photos, in photoshop, comment and I'll post directions if there's enough interest!

Happy Valentines, and for you Americans, have a great long weekend (unless you work in retail or don't have bosses that let you take the day off, and then that's quite unfortunate for you!)

Updated Giveaway!

2009-02-13T09:25:00.000-08:00

Since there aren't any takers on the giveaway, I'm changing the requirements! Leave a comment by the 20th and you'll be entered to win one of these BABY SHOWER INVITE SETS:

Just make sure you let me know which one you want and that there's a way to contact you!

Blossom Invitations Take 2

2009-02-12T09:06:00.000-08:00

This is a great example of a template design customized to a client's color scheme. Here's a job I just sent out last week that was printed on Super-thick with a chartreuse envelope in the Blossom design, available for purchase here!

and the original below:

What a croc?

2009-02-10T18:46:00.000-08:00

I've never been on the Croc bandwagon until they came out with the prima ballet flats, which I LOVE! The rest I think are simply ugly, however the design team seems to be picking up a few new cues as you can see in these new flats: Olivia and Malindi

I think my brain is too heavily relying on the snow melting sometime this week so I can get out in my garden, however as wishful thinking doesn't ever dictate, the snow will melt around here in May or June.

Here's to whishful warm weather!

Personal Stationery

2009-02-10T09:16:00.000-08:00

These were ordered in the midst of morning sickness, so I can now look at the skull and fondly think of poison at any given moment. Thankfully this client was very understanding of the situation at hand and agreed to wait until I was back on my feet to get these in hand (in return she got a bonus in numbers :) Enjoy!

Happy Holidays a little late

2009-02-09T19:29:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately I can't take credit for designing this fabulous holiday card but thought I'd share the pics now that the holidays are over and done with. This was a really fun job to print and even more great working with a talented artist and designer. Enjoy!

It's a GIVEAWAY, and the gender is...

2009-02-09T10:39:00.001-08:00

BOY! And in honor of the upcoming arrival, take a bite out of these baby boy shark shower imprintables. They measure 4.5x6" and come paired with silver envelopes. 2 Color printed on thick cotton paper and available in the SHOP this evening! These are from my debut stationery collection, so make sure you check back as I'll be updating with more photos over the next few weeks.

TO WIN GIVEAWAY 8: Please leave a link to your blog and post about the giveaway there! If you want the girl version I'll post photos tomorrow and you can choose between the two! Unsuccessful links/linkbacks will not be counted. Contest runs until Friday February 20th, and if I have no way to contact you I'll generate another winner.

And the winner for the STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE recipe cards is Amy. Congrats on the win, these will be an awesome addition to all of your cooking adventures!

Computer Crashed!

2009-02-02T07:29:00.000-08:00

Sorry about the absence. I've been reviving my mac and it's taken me most of last week and weekend! I'm on the last push of installing my software and will be back blogging hopefully by tomorrow or Wednesday with giveaway winners and more stuff! I lost my WHOLE catalogue that was hours from being finished (for wholesale) though so I'm a little annoyed at the HD right now! I guess that's what I get for being lacking on backing up this week! Hope you all had a great weekend and I'll be up and running soon.

Pre-Ultrasound

2009-01-26T08:54:00.001-08:00

Today is the day, 21 weeks and counting. We find out what kind of baby we'll be having: girl, boy or monkey! Here's a digital screen-shot of a *little* something (honoring little people) from the debut line I'll be launching in about 1 week to retailers. I really wanted to go to NSS this year, but baby #3 decided that it won't be happening that way, which is proably quite smart considering that I'll probably be in labour the week of the show. If you know of any shops you'd like to see my stuff in locally, comment away with shop name and city it's located in. I'll be sure get a press kit their way and keep my fingers crossed. Keep in mind, most buyers like to buy stuff that is similar to the type of inventory they already carry. Most retail offerings will be available for pre-order next week and will ship on or around February 15th via the Etsy shop. So if you'd rather just pick it up there, head on over soon!

GIVEAWAY 7, Strawberry shortcake!

2009-01-23T11:33:00.000-08:00

I just love strawberry shortcake (for you food connoisseurs out there, angel food cake)! Also, did you know that strawberries contain almost NO carbs (in diabetic terms, this is a very good snack for not raising your blood glucose levels: translation to a 4 year old - no shots for strawberries unless one want's to eat a whole pint). Upon seeing this great recipe from Gourmet magazine with drizzled ganache I just had to try to create an illustration of it for a recipe card. As you can see, the result is as follows. One lucky commenter can win a set of 10 of these, 2 color (red/brown) recipe cards measuring 4.25x6". The deal? Tell me your favorite kind of cake or cupcake and if you have carb info on a serving you'll get an extra entry (I'm a nerd I know but calorie king gets a little annoying sometimes)! Lastly, make sure there's a way for me to contact you in the event that you are randomly picked! Giveaway ends 1.30.09 at midnight.

Bringing back Blogging.

2009-01-22T22:10:00.001-08:00

I have finally started to recover from last quarter's events. As you may have known, my 4 year old was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in December and we've been learning some new things about parenting we never knew before! As far as getting back into a routine, I feel like it's starting to finally happen. I've gained back all the weight I lost at the first of my pregnancy (a whopping 18 lbs.) and a few extra to boot. The baby is kicking around regularly, and we have the ultrasound next week! My mom is recovering miraculously and doctors say she'll make a full recovery, how blessed we are!

As I think about work, and printing and design now that I'm out of the woods again, I find that one of the main things I've been afraid of getting back into is blogging. I feel like there are so many different things in my life now, that puts blogging in a backseat position, however our Diabetic Educator is encouraging us to pick up where we left off and put the pieces back together. I wonder if I am the same person, or if new me will be as responsive to design trends and new clothes when there's insulin to be paid for and blood tests to be taken every couple of hours. And then I consider: I want my son to have as fulfilling a life with diabetes as he would have had otherwise. If I can't put myself back together how will he ever do it? So we are bringing it all back. The fun - into our lives. Join me as I continue to blog from a dingbat's perspective with design eccentricities, current work, GIVEAWAYS, and maybe a little diabetes education on the side.

Below, for those in the throes of wedding planning, a little iCANDY for a favor idea. Great for the recession, and on the pocket books, these were adorned with tags printed by yours truly to match this invitation suite. Enjoy!

When it Rains it Pours: The Holiday Novel

2008-12-04T23:36:00.000-08:00

As you know, I'm expecting my third child. Along with the complications I've had with this pregnancy, I've been humbled as I've struggled to keep my business running smoothly with wacky health on top of regular motherhood responsibilities. Most accountants say that small businesses don't make it past their 3rd year, and with the recession officially announced I'm constantly wondering if I'll be the next to flop. I'm not writing to increase sales in my Etsy shop but to explain that if the shop closes or I end up not posting new product, it's not for a lack of desire to continue but more because of a change of priorities.

As the holiday season approaches, many challenges have come about that have really humbled me. I'm not one to wallow in sorrow and feel sorry for myself, yet feel inclined to share for those who may be questioning my slowness (in business transactions and pretty much everything else) previously related to just a pregnancy. While I've had many compassionate clients, I don't feel it fair for them to have waited patiently for a product and not feel it satisfactory. I've tried in whatever way I can to amend the problems with the few orders that went out this month but it seems necessary to explain myself as I'm not sure how much time I'll be able to put towards new product this year or towards this blog.

This last month after seeing my doctor and learning I am still not gaining sufficient weight for this pregnancy, I received a phone call that my mother had experienced a cerebral hemorhage and stroke. I immediately drove 450 miles to the hospital she was admitted to, to attend to her as well as my dad during this difficult time. Within 24 hours I was notified by my husband that our 4 year old had been hospitalized and was borderline going into shock and potentially a coma. He was immediately diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. I ended up driving back home the following morning and have been in the hospital here with him and my amazing husband since.

It has been a humbling and emotional time for me and our family and I may have not made the best of judgement concerning printed jobs that went out these last few weeks due to the stress and upheaval I've been experiencing with my family. I apologize to my more custom clients that feel their product was unsatisfactory in any way and wish I could have been in a better position to be the neurotic person that I usually am in printing and fulfilling orders.

I hope as you all go about your holiday activities, that you will prioritize and evaluate your relationships with those you love and be thankful for the blessings that are in your life. You never know how long family will be around or when you'll be required to meet their needs as they have met yours, and I only hope that as I experience these trials I can be better about the things that matter most.

I don't know when I'll be returning to blogging with these new responsibilities but will continue to update my shop as frequently as I can under the circumstances.

Lastly I want to express my love to my amazing husband, family and friends. Without them I would be barely surviving. My mom has been an incredible example through her new challenges with never-ending optimism and good humor. She is determined to get going again and not let this set her back. My husband has been mr. mom literally for the 8 weeks I was on bed rest - cleaning, cooking, and being a great Dad and husband. He packed me up to go see my mom and then ended up in the hospital hours later with our sweet little trooper boy. My brothers and sister-in-law have cried with me as I've needed someone to talk to and my father has been a real man of iron during this whole ordeal while attending to my mother AND being paranoid about his little pregnant daughter. My extended family has swept in like saving angels and my husband's family have really been inspiring by thier kindness and love during this challenging time. Not to mention all the friends that surprised me with their loyalty and charity. My heart is full of gratitude during this trying time, and is comforted that all will be well eventually as miracles are constantly manifesting themselves as the days progress.

Thank you to everyone for the support of this blog and if I can eventually work it back in I will be so happy to contribute to it again, but as for now there are other things that need my attention. Keep up all of your own wonderful blogging as I still visit them for inspiration and a quick pick-me up, and please don't hesitate to let those you love know of all the things that you appreciate about them.

May your holidays be merry and bright and full of love.

I have the best clients ever!

2008-10-29T21:10:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who I've been lucky enough to have done custom stationery and letterpress pieces for!

You have really come through for me during this challenging time and although I've been blatantly slow at getting out my last few orders due to my not rotten fetus but rotten pregnancy, I appreciate your understanding and concern. I head back to the doctor tomorrow for a check up and hopefully things will be good.

In the mean time, thanks for being patient about your jobs and for letting me take extra time to finish them. I have been humbled at all of your positive responses and kindness as well as with your flexibility with my current situation. Thanks for waiting, thanks for patience and thanks for all the virtue in you to sympathize with my blehness.

I love you all, and appreciate all the kind and sensitive people out there. You really ROCKETH!

She's Having a Baby, bleh!

2008-10-23T10:22:00.000-07:00

So I've been MIA. I regret to inform you that blogging will slow down significantly and I will not be taking any custom jobs until the spring due to the fact that I'm expecting. I am very ill and have had to turn away jobs until then to maintain strength needed to sustain the baby. I'll spare you the gory details, but just know I'm not being a slacker, I'm just not taking to this pregnancy well. You can still purchase items in my Etsy shop that are pre-printed and I'll have new product to launch in the spring to celebrate getting this baby out of me and into this lovely world!

Thanks for understanding,

Adrienne

Week off Update

2008-10-11T21:11:00.001-07:00

Hey guys! My website needs a desperate winter overhaul so I'll be posting the winner for the giveaway tomorrow with next week's giveaway as well. This giveaway will go through next Saturday to give everyone a fair chance. I might be posting here this week, I might not. Like I said, my website will be revisited this week and will be updated with MORE photography, a finalized collection, PDF catalogues for retail inquiries, line sheet inquiry info, ABOUT ME, and hopefully if I'm lucky some studio work (this part might be wishful thinking), as well as direct linkage from product on the site to the shop.

Be patient please! I've got some really COOL posts that will involve you if you'd like to join in on the fun for all those get your hands dirty types! So come back and visit soon, I'll be posting again in about 7 days!

Pink - Off the Cuff

2008-10-07T09:56:00.001-07:00

I've been digging this tailored seersucker pink wedding dress ever since it appeared in MS Weddings 2005. If I were to do it all over again I would go for something definitely like this! Here's a board for you off the cuff brides, enjoy!

Seersucker Pink Tailored Dress: Martha Stewart
Dance Bridal Shoes: Franco Sarto $85
Maids: Wool Pea Coat, Delia's $79.50
H81 Lily Stripe Skirt, Forever21 $24.50
Sneakers, Converse: $45
Food: Amy Atlas Dessert Buffets, seen on HWTM Blog
Ring: Titanium with Asian Pink Coral Inlay, BooneRings.etsy.com $295
Clutch: Silk Paisley Clutch, SassiDesigns.etsy.com $68
Maternity: For those in your wedding party that will be ungrateful you planned our wedding in the middle of their pregnancy! IsabellaOliver $122
Flowers: Orchid

GO Maple Leafs!

2008-10-06T12:24:00.000-07:00

This is for all you Canadians out there! It's fall here and the aspens are turning. This was inspired out of my love for large maple trees and their gorgeous red foliage in the fall. I've tried twice to plant the Autumn Blaze Maple in our yard but it seems our winters are too harsh for a young sapling! Quite pathetic and disheartening. So in honor of the maples that won't grow in my zone despite what the local nursery says, I've made some lovely fall Maple Leaf cards.

These are special because they don't just come in a ClearBox, but in their own chocolate box with a letterpress maple leaf detail on the lid. AND, the envelopes are printed with maple leafs too! They come in a set of six and are getting listed in the shop today.

You'll also see that there is a cute chocolate bag with the same maple leaf detail on it. The bag is sold separately but you should think about it for your guests for thanksgiving...wouldn't it be cool to have one of these with a little something for your guest sitting on their plate for a special holiday dinner? You could even write their name on it, like it's a thanksgiving place-setting present! I kill myself with my creative genius sometimes ;)

Handbag Planet

2008-10-05T09:06:00.001-07:00

For those of you out there that are in the market for a new handbag, visit HandbagPlanet.com. In honor of their launch on October 15th, they will be giving out 1 handbag on the hour for 24 hours! There are some great bags so go check it out.

Oh Zara, How I doth Love thee!

2008-10-04T23:07:00.001-07:00

My amazing mom was a caterer when I was young and instilled early in me a LOVE for all things dishes. Instead of paying taxes she purchased (legally, mind you) dishes for her business. Among her collection are original Fiesta ware, Villeroy and Boch, Waterford Crystal, Spode, Mikasa, Dansk, and more. I have to say my favorite memories as a child were scouting antique stores for Fiesta ware or the unique little tea cup or tea pot. I remember for one of my birthdays as a young girl wanting an english tea party. I think I was turning 5. We set out round tables in the backyard and everyone wore their fancy garb. One of the gifts my mom gave me was my first teapot, a china blue squarish pot perfect for a small child's fingers. I haven't collected much myself since I've been married as money is tight, however someday maybe I'll have a collection as amazing as my mother's!

As I look around late at night, it always seems I find the perfect replacement set to the current dishes in the dish rack. These are no exception! I have loved ZARA since I discovered them in San Francisco in 2005. I pine for their store with modest prices and unbelievable fashion! But I was struck this evening as I found out that ZARA now has a home line. HOME, but not in the U.S.? Can I bribe any blog friends over the pond to purchase some for me and ship them home to my rural plat of land in Idaho? I'll trade letterpress goods, a whole deal of letterpress goods, like wedding invitations or baby announcements or something...

Signed,

Desperate in Driggs

From the ZARA home collection: Left to right, Jenny Crockery, Chantal Teapot, Wallpaper Crockery, Piste Cutlery, Black Wine Glass with Turned Stem.

Giveaway 6, Thank You Notes

2008-10-03T11:37:00.000-07:00

In wrapping up pink week and a little weddings on the side, this next giveaway is for anyone but specifically for those that might be writing a lot of thank you notes! Think, bridal showers, baby showers, wedding gifts.

The goods:
A set of 30 pink weathered notes with envelopes (blank interior). Even if you don't have a ton of thank you notes to write, these would be great split up in sets of 10 for holiday gifts or valentines gifts (I know it's far off but just a thought)!

To enter:

You need to place a Go PINK with Dingbat Press banner in your side bar or on a post with something about breast cancer awareness for the following week. Then comment back here with your blog address. If you don't have a blog you can make a small contribution to the Susan G. Komen foundation by clicking on the GO PINK badge at the right. Comment back here that you've contributed and you'll be entered as well!

AND the WINNER for LAST WEEK!

Comment #15, generated by Random.org

Congratulations!

I hope you're still hungry!

More Maids Stuff!

2008-10-02T09:18:00.000-07:00

surcie.etsy.com
tuttifruttidesign.etsy.com
twiststyle.etsy.com

Cancer Vixin

2008-10-01T14:16:00.000-07:00

Look no further than this for gifts for your b.maids! This Cancer Vixin Spa pack from Bath and Boday Works is a great way to show your pink and your support .

Pink for October

2008-09-30T21:25:00.000-07:00

Welcome to October 1. Many of you may have heard that every October, websites Go Pink For October to raise awareness of breast cancer. Part of becoming PINK is making your website or blog pinkish, promoting knowledge of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and research and making yourself more aware of the affects of breast cancer. In honor of those who have suffered from breast cancer either themselves or have been affected by those who have had cancer in their families or among friends I've gone pink on the blog, and the website will go pink as well over the next week. I know we all have someone we know or have experienced this disease first hand, and please for you and for them, go pink to show your support and love, these people are strong and courageous and have a great stamina in them to endure such an ordeal.

To the right in my sidebar, below my giveaway, there's a banner that you can save and post on your sidebar. You can register your site for Pink HERE or read more about research and donation at the Susan G. Komen Foundation website.

In hosting Pink for the Cure, I'm supposed to host a party. Since I can't really do that physically, my donation party will be open all month on the blog. The donation site for Dingbat Press' Pink for the Cure is HERE, and for those that wish to donate, I'll be giving away a 10 pack of holiday gift tags in the infamous cupcake pop design.

Contributions can range from $5 up, and make sure when you donate that you elect to show your name and donation information. Comment below letting me know you've donated, and when I receive verification from the "shop", I'll send out your cupcake pop gift tags! For the extra ambitious, $50 donations will get you a set of 15 cupcake pop recipe cards.

Good luck and please support the development and research of breast cancer!

Inspiration Board, Christmas/Valentines Wedding

2008-09-30T08:27:00.000-07:00

Maggite Sottero
I'm not a huge fan of the mermaid, but I love how Maggie has a few red dresses in the collection every year. Wouldn't that sweetheart bust would be fabulous for a Valentine's wedding as well. Check out the back of the dress in the bottom right.

Hand it over to WhichGoose again for this rocking headpiece.

Eliarenas
Great for a brooch or boutteneire! These are so cool, they are hand painted and assembled on a pin, I love it.

Ring from Suzanne Felson yet again, I LOVE Suzanne!

I used to wear Laura Ashley as a little girl and their clothing just always continues to be so classic! This is from their fall/winter collection, wouldn't it be great as a luncheon outfit or maybe a going away outfit after leaving the reception?

Karen over at French Kiss Pastries made these lovely apple cakes, aren't they wonderful? You should check out her flickr feed as well, quite the wmoan!

I am really in love with this tiered dress from J.Crew, despite the steep price tag, it would be super cool for maids, or as a rehearsal dinner dress.

Invitation: from your favorite letterpress stationer ;)

Not to get all Matching Molly on you, but how cool is this comb from WhichGoose for your maids, then you can all be whimsical together?!

I loved this cake from Edible Art's flickr stream, nice work!

Both of these bouquets are from DragonFlyFlowers flickr stream as well. I LOVE the Reds and greens with the orchids, amazing.

Budget Bride Advice, Your Wording

2008-09-29T20:10:00.000-07:00

We're on for another wedding week. To start off I want to talk about the most important thing that can actually save money with your stationer.

Your wording.

You think, oh that's easy to take care of. However, if you haven't knocked it out yet you are fooling yourself in thinking you can do it in one evening. There are mothers and fathers to please, future in-laws to please, fiances and grandparents (yes they always have their advice as well). Not to mention all the wording etiquette involved in mentioning deceased parents, divorced parents, the wedding host, and the ideas of the bride and groom. Gathering details such as directions, addresses, finalized times and program details. It can be a lot for something so seemingly trivial.

With that out of the way, I've started working on Cesai's wedding invitations (our winner of the wedding suite) and she has been fabulous! I'm really excited about what I'm brainstorming and she's agreed to let me share her design process with you.

The first thing a stationer always needs is the wording. Why you ask? Because although illustrations are accompanying invitations more often these days, they are built around the wording for custom designs.

Many times I've had a client want to see proofs. As I've learned that presenting proofs first can be fun, adding in the wording later can be a lot of headache and a lot of money in changes in the end.

I've had many an invitation completely change in design due to unforeseen requirements from the bridal or groom's party in regards to wording.

Not to say that simple name changes and address changes can't be added or changes later as well as time details, but you really want it as final as you can before giving it to your stationer. It will give you a better idea as to how the invitation will look with every last detail an won't require rounds and rounds of proofs!

Needless to say, Cesai, thanks for getting your wording to me first, I am already working on designs!

For the rest of you, don't spend more than you need to! Get your wording as sharp as you can before giving it to your stationer!

Above: From the Link & Hitch line, Lola for valentines.

GIVEAWAY 5, Chocolate Covered Pears

2008-09-26T19:34:00.001-07:00

I just printed these last night. Photographing ensued, Flickring came about, and Etsying is still in the works. I had a really hard time deciding what to give away this week seeing that I have some really fun things that you don't even know about. However, it's been a little while since I did some recipe cards, and the other stuff really needs a few more weeks before it gets given! I've got a box of bartlett pears just waiting to be canned, or to have SOMETHING done with before they all rot, and thought, chocolate covered pears would taste delish, so now I'm off to make some!

::::: The rules :::::::

I'm being easy on you this week. You just need to *comment by Thursday October 3. The comments will close at midnight.

*If your blog is private you need to leave contact info, this is the biggest problem I'm running into. If you are not of Blogger origin, you also need to make sure that there is a way I can reach you either by leaving email or blog address if your name doesn't link to you!

::::: The goods :::::::

1 set of 15 letterpress recipe cards: Chocolate Covered Pear

2 color, printed on 110# Soft White Lettra paper

4.5" x 6" and boxed in a ClearBox for safe keeping until use!

Kidtastic Winner

2008-09-26T18:48:00.000-07:00

I lost track of time and now that my kids are in bed, here we go :

Congrats to Leah! She's won the kidtastic gift basket. Numbers were generated by Random.org. To claim your prize please contact me or leave an email in the comments so I can contact you and get you your prize!

Poppytalk Handmade, Wish me luck!

2008-09-26T13:01:00.000-07:00

I've applied to be a vendor at the PoppyTalk Handmade Marketplace for the October/November and the November/December slots. Wish me luck and check out the current showcase: Mix Tape over at PoppyTalk Handmade.

Change your paint NOW, it's time for a GNO!

2008-09-26T11:14:00.000-07:00

Are you in desperate need of a pedicure? My toes haven't been done since June and as I was shooting my new debut product I thought, hmmm BLACK would be nice considering the forthcoming holiday that is only about 33 days away!

If you are in need of a pedicure or just a girls night out, look no more. Introducing our new line:

The Dingbat Party Pack, Ghouls Night Out.

Included:
12 Imprintable Invitations with beet envelopes :::
Letterpress, 2 color printed, silver and matte metallic beet

12 Skullish Place cards/gift tags with black mini-lopes :::
1 color printed, silver

12 Coasters :::
1 color printed, 6 white, 6 reverse print

Holiday Preview

2008-09-26T09:43:00.001-07:00

Since you've all been wondering what I've been up to this week I'm sure...I've been printing all of my holiday collection and posting photos to the Flickr site as well as Etsy. You are going to FREAK at the freaky stuff I'll be posting later today, I can hardly stand it. GIVEAWAY winner and new product will be posted at 5pm today as I've got a deadline this afternoon!

Available in my Etsy shop, this is a 2 color red/blind printed, A6 (4.5 x 6.25") flat holiday card paired with a matching envelope. You'll notice on there that the lace pattern in the background is from the Lola wedding invitation, so all you BRIDEZILLAS, here is what it looks like printed.

Also in case you might be wondering, yes that is the Dingbat Family. If you want this holiday card, it comes without photos (thankfully). However, if you'd like, I have a great lab I partner with and can color correct and send out for professional lab prints to go with any holiday card you order. The only stipulation you ask? The photo must be taken by you or you must have permission to reproduce. FYI, these photos are about 1 x 1.5".

While we're on the subject: Fabulous Fonts

2008-09-25T11:27:00.000-07:00

Bethany was one of the featured fonts in last month’s Rising Starsnewsletter put out by MyFonts. It has been doing extremely well since, occupying the top spot of MyFonts' Bestseller list for weeks. As they claim, Bethany is spirited and spontaneous, but has better legibility than many other handwriting fonts thanks to the openness and simplicity of its shapes. I just like that it looks like it ACTUALLY wasn't tweaked by a computer and that it is the epitome of Sharpie heaven.

Onward ::: Okay, I can honestly say that I love handwriting, but HATE handwriting typefaces. They are all so monotonously predictable. In the 90's there were a lot of these hideous things floating around. However my thoughts are slowly changing on the subject. With the great technology of Open Type fonts I think the "handwriting" era might be making a pleasing comeback.

Open Type you say? For those that aren't familiar with this term here it is simply. Old digital fonts used to be limited to roughly 258 characters, or as we type nerds call it glyphs. That meant buying a typeface consisted of have a library of tens of thousands of fonts because with only 258 characters were available. So you had to buy Garamond Bold, Garamond Roman, Italic etc you get the picture.

With Open Type, you can have thousands of glyphs all in one face-place! Why do I sound like a walking advertisement? So now one just buys Garamond PRO!

My point in all this blubbering? The advantages become heavily in our favour for handwritten typefaces coming to full fruition (among other typefaces as well). Now instead of having one "e" that appears every time the "e" is typed, type designers now can have 20 different instances of an "e". What that means for you my friends? That when you type a large novel like this one, each "e" can be randomly generated and slightly different, thus making it truely genuine. That is if you us Adobe CS4, otherwise you still get to manually select it among the glyphs because CS4 rocketh the Open Type.

There's my take on the subject. No MORE papyrus!

I wish I cold write

2008-09-25T11:04:00.000-07:00

Like THIS! I have always admired the patience and steady hand that drives the rare penman to create such beautiful calligraphy. The sweet Lisa Ridgely from Pen and Ink has so kindly penned some gorgeous calligraphy on my poppy and aster place cards and has recently blogged about them. I really love Lisa's work and wish her beautiful handwriting came in a lovely typeface with ligatures. But that would defeat the purpose, as it really is much better having everything hand written wouldn't you think? Below are samples of some of Lisa's work, check out her blog and website for more of what her fancy fingers can do!

New Year's resolutions still strong!

2008-09-24T23:31:00.000-07:00

After giving 5, yes FIVE bags of clothing twice to the local second hand store last year, and a good portion of that clothing having been bought in the last 2 years, I was disgusted. Disgusted at my lack of better judgment that, "No, I do not need that shirt in 3 colors." Often when I shop I just look at something, pay for it and move on. Most of those purchases have about the same attention span in my closet. I started to wonder why I always had so much laundry to do when I wear close to the same three-five things every day.

As 2008 rolled in, I took about a month to decide what I would do as a new years resolution. It had to be something big, and something that would be so hard that it would always be in the forefront of my mind.

I decided I would not buy one article of clothing for a year. A WHOLE year. Think about all the money I could save by not buying. The first 4 months were really hard, and then as more time passed it became less of a desire. I even went out with friends and didn't give in. It has come to the point that I don't know if I'll ever buy something for myself again as far as clothes are concerned. The best thing this has done for me is to make me a really discerning buyer/browser. I recently heard that one should not buy anything if they wouldn't be willing to pay full price for it. I think this is great advice because even if you get it for a steal, with that mentality, the piece of clothing will have such a happier and longer life with you and your adoration that it could just stay in your coset for years without ever losing its thrill.

I have to say though, I've been looking for a fabulous WARM coat and these coats from Victoria's Secret have been the closest I've gotten to breaking my resolution. Stay away nasty coats, how thy beauty doth tempt me to buy you!

These is my tools

2008-09-24T09:04:00.000-07:00

Adobe CS4 now available for pre-order, and I've yet to purchase a wacom tablet. I know this will change my life forever but with a budding business I will just have to stick to sketching in ye ole sketchbook until at least the end of the year. Adobe here we come! Here's to wishful thinking and early holiday gestures (you know who you are).

Takem 7, Autumn is here

2008-09-23T11:00:00.000-07:00

The leaves are changing all around us. Having just picked the last of the apples off our apple tree, it's time to think about bundling up as some days it's still short and tee shirt weather, and others it's clearly snow coat weather. I've been eyeing these sellers for awhile now, enjoy some fresh fall pickings!

Etsy Finds, left to right:

Orange crush headband by Gazzu
Re-felted figerless gloves in black and white stripe by Cofygirl
Pumpkin leaf scarf at Fray

Letterpress Idol : Snow and Graham

2008-09-23T09:10:00.000-07:00

I have to say that I think my very favorite stationery company out there is Snow and Graham. There isn't one thing that comes out of them that I don't like or want to cover my walls with. I discovered them in 2003 when a little shop in Jackson had started carrying some of their stationery. Their application of color and pattern never cease to amaze me. I think I secretly want to go learn pattern design from them, because every time they expand their line, I am always pleasantly surprised. Maybe someday they will make wallpaper so I can cover my house floor to ceiling in their goods. Snow and Graham owners I'll fly into Chicago just to treat you to lunch and pick your brains. Your designs and beautiful letterpress always bring a smile to my face!

Takem 6, BEABA

2008-09-23T07:23:00.000-07:00

I was just barely getting around to reading my august Williams-Sonoma catalogue and found THIS! While I've given in to jarred baby food more often than not, if there was another baby in the house I'd be asking for this for Christmas. It's like a mini-Cuisinart with a built in steamer and food processor. Purreeefect! Check out the demo on the link above, it's really quite brainless. Now if only they sold replacement cups so you could have one in the dishwasher and one working for you at all times!

Thank You!!! There goes my hero(s)...

2008-09-22T21:05:00.001-07:00

As I've said before, Thank YOU! You readers are what make me smile. Until recently (as you can scan my archive) I have avoided blogging for my business because of a lot of internal conflicts. The top two being:

1) People want a professional, not to hear about a personal life.

and 2) Everyone else out there in letterpress and design is far more insert positive adjective here than I, how will I ever break through the talent? I laugh at the term "wedding porn" now as I've learned it means that you make yourself sick imagining all these things you can't have but you just can't stop peeking. I have a bad case of design porn!

I've been proved wrong in both aspects mentioned above about blogging. Although you may be wishing to get all the dirrrty *hah* details on my life which don't exist, I won't be sharing my diary with you. HOWEVER, I've found through your comments and blogging about the giveaways that

A) Whether or not I'm really talented, you seem to like what I'm doing here. While I LOVE all the design blogs, mommy blogs, cooking blogs etc. out there, some really make me wonder if I can make it in comparison to my industry having only been in business these past 3 years.

and B) Professionalism and Personality can coincide quite nicely, so as you might have observed, there will be little peeps into my life here and there, because really it all makes me who I am. I find I can't separate my design from my family as they enable and inspire me influencing heavily the work I choose to produce.

All insecurities aside, I'm going to be doing a few new things here as I schedule out what you want to read and win (of course the giveaways won't be leaving) but also I'd like to feature my design heros. I think in praising another's work it helps us to realize that they were once in the position we were, and keeps me from being green with envy.

My first grade teacher once told me when I had come in from recess sad that another had teased about my largely oversized glasses frames (way 80s): "Those that can not say kind things about another don't often hear kinds words themselves." I learned then that a compliment is never beyond any one person's capacity to express.

Although no one is picking on me or saying mean things now, sometimes it's the devil inside that can make work, family, home and friendships challenging as we tell ourselves we don't fit the bill. It's always a good exercise for me to spread the love when I'm not sure I can measure up to all the amazing talent out there. I'm excited to honor those whose work I admire and will be starting off after the Takem Tuesday Round Up.

I've been blog-blubbering now on two occasions. Regular posts will resume tomorrow!

Kidtastic GIVEAWAY 4

2008-09-20T11:00:00.000-07:00

Here is a goody bag sure to please. So come one, come all to get not only one item but a whole bucket of stationery. These would make great gifts for the holidays or you can just add them to your stationery stash and use them as you please!

To enter you must blog about the giveaway and create a linkback/pingback and then leave a comment back here letting me know that you really want this assortment of goodies!

To be included:

1 Pack of Each: Baby Shower Invites in both the Girl and Boy designs.

1 pack of Giraffe 3x5 flat notes

1 pack of Shark 3x5 folded notes

1 pack of Polka Dot Girl 4x6 flat notes

Giveaway closes Thursday 9/25/08 at Midnight, so good luck and get blogging!

And the Winner is...

2008-09-20T10:55:00.000-07:00

Congratulations! Please contact me within the next week so I know you will be accepting the prize. Thanks to all those that entered and keep checking back for more as we do a giveaway EVERY week!

PS: Love the queso.

2008-09-18T12:09:00.004-07:00

For those of you wondering. The plastic queso jar that I proceeded to microwave for 45 seconds? It collapsed when I lifted it out. My hand inevitably landed in it. It burned, and I said a lot of choice words. My kids were horrified, but aloe and an ice wrap saved me from blistering. Thank heavens, otherwise I wouldn't be printing for a few days to say the least. Thanks for those of you that were concerned. It's just another chapter in my book titled : 14 years of Classical Ballet : The Lack of Grace.

Hot off the press!

2008-09-18T12:09:00.003-07:00

I am a sucker for silhouettes. But throw some polka dots and squares in there and it really creates a great letterpress texture.

Introducing Polka Dot Girl and Giraffe Squared. We're going to be in the Etsy showcase tomorrow so stop by for more sweet treats, shameless I know all that self-promotion...

Kid friendly soaps

2008-09-18T12:09:00.002-07:00

I don't know about you, but bath time is fun at our house until it's time to wash hair. We usually have an inch of standing water on the floor by the time we are done. However I think things are about to change, aren't THESE adorable? Created by the lovely LoveLeeSoaps, you can find a myriad of kid friendly soaps/bath toys!

Giveaway 3, A Sweet Suite ENDS at MIDNIGHT!

2008-09-18T12:09:00.001-07:00

Due to the fact that I want to give all those bridezillas out there until midnight, the next giveaway will be posted tomorrow when I announce the winner! Expect some fun stuff for your kids!

We like to collect bugs, and now is a great time to be catching caterpillars as it's cocooning time for them. A little eye candy for you all. Entomologie from our Dovetail correspondence line, printed in fall colors.

Kid at heART, a little about me for those that lurk!

2008-09-18T12:09:00.000-07:00

So I'm not the mother that has the gene pool in her to figure out quantum physics or have a refined knowledge of calc. When my children come to the age where they'll be taking all sorts of classes that I can't even pronounce, tutors will come in handy as I will be helpless in directing the learning of those subjects.

Many people ask me how I got in to graphic design and eventually letterpress as a career and I explain simply, I couldn't do anything else. Growing up I had a passion for drawing and sculpture. Academics were not my forte. I attribute my early graduation from high school and mediocre grades throughout, to motivation and my artistic insight (and of course awesome parents)! Every group project I was assigned turned into creative field day! I was all over being the designated poster-maker, graph-drawer, pie-chart princess or whatever you would call it. If I didn't have to solve the problem, I was fine being the brains behind the artistry.

There were a few select teachers I admire for helping me to learn in a visual atmosphere. As I struggled through their classes with C's and D's, it occurred to them to introduce a different way of learning the subject matter. Trigonometry, Geometry, and Biology now have fond places in my heart as I learned to love the subjects through anatomically drawing what was required to learn in class.

While I have to say that I never became passionate enough to pursue those subjects beyond high school and general college courses, I will always remember as a young person how others can influence one's life.

Fast forward 10 years and my 4 year old has an obsessive fascination with dinosaurs. While I can't teach him about the biological and scientific makeup of dinosaurs, it is great to use what I have and make things for him that continue his interest in the subject! I love making things with my hands and birthdays are a big deal around here, as I get to exercise the only talent I have: creation. Below are some of what we did to celebrate, and tomorrow there will be a fun giveaway just for the little ones in our lives whether it be children, nieces and nephews, grandchildren or neighbor buddies. May we try to inspire and love as those that have gone before us!

Dino Volcano Cake, meet: Dino eggs on a stick, meet: Meca King Gidorah, meet: David. I love you sweetreat, Happy Birthday!

I've burned my hand with queso

2008-09-17T11:47:00.000-07:00

Don't ask, I'll post all about it tomorrow. For today, I'll be taking a break from the computer as there are a lot of things to get off the press and onto Etsy and my poor hand can only HANDle so much!

Takem 5, Fly me to the moon!

2008-09-16T08:42:00.000-07:00

These babies really pull at my heart strings, I just want to eat them. I'm already in love with pilot hats, however this photography (and of course the hats) really makes me want to go out and buy about 50 of these for shower and baby gifts. Now I just need to get another bun in the oven to enjoy some Amelia Earhart like love! The wonderful producer of these hats you say? Hand it over to the amazing Shelley Caskey. You can find her blog here, and her Etsy shop with the picturesque caps here. Great work Shelley!

pink hat photo courtesy of TASHA JEAN PHOTOGRAPHY
blue & oragne hat photo courtesy of UNIQUELYYOUPHOTO.COM

Takem 4, It's going to be a WILD week!

2008-09-16T07:41:00.000-07:00

With kids of my own, I can't help but always be on the lookout for unique children's clothing and ephemera. This week will be dedicated to all things baby, kids and for those of you that just want to spoil nieces and nephews! To start it off this week here is a post of an ETSY seller I recently found and adore. Her little felt/faux leather shoes are really quite unexplainable in the fact that they really just speak for themselves. On the catwalk, FrostingCouture.

GIVEAWAY 3, A Sweet Suite

2008-09-12T11:58:00.001-07:00

Yes, you read correctly, I am giving away a FULL WEDDING SUITE in wrapping up the first of many wedding weeks to come. Below are some custom jobs I've designed and printed for clients in the past. Take a peek and below will be the details for the SWEET SUITE.

ENTERING: Leave in the comments a link to your blog. You need to blog about the giveaway and create a linkback/pingback to The Dingbat Agenda. All successful posts/linkbacks will be officially entered.

TERMS:
Giveaway to last 1 week, to close at midnight on Friday 9/19, winner will be announced Saturday 9/20. This package is valued at over $900 and one lucky winner will take it all! I'd also like to offer a 10% discount to all wedding invitation purchases made in my Etsy shop through the end of the month, they just need to mention code DP10 when purchasing.

To be given away:
A Dingbat Press Wedding Suite
Letterpressed Invitation/Reply Suite of 100 (one hundered!)

Specs:
2 color, 5x7 or 4x9 letterpressed invitation.
1 color, Return Addressed Outer envelope.
Printed on our thick stock 110# cotton rag paper.
AND
2 color, 3x5 reply card (or thank you).
1 color, Return Addressed Reply Envelope.
Printed on our thick stock 110# cotton rag paper.

This will be for a CUSTOM design (4-6 week turnaround, no RUSH available on this giveaway)
3 custom designs will be produced, winner will get 3 additional rounds of proofs.

Get blogging, and good luck!

Temptation Winner/ GIVEAWAY at 3pm!

2008-09-12T07:48:00.000-07:00

I still haven't heard from the winner from the cupcake cards, so below are both winners for this week and last week. If I do not hear from the winner within one week of announcing, then another winner will be generated.

Congratulations Casey! I love bunny tracks too, now you can indulge for the big win! Please contact me by next Friday or these will be up for grabs again!

And Elisha #159! Letterpress DOES feel good, aren't we all suckers for something so crisp and tactilee? Contact me or this might go to someone else, I'll give you until next Friday.

The oft forgotten thank you.

2008-09-11T09:22:00.000-07:00

A simple element in planning a wedding and ordering invitations that often gets overlooked is the element of a genuine thank you. As William Arthur Ward said: Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.

Jenna & Jacob, part of a wedding suite. Kathryn Hayes, vintage custom design.

Anne & Ian, Traditional Dingbat Wedding set. Lorin Moench, vintage custom design.

So as a small gesture for all those people that come to bring you gifts and celebrate in the happy occasion make sure you aren't without some thank you notes that reflect who you are and convey what you are trying to say.

Stored Away for Wedding Wednesday

2008-09-10T21:17:00.000-07:00

So I've had a designer epiphany with new designs that should unveil within the next few weeks, thus the day and a half hiatus. I can hardly contain myself! Also our internet carrier has been servicing the line so I've been without a fast enough connection to upload and blog, so here's a catch up.

Every few weeks I'll be posting a Wedding Week special. Typically it will consist of a Takem Tuesday showcasing some great wedding finds on Etsy, followed by a Wedding Wednesday with those finds incorporated into a wedding board. Some will be high end, others budget friendly. I had a fall wedding myself so this board was fun, and reflects similarly as to how I planned my wedding almost 8 years ago...strange how some things change in us over the years, while others stay quite similar and true to our initial style. Enjoy!

Buying Guide:

Ring ::: Suzanne Felson, I've been obsessed since about 2001. If you are opting for a different jewel this amazing woman is spectacular.

Autumn Corsage ::: lalalaurie, These are cool because they can be used forever and will always bring back fond memories. I had a hard time choosing between her collection so check it out!

Acorn Marzipan ::: Martha Stewart

Goddess Divine Dress ::: Jason Wu, Fresh from fashion week.

Children's Silk Taffeta Dress : Janie and Jack This is my favorite place to get fancy clothes for my kids!

Shaved Chocolate Cake : Martha Stewart

Ethereal Lanvin Headpiece : BoringSidney

Bridal Bouquet ::: Flowers Made Easy
Flowers Made Easy Flickr Feed
Although this business is in Ireland, these flowers take my breath away. Check out the Flickr feed above and their site for more great photos!

Monogramed Sponge Cakeletts : Martha Stewart

Illustration Monday

2008-09-08T02:20:00.000-07:00

I read Illustration Friday. Although I'm no illustrator, I would have loved to double major in design AND illustration if time had not been an issue and an impending pregnancy my last semester in school had not been keeping me deathly ill for the previous nine months.

With that said, I'm glad that my once 5 lb. 12 oz. baby boy was born in replacement of fulfilling my illustration desires and I can't believe that he is turning 4 on Saturday! I think the best thing for my design and lacking illustration skillz was motherhood, kudos to forced spontaneity. So in lieu of posting what sketching I've been working on over the weekend, I'm posting my children's artwork instead (I guess my lovely giraffe will get a feature after all). I just love the uninhibited chaos that they employ when we pull out the paints and crayolas at home. It only seemed fitting since the topic for this last week was "memories".

Forage, Friday 2 Giveaway! ::: Winner Announced for Cupcake Pops

2008-09-05T13:27:00.000-07:00

Okay so it's 4:00. Sorry for the delay! Who can't resist this lovely beach babe as the summer wraps up? For those chocoholics out there ::: The Forage Friday GIVEAWAY for 9/12 are these retro recipe cards which read : I can resist everything except temptation... Oscar Wilde

To enter, please comment by next Thursday, September 11th (comments will close at midnight) about what food tempts you the most. I know you all love cupcakes, but if there's anything you just can't bear to turn down at the grocery store let me know your favorite delicatessen, pastry or treat. To be given away ::: a lovely 20 pack (10 purple and 10 royal blue) recipe cards.

ALSO - Thanks to everyone that entered to win the cupcake pops. My three year old was taking a nap so I resorted to Random.org to generate the winner and it is comment #159, Elisha (I'll be contacting you) and in case you were wondering, my comments were not included just so you know I'm not banking on myself winning.

UPDATE : ELISHA I don't have contact info so please contact me with your mailing info, thanks!

Stay Tuned... 3pm Giveaway!

2008-09-04T22:40:00.000-07:00

I've decided to end the Cupcake Pop giveaway early (instead of on the 12th) as it seems traffic has tapered off on that blog entry and it'll be lost by the time two weeks rolls by. Every week I'll announce winners on Friday at 3:00 pm MST and post the new Forage Friday giveaway! So come back at 3:00 to see if you've won and to enter for the next giveaway. Raise your hands everyone, as this one is again for all you cooks and bakers. Sure to love these too, think RETRO thoughts and don't wet your pants upon returning to see what I've got in studio...

New and Noteworthy

2008-09-04T21:34:00.000-07:00

Since I seem to get sick of hearing myself talk in my brain, it's no wonder you might get sick of me too. So to give myself a break and you as well, Thursdays (which is already over) will be dedicated to new and Noteworthy things that the Dingbat has been putting through the studio. It's a photo post with little to read. As my 3 year old would say "Paaray" instead of "Hooray" (or as we hics pronounce it haaray). I'm starting to think there is too little religious influence in my home if he continues to exclaim Paa-ray! every time he's ecstatic about something. Amen.

For fall : Copper Damask place cards or gift tags with chocolate mini-lopes.

Need a business card or calling card? I've now listed them on Etsy, they are ALWAYS custom, because I love you!

Minky Inky, the luxurious side of printing!

2008-09-03T23:23:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love these luxurious photos? This copper almost looks like Godiva chocolate. Many people ask me what ink colors are available to my clientele. In response to color, really whatever suits your fancy! I have ten base inks that correlate with the pantone matching system. With those inks just about any color you want can be mixed. As fall is approaching I always stir up a nice batch of copper and store it in my dependable little film canisters for safe keeping. Note my lovely mixing tools : canister, skewer, & ink (silver, yellow, and warm red ink make copper). It's quite simple and exhilarating to see a fresh print come off the press! So please don't be shy about requesting custom colors, it's something that I am happy to do for you!

Alphabet Typographic Feast : Initial Caps

2008-09-02T23:39:00.000-07:00

After all that delicious cupcake pop talk, I'm working the food dictionary these days. For those of you that aren't familiar with letterpress, or you're that bride that wants this font on their wedding invitations, I'll be making posts randomly (because that's how I work, out of sheer randomness) on my favorite typefaces.

I'm what you call a type nerd recluse. At one point I thought it would be fun to teach my three-year-old the Alphabet. Not just the ABC's mind you. I had this brilliant idea that I could design these cool alphabet flash cards with "A is for Aachen", and "B is for Bembo". Evidently, my 3 year old didn't find it at all amusing or educational. He prefers the letter factory type of learning for the real hard stuff. I guess it's good he's not a neurotic as me.

So anticipation set aside, here's a little glimpse of my FAVORITE typographic element, the initial cap, or drop cap. These can be so beautiful as a stand alone or I really love it set in a paragraph with really thick margins, poetry anybody? How about included on a set of wedding stationery in replacement of a monogram? If you fancy these as I do, let me know and I'll print some up and list them in the shop!

Takem, part 3

2008-09-02T23:05:00.000-07:00

For all my Etsy lovers out there, here's a little jewelry that I swoon over regularly. I have to say, I don't own much jewelry. Most of it has been given to me by my mother or my ~~fabulous~~ manly man (fabulous just wouldn't be the right word for a rough huntin' type of man).

I don't really buy any for myself that often because I never really think while I'm shopping

How about, yeah. Let's upsize that .68 carat diamond to a 5 carat, and hey throw in a set of sapphire studs with that tab that my millionaire genius child can pay for.

I'm not super blingalicious so the few pieces I do have are dear to my heart, as someone has given them to me on a special occasion. As much as I'd like to buy more jewelry, I also like the unique memories that come along with each gift and wouldn't want to over clutter my brain seeing that I'd soon forget which of my many men gave it to me. Just kidding sweetheart, you are my one and only!

Longs story short, if you ever want to gift me with jewelry (yes, all you new best friends that like my giveaways) I'd happily accept, and we can either make up some crazy story as to how we met and post it on Facebook for all to see, or blog about it randomly in overwrought Etsy posts.

The drumroll please for all these amazing Etsy sellers which I'm sure have already been featured on all the really good blogs out there...

Top Left - Right

ti squared : noformdesign

Sterling Bali Bead Hoops : modernbird

Baby Elephant Neclace : modernbird

Parryllel Bar. Sterling silver stud earrings : chrisparry

Bottom Left

Silver Rosetta Earrings : eninaj

Coins are all I have ring : misswee

Happy Hollyday

2008-08-30T20:38:00.000-07:00

In lieu of the Labor Day holiday, I wanted to spread a little Christmas cheer. Oh, wait. I guess I've got the wrong holiday here. Never the less, check out the Etsy store for more details on this and other fantastic christmas cards being listed this week!

Also, if you missed the Forage Friday post due to your early scamper to said favorite vacation spot fill-in-the-blank , scroll down and leave a comment for a chance to win...

Featured!!!!

2008-08-29T18:51:00.000-07:00

I'm not usually adamant that my blogging receive multiple exclamation points but the occasion seems fitting since this is the first time. I've been featured by the lovely Jenn Ski. Upon browsing through her awesome Etsy shop and website, I found some spectacular originals and giclee prints, one of these might be going in baby girl's room soon! Share the love, thanks Jenn.

Forage Friday GIVEAWAY

2008-08-29T08:36:00.000-07:00

In honor of all my wonderful non existent readers out there and specifically my mom who provided the first taste of gourmet food at home and piqued my interest in cooking at the wee age of 3, I'm hosting my first giveaway *gasp.*

If you haven't already heard of the amazing blogger Bakerella (not my mom, but really awesome too) you are missing out. She's the woman behind the famous cupcake pops that are all the rage right now. In honor of Bakerella and all bakers out there, I've put my letterpress to work, printing recipe cards featuring some lovely cupcake pops. To see the full card click HERE

If you want to enter to win a set of 20, 2 color letterpressed recipe cards please leave a comment below as to why you LOVE letterpress (or if you don't know what letterpress is, then why you really need these recipe cards). A random drawing will be made on September 12th and a winner will be notified. Check back as Forage Friday giveaways will become a regular staple around here!

Recipe cards printed on Lettra 300GSM/110# felt paper with soy based inks. Measures roughly 4x6" and will be packed in a ClearBox for safe cooking and recipe taking.

My mustard baby DIY.

2008-08-28T13:34:00.000-07:00

My family always jokes that I have a billion EXTRA projects going on in addition to my normal life which then leads them to believe that my capacity to finish said projects is slim. Well, this summer has proved them wrong. I will be posting two large projects that have been 8 years in the making. The first, was a dilapidated old coffee table I found at a yard sale. This baby was bought in the year 2000 and throughout my ownership has since been in storage, a horse trailer (doubling as a moving trailer), has survived two winters OUTSIDE, and the rest of its life to date in my basement.

When a friend needed help refinishing a project I joined in on the fun and finally pulled this thing out of the dungeon.

After 2 weeks of stripping (yeah I know what you all are thinking right now and NO I'm not that kind of person), 1.5 weeks of sanding/puttying, 1 week of painting/sanding, 1 day of silver leafing and black glazing, 1 week of deciding I don't like the black glaze, 1 more day of silver leafing, and 72 hours of resin curing I have given birth to yet another baby. Thanks heavens this wasn't a 9 month pregnancy. Announcing my mustard baby.

It only seems fitting since mustard is my favorite condiment that this little labour of love take on a new form.

We've donned a new wardrobe

2008-08-25T21:51:00.000-07:00

Check out the site. We've donned a new back to school wardrobe thats fresh for fall, you won't want to miss our holiday line that will go live this week. Beware, for spooky surprises and a hint of seasons greetings!

Takem, Monday Pt.2

2008-08-24T23:35:00.000-07:00

Here's the Monday Etsy Roundup with all things red:

Top Left: Scrabble Pendants, homestudio.etsy.com

Top Right: Short Cape, ilikeyouworld.etsy.com

Bottom Left: Pilot Hat LARA, by Rocks & Salt or here's their Etsy

Bottom Right: Candy Apple Red Blossom Bobbies, by Katinkapinka

I'm really adore all of these, but am tempted to grow out the short hair for that LARA hat. Its really unbelievably cool, or should I say warm?

Science Class: Back to School

2008-08-23T11:33:00.001-07:00

As summer heads into flight down to the southern hemisphere, I love the feeling of anticipation that the new school year brings. Although I'm not officially enrolled in school anymore, I'm one of those strange life-long learner types. Every August rolls around and I sit at my computer pining away for a chance to enroll in a few more art/math/photography classes at my Alma Mater. All that wishful thinking behind me, the first note set from the Signature Dingabt line has been printed and is available on Etsy in packs of 6! So if you are looking for something atomically saavy to join you with those chemistry and physics books, the search for the coolest notes in town has ended.

The Letterpress Escape

2008-08-22T12:10:00.000-07:00

For those of you that do not read the blog, as really no one does - and in case you've been mysteriously wondering why there have not been any new posts - the fact is I've been doing a lot of studio work lately that has been keeping me from my letterpress fancies! In a previous life well, not really that previous but anyway I worked as a graphic designer at an ad agency where they taught me almost everything I know. Since then I've freelanced out print and web work but my passions gave way to the art of letterpress printing and the need to get my hands inky. Every once in awhile though I get an opportunity to re-enter the print and web world (non-letterpress related) if there's a project that looks really enticing. I love being able to have design as an alternative to stir up my brain and create new challenges when I feel like impression after impression on my 700 lb. press can get a little monotonous. I've been working on a new project for a client that came as a follow up after doing her wedding invitations. It's been really great to be back in the design mode these last few weeks because I forget the advantages of the different printing options out there. While I love the fine art aspect of letterpress printing and the crisp, clean impression on a soft paper pulling at my heartstrings, I also forget how amazing offset printing can look as well. I admit I'm a letterpress snob on many levels so it's fun to surprise myself every once in awhile. I've been scouting for some different alternatives of photography for my client and some of the stuff I'm finding really impresses me at how amazing photography looks when printed well too. I can't wait to put everything together and present the next round of proofs to the client! In the meantime, I'm also working on a few website re-designs with my mad new Dreamweaver skills that have developed and will be picking back up on the letterpress posts soon. Just thought I'd let you all know where I've disappeared to!

The D I N G B A T Signature Line

2008-08-02T11:53:00.001-07:00

For for those not familiar with a printer's dingbat, here's a sample of what we've been up to this last week. The D I N G B A T Signature Line has been in the works for awhile, and after much thought, it seemed necessary to show a dingbat for what it is worth. A beautiful petite ornament, making it's debut spotlight with out all the fuss. Above is a sample of vector artwork that has made the Dingbat "cut". Appearing very soon will be all sorts of letterpressed dingbat stationery in our Etsy shop and on the website.

Takem, Monday

2008-07-28T09:34:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of inspiring things out there that catch our fancy, many of which serve as inspiration later on in our letterpress designs. This will be the first installment of Takem, Monday since there are just somethings that are worth taking for our own!

On to the eye candy: on the left is the pompom queen, who has already made the blog rounds but that I LOVE, WhichGoose. The next is Chanel Couture for Fall, and on the right is this gorgeous bag (bringing back fond memories of mod dingbats) by Mishidesign featured this morning on Etsy.

ElizabethAnneDesigns.com

2008-07-28T00:42:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to give a shout out to ElizabetAnneDesigns.com for including us in their vendor line-up for stationers. Super ecstatic barely skims the surface when it comes to the excitement around here and the website has already gone gang-busters from the referrals. To fill you in, ElizabethAnneDesigns is a website that blogs on the wedding industry and is a great place to glean information on your impending stresses of planning a wedding. Seeing that one of these girls is in the process of doing her own wedding, they both have dove in to try to get a piece of the wedding blogger pie. EAD recently launched what they call the EAD Library which consists of top vendors organized by category with the option for client referrals and recommendations from previous brides. It's a genius idea, I only wish I had thought of it. Great work girls, and keep up the good work!

Laurie Cinotto of lalalaurie made the great cakebox featured in this photo, blogged by EAD. Invitaitons done by yours truely, Dingbat Press.

Child Slave Labor : Letterpress 101

2008-07-27T01:41:00.000-07:00

After months of paper and orders coming and going from our studio, we finally decided to gut and put it back together. This is the first time in about a year I've permitted my 3 year old on the premises, and the virgin tour for my 18 month old.

The following ensued:

"Mom"

what?

"What's deeze things called?"

furniture

"Burniture? Whats it used for?"

it's used to lock up the form on the press so the letters don't move when I print

"Is that press that big old honkin thingy you work on?"

yes, it's called a letterpress

"Can I go to work on a letterpress when I'm big like daddy?"

Sure! That would be FUN!

"Okay...but mom? Evelyn's messin up the burniture. She doesn't know how to put them back in the right spots."

that's okay, she's just a baby.

"Well, she can't play with my letterpress until she learns how to put the burniture back in the right places, okay?"

Sounds like a plan.

"Thanks mom, I like these drumstick burnitures, can I go play Rock Band with these?"

Git yer Type on!

2008-07-24T12:35:00.000-07:00

I live in a western town. The last thing I imagined my self EVER wanting was a large belt buckle - or really any belt buckle for that matter. And then I saw this Multi-Font Belt Buckle by Foundry Wear on my favorite online marketplace Etsy. I say, bring on the heavy metal belt buckle, with the metal type, and beautiful machinery. I'm a converted cowgirl, Giddyup!

Happy Holidays!!!

2008-07-18T23:03:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year where I start thinking of the snow again, even though it just stopped snowing about 5 weeks ago around here. Never the less it's that buying time for the winter season - so - here is a preview of some lovely soot that's been stuffed up the chimney for the last few weeks. Expect holiday product updates on the website late next week (retailers) and for consumers, on Etsy near the end of August.

Gallery

2008-07-10T22:14:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the year-long project of redesigning the website. I usually overextend (and overwhelm) myself with projects that I think I can do in ridiculously short amounts of time. The website being one of them. In it's first launch I tried to learn Flash (lifelong learner here). That generation of learning and website never got finished, never made it on Google (thank Flash programming), and was just really pathetic in the end.

Come last fall, I decided to redesign in Dreamweaver - which I've never touched before. And yes, I decided not to hire a programmer again, instead opting for the continued education. I know there are a plethora of designers out there that are shuddering at the thought, and even more programmers that are thinking, "This person is of the Devil. Those designers think they know it all!" I confess to you now, I don't really know anything except that I like to try new things. My credits go to the solicitation of friends advice and colleagues suggestions & critiques. Not to be forgotten, a lot of Lynda tutorials, emailmeform.com and a working brain. I have come to wrap things up and it not only feels like giving birth to my third child but that if forced, my brain might be able to learn Tagalic, Romanian, or maybe even Japanese at some given point (after using Dreamweaver). HTML and I are not best friends yet but there is no longer a severe need for a translator.

With that said, although not all the stationery lines are active (namely Holiday, and Dovetail), they will be soon. So keep checking back. However, the GALLERY is getting added to at a fast pace. Now you can see the work of Dingbat Press in almost Hi-Definition.

Pomp and Circumstance

2008-07-08T23:41:00.000-07:00

Every once in awhile I have the opportunity to design and print a graduation announcement. It's always so enlivening to break from the traditional stiffened "Jostens foiled with school crest and ugly typeface." I can hardly contain myself! Liza wanted to incorporate her school colors: orange and brown, and below is what ensued. Right before printing I received samples of blush colored paper. Although it was a little pinkish, I asked for some artistic liberty to try out. What do you think? She was excited, to say the least.

This is also the first of many photos taken from a loaner Canon Digital Rebel Xsi with a 50mm fixed lens. The reason behind the loaner is that I want to make sure the money is well spent before taking the plunge on equipment I'm not familiar with. I'm thinking I might go a little more macro with the lens on the next try to see if I can't get really close up on the great letterpress impression. For now you can look at my attempt at prettiness.

Bug Season

2008-07-03T16:25:00.000-07:00

I've been working on a set of new stationery designs in between printing jobs through out June, and am just barely getting sketches scanned in. I like to use Illustration Friday as a starting point for sketching when my mind is drawing a blank and these came out of the topic "punchline." I just kept thinking mosquitos because they'll be out in force for the holiday tomorrow, and out of it came a lot of other bugs instead. Enjoy the sneak peak!

Invitation Etiquette

2008-06-26T12:09:00.000-07:00

Most of the letterpress work I have been printing lately consists of wedding invitations and special events. The main question I have of brides starting out is how to word their invitation and best convey the mood/formality of the wedding event. In a world of changing social standards and etiquette, I've often referred clients to an editorial from Martha Stewart Weddings by Penelope Wood. For those not adamant about following strict tradition, it offers great starter advice on formal vs. comtemporary phrasing of an invitation suite and is broken down in a simple step by step format. If you'd like to download a copy for yourself please click here to get started.

If on the other hand you are looking to follow formal tradition, I refer those clients to the Emily Post's Wedding Etiquette by Peggy Post. This book will answer any question regarding formality in today's social situations in reference to wedding etiquette.

Blackberry, not the phone.

2008-06-15T12:00:00.001-07:00

So as you may see I'm taking cues from the pantone color predictions that have been coming out this year. Starting at fashion week and panning out, much of the color forecast is now turning up in all the latest product. While blue is rising the charts quickly, I have been excited about the color blackberry that was in January's lineup color PDF on the pantone site. I just have to say that I wished I lived in Seattle because blackberries are abundant there, and here in my small and rural plat of earth I pay close to 6 bucks for a small carton of blackberries. Needless to say I found this great blackberry cheesecake recipe for Father's Day over at Nook & Pantry. It is even more inspiring because I love the photo shoot of the cheese cake. It then got me thinking, those are some great color combinations. Expect some samples of balckberry, soft white, and graham cracker infused design. For now you can drool over this delicious looking cake. Thanks Nook & Pantry for the great inspiration!

Fundamentalist at heART

2008-06-14T19:19:00.000-07:00

I now understand why my first art courses in school were called Foundation Art : Fundamentals in Drawing. After what seems like ages of life spent on the computer, and many eye exams & prescriptions later, I'm really relishing the fact that I haven't totally lost touch with my drawing skillz. That's not to say I woudn't LOVE to take all of my drawing classes over a second or third time, but that it's nice to pick up the sketch book and refresh myself. With the age of stock art and photography, it seems even more pertinent to not use them as a crutch (witch I whole-heartedly admit to resorting to on certain occasions, yes I have flaws). I also understand though that in some cases I am not the amazing, 'generate-anything on the first try' (or numerous tries) type of gal either. So sometimes, stock can be useful in those areas that I just can't work it out on paper or digitally. With that said, I'm trying to explore some new areas in my sketchbook and develop ideas for the future. In hopes that a really refined sketching habit can lead to super refined sketches and ideas, I have my family and friends to thank for their encouragement to continue to make my work my own. Back to the drawing board.

Daunting

2008-05-26T21:26:00.000-07:00

The first post is always the hardest. Although I've been blogging personally since 2004 this will be my first professional blog. I am a graphic designer/stationer and have been in the profession since 2002, having received my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Brigham Young University - Idaho. This blog will show musings, experiments and hopefully help me develop and organize some of my ideas on how to further my passions, and help me put together where my inspiration is derived from in a round-about way. I confess I am not a formal writer - run-on sentences are my forte - but for what it's worth, hopefully this will be a place for one silly dingbat to learn and grow in the business of design and hand-made goods.