Annual Gala Branding

For the most part, my job consists of designing different materials that have the same look. But, sometimes I get to do a project that's different that lets me be more creative. The branding of the Lake Regional Annual Gala was the most recent of those projects.

The gala committee wanted something sophisticated, distinct and elegant. Also, it needed to have a red and black color scheme.

Here's a look at some of the pieces I created.

Tied Up in Knots

Living at the lake, I've always had a love for anchors and knots. Here are some of my favorite knotty things.

DIY knot decoration

Pretty top knot

Sailing bracelet

Oxford in a knot

Knot stacking rings

Sailor knot headband

You Look Great

How lovely is this? Wouldn't you love to have one in your closet or near the bathroom mirror? Even if you don't think you look very good, the gold mirror does :)

Photo via.

Adorable Online Shop

I’m always a sucker for cute packaging, glittery embellishments and clever cards. D.Sharp has a shop that’s adorable, inspiring and makes me wish I had a letterpress machine.

See all the products here.

Happiness Help Flow Chart

Are you unhappy? Here’s a genius flow chart to help you.

Buy the poster here.

(Photo via Moodgadget) 

Bookshelf Inspiration

I am crazy about bookshelves and wish my house had one (that's where Pinterest makes me happy and sad at the same time). When I get one, I can't wait to fill it with pretty books and thrift store treasures.

 

I really like the combination of big books, little books and different sized knick
knacks. Also, I need that chair.

The pillows are an interesting choice, but I love the bar shelf and the framed
and matted black and white photos.

I really like thow they used color to create uniformity.

They broke up the shelves perfectly with photos, storage containers, books and fun objects.

Really, I'm just jealous of this entire room.
I need a fireplace. Bad.

I love library ladders. I really like the furniture, too, but I'm afraid of white.
And, I've been seeing a trend of hanging pictures or mirrors on the outside of the
bookshelves. I like it, but I think I prefer smaller things to hang. Thoughts?

(photos via Pinterest)

Personalized Wine Lables

I'm crazy about these personalized wine bottle labels from Pinhole Press. I keep thinking of reasons I need to make my own. I think they'd be a fun way to celebrate holidays, birthdays, a family reunion or simply to impress guests with your own "brand."

They also make personalized goodie bag labels, calendars, notebooks, stationary and much more. I think their products would make great wedding or Christmas gifts!

(Photo’s via Pinhole Press)

Pinterest Pretties

Yesterday I discovered the wonders of Pinterest ... and now am totally addicted. I used to search the internet for pretty pictures of bedrooms, living rooms, console tables, etc, but now all I have to do is search for it in Pinterest! I'm amazed by it and am a little sad I'm just now joining in.

Here are some of the beauties I found yesterday.

(Photos via my Pinterest)

Pumpkin Decorating Ideas

Last week I was thumbing through the October issue of Country Living magazine and was inspired by their fun Halloween/pumpkin decorating ideas.

As much as I hate to admit it, I’m one of those people who decorates for holidays too early. I just get excited and can’t help myself. I'm trying really hard to wait until Oct. 1 to put pumpkins on my patio. I guess it gives me time to plan which of these beauties I'll decorate with this year.

These gilded gourds and pumpkins make me swoon (top) (bottom).

Black and white pumpkins! I’m in love. Get the how-to here.

This bookshelf pumpkin tree made my jaw drop.

This decoupage pumpkin is genius.

See more of Country Living’s pumpkin decorating ideas here.

(photos via countryliving.com)

Happy Autumn

Happy first day of fall! In honor of my favorite season I made this illustration.

If you'd like a printable PDFof it, leave a comment telling me your favorite part about fall, and email me at amanda.l.dewit@gmail.com. I'll attach the PDF in the reply.

Incredible Illustrations

E.W. Thomason is my new favorite illustrator. I can’t get enough of his work – seriously incredible. I go look at his online gallery almost every week. It’s one of my happy places.

Go check it out!

(Photos via E.W. Thomason)

Adorable Notebooks

I love these cute, personalized notebooks from Minted’s latest design challenge. I especially love the wedding day thank you notebook. What a cute bridesmaid gift idea!

See all the winners here.

(Photos via Minted)