Sunday, May 27, 2012

Sunday Sample Spotlight: "Champagne Showers"

Named for its elegant font and the cool cream color of its envelope, "Champagne Showers" is a beautiful and classic invitation perfect for a formal event.


"Champagne Showers" - Invitation duo (invite & reply card)

This invitation and reply card feature one of my many "fancy" patterns. The elegance of the pattern comes from the capital cursive Ls I used to create it. The thinness of the line and light neutral color of the printing help the pattern add a hint of detail to the design without being too overpowering. The cursive font used for the text is also thin and elegant, which is why it both looks so timeless and matches the pattern so well.



The champagne "cascade" pocketfold envelope is shown with a matching metallic reply card envelope. And there's plenty of room in the pocket to include other information about your event, if you wanted to give guests an elegant map or set of directions. Metallic pocketfold envelopes are both functional and beautiful, instantly giving your stationery a touch of class. :)

As for the color, champagne is a neutral that makes a great addition to any color scheme. A simple neutral palette like this, with champagne, white, and black, would be a timeless color combination for any season - but I think it would look particularly beautiful for winter.


Next week's Sunday Sample Spotlight: An illustration of the Boston skyline!



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Shameless Plug Time: Love this invitation (or others featured on this blog)? Want something similar (or something completely custom) designed for your event? Visit Invites by Andrea to view more samples, download a catalogue pdf, or fill out a design request form. Or shoot me an email to ask me your questions or learn more information.

Friday, May 25, 2012

Fancy/Funky Friday: Patterns Gianna & Christina

Today's patterns both use diamonds and other details, but the real difference between the two that separates them as "fancy" and "funky" is, as is often the case, line thickness.

First, the "fancy": Pattern Gianna




Thin lines always seem more elegant to me than thick, bold lines, and this week's patterns exemplify that opinion. Pattern Gianna, though very unique and quite modern, still fits into the "fancy" category because the lines are thin, and because the pattern oscillates between simple, plain white diamonds and more detailed diamonds with elegant curves.

I love how preppy this design is. Wouldn't it look great on polo shirts in classic colors like dark red, navy blue, and green? The diamonds are classic and classy, but the interesting details inside the diamonds give a fun contemporary twist to the feeling of the pattern.


And now, the "funky": Pattern Christina



This pattern is also pretty "classic" in some aspects - it features elongated diamond shapes and flower-like forms. But the lines are so bold and thick that more than anything else, it screams "modern" and so I have to put it into the "funky" category. If it's a pattern that I can imagine used to upholster 1970s style furniture, how can it be classified as anything but?

The basic concept of this pattern is pretty simple. Pattern Christina features a lowercase italic "d" in a serif font which was reflected across both the x- and y-axes to create the flower-like cluster of four you see repeated here.


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Shameless plug time: Love my patterns? I incorporate them into a lot of the artwork I create, from stationery for Invites by Andrea to the watercolors I paint. Check out Invites by Andrea's website to see examples of these patterns in use or drop me a line at andrea@invitesbyandrea.com to let me know what you think!

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Patriotic Event Decor

With Memorial Day just around the corner, I thought I'd take a minute to post an inspiration board for patriotic events. Red, white, and blue is a classic color scheme for American holidays, but just because those colors are adorned on paper plates for casual family get-togethers doesn't mean that they can't also work for formal events.



Having weddings on long holiday weekends like Memorial Day or Independence Day can be a great solution if you're planning on having a lot of out-of-town guests, and you can save some money by booking a venue on a Sunday instead of the traditional Saturday. But the last thing you want to do for your guests is make them feel like they're missing out on their typical holiday celebrations by attending your event. The solution is simple - adopt the red, white, and blue color combination for your wedding and host the most sophisticated patriotic event your guests have ever seen!



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Sunday, May 20, 2012

Sunday Sample Spotlight: "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree"

Black and red is a classic color combination for formal events like weddings - but that doesn't mean your decor and invitations have to be limited to classic motifs. Bold graphics like poppies, daisies, and other flowers look great in black and red, yet feel very modern - and today's Sunday Sample Spotlight post is the proof. :)

Black Horse and the Cherry Tree - Invitation Duo (invite & reply card)

I used a black and red floral patterned scrapbook paper to line all four flaps of the metallic black petal envelope of this invitation duo. I loved the worn look that the scrapbook paper had (where cracks of black were visible on the red flower petals), so I scanned the paper into my computer to use in the design. I used Illustrator's pen tool to cut around the flower vines, so that I could capture both the shape and texture of the flowers without getting the black background. Then, because it needed some of that rick black to help the flowers pop off the invitation and match the scrapbook paper, I added black circles to the design, laying them on top of the white flower centers.




The metallic shine of the black petal envelope is only visible when the envelope is closed, since the inside flaps are all completely lined with scrapbook paper. Because red envelopes are easier to address than black ones (and because I didn't want the strong black color to become too prominent), I went with a metallic red for the reply envelope and outside invitation envelope.





The bold sans-serif font used throughout the invitation and reply card design was chosen to match the graphic, modern feel of the flower patterns. Then, I used an italic serif font to add a hint of elegance back into this usually classic color combination. :)



Next week's Sunday Sample Spotlight: "Champagne Showers"


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Shameless Plug Time: Love this invitation (or others featured on this blog)? Want something similar (or something completely custom) designed for your event? Visit Invites by Andrea to view more samples, download a catalogue pdf, or fill out a design request form. Or shoot me an email to ask me your questions or learn more information.

Friday, May 18, 2012

Fancy/Funky Friday: Patterns Heather & Rubena

TGIF! Celebrate the coming weekend by looking at these two fun patterns! :)

First, the "fancy": Pattern Heather



This pattern might look a little familiar - it's kind of similar to Pattern Vivian, another pattern I've featured on here before. Both patterns came from the same font, so they have some similar gothic features. Interestingly, I categorized Pattern Vivian as a "funky" font, since the prominent shape created was a heart and the hearts were displayed in fun zig-zag lines. Pattern Heather has a similar heart-like shape (though this heart was created with a different letter, so it looks a little different), but the repetition of the individual pattern "units" is more structured, which makes it more "fancy" and less "funky."

Pattern Vivian was created out of an old English capital A, and Pattern Heather was created out of an old English capital B. When placed back-to-back, the curved lines bring to mind butterflies or flower blossoms, and the variance of thickness along the calligraphic lines makes this pattern a definite member of the "fancy" category.


And now, the "funky": Pattern Rubena




This is one of my favorite "funky" patterns because it's so fun and unique. I love the little diamonds that have a little detail around the edges, and the almost-oval shapes bring to mind cartoon characters. Don't they each look like a long, simplistic cartoon face with wide bug-eye glasses frames? :) From a distance, the thin lines make this pattern more elegant, but up close the simplicity and uniqueness of the shapes are definitely "funky." Because Pattern Rubena is so fun, I like to use bold, saturated colors (like the hot pink I used here) for it, but it would look good in practically any color.


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Shameless plug time: Love my patterns? I incorporate them into a lot of the artwork I create, from stationery for Invites by Andrea to the watercolors I paint. Check out Invites by Andrea's website to see examples of these patterns in use or drop me a line at andrea@invitesbyandrea.com to let me know what you think!

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Summer Event Color Combinations - Part 3

Here are the last three summertime color combinations I want to share with you. I hope you find the perfect inspiration for your summer event! :)


Color Combination #1 - Cream, Ivory & Blush




Remember when I talked about using different textures yesterday? That rule absolutely applies to this color scheme, too. Cream, ivory, and blush are very similar shades that feel very romantic and vintage. Since there isn't much variation in color, it's easy to play with different textures. Let each bridesmaid pick her own dress so that everything is a slightly different shade and shape. This color scheme is all about the layering of different textures, especially vintage ones like lace, silk, crepe paper. Think lightweight layers of sheer or almost-sheer fabrics - they create visual and tactile depth that feels soft and romantic.

Vintage attire and decor is all the rage right now, and there are several wedding blogs (such as "Ruffled," which has absolutely gorgeous photos) that feature vintage-style weddings. If you're going the "romantic vintage" route, don't forget to order stationery to match! Invites by Andrea can make custom stationery to fit whatever your event theme or wedding colors! Since I hand-make each invitation, adding different layers (such as ribbon, lace, or see-through vellum overlays) is easy to do, and really sets the tone for a texture-heavy vintage wedding. :)



Color Combination #2 - Pale Blue & Yellow




Pale blue is a color that works well in the winter, spring, or summer. So pair it with a bright, sunny yellow to leave no doubt in your guests' minds about the time of year. The pale blue cools down the eye-catching yellow (and a hot summer day!), and can also feel vintage-y depending on how it's used. (Just think of the "something blue" tradition, and pick out attire or decor that might have been hand-me-downs from past ages.)

Blue and yellow is also a great color scheme for a beach wedding. Use the color of sand as a third color to introduce a neutral into the combination, and use pale blue and bright yellow as accent colors. They'll really pop against the sand and call to mind the ocean and sunshine.



Color Combination #3 - Jewel Tones




Who says you have to choose only a couple of colors? Another color trend that's hot right now is jewel tones (think Mardi Gras, Bollywood movies, or Moroccan fabrics for inspiration). Keep all of your colors saturated and bright, choosing emerald green, ruby red, sapphire blue, golden yellow, turquoise, magenta, and violet. Mix and match the tables at your reception, giving each table a different color tablecloth, and let each bridesmaid wear a different jewel tone color to show off the whole spectrum.

Even though there are a lot of colors going on at once, they work together because they're all the same level of saturation. To tie them together even more, add another element, such as a neutral or a bit of shine. If all of your bridesmaids tie a black sash around their waist, they'll instantly look like a wedding party despite their different colors because they all have an element in common. Another idea is to give all of your jewel tone colors the same type of shine - such as a using a hint of glitter on everything, or finding metallic or shimmering fabrics for your decor. By playing up the metallic-ness of the colors, you mark them all as jewel tones, and then they instantly go together.


Did you miss them the first time? Don't forget to also check out Spring Event Color Combinations Part 1 and Part 2!

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Shameless Plug Time: Love these color combinations? Looking for custom stationery made to match these colors (or whatever other color combinations you're using for your event)? Visit Invites by Andrea to view more samples, download a catalogue pdf, or fill out a design request form. Or shoot me an email to ask me your questions or learn more information.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Summer Event Color Combinations - Part 2

Yesterday I showed you three summer color combinations - coral & jade, blue & white, and red, black & white. Today, I have three more exciting color schemes to show you. :)




Color Combination #1 - Orange & Yellow



Summer is all about the sunshine, and there is nothing sunnier than a bright, eye-catching orange and yellow color scheme. Just make sure to keep the orange and yellow bold and saturated. Darker oranges and golden yellows tend to look more autumnal, so to keep your color combination fresh and sunny, think citrus and not fall leaves. :)

There are so many great decor options for a bright orange and yellow color scheme. A lot of different flowers are available in those colors, and if none of them suit your fancy, you can still go organic by using fruits - oranges and lemons - to decorate. Since the colors are so sunny, they lend themselves well to round decor such as parasols and paper lanterns. Pick some that are made out of material so thin that they let some light shine through them to mimic the beauty of the summer sun. These bright colors also call to mind fruit-flavored candy, so play up that sugary richness with a candy table at your wedding reception.


Color Combination #2 - Dusty Rose & Gray



For such a cool color combination, dusty rose and gray is very hot right now! Gray is the new neutral - it goes great with everything, and adds a modern twist to your color palette. Dusty rose and gray is a very romantic, vintage color combination, and is on its way to becoming a new classic. Because it feels so timeless, it's great for a classic, elegant summer wedding - and the gray and pale pink help cool down a hot summer day.

This color scheme works well if you use multiple shades of pink and gray, as well as an eclectic mix of texture or pattern. Using different textures adds to the soft, romantic and vintage feel of the colors and adds a lot of depth to attire and decor.


Color Combination #3 - Blue, Turquoise, & Lime



These bright colors work great for summer weddings, and are inspired by trendy peacock feathers. You can use actual peacock features in your bouquets or centerpieces for a more sophisticated look, or just emulate the colors, turning the saturation up for a bold, bright, and fun statement. The dark, royal blue acts almost as a neutral for the lighter and brighter turquoise and lime green, and all three colors are so analogous on the color wheel that they mix well together.

Because there are two shades of blue used in this color scheme, it's perfect for the beach, or any outdoor venue, but it also works great indoors. Bring the bright, energetic colors of a sunny summer day inside with this color scheme, and don't be surprised when your guests are spurred on to keep dancing late into the night!




Click here to go on to Summer Event Color Combinations Part 3!

Missed Part 1? Click here to go back.

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Shameless Plug Time: Love these color combinations? Looking for custom stationery made to match these colors (or whatever other color combinations you're using for your event)? Visit Invites by Andrea to view more samples, download a catalogue pdf, or fill out a design request form. Or shoot me an email to ask me your questions or learn more information.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Summer Event Color Combinations - Part 1

I've already posted about spring, winter, and autumn color schemes on this blog, and now it's time to look at some of my favorite summertime color combinations!

Color Combination #1 - Coral & Jade



This color scheme may look familiar to you - it's the one I used on my own July wedding last year, and I've already posted several times about the decor I made and used for that event. :) In fact, all of the pictures in the above "inspiration board" were professional photographs taken at my wedding, by the amazing Amber Hunt.


We chose this color combination because it was unique. I'd never seen any other event with these colors, and I loved how bright and saturated they both were. I'm not one to wear pastel colors - they simply don't work on my pale skin tone and I look completely washed out. I've always preferred brighter, saturated colors compared to tints or shades, and I didn't want any soft pastels at my wedding. My husband loves the color combination of green and pink, so I tweaked those a little to make the colors more unique and sophisticated to fit my tastes, and we ended up with jade (a dark, deep blueish green) and dark coral (called "guava" by David's Bridal).

At first, it was a little difficult finding inspiration and planning decor since it was not a popular color combination. But we were engaged for awhile (almost two years) since we were still in school, and thankfully, by the time we'd graduated and I'd actually started really planning the wedding, the colors we'd chosen many months ago were suddenly more popular, though never together. The summer before our wedding, David's Bridal sent out a catalogue that featured, among other colors, jade and guava, though they weren't shown together.

A lot of our guests commented on the color scheme, saying that it was unique and beautiful and that they never would have expected them to work together, but that they very much did. It's true that it's an unorthodox color combination, but I really don't understand the surprise. Red-orange and blue-green are complements on the color wheel, meaning they're directly across from each other and therefore guaranteed to look good together. The color scheme of coral and jade is just a slight change from that pairing. The jade is dark enough to look like grass and foliage, but with a hint of blue that calls to mind the deep ocean. And the coral is bright and sunny and perfect for summer.


Color Combination #2 - Blue & White


A deep, saturated, royal blue is another great summer color, and it pairs perfectly with white. Think of the blue-domed whitewashed churches on the Greek island of Santorini for inspiration, or go for a more nautical feel and think of the stark contrast between a large white sail fastened to a boat bobbing on the dark blue ocean.

This color combination works because it feels so fresh. The pure white and dark blue are both cool colors, so they cool down a hot summer day just as well as jumping into a backyard pool. The rich royal blue calls to mind the sky and sea and feels brighter and sunnier than a pale blue, and the white is, as always, classic for a wedding. :)


Color Combination #3 - Red, Black, & White



Speaking of classic wedding colors, there is nothing more classic than red, black, and white. The great thing about this color combination is how strongly the red pops against the two neutrals. All three colors are in stark contrast with each other, making it a very sophisticated color scheme. Use red roses and the classic damask pattern for a more elegant feel, or switch the roses out for a different flower - like red daisies or poppies - to instantly make your decor more modern. For an even more contemporary vibe, forgo flowers altogether, and use onyx black and ruby red rocks in long slender vases as your centerpieces.

The best part about this color combination? It's easy to find decor, attire, favors, and more that fit this color scheme since it's such a classic. And since so many things come in red, black, and white, it's also easy to find something that's never been done before to add your own spin on these timeless colors.


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Shameless Plug Time: Love these color combinations? Looking for custom stationery made to match these colors (or whatever other color combinations you're using for your event)? Visit Invites by Andrea to view more samples, download a catalogue pdf, or fill out a design request form. Or shoot me an email to ask me your questions or learn more information.

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Sunday Sample Spotlight: "At First Blush"

Today's Sunday Sample Spotlight might look familiar to you. I've shown pictures of this stationery set on this blog before, and have featured the pattern I used to create the design on a Fancy/Funky Friday post.

"At First Blush" - Invitation Trio (invite, reply card & information insert)

This is an interesting stationery set because it feels both soft and romantic (thanks to the pink and white color scheme, the feminine ribbons, and the pale pink vellum overlay) and has a bit of an edge (thanks to the angular Gothic/Old English font and pattern). This would be the perfect stationery for a romantic affair held at an urban, downtown German pub - so if you ever host such a unique event, this is the invitation design for you! ;)




The font and pattern are rather masculine, even though it features little hearts and is (at least for this sample), a brilliant hot pink color. But the overall feeling of this stationery set is definitely the feminine - the oversized bows and vellum overlays cover everything masculine with several shades of pink. It's an interesting mix, and perfect for a unique venue, decor, or event.




The stationery was all printed on my standard white cardstock and paired with metallic "pink azalea" colored envelopes. The directions page and invitation are cloaked in a thin transparent pink vellum overlay and decorated with two hand-tied bows. The bows are looped through small holes along the top to hold the stationery and vellum together, making them both pretty and functional. With its emphasis on hearts and shades of pink, this stationery set would also be perfect for Valentine's Day, or any other romantic event. :)



Next week's Sunday Sample Spotlight: A black and red flowery combination


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Friday, May 11, 2012

Fancy/Funky Friday: Patterns Victoria & Anna


Both of today's patterns are on the detailed and fancy end of the spectrum, but as you'll see at the end of this blog post, the "funky" pattern also has very thick, bold lines which keep from letting it feel too elegant.

First, the "fancy": Pattern Victoria





I love the detail in this pattern. It has a lot of vertical emphasis with the long ovals throughout the pattern, but in between the ovals that let in a little negative space, there are a lot of interesting details and shapes created by the thin, decorative lines. There are a couple different heart-like shapes, and there are some discernible (though certainly fancy) letters, as well - can you spot the capital E and capital H letters? I really love the amount of detail. Every time you look at the pattern up close, you notice something else new. :)




This pattern is great for a thick strip of pattern across the top or sides of a stationery design, as shown above, and it works in almost any color. It looks even more royal in a deep blue, purple, or gold, and it would take on a more organic, garden ivy feel in shades of green.


And now, the "funky": Pattern Anna





Pattern Anna makes me instantly think of tudor architecture design with its thick, bold lines that create such a huge contrast to the light negative space, and its emphasis on diagonals. While it could be argued that tudors have a certain "fanciness" to them, I've always found such designs to feel too bold to be the elegant version of fancy I often think about (and use to define the "fancy" category of these blog posts). Plus, the design, though some parts are more detailed than others, is still relatively simple. There are a lot of thick diagonal lines, some thinner diagonal lines, and some slight curves that never quite make a full elegant loop. For all of those reasons, I feel that Pattern Anna and other similar patterns would have to be closer to the "funky" end of the spectrum - they're too unique, simple, and bold to be truly fancy. :)


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Shameless plug time: Love my patterns? I incorporate them into a lot of the artwork I create, from stationery for Invites by Andrea to the watercolors I paint. Check out Invites by Andrea's website to see examples of these patterns in use or drop me a line at andrea@invitesbyandrea.com to let me know what you think!

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Mother's Day Cards

When I was in sixth grade, I was the Michigan finalist in a nation-wide Mother's Day card contest. Since I wasn't the national winner, my design wasn't made into a card sold in stores, but I still won a gift certificate to KFC and a set of Encarta CDs which included a digital atlas and an encyclopedia (which would have been a much cooler prize had the internet not already been around for a few years). On top of those prizes, I was also featured in our local newspaper and the Detroit Free Press, and I was interviewed on our local Fox news channel.

Since then, I've created several other greeting card designs. I made personal cards for my friends and family's birthdays all through middle school and high school, which I designed on the computer using Publisher. More recently, I've designed cards in Illustrator - here are a few birthday, anniversary, and Hanukkah designs from last year - or made them by hand, using leftover pieces of scrapbook paper to cut out and glue designs onto cardstock, handwriting the message on the inside of the card.

In my experience, card-receivers always enjoy a handmade or personally designed card over a store-bought option. Even if you aren't very artistic, chances are you can make some kind of design - either by hand or on the computer - that means something special to the person you're making it for. Even if it doesn't look perfect, the fact that you took the time to make it warms their hearts. And here's the real secret - it doesn't really take more time to hand-make a card than it does to drive to a card store, go through all the options, try to find the best card, pay for it, and drive home. It just looks like it did. :)

So this Mother's Day, get in touch with your inner child and make your mom a card like you used to in elementary school. She'll like it, I promise. ;)


Sunday, May 6, 2012

Sunday Sample Spotlight: "By Any Other Name"

This year, it seems that practically every client I talk to about their wedding uses one (or more!) of the following three words to describe the aesthetic of their event: soft, romantic, and vintage. Pale pinks, deep reds, and creams are popular this year for just that reason, and it's no surprise that this particular design is a favorite among my clients. They love the feminine, romantic look of the flowers lining the petal envelope and want something similar for their own wedding.


"By Any Other Name" - Invitation Duo (invite & reply card)


"By Any Other Name" is an invitation duo situated on a deep red petal envelope with a soft linen texture. In case you're not sure how the petal envelope works, it folds up with each flap partly under the flap next to it, so that it creates a little spiral when closed, and opens up like a blooming flower bud. It's the perfect envelope for romantic weddings.




The red roses that line each flap of the inside of the petal envelope are cut from a piece of scrapbook paper I had. I haven't found this exact scrapbook paper again, but there are several other scrapbook paper designs I've found that are similar and would work just as well. I also have a lot of photographs of roses and other flowers, and could make a collage in Photoshop out of those to make my own version of the scrapbook paper.

Here are some of my favorite paper substitutes I've found for clients who were looking to duplicate this design:








All of those scrapbook choices fit the soft, romantic, and vintage feeling that this envelope and invitation design have, and, depending on the color scheme of the event, could be great choices to add a touch of elegance and femininity to your stationery.

For the actual invitation design, I used a simple design that was mainly text. I also scanned in the rose scrapbook paper and incorporated a few stripes of it on each printed piece just to help tie the invitation and reply card back to the envelope, but the text-heavy design would really work just as well without it. Because the scrapbook paper pops so much, it's best to keep everything else simple.





The invitation and reply card were each printed on a cream-colored linen cardstock so that the texture would match the texture of the envelope. The reply card has a matching cream-colored linen envelope, completing this romantic stationery set. Though this particular sample is for a wedding, this design could easily be adapted to an elegant anniversary party, and would be perfect for Valentine's Day. :)



Next week's Sunday Sample Spotlight: "At First Blush"


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Shameless Plug Time: Love this invitation (or others featured on this blog)? Want something similar (or something completely custom) designed for your event? Visit Invites by Andrea to view more samples, download a catalogue pdf, or fill out a design request form. Or shoot me an email to ask me your questions or learn more information.

Friday, May 4, 2012

Fancy/Funky Friday: Patterns Jewel & Mable

It's time for another Fancy/Funky Friday post! :)

First, the "fancy": Pattern Jewel




This pattern has an obvious vertical structure, with alternating columns of dense blue lines and decorative ovals with more negative space. The lines are thin and elegant, with lots of crisscrossing loops that make it very detailed and interesting, even close-up. The long oval shapes with their intricate line detail remind me of Faberge eggs. I could also definitely see an adaption of this pattern used for stained glass window designs - the hundreds of little loops are practically begging to be colored in with beautiful sunlight-catching colors!


And now, the "funky": Mable





This pattern is interesting because the lines are so thin and sparse that the negative space almost overpowers the space. There is a lot of emphasis on the vertical and horizontal grid in this pattern, but the lines don't appear quite straight, especially from a distance, which gives it a sort of spontaneous, tilted feeling.

If you look closely at the curved plus-sign forms, you'll notice that the decorative pointed ends were lined up in such a way that a thin "x" is created in the white negative space. Since the pointed ends are off center, the lines themselves don't actually line up. Follow the implied horizontal line from the left to the right and you'll notice that the right one is a few pixels higher than the left line. It is this slight difference that gives the horizontal and vertical lines a sort of wavy, tilted feel.


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Shameless plug time: Love my patterns? I incorporate them into a lot of the artwork I create, from stationery for Invites by Andrea to the watercolors I paint. Check out Invites by Andrea's website to see examples of these patterns in use or drop me a line at andrea@invitesbyandrea.com to let me know what you think!