Fancy/Funky Friday: Patterns Veronica & Jenna

Savor the last day of November with today's patterns. (There are even a couple surprise photos sprinkled in!)

First, the "fancy": Pattern Veronica

Why it's "fancy": Thin, curvy lines, loops, and a lace-like quality.

Why it's great: By aligning the thickest part of the curvy lines right next to each other, they appear even thicker from a distance, really drawing attention to the almost-diamond shapes.

BONUS PICTURE: Scroll down to see how I incorporated this elegant pattern into a gold-colored stationery set. So pretty!

And now, the "funky": Pattern Jenna

Why it's "funky": There are two competing pattern "units" - a swirl-like form, and a collection of four cursive lowercase s's rotated to create a curvy square.

Why it's great: Because there's a lot of breathing room between the different rows, one pattern doesn't hog too much attention, and they end up working well together.

BONUS PICTURE: Scroll down to see how I incorporated this funky pattern into a pink & gray invitation.

-

Click here to see all posts related to "Fancy/Funky Friday" 


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!

Winter Color Combo: Red, White, & Gingerbread Brown

Gingerbread brown is one of the great warm colors of the holiday season - so why not appropriate it for your event? Add even more warmth with a spicy red, then cool the party down with a pure, snowy shade of white.

One of the best things about choosing this color scheme is how easily it lends itself to items that can work double-duty as both food spreads and room decor. Adorn buffet tables with spice cakes, plates of gingerbread cookies, and even entire gingerbread villages for a fun, whimsical feel. Then, add pops of red throughout - such as red leaves, berries, flowers, and fabric hearts.

I love the idea (presented in the second picture in from the left in the top row) of adding a stick of cinnamon to the tops of each escort card - they look adorable, go perfect with this color scheme, and would make the entire venue smell amazing! Another great idea is to have a warm beverage station set up. Coffee is classic, but for this gingerbread-filled party, hot cocoa, warm apple cider, and egg nog are other great choices.

This color scheme would work well for holiday parties and winter weddings! :)

-


Follow Invites by Andrea on Twitter!
"Like" Invites by Andrea on Facebook!

Shameless Plug Time: Love this color combination? 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.

Winter Color Combo: Dark Teal & White

Dark teal and white is a great color combination for colder months. Teal is in the "cool" family on the color wheel, but it also has a richness and depth that feels regal and sophisticated. Pair it with winter white to evoke the fresh chill of snowflakes falling from an inky blue night sky.

Use pure white flower blooms for bouquets and centerpieces, and drape the reception tables with dark teal fabrics for instant elegance. Finish the table decor with clear or teal-tinted glass for all your centerpiece flowers or candles, and set each place with brilliantly white china. Finally, dress your wedding party in beautiful teal dresses, jewelry, shoes, and neckties.

-


Follow Invites by Andrea on Twitter!
"Like" Invites by Andrea on Facebook!

Shameless Plug Time: Love this color combination? 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 Sample Spotlight: "Copper Country"

Copper is a great neutral that often unfairly gets the shaft in favor of more traditional colors like gold or silver - but unlike gold and silver, which often feel cool and standoffish due to their yellow or blue undertones, copper is all about warmth.

"Copper Country" Invitation Duo (invite & reply card)

Think of copper as a metallic, elegant brown that has all sorts of nostalgic homey associations attached to it - like old copper pots in the kitchen, antique Christmas ornaments, and the good ol' days when a quaint copper penny could actually buy a gumball or piece of candy at the barber shop. :)

For this stationery set, I took those nostalgic associations and gave them a more modern feel by increasing the scale of the somewhat boxy (but still elegant) pattern into a bold, graphic design - and by using Helvetica for all of the stationery's text. In the case of the reply card, I even used the pattern on only one side of the design, creating a modern asymmetrical composition.

This stationery set uses a metallic copper-colored petal-fold envelope and matching reply envelope, textured copper cardstock, and crisp white paper.

Copper is also a great color option for fall holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving - the base of the color is a warm orange-brown that mimics the falling leaves, but the metallic shine of the copper gives it a more elegant feeling that's great for the holiday season.


Next week's Sunday Sample Spotlight: "Le Moulin Rouge"


Click here to view all Sunday Sample Spotlight posts.

"Like" Invites by Andrea on Facebook!
Follow Invites by Andrea on Twitter!


-

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.

Fancy/Funky Friday: Patterns Catherine & Flora

Aren't long holiday weekends the best? Celebrate Thanksgiving with today's pattern post!

First, the "fancy": Pattern Catherine

Why it's "fancy": Calligraphic lines (lines that vary in thickness), loops, and a diamond-like repetition.

Why it's great: The lowercase d's are a little obvious - made all the more so because they often don't quite connect with each other. I love the thin bits of negative space that rest between the serif of one d and the "counter" (circular part) of the next.


And now, the "funky": Pattern Flora

Why it's "funky": The individual pattern "units" are thick, bold, and graphic - and leave lots of negative white space in between!

Why it's great: The flower-like shapes are made of extremely large commas, and the shapes that look like wings are made of lowercase c's.

-

Click here to see all posts related to "Fancy/Funky Friday" 


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!

Thanksgiving Color Combo #2

Yesterday I showed you a more traditional Thanksgiving color scheme - analogous colors red, orange, and yellow. Today's color scheme is still festive and beautifully autumn, but packs an unexpected lime green punch.

Though lime green is not one of the more obvious Thanksgiving color choices, it works beautifully with yellows and rusty orange-browns, and there are plenty of typical Thanksgiving dishes that can be spruced up with lime green to complete your table. Add green leaves or slices of pear or lime to the plate of turkey, and use fresh leaves of spices like cilantro or basil in your stuffing. Finally, serve vegetables like green beans and thin baby carrots (or puree them to make a delicious soup) for more pops of color.

For decoration, pick orange and green gourds, or cluster a bowl full of pears and lime green fabric leaves at the center of the table. Add names to pear stems to mark each person's spot at the table, and run a long lime green table runner underneath the groaning plates of food. In dim candlelight, and surrounded by green accents, glasses of white wine will look perfectly matched to the rest of your decor.

-

Follow Invites by Andrea on Twitter!
"Like" Invites by Andrea on Facebook!

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.

Thanksgiving Color Combo #1

Getting ready for Thanksgiving and looking for decor ideas and color schemes? Then you're in luck, because today and tomorrow I'm showing off two color combos, each based on a different photograph I've taken.

Today's color combo: Mackinac Island Sunset!

This color combo is perfect for autumn in general - and Thanksgiving in particular - since it so closely resembles the color of the leaves on the trees and much of the food you'll be serving on the table. Red, orange, and yellow is a great analogous color scheme and instantly brings to mind pumpkins, squash, stuffing, and a deliciously browned turkey - but don't feel limited to just the traditional foods! Add some red or yellow peppers to your stuffing, or make an amazing appetizer quiche (wrapped in bacon!) to further play up the bright colors of sunset.

For decor, the options are pretty much limitless. Use food (orange and lemon slices, pumpkins and gourds), nature (bright-colored flowers, tree branches, acorns, pinecones), candles, and fabric to add more punches of color throughout your table.

-

Follow Invites by Andrea on Twitter!
"Like" Invites by Andrea on Facebook!

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 Sample Spotlight: "Froth au Lait"

Today's Sunday Sample Spotlight features an invitation for an elegant anniversary celebration - but could be adapted just as easily for a wedding or other fancy event!

"Froth Au Lait" Invitation

This invitation is all about subtlety - the ivory "petal-fold" envelope has a hint of metallic shine (as do the tiny gold brads), and the thin layer of vellum laid over the invitation text gives it a sophisticated, extravagant feel without being too over-the-top.

Subtle elegant patterns cover the entire printed invitation, each one (whether in silver or gold) fading into the white background of the paper. Finally, small silver "50"s adorn each side of the invitation as a nod to the couple's fiftieth wedding anniversary.

Next week's Sunday Sample Spotlight: A unique copper-toned stationery set!


Click here to view all Sunday Sample Spotlight posts.

"Like" Invites by Andrea on Facebook!
Follow Invites by Andrea on Twitter!


-

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.

Fancy/Funky Friday: Patterns Gardenia & Isolde

TGIPF: Thank Goodness It's Pattern Friday!

First, the "fancy": Pattern Gardenia

Why it's "fancy": Thin, curvy lines, lots of loops, and a lace-like quality (especially from a distance).

Why it's great: I love the moment where the larger pattern "units" meet where the rows repeat - the two lines next to each other merge into a single, thicker line that stands out in a sea of thin.


And now, the "funky": Pattern Isolde

Why it's "funky": Straight lines, diagonals, and a very strict grid give it a very "art deco" geometric feel.

Why it's great: There are three (different!) interesting intersections - the "plus signs" that intersect into a diamond, the large x's that intersect to create little white clouds, and the instances where the serifs at the ends of lines come close to touching, but leave a little negative-space breathing-room instead.


-

Click here to see all posts related to "Fancy/Funky Friday" 


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!

"Splattered Dahlias" Watercolor

Yesterday I showed you a painting of waterlilies inspired by a photograph from one of my summer road trips. Today's post is all about the other painting I worked on last month, which was (interestingly enough) inspired by photographs of dahlias taken on my other summer road trip, where my husband and I drove through part of Ontario, Canada to get from Michigan to his cousin's wedding in Rochester, New York.

"Splattered Dahlias" - Watercolor & Colored Pencil, Oct. 2012, 11"x15"

In Rochester, NY, we visited two gardens, both of which had dahlias. I used a few different photographs to create this composition, and floated the stemless blooms in a background of another one of my patterns.

I splattered paint at several different times as I built up the layers of this watercolor to give it a vintage, aged look. There are hints of metallic shine in some of the splatter, as I had remnants of metallic red and blue paint on my palette from earlier watercolors. :)

And, just like the other painting, I used colored pencil to add a bit of detail, and heighten the contrast by darkening the darkest parts of the dahlia flowers.

Here are a couple detail shots:

Shameless plug time: Love my watercolors? Send me an email and let me know if you're interested in purchasing or commissioning a piece! :)

"Waterlilies" Watercolor

I haven't posted any recent watercolor paintings because for the longest time I wasn't painting any! 

At the beginning of the year, I was busy getting ready for the Brides-to-Be show, and designing stationery and table decor for a Bat Mitzvah. In the spring, my husband and I spent much of our free time househunting, and over the summer, we moved into (and painted & decorated!) our new house, went on a road trip with some of our friends in the western U.S., and took another shorter road trip to Rochester, New York. I've also been busy designing wedding stationery (like these "lakeshore" and "love letter" designs) and working on my novel.

But finally, last month, I managed to find time to paint two small watercolor paintings. Here's a look at the first one (you'll see the other in blog post tomorrow)!

"Waterlilies" - Watercolor & Colored Pencil, Oct. 2012, 11"x15"

This watercolor was based on a photograph I took in Michigan's Upper Penninsula (where we spent a few days at the end of our "out-west" road trip in July). Because the green lily pads already seemed so flat compared to the shading and three-dimensionality of the lilies and reflective water, I made them feel even more two-dimensional by placing one of my patterns on top of all the lily pads. 

I used colored pencil to add details (like the red stems in the water and shading on the white waterlilies). I used "rough" watercolor paper (which has an even more pronounced texture than "cold press"), and the colored pencil really plays up that texture in an interesting way.

I actually didn't have high hopes for this painting - I wasn't sure how well it would turn out - but I love it!

Here are some details:

Shameless plug time: Love my watercolors? Send me an email and let me know if you're interested in purchasing or commissioning a piece! :)

Sunday Sample Spotlight: "Purple Rain"

Sometimes elegant occasions call for sleek, simple stationery - and today's Sunday Sample Spotlight delivers just that.

"Purple Rain" - Invitation Duo (invite & reply card)

This stationery set features an invitation and reply card, both of which are printed on white paper and adhered to purple cardstock with pale lavender brads. The texture of the purple cardstock and the metallic shine of the silver "petal-fold" envelope give the design a touch of extravagance (without being too in-your-face or expensive), and the brads give three-dimensionality to each piece.

The calligraphic cursive font is simple and timeless - but the oversized elegant pattern that adorns the top of the invitation and reply card is large enough in scale that it gives the otherwise traditional design a more modern feel. Finally, I incorporated the brads into the pattern by punching them through the paper in the middle of a loopy form so that they would give the appearance of flowers. The end result is a beautiful, understated design with a crisp purple, silver and white color scheme that would work just as well for an anniversary celebration, New Year's party, or elegant dinner party as it would for a sophisticated wedding.

Next week's Sunday Sample Spotlight: "Froth au Lait"


Click here to view all Sunday Sample Spotlight posts.

"Like" Invites by Andrea on Facebook!
Follow Invites by Andrea on Twitter!


-

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.

Fancy/Funky Friday: Patterns Brittany & Brooke

Happy Friday! How do you like these new "less-text-heavy" pattern posts??


First, the "fancy": Pattern Brittany

Why it's "fancy": Calligraphic lines (lines that vary in width from thin to thick) and a lace-like quality (especially from a distance).

Why it's great: The lowercase "s" shapes connect to create heart-like icons that are repeated throughout the pattern.


And now, the "funky": Pattern Brooke

Why it's "funky": The obvious capital-B's are bold and graphic, while the wavy lines are fun.

Why it's great: I love the little "four-leaf-clover moment" that happens when the capital-B's meet!


-

Click here to see all posts related to "Fancy/Funky Friday" 


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!

Election Results Party Ideas

Happy Election Day, Americans! If you're over 18, make sure you get out there and VOTE before the day is over!

Then, once you've done your democratic duty, invite your politically-inclined friends over for an Election Results party!

If you can manage it, grab several different TVs or computer monitors and congregate them all in a central location so you can see the results pour in from several different media outlets at once. Then, have fun with "drinking games" (if you're not into getting wasted on a Tuesday night - or are too young to consume alcohol - you can always change the rules to "eat an M&M" or "take a sip of pop"), and complete the desired activity anytime you hear key words and phrases (like Democrat, Republican, "polls closed," etc.) or your state's name.

In between results, quiz your guests on presidential trivia of past elections, or get some bets going on the projected outcomes of different races (on a national, state-wide, and local level).

Serve patriotic foods like apple pie and hot dogs, or pick foods from the candidate's home (such as Chicago deep dish pizza for Obama, and Michigan brands like Vernor's ginger ale and Kellogg's corn flakes for Romney). Finally, conduct your own "exit poll" by making donkey and elephant shaped sugar cookies and watching which plate gets emptied first!

And don't forget the party decor! :)

-

Need party invitations? Check out my custom stationery at InvitesbyAndrea.com!

Sunday Sample Spotlight: "The Little Red Hen"

Today's Sunday Sample Spotlight features a highly saturated red & golden yellow color scheme that's great for fall!

"Little Red Hen" Invitation Duo (invite & reply card) & Save-the-Date

For this stationery set, I chose a bright red "cascade" envelope and lined the left flap and right side pocket with yellow vine-patterned scrapbook paper. I also scanned in the scrapbook paper and included the design on the top and bottom borders of each printed piece, to visually connect the actual invitation, reply card, and save-the-date to the envelope.

The scrapbook paper reminds me both of fallen leaves and wheat harvest (don't the vines look a little like grain?), so I thought it was the perfect choice for this time of year. By pairing it with a crisp apple orchard red, I made the autumnal inspiration even more obvious. Then, I kept the palette simple by printing all text in the same yellow and red hues (instead of introducing black or another neutral).

This is one of my favorite fonts for invitation designs. I just love the calligraphic/vintage feel of the font, and how elongated the decorative lines are on each capital letter!



Next week's Sunday Sample Spotlight: "Purple Rain"


Click here to view all Sunday Sample Spotlight posts.

"Like" Invites by Andrea on Facebook!
Follow Invites by Andrea on Twitter!


-

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.

Fancy/Funky Friday: Patterns Arlene & Veda

Every Friday, I post two patterns - and my long-winded explanations and analyses of each one. Well - no more! You'll still get your patterns (two crisp images of each design), but instead of paragraphs that you never bothered to read anyway, there will just be two short blurbs - why I consider the pattern "fancy" or "funky," and why I love the pattern in general (what makes it special, unique, exciting, interesting, or beautiful).

Because on a Friday, the last thing you want to do is read entire paragraphs when a simple phrase or two will do just fine. :)


First, the "fancy": Pattern Arlene

Why it's "fancy": Thin, curved lines and general floral shapes (especially from a distance).

Why it's great: The lowercase letter a's and y's that make up this pattern are arranged in such a way that they look like @-signs and asterisks, which gives off a playful, modern vibe.


And now, the "funky": Pattern Veda

Why it's "funky": Am I the only one who sees tiny acorn-like images all over this pattern?? (Perfect for this time of year!)

Why it's great: It creates a great mix of empty space and more crowded areas and the lines are fun and whimsical.



-

Click here to see all posts related to "Fancy/Funky Friday" 


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!