Fancy/Funky Friday: Patterns Kenzie & Faye

As May draws to a close, I present you with two final May patterns - Kenzie & Faye!

First, the "fancy": Pattern Kenzie

Why it's "fancy": Thin, calligraphic lines, loops and curves, and a general lace-like appearance (especially from a distance) all characterize this fancy pattern (and many others)!

Why it's great: I love the little bow-tie like details!


And now, the "funky": Pattern Faye

Why it's "funky": With so many swirling loops, your eyes are constantly on the move, taking in the dynamic details of this fun pattern.

Why it's great: The evenly-spaced loops give it a funky mod 1960s 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!

Fun Bandana Decor

I love bandanas - they're colorful and cute, and they're useful for so much more than just wearing. They're so carefree and summery, they're perfect decor for this time of year!

1. Use bandanas to jazz up your patriotic Memorial Day, Fourth of July, or Labor Day party or picnic!

2. Bandanas come in other colors, too! Use them for outdoor parties, office picnics, children's birthday parties, and decorating your house (especially kids' bedrooms or nurseries)!

Bandanas are perfect alternatives for cloth napkins, make great flags, banners, tablecloths, and table runners, and easily roll up for utensil holders or clever nut/popcorn carriers!

And bandanas aren't limited to just summer, either - orange and black bandanas are great for Halloween and other autumn events!

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Color of the Week - Turquoise

This week's color is Turquoise - a bright blue with just a hint of green undertone!

Turquoise is already fairly saturated - pair it with a slightly darker hue that's also high in saturation (like royal blue or red-violet) for a brilliant eye-catching color scheme. It's particularly striking with red (check out my inspiration boards here & here).

Fun facts about Turquoise:

1. The first recorded use of turquoise as a color name in English was in 1573, based on the gem of the same name. In turn, the gem's name comes from the French word for "Turkish," as it was originally imported from Turkey.

2. As a mineral, turquoise has been prized as a gem and ornamental stone for thousands of years, and is the traditional birthstone of December. In the ancient Persian Empire, turquoise gems were worn around the neck or wrist as protection against unnatural death; it was believed that if they changed color, the wearer had reason to fear the approach of doom. Today, science has proved that turquoise gems can indeed change color, though it is thought to be caused by light, or by a chemical reaction brought about by cosmetics, dust, or the acidity of skin.

3. The color turquoise is known to be calming, and can be used to treat patients prone to panic attacks or mania. Mainstream psychiatric hospitals often use turquoise and other light tones of blue and green to paint their interior walls, and many nurses often wear turquoise scrubs.


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Sunday Sample Spotlight: "Time to Pretend"

I absolutely adore this stationery set! It's perfect for spring!

"Time to Pretend" - Invitation Duo (invite & reply card)

I started with a metallic pale pink folding envelope, which I decorated with beautiful pale yellow scrapbook paper featuring a yellow/white/pale pink/sky blue floral design.

Up close (and tilted into the light), the pale rose-pink metallic envelopes really shine - and the scrapbook paper boasts an implied linen texture (though the paper is actually totally smooth). I very subtly mimicked this texture with pale yellow lines in the background of the printed invitation and reply card (it's so subtle, you can't even see it in these pictures!), and I incorporated the same blue, pink, and slate gray colors from the scrapbook paper for the images and text.

I recreated the linear floral design with Adobe Illustrator's pen tool so I could print it on the invitation. and seamlessly connect the digital printouts to the scrapbook-lined envelopes.

On the reply card, I only printed half of that flower form, poking down from the top edge of the paper. Because I didn't scale the image down (just cropped it), if you lay the RSVP on top of the invitation, the flowers line up exactly!

Because of its pastel colors, this design would work great for any spring event, as well as baby showers, birth announcements, and cutesy/feminine holidays like Easter and Valentine's Day!

Next week's Sunday Sample Spotlight: "Manors & Etiquette"


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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.

Fancy/Funky Friday: Patterns Corella & Scarlett

Happy Friday! Here are today's patterns (both shown in a bright, cheerful red color!) -

First, the "fancy": Pattern Corella

Why it's "fancy": In between the prominent white shapes is an elegant sea of curlicues and loop-di-loops, all drawn in thin lines.

Why it's great: The negative space really comes forward because the hexagon-like shapes are so large in comparison to all the other details.


And now, the "funky": Pattern Scarlett

Why it's "funky": From a distance, it has some lace-like qualities, but up close, there are just too many fun allusions to make this pattern anything but uniquely fun!

Why it's great: I don't know about you, but when I look at this pattern, I see cartoonish dog bones, spooky ghost eyes, and simplified Greek columns... ;)

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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!

Red, White and Blue Recap

Memorial Day (and the unofficial start of summer) is quickly approaching! Rediscover my patriotic color and decor inspiration board from last year to find the perfect idea for your family's Memorial Day get-together! :)

Color of the Week - Champagne

This week's color is Champagne - a neutral that complements almost any color!

Champagne works with almost anything, from pastels to darker shades, and from highly saturated hues to fellow neutrals!

Fun facts about Champagne:

1. The first recorded use of the word champagne as a color term in English was in 1915; it was named for the sparkling wine produced from grapes grown in the Champagne region of France.

2. This color is often used to describe gemstones or paint finishes (such as in marketing automobiles) in order to imply that one is purchasing a luxury product.

3. Horses may inherit a "champagne gene" from either or both parents; this simple dominant allele creates rare horse coat colors, hazel eyes, and pinkish, freckled skin. In champagne colored horses, any hairs that would have been red are gold, and any hairs that would have been black are chocolate brown.



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Sunday Sample Spotlight: "If the Blue Fits"

Though simple at first glance, this stationery design has a lot going on - including a metallic envelope, scrapbook paper, colored brads, and a playful linear design.

"If the Blue Fits" - Invitation Duo (invite & info insert)

I started with a metallic sky blue folding envelope, then lined the left-side flap and right-side pocket with printed denim-blue scrapbook paper. I mimicked that same linear design on the actual invitation and information insert, using the nonparallel stripes as divisions for the paragraphs of text as well as design elements at the top and bottom of each page.

I love the "hollowness" of the font I used for the paragraph headlines - the thin blue outlines around each letter harken back to the nearly-horizontal stripes that cover the printed pages and scrapbook additions.

Finally, the blue brads give the stationery set added depth by incorporating three dimensions. From a distance, the lines and different shades of blue remind me of the way the surface of a calm lake might look as the water is rippled in the breeze. This design would be perfect for a spring or summer wedding - especially one outdoors near a pond or lake!


Next week's Sunday Sample Spotlight: a beautiful yellow and pink spring stationery set!


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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.

Fancy/Funky Friday: Patterns Isabella & Charlene

Today's patterns couldn't be more different. One's super-feminine and lacy, while the other is bold, simplistic, and mod!

First, the "fancy": Pattern Isabella

Why it's "fancy": This pattern features thin lines that interact in very detailed, intricate ways - but also leave plenty of white negative space to allow the intense areas a chance to breathe.

Why it's great: From a distance, it looks as elegant as any lace.


And now, the "funky": Pattern Charlene

Why it's "funky": Bold, thick areas of color stand out against equally dominant pops of white background.

Why it's great: The lowercase "i" images remind me of chemistry beakers - with a bubble of reaction hovering over the top (or bottom).

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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!

Color of the Week - Lavender

This week's color is Lavender - a great pastel purple for spring!

Because it's so pale, lavender works best with darker shades. I particularly like it with unique colors with gray undertones (like moss green or dusty rose pink)!

Fun facts about Lavender:

1. The first recorded use of the word lavender as a color term in English was in 1705; it was named for the flowering plant of the same name native to much of southern Europe, northern Africa, and southwestern Asia.

2. The color lavender has symbolized many things throughout history, including love at first sight, decadence (especially the sensual enjoyment of music and art), elegance, femininity, homosexuality, imagination, and general cancer awareness.

3. There is a character in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter book series named Lavender Brown.



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Sunday Sample Spotlight: "Creatively Cultivated"

Today's sample stationery set features a classic spring color scheme - green and pink!

"Creatively Cultivated" Invitation Duo (invite & reply card)

The invitation (printed on white cardstock and bordered with pale ballet pink cardstock) is mounted onto a metallic spring green folding envelope, while the matching pink-bordered RSVP card and metallic spring green reply card envelope are tucked into the side pocket.

Simple and direct, the straightforward text takes center stage - literally. In the background, two large faded triangles of floral-inspired pattern bleed into the white of the background to add subtle depth and the hint of the color scheme's springtime theme.


Next week's Sunday Sample Spotlight: "If the Blue Fits"


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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.

Fancy/Funky Friday: Patterns Emmeline & Daisy

It's Friday again - and you know what that means! It's pattern time!

First, the "fancy": Pattern Emmeline

Why it's "fancy": The thin curves give elegance to an otherwise industrial/masculine design.

Why it's great: With its straight lines, Xs, and simple curves, this pattern reminds me of wrought-iron designs, like the art-deco ones found on the elevator grates of old skyscrapers.


And now, the "funky": Pattern Daisy

Why it's "funky": Each "kidney bean" shape creates a fun intersection where the mirror images meet - whether its a sideways-X & stretched figure-eight combo, or a small white diamond flanked by solid blue circles.

Why it's great: The individual pattern "units" are highly structured (with obvious rows & columns), but there's a hint of whimsy with the cloud-like double-arcs.

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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!

Color of the Week - Lemon Meringue

This week's color is Lemon Meringue - a pale yellow tint!

Because it's so light, Lemon Meringue is more similar to cream or ivory than true yellow, and works as a beautiful neutral with many colors ranging from pastel to highly saturated.

Fun facts about Lemon Meringue:

1. This color is (naturally) named for the uppermost layer of a lemon meringue pie, a dessert typically made with a shortbread crust (on the bottom only), lemon curd filling, and a fluffy meringue topping.


2. In the baking world, meringue is made from whipped egg whites and sugar. It's known for its light, airy texture, and is necessarily a fat-free food, since the presence of even small amounts of fat before the meringue is baked can cause the beaten egg whites to collapse.

3. Lemon Meringue is similar to cream - officially the color of the cream produced by cattle grazing on natural pasture with plants rich in yellow carotenoid pigments.


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Sunday Sample Spotlight: "The First Twitter"

What's cuter for a baby shower invitation or birth announcement than illustrations of chirping baby birds?

"The First Twitter" Invitation

Fluffy and fun, these little birds stand on a tree branch not far from the nest where their future younger siblings lay sleeping in their eggs. I designed this image in Adobe Illustrator; it would be easy to create a custom illustration to reflect an actual family - perhaps a mommy and daddy bird, an older brother or sister baby bird, and a nested egg to represent the new addition to the family. :)

This design could also work for any spring event - especially Easter celebrations!


Next week's Sunday Sample Spotlight: "Creatively Cultivated"


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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.

Fancy/Funky Friday: Patterns Celeste & Armella

Today is all about opposites - insanely intricate vs. simple & fun! Which is your favorite pattern?

First, the "fancy": Pattern Celeste

Why it's "fancy": From a distance, it looks just like lace, or perhaps a crazy-intense laser-cut out paper doily.

Why it's great: Up close, it has a lot of playfulness and whimsy - both in the details (the childlike curls! the recognizably capital-Gs!) and the structure (there's nothing more hypnotizing than radial symmetry)!


And now, the "funky": Pattern Armella

Why it's "funky": This pattern has plenty of hard angles (just check out all of the white squares, triangles and "double diamonds" formed in the negative space).

Why it's great: I love the straight edges attached to each of the circles - it gives off a masculine, hardware vibe.

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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!

"Warm" Color Flowers

Happy May Day!

Two weeks ago, I showed you the difference between "cool" and "warm" colors on the subtractive color wheel. Then, last week, I offered you inspiration with a list of flowers that fall under the "cool" color category. This week, it's all about "warm" flowers - yellows, oranges, reds, and pinks! These colors are abundant in nature's flowers, so it's easy to find just the right tint or shade you're looking for.

Yellow/Cream/White flowers: Daffodil, Daisy, Sunflower, Marigold, Black-Eyed Susan, Monkshood, Camomile, Achillea, Acacia, Barberry, Adonis, Begonia, Bellwort, Buttercup, Carnation, Chrysanthemum, Clover, Dandelion, Frangipani, Laburnum, Lisianthus, Coltsfoot, Jasmine, Coreopsis, Rose, Edelweiss, Tulip, Zinnia, Elderflower, Goldenrod, Freesia, Furze, Narcissus, Kingcup, Hazel Flower, Pansy, Hyacinth, Lady's slipper, Nasturtium, Lily, Marvel-of-Peru, Poppy, Snapdragon, Mayflower, Mimosa, Snowdrop, Star of Bethlehem, Tansy, Witch Hazel, Hellebore

Orange/Coral/Peach flowers: Bird of Paradise, Lily, Tiger Lily, Alstroemeria, Crown Imperial, Butterfly Weed, Chrysanthemum, Dahlia, Rose, Freesia, Gerbera, Hibiscus, Primrose, Maple, Oxeye Daisy, Quince Blossom, Ranunculus, Parrot's Beak, Tulip, Red Monkey Flower

Red flowers: Rose, Poppy, Carnation, Camellia, Hibiscus, Poinsettia, Holly, Clematis, Mallow, Cockscomb, Tulip, Primrose, Zinnia, Chocolate Cosmos, Koki'o, Alstroemeria, Gerbera Daisy, Peony, Ginger, Gladyolis, Anthurium, Mokari Orchids, Anemone, Hypericum Berry, Columbine, Snapdragon, Western Spice Bush, Canna, Purple Smoke Bush, Gazania, Sunrose, Crimson Scabious, Crape Myrtle, Red Lousewort

Pink/Fuschia flowers: Rose, Amaranth, Amaryllis, Foxglove, Cherry blossom, Apple blossom, Almond blossom, Apricot blossom, Peach blossom, Pear blossom, Gladyolis, Camellia, Bachelor Button, Impatiens, Acacia, Gillyflower, Carnation, Tulip, Daphne, Hollyhock, Abutilon, Aloe, Gloxina, Eglantine, Aster, Dew Plant, Rhododendron, Azalea, Chestnut Flower, Phlox, Oleander, Dahlia, Magnolia, Columbine, Fuschia, Orchid, Cosmos, Honeysuckle, Zephyranthes, Cyclamen, Geranium, Myrtle, Ginger Flower, Heather Flower, Petunia, Laurel, Hyacinth, Peony, Sweat Pea, Hydrangea, Iceplant, Sweet William, Zinnia


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I design custom stationery in whichever color(s) you love! Visit Invites by Andrea to view 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. 

I also paint watercolors! Send me an email and let me know if you're interested in purchasing or commissioning a piece! :)