Just Jen

I Scream, You Scream...

As my grandmother, Gogie used to say, "It just goes down around the edges."

Pick up this lovely print at twoforjoypaper's etsy shop.

Color Collective

A while back I discovered the Color Collective blog, and ever since it has been my go-to for color inspiration. Each post is simply a color palette taken from illustrations and photographs. I'll admit, it's the kind of thing us design nerds tend to get really excited about, but it's also a great resource if you're planning to re-decorate a room or starting a sewing project such as a quilt and could use a little help choosing colors. See? Fun for everyone!

 

 

 

 
 
 
 

Lovely Letterpress

It's a good thing I didn't stumble across Bella Figura's site when I was planning my wedding, or I might have been tempted to completely blow my budget on one of their lovely invitation designs. I love their use of type and unexpected design elements (gingham on a wedding invite?!), and of course letterpress just makes everything so nice.  

I'm still very much on my calligraphy kick, so I especially love these:

 

 
 

Silhouettes

Today while Jack was napping, I sat down at the computer and finally knocked out something on my to-do list: make his silhouette. A real proper hand-it-down-to-the-grandkids-someday silhouette. Not that I am at all an expert at this. Ever seen those people that can capture your child's best features in a matter of seconds using scissors and a small piece of paper? Not me. Took me more than an hour in photoshop tweaking those curls - which leads me to the very reason I felt the urgency to finish this project sooner than later. Those curls.  See what I mean? They're so perfect I can hardly stand it. And since they're starting to reach the mullet stage, I can see that first haircut looming on the horizon. I will cry shamelessly as those precious curls fall to the floor, I can promise you.  I managed to snap this pic of his profile with my phone while he was playing outside the other day, so I opened it in Photoshop and traced around it. Then I took it into Illustrator to draw the frame and add the color and patterns. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with it yet, but I am thinking I'll blow it up big - maybe on a canvas or in a frame. That'll have to be a project for another sleepy Sunday, though since Mr. Jack just woke up from his nap.

 

Map It Out

I often dream of traveling the world, but for now it looks like my feet are planted firmly on Texas soil. This map, available at You and Me the Royal We, is perfect for the adventurer (or the dreamer, like me) whose goal is "total global domination." This hand drawn map comes with black pins to mark the places you've been, one red pin for home base and a blue pin to mark your next destination.  So fun!

I am also loving this paper cut by Famille Summerbelle. It was cut by hand from a single piece of paper. The detail is just amazing. You can pick up a print in her online shop and check out all of her other amazing paper cuts here. 

This is a craft I've been wanting to try out, so I'll definitely be on the hunt for a good how-to book!

    

A Brand New Outlook

I've been toying with the idea of a redesign of my blog for a while now. Two problems - one big problem, and another very little, but very big problem.

Problem #1 - No inspiration. Zero. Nuthin... Which is a REALLY frustrating state for a designer to be in for any extended period of time. It truly is harder to design for yourself than anyone else.

Problem #2 - No time. I have a little one, and the last thing I want to do (and the last thing he wants me to do) when I get home at night is work on the computer. I'd much rather be cuddled up on the couch watching Dinosaur Train receiving tiny hugs and kisses from the littlest person I love anyway. Plus, my MAC doesn't have blue eyes and blond hair that curls up in the back. So Jack wins.

Yet, somehow I managed to get it done. 
Well, weekend before last, I finally found my inspiration. I signed up for a beginning calligraphy workshop at Paper Source here in Dallas. I could write an entire post about the endless joys and wonders to be found in that store, but I will spare you. Visit their website or the store - if you're lucky enough to live near one, and you'll see what I mean. The class was great. Debi Sementelli was an excellent instructor - very encouraging to us newbies! And very talented. Check out her work here. The class covered basic skills, and though I had already learned a lot of it from some books I had gotten for Christmas, I still learned some new and valuable techniques. And something clicked - ever since, I have been doodling with flourishes and addressing regular mail as if it were being sent to the Queen. My husband rolled his eyes when he glanced down at all the swirls and curls in my sermon notes in church on Sunday. I've been dreaming of starting a whole new career addressing invitations for parties and such - and I've had a lot of fun practicing!

Friday night I found myself with the house to myself for a few hours. When I got in from work, I bypassed the TV and headed straight for the computer. I decided to hand letter a new logo and see where that took me. Ta-da! Next on the list is my website which is in dire need of an update/makeover. That may take a while longer...

You can get more info on Paper Source workshops here or call your local store.

Lori's Invite

My cousin Lori is expecting her 3rd baby in a couple of months. When I told her she needed to give the rest of us a chance to catch up with her, I was informed by my other cousin that it's not a race. I know, I know... :) I wanted to help throw her baby shower, so I volunteered to do the invitations. I don't do them often, so I always forget how much fun it can be! I found this fantastic sparkly blue pen (think grown-up sparkly, not 3rd grade sparkly) at Paper Source to address the envelopes with. It is my new favorite thing! I also discovered that I actually enjoy addressing envelopes, which has inspired me to learn calligraphy. Paper Source happens to be giving a workshop on it here in Dallas in a few weeks. I'm SO there! Anyone care to join me?

Edge of Motherhood

I just came across these new Edge of Motherhood cards from Hallmark. As a new mom, they are especially relevant and very funny. The cool part is you can personalize the cards through their website. I can't wait for an occasion to give one! I think this is one of my favorites.