making the most of that candid shot

Nine years ago, my son Jack came bursting on the scene with a loud roar. One of the most surprising things that I have learn since becoming a mother is the fact that much of who our children are can be contributed to nature rather than nurture. Jack, weighing in at a hefty 11 lbs., 13 oz. was a BIG boy with a BIG personality at birth. He is, and always has been, a super creative, very busy and yes, a sometimes mischievous little boy.

A funny phenomenon has occurred with Jack. Very often when he awakens in the morning he dons perfect little "hair horns". It seems so appropriate for my favorite little devil. One morning I decided to capture his ironically fitting hair-do.

It was such a funny shot, albeit not perfect. I felt I needed to share with others. And in that moment the idea for that my 2006 holiday card was born.

First, I needed to enhance the quality of the image. A little Photoshop magic and I was ready to go. Next, I needed a creative headline for the card. The solution was quite apparent, “Have you been naughty, or nice?” My daughter Ava took on the role of angel. A few clever footnotes added to their photos and it was ready to print and mail.

So, the next time you have that “classic” shot, think of a creative way to share it with others. Who knows, you may just put a smile on someone's face.

Enjoy!

Susan

Sometimes It's OK to Think INSIDE the Box

Whenever I get the chance and the budget to think outside the box for a client, my creative juices get flowing. As a designer, clients with a healthy budget allow for creative splurges that would be considered cost prohibitive to most. But that doesn’t mean you can’t use a version of the idea to create a unique mailer or invite that goes beyond the traditional envelope.

One of my favorite clients has a big 4th of July celebration each year at their ranch in Wyoming. Rather than send out a traditional A-7 sized, standard invite, I try to develop something a little more unique because their budget allows it. Over the years I have developed a variety of 3-dimensional mailers for the party’s VIP guest list. The first year I designed a “Wanted” Poster and sent it out in a tube mailer.

The next time around I sent out a chocolate brown box and tucked inside was a bandanna and the invitation tied to a steel horseshoe. I found the bandannas at a local craft store and the horseshoes at a local tack shop. Both items were very affordable. I designed an over-sized mailing label that also acted as a seal for the box.

I just sent out the invitations for the latest celebration. Again it was a boxed mailer. This year I enclosed a very nice red aluminum water bottle with a label that said, "Quench your thirst for adventure... join us for a week long stay at the ranch.”

Mailer boxes like the ones I used can be used on a smaller scale and are ideal to give your invitation a little extra punch. I recently designed an invitation for a 60th birthday celebration. The invitation was rather extensive, so I thought enclosing it in a mailer box was a nice finishing touch for the piece.

So the next time you have a special event that needs a fantastic invitation, consider thinking inside the box.

Enjoy!
Susan

coordinating colors

I am always amazed by the cool color combinations found in magazines, websites, homegoods, stationery etc. Just how do designers come up with such lovely combos, especially the splash of the unexpected that highlights things just brilliantly?
One tool is the Kuler Adobe website.

This combination is called "A Lullaby". I love it. You can spend loads of time clicking around on the Kuler site to see what people have submitted or even submit your own palette.
Another great feature is that you can search by color. Orange + Grey resulted in the above mix. Love it.

Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon

Susan, the super talented designer of Blue Finch Studios, competed in yesterday's Flying Pig Marathon Relay. Wow, I am so impressed. It rained cats and dogs yesterday adding a little bit more to the atmosphere. All that rain could not dampen the spirits of these two though:
This couple got engaged at the finish line!

What did you do this weekend?

FREE May Computer Desktops and IPhone Wallpaper

May Iphone Wallpaper

As a free gift for our readers, Susan has designed two desktop versions and an Iphone wallpaper for the month of May. I know you will agree these are beautiful and will brighten your day each time they appear on either your computer or phone.



Computer desktops available in 1280x800 or 1024x760. All three files are available for DOWNLOAD HERE. Please leave a comment if you download. We'd love to hear from you!

Printable Wine Labels

One of our most popular items, is the printable wine label. Blue Finch Studios carries a varied selection of options making this your go to item for hostess gifts...and more.
The very best part? You purchase these products only once, and then print as many times as you'd like. Awesome, huh?! So if your gang of friends is hitting the 40 mark at a pace so fast it makes your head spin, you can buy once and be ready for gift giving at a moment's notice. And we nearly guarantee, your gift will be the hit of the party.

Our labels include a spot for you to write a personal message as well, making this the ultimate in personalized gift giving. Ordering is easy at our ETSY SHOP.

picking up where we left off...

Let's just say so much time has not passed and let's pick up where this blog last left off...which was the start of a school year. Mysteriously, that school year has nearly ended and it is now time to plan for Teacher Appreciation Week!

Both our Text Talk and Fresh Wee Tidings would make a stylish gift for your child's teacher.


Each jar is filled with unique, expertly designed, mini cards. To view the cards up close and to place an order, visit the Blue Finch Studios website or our etsy shop.

Put us back on your blog reader, new products and ideas are coming soon. And freebies!