wedding announcements

Ta da! A wonderful wedding announcement is on the way for the lovely couple, Khand and Kevin. I've been working on it for the past few days, sending comps back and forth to them and finally did a test print today. It's a sweet 5x5 wedding invitation that I hope will wow all those invited to the wedding.

It will be printed on cream paper and without the black border obviously. I'll have to show a photo of the final one when it's finished! Can't wait! In the mean time, have a fabulous weekend and go do something fun. Chris and I are having dinner with some friends tonight and I can't wait. It's going to be spectacular.

red and teal designs

It's that time again! Thirsty Thursdays. This time I want to take a moment and talk about my latest obsession. Red and teal home decor. I love the combo because it's fresh and cheery. We have a red couch and for a while I had my eye on a book shelf that I wanted to paint teal... however Christmas came around and things got crazy. I've also been drooling over gorgeous paper for my book arts class. Today I was working on tearing paper for four new books. I can't wait to finish them. Anyways, I wanted to showcase this beautiful teal paper from paper source. Plus don't you just love the detail in this Anthropologie necklace? I can't get over it!

my second love (aka books)

Obviously my first love is my hubby. But what better than to have both of my loves on the same day! For our anniversary, Chris gave me two DIY home decor books. I'll admit, there was a little squealing with delight when he gave them to me, followed by hours of browsing the beautiful pages. There are so many things that I want to try! I'm really excited about the reupholster section because I found this gem of a chair at a second hand store in need of a little TLC. The shape of the chair is beautiful, but the stained cherry fabric has got to go. It's only a matter of time till it will make it's debut.  

The other two books I purchased a few weeks ago and finally came in the mail. They are both "how to" books when it comes to freelance graphic design work. These will be my ticket to understanding pricing, taxes and all that fun stuff (not really... but it's all a part of the game).

 1. Real-life Decor 100 Easy DIY Projects to Brighten Your Home on a Budget
2. The Big-Ass Book of Home Decor: More Than 100 Inventive Projects for Cool Homes like Yours    This title makes me giggle a little.
3. Graphic Artist's Guild Handbook of Pricing and Ethical Guidelines
4.  Creative, Inc.: The Ultimate Guide to Running a Successful Freelance Business The writer of this book is also the producer of the blog and business Oh Joy! In other words, I know it's going to be a good one. 

With design books, I say it's more than ok to judge a book by it's cover. 

6 months

Yesterday was our 6 month wedding anniversary. I can hardly believe it's gone by so quickly, yet I've loved every minute of it. Before we got married people said "Be patient because living together can be an adjustment." While I was grateful for the advice, there has been no such thing for us. He truly is fabulous (and clean!) and spending the rest of our lives together will be fabulous. Simply fabulous darling!

In honor of the day we had a candle lit dinner, consisting of chicken and rice from our absolute favorite teriyaki place! To top it off, we went to G's dairy. I'm telling you, there is no better place to get ice cream in rexburg than this joint. Creamy, savory and loaded with chocolate chunks (my fave!) or bananas if you get Gorilla Munch (another great one to mix with the usual) there is no better way to end the day.

P.S. I got my hair cut! It feels so great. Thanks again Elyse ;)

hand made books

Oh heavens! Oh my! I can hardly believe a week has gone by. Oh wow, I just realized that rhymed. No really. I did. I just thought it would be fun to keep it. In case you were feeling neglected, I'm sorry. But this last week has been crazy busy! I finished making a logo and branding for a photographer friend of mine, started working on a wedding invitation, started working on another logo for this sweet new company that is about to launch and on top of it, homework. Don't worry though... my head won't explode. I've got it all under control. I think.

It's Thirsty Thursday again! In honor of my book arts class I thought I would highlight a book artist who's style I love.

Erin Zamrzla or more commonly known as erinzam, is a talented artist who uses recycled materials to create her hand constructed books. I love all the different shapes and sizes along with variety of materials used. If you are interested in purchasing one, check out the etsy shop.

This classic baseball card book is a prime example of unique materials. I love how even the spine is designed to look like baseball stitching. I can't wait to discover my own recycled materials for bookbinding.

Thirsty Thursday

Today is Thirsty Thursday so lets drink up some design! Since graduation is coming up (as mentioned earlier) I've been talking with some friends about my options. One friend in particular recommended the book Creative Inc.; The Ultimate Guide To Running a Successful Freelance Business. I knew I would instantly fall in love with the layout and content since it is written by none other than Joy Deangdeelert Cho from Oh Joy. Well it's true, I fell in love with it. I simply had to purchase it... for the sake of my future right :) Besides, who can compete with that unbeatable price. I can picture that package being sent to my doorstep right now.

Don't you just adore this look book for photographer Max Wanger created by Bri Emery?!

I found Bri because she is a contributor to Oh Joy and therefor I found her own graphic design which she does on the side.I am infatuated with the photos by Max and how Bri created a brilliant lookbook for him. You would never guess that was what you are viewing. This is another great example of how photography and design are intertwine.

Frontiers and Frosting

Lately I've done a lot of soul searching and asking questions such as "What do I really want to be when I grow up?" When I say grow up, I mean graduate from college, get a grown up job and all that other stuff that comes with having responsibility. Yay. Not. It's exciting to be on the edge of new terrain, but intimidating all at the same time. There are so many things that I want to do and try, that it's hard to narrow it down to just one and start the job search.

While on my search for understanding of where to go, I came across this video. I was blown away by it's content and creativity. I hope that it helps you with whatever questions you might have. Challenge the system and make a change! While you watch it, ask yourself what motivates you and feel free to share. I'd love to hear what you have to say. As for myself, I am motivated by making this world a more beautiful place to live and glorifying the God who gave it to us.

With it being the middle of the week (aka hump day because you are at the top of the hump on a hill, also known as Wednesday) try and spice up the day! Chris and I are going to explore a new part of town we haven't seen yet. Life is about those special moments or what I like to call "life's frosting". Because just like a cupcake, without frosting, it's just a muffin.

apartment love

Ahhhh. Saturday mornings. They are the best of the best when you sleep in late and make a killer breakfast which includes an omelet, scalloped potatoes and apple juice. Yum yum yum! After a wonderful breakfast made by the two of us (I love it when we are both in our little kitchen), I began a blog search. It's amazing to see how connected people are. I'll start in one place and before I know it, an hour has gone by and I've discovered a handful of talented people and new inspirations.

Don't you just absolutely love this living room by Chris and Stacy Sargent? It's nice to see rooms done well on a budget. We live in a white wall apartment like this one. It's refreshing to know that apartments can look good without painted walls, granite counter tops or dark hardwood floors.

I love this idea of hanging an old screen door to post pictures. It looks great in their kitchen.

You can see the rest of their apartment by going to their adorable blog Love and Photographs. Have a happy weekend everyone!

Attention! Attention!

Listen up everyone! I have some exciting news to tell. Do I have your attention? Ah hem. This wonderful news I have, is that today was my last first day of school! Exciting hu. I will never again have a first day. Except for when I get my grown up job with my big kid degree. This will happen if this semester goes according to plan. I.E passing all my classes and getting good grades. Wish me luck!

Yes! I've made it to the end of the tunnel! 

P.S. Don't you love the new tapestry that my hubby gave me for Christmas? It looks great next to this chair I found from a second hand store and fixed up. Plus, this tapestry fills in the awkward space next to our computer quite nicely. Thanks again hun!

new year, new name, new semester

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you all had an enjoyable vacation. I know we sure did! However, it's back to reality since school starts again tomorrow. It was fun getting our books and seeing the hustle and bustle on campus due to the new semester.

With the new year starting, there are many wonderful things in store. One of them is my official new last name! Although we've been married for five months now, I finally finished all the paperwork and am the REAL Emily Gilmore. The next exciting step is graduation! That's right folks. This is my last semester at college and will soon graduate with a Bachelors in graphic design and business. I'm excited to move on to a new chapter in life. Finally, with the new year comes new years resolutions. We all have them I know. But this year I tried thinking a little outside of the box. Such as hats.

I don't wear them enough yet I have a number of cute ones and feel like they give personality to any outfit. Like this one here. 

Dinner parties. Food and friends... what more fun could you ask for? I can't wait to plan summer picknicks, but in the mean time it will be great planning cozy ones inside. 

Wearing more dresses. Especially this fabulous one from Anthropologie. Right now I wouldn't think twice about wearing a dress due to the fact that it's 10 degrees outside and snowing. However, once spring rolls around I'm thinking about doing a 30 for 30. 30 skirts or dresses for 30 days. I think it will be fun and feminine and a great way to welcome in the spring. 

My final resolution is to save money so Chris and I to take a vacation. We are talking about visiting my Dad's family in England (since they haven't met Chris). While we are there we might visit a few other countries. I'll let you in on more details as plans progress. 

In the mean time check out Rebecca Hansen! They did our engagement photos back in the summer of 2010. We absolutely loved the way they turned out! Apparently they liked them too because the showcased Chris and I as some of the favorite photos they took. Our photo is the first to appear on the post and then there are a few more throughout. Enjoy the photos and the new year!