Work in Progress

photo - knit scarf in progress




*tap. tap.* Is this thing on? Testing. Testing. *ahem*

It's been more than a while since I have blogged. Today just happens to be one of those days were it seems like it should be done. Now, what to say? It's difficult to jump back in after such a long silence. How about an outline of life since my last posting in May?...

Summer happened.
I worked.
School started.
I worked.
Fall happened.
I worked...

Most of my work has been freelance graphic design and consultation work, and I've had quite a few projects for the food industry. I have worked on milk cartons, pasta boxes and sliced cheese packaging. I even landed a job so large that I had to outsource some of the work. Luckily, Laurie is still my trusted design sidekick and she saved my a**. We met the most ridiculous of tight deadlines...ON TIME. I'll be able to post photos of projects I've worked on when they "go public".

So today, as I finish the last of my projects for 2010 (hopefully), I'm wondering how it became almost 2011. Crazy. I plan on taking the next few weeks off to hang out with my family, shoot photos, knit, ski, sled, and relax.

Hope all is well with everyone out in bloggerland.

- Amy

NSS (Midwest)

I've been home for a day and a half and I'm still decompressing. New York city was amazing. The National Stationery Show was busy, productive and overwhelming. It was incredible to see an entire industry pulled together under one big (leaky) roof.


Thanks for the great week, Laurie! I'm proud of you for all the work you have done. :)

Together!

Hi People! We are having a great time in New York city together.

Today was Day 1 of the National Stationery Show. We are in booths 1555 & 1557. Pop by and say "hi" if you are attending the show!

Amy & Laurie

Composition and Perspective (Midwest)

I have a new freelance design client and scads of new work. So...what do I decide to do? Add a photography project to my plate. I know, insane, right?

I decided to partake in the weekly assignment via the C&C Photography blog. I'm catching up on the assignments, so this is the project from last week.

Here is how I interpreted the assignment:

First I gathered random objects and very quickly arranged them as a still life. I did not spend much time on composing the objects. I figured I would challenge myself to create a pleasing composition without arranging and re-arranging it in front of my camera. I didn't move any of the elements. I just moved my camera, my focal point, my distance to subject, etc. Here are my results.


#1 take one image "as the eye sees it" from straight on
Notice how I placed the objects in front of a window? I did that on purpose to make different shots look completely different exposure-wise.



#2 stand on a chair and get a birds eye view


I combined two instructions into the for the above shot
#3 one close up or different angle
#4 shoot off center using neg space in composition



#5 extra credit "un focus" create a painterly or impressionistic feel
This one was tricky, and I don't think I quite got it right. Oh well, I'm not being graded on these, right? Right!

Business Cards (West Coast)

Well we officially have some new cards!  Finally, after doing many other things on our little old presses, I have bit the bullet and made us some official cards.  With the NSS quickly approaching, I thought we had better come armed with some pretty new cards.  Enough of our quick print cards, it's time for the real stuff.  It always seemed much too extravagant to print up cards for myself on something as pricey as Cranes.  But I decided what the heck, I am going to take the plunge and be extravagant this one time.  First color down, now on to the next!  : )

Portfolio Work (Midwest)

I have been a busy bee these days. I have been building a local client base steadily for the last 6 or so months. My plan is to have a pretty full plate of design work come September of 2010. That's when all three of my kids will be in school full time! (No time to cry about that today, but it's a comin'.) I could spend my days getting manicures and watching Oprah, but I can't wait to be working again. Yes. I'm a design dork.

Anyhoo, I find it so interesting how my photography is working it's way into my graphic design work. Yesterday, I photographed some packaging samples for my portfolio. I have no studio lighting, so I had to work with available window light and white foam core for bouncing that light. All this time I spend behind the camera is really paying off. Though these aren't perfect, I feel like I was able to work with what I had and make a presentable solution.

Also, It was fun to go through my file cabinet and leaf through labels, boxes and other samples. When I pull out a sample I have all these fond memories of my old clients and the times Laurie and I spent working for them. I miss those days. And Laurie, I miss you the most. I'm glad we are going to be together in New York for a whole week!

Real Simple (Midwest)

A big excited thank you to the people over at Real Simple for featuring one of my photos on their blog. My photo is the second one on the right in the second row. Yay!!!

Bright, Bold, and Beautiful! (West Coast)

Well happy February to you.  I can't believe how quickly January went by.  Our posts have been non-existent.  Hopefully February will have a wee bit more time in it (I guess that is impossible since there will be less days than the rest of the months).

Today I would like to start of with a thank you to Laura over at Bright, Bold, and Beautiful for the post about our West Coast Lucky Bee Press!  She has a fun blog, if you haven't seen it yet, you should check it out!

Happy New Year (West Coast)

As 2009 comes to an end, it is time to reflect a bit around here.  Time seems to be moving at a record pace around here.  School and work seem to dictate most of our schedule, and the year is zooming by.  For Ethan, third grade is half over, and Katie is halfway through her first year of middle school.  First dance, check.  Cell phone, check.  So many things are just around the corner.

The upcoming year for me is already looking full.  Amy and I are heading to New York in May for our first Stationery Show.  From now until then we will have a lot of planning and prep work to do.  Fun and exciting.  We will be sharing a booth with some great letterpress gals.

My resolution for the next year is to try to slow it down a bit, and really enjoy the little things that can often go unnoticed.  What's yours?

P.S. Thanks to the gals over at etsystalker!  We were stalked!

Holiday Colors (Midwest)

A big thanks goes out to The Perfect Palette for featuring one of my cards on their blog this week. They highlighted the colors red and gingerbread. Lovely combination don't you think?

New Shops (West Coast)

Saffron & Gennevieve


Atomic Garden

You can find Lucky Bee press in two more shops in the bay area this week. The first is in my neighborhood, Saffron and Genevieve. If you are in Santa Cruz, come by and check it out. The shop is a unique collection of furniture, and smaller items, both old and new. Perfect for gifts or doing something special for your home. The owner Colleen is an interior designer, and has amazing taste. The second new to us shop is Atomic Garden in Oakland. They have a unique mix of clothes and nik naks.

Success! (Midwest)

Last Saturday I participated in the only craft fair I have scheduled for this Holiday Season. It was probably one of my best fairs thus far.

I decided to limit the merchandise on my table and to restock often when things were sold. I also pre-wrapped products for instant gift giving.






I don't know if this was the reason for my stellar sales or if it was the beautiful sunny weather. Maybe the Craftacular folks promoted more this year? Maybe the economy is rallying? No matter. I was pleased to delete some inventory and to chat it up with shoppers and crafters.

This week and next I'm on deadlines for two new graphic design projects. So, I must post and run...

Quite Quiet (Midwest)

I've been a quiet blogger as of late. I thought I'd better post a little "me" update...

Here is the laundry list of my life's current events...
- 4 business trips since September (Oy)
- weekly freelance projects (I'm so happy to be working)
- 2 week family battle with H1N1 (all 3 kids plus Joey, I was spared)
- approaching winter and cold (we are outside as much as possible for now)
- jury duty (I was excused after one day)
- camera love (I'm back to daily photo taking and so happy about it)
- Craftactular this Saturday!

Today I print and get signage ready for this weekend's craft fair. I will take the camera so that I have some things to blog about next week. :)

Loving Black! (West Coast)

Color is funny. I totally have my favorites, and tend to print things in a palate that stays pretty consistent. Today I opened my black ink, and everything looked great in it! I probably went overboard, but I had so much fun printing common designs in an uncommon color for me. I tend to stick with somewhat bright and cheery colors, but somehow today, everything looked good in black! I really like the high contrast, crisp lines I got. BTW, these items will be up in our esty shop today! Have a great weekend!

Hedgehog Goodies (West Coast)

These came out really cute. Last week I had an order to put together some wedding favors for a customer who really likes hedgehogs. She wanted to put together a greeting gift for her out of town guests so when they check into the hotel, they will know how much she appreciates their coming all that way. I paired the blank hedgehog notes and hedgehog coasters, then came up with a hangtag to match. We did sample size packs of each to keep costs down.

DIY Best of Show! (West Coast)

DIY magazine did a special section in the winter issue of the magazine devoted to small time crafters. Lucky Bee Press was included in the mix of letterpress crafters! Thanks DIY! Congrats to all the hard working crafters who also were listed—about 50 in all! And a special praise to the other letterpress gals! Yeah letterpress!

New Plates! (West Coast)

I can't resist the call of new plates and blank stock. It seems to call me every time I walk by, and even when I am not that close. COME PRINT, COME PRINT, JUST A LITTLE, JUST SEE HOW I LOOK!!! Today I have a major deadline, and have not one extra second of time to print, but I couldn't resist. I lost, I skipped making dinner tonight and slapped on some ink! Los Gallos here we come!

Where is fall? (Midwest)

I know I shouldn't grumble, but sheesh it's cold out. It is in the 40s and rainy. Brrr...Brrr...and...BRRRR! Why, just a week ago it was in the 70s. What happened to fall?



I guess it's perfect time to pull out another winter themed design. This is "wee snow girl". She has her warm hat and coat on, so she's not cold. Actually, I think she quite likes winter. I have decided to follow her lead, and smile as we head into the next season. At least for today.

Yea, Bazaar Bizarre! (West Coast)

I woke up this morning to note from Bazaar Bizarre that Lucky Bee Press will be at their holiday show! We can't be more excited! It is still a few months out, but we are really excited to be going this year! Amy and I have been busy planning goodies for the shows we are doing, paper is ordered at both locations, and we can't wait to get printing.

On another note, good luck Amy at your show today!

News and Notables (West Coast)

This Apple Picking Cardigan from Anthropologie would be a great addition to the working wardrobe. Amy and I were having a conversation about the lack of inspiration in our daily clothes. This sweater paired with a cute blouse might add that extra flair that we need... And so would that shopping trip over to Anthropologie!

Thank you Jodi at the Creative Jar and Cassadra at Metallo Bianco for including us in your posts today! Also, Cassandra let me know that the new issue of DIY Magazine is out, and it includes a feature on etsy and it's sellers is the winter issue. I haven't seen it yet, but we were featured as one of the sellers in their "Best of Show" section. Thanks!