GR Reads poster process

GR Reads is "summer reading all grown up." It is a summer-long series of programming developed around 10 books chosen by the smart people working at the library. The 10 books all revolve around a common theme. This year's theme is "you are here."

My original idea for the poster was a "quilt" of symbols, one for each of the books. This is in keeping with other solid flat color designs I usually use as part of our brand.

Then I thought I should try filling in the symbols using the book cover art and that led to experimenting with a collage of images. It's a little different from what I usually do and I absolutely love it. I am very pleased with how the final poster turned out.

Bonus reader challenge: See if you can spot the differences between this one, which is the chosen idea and the top one, which is the final version with several little tweaks to improve it.

sweet little birdies

These were part of the mother's day gift for my own mama. Pink little birdies, one for each of her three daughters. I used this free pattern from Spool Sewing. It was one of those things that turned out to be a tad trickier than I anticipated (of course!). Sewing small things and sewing curves take some serious care! My five-year-old, dear thing, helps me turn things inside out and stuff them.

backyard buds

Red maple

Dogwood

Spring awaits us patiently, leaves and flowers as opened gift saved for the right moment.

A new logo is born!

I don't often take freelance work these days because I have a hard time getting it done. But I was excited at the opportunity to help a local business I love and care about – my daughter's dance studio! The client was fabulous to work with. Not only was there no real deadline (bonus!) but she has a sharp design eye herself and offered valuable critique that brought us together to this fabulous final product.

So, presenting for the first time on this blog: Over the Top Academy of Dance's  new logo!

We just ordered business cards so I am excited to see the logo "in action" for the very first time. I absolutely can't wait for the day when it gets placed on the building! I designed a special horizontal version for this very purpose.

In honor of a crafty pioneer

Here's a photo of my Great-Grandmother Sonja Clark. Fortunately, I do remember her although I was still in elementary school when she died. This photo was taken in 1976 which is before I was born but in it she looks exactly as I remember her.

I am lucky enough to sew on her machine and hang her crewel pieces on the walls of my sunroom, living room, nursery, and hall. As a child I played with a stuffed elephant (denim), two stuffed hippos (corduroy), and a stuffed pony (cotton with yarn hair) all crafted by her. When I went to my grandma's house and played with my mom's old Barbies I got to dress them in sparkly evening gowns that were sewn by this very same lady. I am so impressed with her!

In this photo you can see a collection of her creations:

I know my mom still has some of those stuffed animals. I might just have to welcome a few into my home. I am especially amused by the hippos! Who sets out to sew one of those!