I loved getting to work on this set of verses for Mama-to-be, Kara, for her nursery. They were both 18" x 18" squares with a matte gold ink. I loved how they turned out and hope they will bless this new family for years to come.
Portfolio: Olson Bridal Shower
Watercolor flowers done by Angie Makes
A few months ago I had the delight to work on these fun, oversized bridal shower invites. The party theme was a garden tea and the client was looking for something subtle but with a nod to the brides wedding colors. After a few different designs, we both settled on these graceful, watercolor flower invites. I really love how they turned out!
Recap on Renegade
I took yesterday off as I'm still catching up from this past weekend at my first craft show down at the Renegade pop-up in Chicago. It was two days of meeting new people, anxiously waiting for people to thumb through my work, and being so excited with each sale. It's was amazing to have the opportunity to show my work and reach new audience. I loved having conversations with fellow makers and dipping my toes into the wide world of hand-made art shows.
The booth set-up went smoothly and I have to thank both my dad for building shelves with me and my husband for being my second pair of hands and hanging out both days. The weekend was full of trial and error, which was to be expected, and I made a bunch of notes of what to add to the shop and for the next time around. People were kind with compliments and feedback, and it was great to meet so many new people.
Shout out to Justice of the Pies and Puffs of Doom for killer food supply, and to Jackie from Toast Ceramics for being a great neighbor - we may have snagged a few cups from her, they were too good to pass up! Hope to see you in September Chicago!
New Spring Prints in the Shop
Springtime is officially here in the Midwest and I couldn't be more happier with the sunshine! Plus my new Spring Print collection is now in the shop! Winter was long and cold, and I dreamt about the sunnier things to come. Inspired by a few favorite things, my 2015 print collection is full of simple color and whimsy.
Check the entire collection out now in my store: Linalulu Paperie and lookout for the spring stationery collection coming at the end of the month!
The Essentials: Spring Flats
Top to Bottom: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
I couldn't wait for this snow to melt and slipped on my flats about a month ago! I was tired of my socks and boots and wanted my toes to be free of constriction and my feet to add a little more pop to my outfits.
I love flats. LOVE THEM. They have almost become a part of my uniform in a way. At one point in my life I had close to 40 pairs, just flats, in my closet. I now own about 10 pairs, and am always looking for more (but not too many).
Shoes are a great way to throw in bold color and patterns into even the most formal of outfits. I'm crushing hard on those MadeWell sandles (#3) and the floral flats on the bottom. Sigh...my birthday is only a few months away...
What shoe is your must have staple? Do share...
Welcome March & Desktop Wallpaper
March is here and the countdown to the first day of spring is on - March 21st can't come soon enough! Though the snow is pretty when it is falling - I'm ready for bright colors, sock free feet in flats, and little flowers popping up all around. Thank goodness Shamrock shakes are already here!
To celebrate the coming of the Spring I have created three different desktop and phone wall papers for you all! From a lovely quote by Longfellow, to a sweet reminder of His peace from the book of Micah, and then for the more orderly in the group a simple calendar.
Download one or rotate through all three!
Springtime Splendor : Desktop WallPaper | Phone Background
March Calendar : Desktop WallPaper | Phone Background
Micah : Desktop WallPaper | Phone Background
To download: click on the link above to the one you want, the image will open in its own window, and Save As or simply drag the image to your desktop. Then select system preferences and then desktop/screensaver.
Portfolio: Daisy Print
I love flowers, and growing up I had a sweet spot for daisies. Not quite what Kathleen Kelly said in the film, You've Got Mail, but I have to still agree daisies are the happiest and friendliest flowers out there. I hope spring comes sooner than later around here...
Free Valentine's Day Printables
Wow, Valentine's Day has snuck up on me once again! Luckily there is still time to get the cards into the mail and plan a little something for Saturday. Since my husband and I started dating, Valentines Day has always been a low key affair. Last year we went to a great little pub near by, ate delicious cheese, had some wine, and played games from the bars collection - our favorites including Blockus, and a few rounds of Gin Rummy.
One day a year is not enough to tell those you care for most how you feel, especially with such a happy thing as getting a handwritten note in the mail. I created two downloadable cards that you can print out yourself and spread the love to those around you.
Choose one or both; send one or keep sending them all year long! Each fits onto a 8.5" x 11" sheet of paper and when cut out & folded will fit a standard A6 card envelope. Also, it's blank inside - easy for you to write down all the reasons you love that special someone, or just sign your name.
Download them here, Linalulu Paperie Valentines Day Downloadable, and happy card writing!
Portfolio: Emily Dickinson Quote
A friend approached me to do a few prints, and among them a quote by Emily Dickinson. I learned that the quote would be a gift for her mother who had been diagnosed with Breast Cancer. The quote had brought me to tears, and with the circumstance we agreed on a softer and cooler color palette.
I loved how the piece turned out, and often pull out my sketches and "mess ups" to look over the sweet words. I hope they both feel comfort when they reread these words, and even more comfort knowing where true hope is found.
Portfolio: New York Print
When I think of my favorite films growing up the 1998 classic Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan movie, You've Got Mail, instantly comes to mind. I remember when my parents took us to see it in theaters. Many lines from this film have seemed to become go-to's for me.
F-O-X.That is amazing, you can spell "fox"! Can you spell "dog"? F-O-X.
It is a gem of a film, and I mean how much more classic than you can get than Tom and Meg? From the also quotable Sleepless in Seattle to the lesser known Joe vs the Valcano - they were a dream team of the late eighties and nineties romance comedies .
I recently created this print based on one of the opening lines from the movie, (cue "Dreams" by The Cranberries please!). The illustration was fun to pull together from pictures of the movie set and New York city itself. I haven't experience New York in the Fall, but with the quote dancing along in my head I think a trip might be in order in the months ahead.
Gift Swaps & Goodies
I had the opportunity to participate in two gift swaps this Christmas season which were so much fun to be apart of. The first one, Christmas City Swap, is curated by Allie Lehaman of Be Up & Doing . Being her third year curating the event, s lays out the concept so simply : sign-up; be paired with a random swap-mate; purchase a gift for your swap-mate locally, from your hometown; send your gift before the new year. What I thought was really cool was the person your sending to is not the same person you're receiving from, so it is one giant swapping circle. Love this!
I received a beautiful and simple statement necklace and some great natural lip balm for my gift. The necklace has quickly become a staple piece in wardrobe - I think I wear it now three or four times a week.
Since I still live near my true hometown, but live in a different suburb of Chicago I picked a few items from both my hometown and some local Chicago makers to send to my swap-mate. My most favorite item being chocolates and a hand-made candy cane from Grahams Chocolate shop, delicious!
The second gift swap is the Goody Goody Gift Swap curated by Jenna Cantagallo. The idea is to create, gather, or shop for a thoughtful and personal gift for your swap mate. This one you are paired up with the person you are sending to and will receive from. I loved the idea of creatives around the world exchanging intentional and beautiful handmade gifts. You can see a lot of the gifts and processes here, #goodygoodygiftswap.
I loved putting my gift together for my swap-mate, Paige. She told me she loved traveling, glitter and her puppy. Among my package, I included two prints - one of her puppy, Poppy, and a travel quote; a glittery heart from BanDo; and then some small, monogramed cards.
I loved gathering and creating the gifts for her. She sent me the cutest package including a great calendar by Sugar Paper and even a gift for my cat. Now that is one of the fastest ways to my heart.
I loved getting to participate in these great swaps, and am already looking forward to participating next year. If you are interested in participating next year - I know, I know its months away - watch out for the sign-ups in November. Can't wait for Christmas? Check out the Handmade Valentines Day swap curated by The Stationery Place.
Portfolio: VandenBranden Bridal Shower
I did these lovely invites to honor a family friend back in the late summer. Set with a a color palette of purple, cream, and grey - I knew I wanted to keep the invite itself airy, feminine, and bright. I had been admiring the Saint Agnes font for sometime and knew that these sweet invites would be a perfect use for the elegant, but whimsical font. The combination of it all created a beautiful outcome, don't you think?
Saint Agnes is a part of the foundry Great Lake Lettering started by Molly Jacques and Dathan Boardman.
New Year, New Work
New Years has always been a hit or miss holiday in my life. I have spent it with friends, at home with family, working as a hostess minutes before midnight, and even falling asleep to wake up around 2am and missing the whole shebang completely. The last two years have born a tradition of grilling steaks and ringing in the new year with our sweet friends Mark and Andrea.
2014 was filled with so many joys and each month brought something different into my life. Some sweet highlights include:
- Our niece, Olivia, was born in late February and earlier in the month we went skiing with some dear friends in Colorado that now has spawned a tradition we will live up to again this February.
- It seemed that both Reid and I had the opportunity to travel quite a bit this year, both internationally (for Reid) and nationally. Each trip held something sweet - from watching friends get married, watching my brother graduate college, learning new things, discovering new places, and spending sweet time with family and friends.
- We spent our 2nd year anniversary in California, spending time both in the dessert and by the ocean. I can see why everyone falls in love with the west coast. The dessert was breathtaking and magical, and watching the sunset over the Santa Monica pier was lovely. I'm already planning a trip back.
- We moved form our first apartment into a beautiful two-bedroom, rooftop apartment in a downtown area. It has amazing natural light, and having space for an office has been so sweet. Now fully furnished and decorated (for the most part), with the addition of our cat, Italics (in August), our apartment now feels like home. I love our little slice of the suburbs, and love even more the addition of our sweet little kitty.
- Work brought new adventures as well for both Reid and I. Last January, as well, I started this little space and my Etsy shop.
I have been thankful for the growth this year both personally and professionally. Looking into 2015 I hope to experience more growth in my work, growth in my marriage, and growth in my everyday life. So here is to the New Year, to 2015, and may every day you do something creative.
Giveaway Time!
It feels like I have piles of work to share you all! With the rush of the holiday season, it seems this little space has been put on the back burner. With 2015 coming swiftly, I know one of my resolutions will be to put more time into updating my work.
On that same note, my dear friend from high school, Meredith Bazzoli, has written up a lovely piece on the coming of the new year and resolutions for 2015 over on her blog , Very Revealing. To accompany her fantastic post, I have worked with her on the print you see above as a fun giveaway to spark you on the road to keeping your resolutions for the new year!
Meredith writes in a matter of fact, down to earth style infused with humor that will make you feel like you have been friends for years. To enter the giveaway, jump over to Very Revealing and subscribe to her new series, Revealing Resolutions.
The new year is already being to look up!
Holiday Photo Cards from Lina Lulu Paperie!
It’s that time for decorating the tree, decking the halls, catching snowflakes on your tongue and eyelashes, and mailing out holiday cards! It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of the holiday season, but there is a richness in sitting down with the right holiday tunes playing and a good cup of something hot near hand to write to loved ones, a holiday tradition that I look forward to every year. I know not everyone has time to write, so why not consider a fun, photo card to send holiday cheer to those you love?
New to the shop, I have created six different versions of the photo cards, all which are customized with your family's photo and say what you need to send your holiday cheer! All versions are available in my Etsy shop now. Order yours today!
Fall
Last week I saw my late summer tan lines fade from my feet. The earth crescendoed with warmth for us here in Chicago-land (a sweet day of almost 72 degrees) allowing us to bid farewell to the mild fall. The leaves brilliant in their colors and it almost seemed that the trees were showing off - trying to show one another up with who could have the most brilliant blaze. Captivating red to orange or sweet fade of green into yellow. As the warmth faded, it seemed not to go out with a fizzle but with a bang. We ushered October out, and our Indian summer, on Halloween with sleet and snow. The leaves are almost gone, November has come, and the clocks are set back an hour to let the darkness nestle in quicker. It seems that Fall is finally here – and so we’ll bust out our coats and heavy scarfs, wrap ourselves up in our favorite blankets and nestle into our homes on those blistery days. It's the weather for thick sweaters, comforting flavors, and copious amounts of pie. Let's begin to cherish the sweetness of the seasons changing. Let’s fall back into fall.
Portfolio: All Creatures Great and Small
This past summer we celebrated the coming birth of my sweet cousin Laura's third baby and third little boy - Crosby Thomas. We found out she was decorating the nursery in a Noah's Ark theme and then asked if she had a quote, verse, or lyrics she wanted framed.
This project was so fun for me to work on! I loved combining my illustrations of all the happy creatures (great and small) with calligraphy. I used a premixed ink and regulated the pressure and amount of ink on the nib to give the letters an ocean feel of dark and light blue. As well, I added a little more swashes then I usually would for a "masculine" print to help give it that moving water look.
I loved working on this piece and I love that sweet Crosby and his brothers will see it everyday reminding them of all the great things our Lord has created.
Portfolio: Hand Done Type
A few friends recently put together a weekly, collaborative type challenge called Type Club 2014. They passed the link on to a handful of creatives they know, and the results have been really beautiful to see.
The premise: Each week a new quote is posted. You can interpret this quote any way you like, using any medium you like. There is a time "constraint" of one week. This "constraint" creates a deadline and a push for you to share the "final" piece with everyone else with out belaboring your work through social media.
It's a great exercise, and fun to see the interpretations and beautiful design from everyone.
Original art by Caroline Hutchison for Linalulu Paperie
Portfolio: Forever Young Print
When my sister-in-law, Lindsay, was still pregnant we had talked about doing a calligraphy print for the nursery for baby to be. She brought up the song "Forever Young" by Bob Dylan. A personal favorite of mine, and such a sweet sentiment to hang in a nursery. Fast forward to February, and baby to be is the beautiful Olivia Mae!
My favorite line in the song reads "May you build a ladder to the stars | and climb on every rung", and thus I chose the night sky theme. (Plus it gives me an excuse to work in gold ink). I love how it turned out, and love that these words will bless Olivia for years to come!
Collaboration: Desktop Wallpaper
I had the pleasure of working with Chelsea on a new desktop wallpaper series for her blog, Lovely Indeed. I found the blog through my typical route - looking through other bloggers list of blogs they follow, and boom - instantly fell in love!
Chelsea has such a fun and vibrant style, I couldn't stop looking through her pages of wonderful DIY's and fun photo's. I follow her on both her blog and instagram, and when she called for calligraphers to work with I just had to follow up with her.
I used a Nikko G Nib with Dr Martin's Bombay Ink to create this quote.
She gave me a few quotes to choose from and I felt connected to this one by Susan Polis Schutz. With a forever winter and only a glimpse of spring around here - I have longed for the days of warm sunshine. My calligraphy seems to sing paired with the stunning original photo by Chelsea. Thanks Chelsea for such a fun project!
To download the desktop wallpaper visit Lovely Indeed, here.