I designed his invitation with a close reference to the duck camo background in some of the show’s promotional photos.  I then created an illustration similar to the headshots of the Robertson crew used on their ad campaign.  As Ethan is now “10-and-oh-so-wise-now” he has LOTS of suggestions on how to make my projects better <little bit of sarcasm??> However, in all honesty, he’s a very creative kid and his idea of adding a birthday party hat to Uncle Si was awesome!

My very talented friend and the owner of Sweet Treats at Saladas Bakery, Tori did and AMAZING job on the cake!  I provided her a copy of the invitation and she had free reign to come up with whatever design she felt inspired to create!  I led E to believe that we were passing on a cake this year since the party was a bit bigger than usual, and my sweet boy thought snack food was the perfect compromise.  The best part of the day was when we swung by the bakery to pick up his surprise and how blown away he was by the cake.  It truly was a special moment for a very special birthday!

Other printables I created for the party were a birthday sign for the cake table, waterbottle lables, and tags for the s’more party favors.  The boys loved the set up and were especially excited about the Duck Commander “FAITH – FAMILY – DUCKS” bracelets each guest got to take home.  We are so blessed that both our sons are a part of a great group of boys; a fun time was had by all!

I love graphic design and the chance to help a client pull the perfect event or promotion together in a way that was better than they ever imagined.  But the greatest part about my job is when I get to use it to love on my family and return to them some of the great joy and blessings they bring to my life..

For those of you who may not know, last month I was blessed to become the new graphic artist at Herring Printing Company.  Lots of exciting things in store with this creative team, so look for more free printables and other fun promotionals in the near futire!!  It has been amazing to get to see what started as a hobby creating birthday party printables for my kids and cards for friends first grow into free-lance work for a teaching supply company; then I became a part of a talented online community that included getting featured on some amazing sites and opened the opportunity meet so many more wonderful people; and now I can’t believe I get to start another new and exciting adventure!  Every step along the way is even more of a blessing than the first, and I know that provision comes from above.  I am so thankful to get to go to a job where I love what I do;  I pray this same blessing for both of my sons someday.

Here’s our little impromptu-party.  Low-key and fun!

We also snapped each boy’s picture with this fun sign I created.

Let’s celebrate our kiddos’ first days of school together!  Download the oFISHal First Day of School, oFISHally in Preschool, oFISHally in PreK, or oFISHally in Kinder printable and snap a picture of your child with  sign on his/her first day of school.  Then like us on Facebook, and post your oFISHal Back to School Photo on our wall!  Can’t wait to see all the cuteness you have to share!

Today we’re celebrating her FIRST birthday and I thought I’d share a little present with you!  This past weekend was my husband’s annual family reunion and I thought it was the perfect place to share her milestone with {most of} those whom we love most.  We kept things sweet and simple with some cupcakes and pink lemonade at our family’s potluck dinner.  Don’t get me wrong, I love an all-out birthday bash, but sometimes less really is more…  ;)

The patterns for these papers were inspired by the cutest bib ever that my mom purchased from a local boutique.  The designer was Room Seven and when I went to their website, I fell IN LOVE!  Inspiration struck!

To create the pinwheels, download my Vintage Garden Pinwheel PDF.  Print front and back on medium weight 8.5×11″ bright white paper.

Other supplies you will need are scissors, adhesive, small scrapbooking brads, and toothpicks.

1.  Cut out the squares between the patterns.

2.  Cut from the corner of each square diagonally inward, stopping mid-way to the center (follow the dashed line).

3.  Apply a small amount of the adhesive to the middle of the square.

4.  Fold every other corner up to the center, applying more adhesive when necessary.

5.  Poke a decorative brad through the center of your pinwheel and attach to a toothpick using glue or a small strip of tape.  These  pinwheels DO NOT spin, but are for display purposes only.  ;)

Hope you enjoy!  Make every day a reason to celebrate!

And who doesn’t really love an even cheesier play on words?  My son is thrilled with the new Valentines I designed for him to hand out this year.  We added a photo taken by my talented friend Sally Davidson, and his cards are now perfect for sharing with his third-grade classmates!

Need a last-minute laugh to give to your friends?  You’re in luck!  We’ll share our printable as our latest freebie.  You can download the file here.   Print double-sided, cut and fold!  As always, please do not redistribute or sell my designs!  Enjoy!!

I used the same color palette (while also adding a little PINK! to this collection) and the same fonts for both sets.  This creates continuity within the two suites.  But where LOVE YOU.. had a modern print paired with whimsical artwork, Coming Up Roses sticks to more traditional, romantic elements:  vintage swirls, pinstripes, and bracket frames all come together for a collection that will make anyone swoon!  French couture-inspired, these gift boxes are elegant (and affordable) Valentines!  And of course, who could resist Viridian’s darling arrangements or Jen the Cookie Chick’s yummy treats?  Contact Viridian Design Studio:  830.257.2067 or via email at tricia@viridiandesignstudio.com to place your order!

I seriously could not stop smiling the entire morning!  Tricia and her team styled the flowers and the tablescape, as well as directed the shoot.  Sally took AMAZING pictures of all the goodness and fun,  and Jen’s treats are every bit as tasty as they are lovely!  Enjoy our adorable feature, but continue down to the bottom of the post for some feebies for your own Valentine’s Day party!  I dare you not to smile!

Could this be any more fun?  And I made these printables that your child can share with classmates!

These sweet tweets <<knee slap!>> are so easy to make!  Just download the Valentine Printable files in the link at the bottom of this post.  Then print (glossy cardstock looks best!), cut, fold in half and punch a hole along the crease to put a heart shaped lolli through the card.  Fasten the tops with clear or double sided tape.  (I might add some ribbon to the candy stick for e’s preschool class!)

Want to join the party?  Print the LOVE YOU (a Bushel & a Peck) Banner, Mini-Valentines, Food Labels, and Straw Flags for a limited time!  :)

Check back next week for a full feature and some free party downloads from my new I LOVE YOU (a Bushel and a Peck) Valentine Party Collection!  My mother-in-law always sang the song to E and e when they were babies; I wanted to make something that was sweet-but-not-so-pink (since I’m the mom of two boys!) and Nana’s tune inspired . . .

Meanwhile, I’ve squeezed in a few holiday designs here and there (per request) but I never had the chance to create a 2010 line of Christmas cards. (Note to self: design for 2011 in the summer!!) Still, several ADORABLE families have ordered existing templates for their cards, and those were super fun to throw together!  Can’t wait to post proofs!  Maybe next week??  LOL!

After the craziness of the last week of school for my boys calms down, I am going to start work on a big project with Nathan Russell Photography!  But first, I have created a little something for YOU!

I’m up late tonight throwing together a SANTA Bingo game for my son’s class party on Friday. I kinda love the way it’s coming together.  So I used the theme to throw together a Letter to Santa printable for you and your kiddo!  Download it here.  Then print the cardvelope front and back on a sheet of paper, fill it out, stamp it, and stick it in the mail.  This is the “official” address where letters to Santa are shipped!

Merry Christmas! Hope you enjoy!  :)

Here are two digital frames to use for your Halloween photos of your cutie-patooties!

You can download my frames here!  Hope you enjoy!

First was a shower for our little MVP! I designed the invite, a banner, stickers, napkin rings, and party favor boxes for this fun theme… The color scheme coordinated with his nursery and Daddy was a football player–so that made it easy to come up with a design!  We wanted to make it “all boy” and still keep an elegant touch for Mom at the same time.. So we did things like use a glass punch bowl next to a sporty water jug to create that juxtaposition of asthetic.  I couldn’t be more thrilled with how it turned out!

Here is my Party Preview:

And the Party Premier:

And just a few more details–some bows for Mommy’s chair and a ball-cage for the gifts:

THEN, a couple of weeks later, we hosted this owl-themed shower for our much-anticipated baby girl!  I had a HOOT (sorry!  had to say it!) creating the save the date, invitation, toppers, notecards, hostess gift tags, and thank you cards.

Here’s a glimpse of the party:

Thanks to Viridian Design Studio for their help in pulling off the perfect cupcake tower!  And I can’t tell you how much fun I had with a sweet friend creating the table centerpieces.  But, one of my favorite elements was an idea from one of the other hostesses, a message board for friends to leave notes for this little blessing!!

What a joy to be a part of each of these special events!