Wednesday, April 30, 2008

new calendar wallpaper

Wow, it's the end of April already – where did the month go?! Anywho, time to update your desktop wallpaper with Cecily Ink's new design for the month of May. Click here to download the right resolution for your computer.

Monday, April 21, 2008

feelin' orange

I've been so busy lately (the National Stationery Show is less than four weeks away, yikes!) that I have been feeling a bit stressed... so I thought I'd cheer myself up with some bright orange goodies! (orange is on my mind because it plays a big part in my booth design).

Here are some funky orange finds from Etsy that are sure to brighten your day:

Jewelry and accessories always make me happy :)
1 » DigiBling
2 » TotusMel
3 » Karlita
4 » Vaivanat

Soft orange stuffies, yummmm...
1 » MaidenLove
2 » Joom
3 » Kalla
4 » SpiderCamp


1 » BlakesWork
2 » AmberAlexander
3 » KarinGrow
4 » Carambatack

Cats in trees - must be thinking of this because all three of our cats are staying indoors right now (Dartel has to because he was diagnosed with diabetes and we need to give him his insulin shot every 12 hours; Pluisje's fur was so matted, we had to have her shaved and now the poor little 5-pound kitty is too cold to be outside; and Coco is a scaredy cat without her best-bud Dartel to protect her so she's keeping him company inside)

Amy Butler has such a strong design sense – I love all her stuff, especially her fabrics!
1, 2, 3, 4 » SewGoodFabric

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Shop Talk – The Paper Garden

If you're a paperphile living here in Portland, then I'm sure The Paper Garden is already high on your list as one of the places to go for the best in fine stationery.


Owner Kelsey Joyner has a keen eye for the classics and a knack for making her shelves pop with products you just have to have!



Besides offering a broad selection of greeting cards, boxed notes, gift wrap, and custom invitations, The Paper Garden is also a great place to find lots of other fine and fashionable goodies, such as jewelry, candles, wallets and purses, even melamine tableware.


And if you've got a sister or friend who's expecting, you'll love the baby section! You'll find everything from darling birth announcements and indestructible tableware to classic baby books and lovable plush toys (I almost walked out with this bunny, isn't he just too cute?!)

And while parking can be a bit of a challenge (tip: the free lot at 14th & Broadway always has lots of spaces), it's definitely worth it to seek out this not-so-secret paper garden!

THE PAPER GARDEN
1713 NE 15th Avenue • Portland OR • 503.249.0337

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

drum roll, please...

And the winner is...lucky comment number 23! That's you, Valette!

Please email me (alex*at*cecilyink.com) with your mailing address, as well as your choice of ONE EACH the following:
• Fresh Style Card File (choose from pumpkin, chartreuse, or robin's egg)
• Thank You cards (choose from any of the designs shown)
• Xonex Pen (choose from orange, blue or green)

A big thank you to all of you who entered – I really appreciate all your well wishes and wonderful, supportive comments! I can't wait to see what this second year brings (especially as I'm about to debut my line at the National Stationery Show next month!)

Friday, April 11, 2008

crafty wonderland

For all you Portlanders, a heads up: this Sunday is another Crafty Wonderland at the Doug Fir!


40 crafty artisans will have their wares for sale (including yours truly!) from 11:00 to 4:00 and it promises to be a fabulous event! Not only will there be a great selection of fabulous artists, it's also Crafty Wonderland's second anniversary - and that means cake! Okay, it's cupcakes and better yet, you get to decorate them yourself at the DIY table.

In case you needed any further enticement than cupcakes, below is a sampling of three of the artists you'll find there this Sunday (click on the image to visit their Etsy shop!) And click here for a complete list of vendors.

Oh, and did I mention it's free admission? So come on down!

CRAFTY WONDERLAND • April 13 • 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Doug Fir Lounge • 830 E. Burnside • Portland OR

Thursday, April 10, 2008

anniversary contest reminder!

Shop Talk – Switch Shoes

Portland is lucky to have many great shoe stores but one of my favorites is definitely Switch Shoes in Multnomah Village! Tucked away at the end of the main drag, Switch is an oasis of modern color and design that is definitely worth the trip.


When you first walk in, you're greeted by refreshing green walls - as well as by Jennifer (who never forgets a name) or Reina, the two wonderful owners who have poured their heart and soul into creating this unique store.


They made it their mission to bring us a great selection of fun, eclectic yet comfortable shoes from all over the globe. And I can personally attest to the comfort factor! Last summer I bought a funky pair of orange clogs that I wore throughout two 4-day trade shows – heavenly, I tell ya!


Even if you don't walk out with a pair (or two!) of shoes, you're sure to fall in love with some of their wonderful accessories. From jewelry to purses, head bands to scarves, and of course plenty of socks, the choices at Switch Shoes are as abundant as their colors!


And don't forget to go upstairs to check out their amazing sale section - lots of great deals year-round!


Don't live in Portland? No worries, you can visit the Switch Shoes website to take a peek at all their newest shoes – you can even shop online!

SWITCH SHOES
7871 SW Capitol Hwy • Portland OR • 503.445.4585

Monday, April 7, 2008

design awards

Throughout the year, I usually enter several competitions for projects I've done through my design studio Defteling Design. Sure, my main goal is to design something that makes my client happy, but if a group of industry experts judges my work to be successful, too, well... that's just icing on the cake!

Last week I received notice that all five of my entries to American Corporate Identity got accepted – yippie! So I thought I'd give a little shout-out to my clients and highlight the projects that will be published in the 2009 book.

With a little help from Michelle Fortner and Amy Hall (thanks gals!), I created this logo for Savvy Girls of Summer. Jackie and Deidre are two authors who have done a great job de-mystifying the world of baseball in their new book titled "It Takes More Than Balls – The Savvy Girls of Summer Guide to Understanding and Enjoying Baseball" (click here to read all about it). Because they had a hard time deciding on which color combo they preferred, I suggested they use them all interchangeably, depending on the application. How's that for compromise!


I've already posted about the Neighborhood Notes stationery package, so I won't bore you by repeating myself (click here to read the original post). Suffice it to say, Lynnette and Ken continue to love their new look and have translated it into their printed newsletter and very soon, their website, too!


The above brochure was one of my favorite projects last year! The University of Oregon School of Music asked me to design a ticket brochure for their 2007-08 Chamber Music Series. Their requirements were that it be colorful and exciting, yet intimate and sensual.

My solution was to create powerful collages of extreme close-up floral photography combined with hands playing musical instruments. The cheerful color palette included bright yellows, oranges and reds as well as chartreuse green and lavender purple. I also kept the overall brochure size relatively small to draw the reader in, reinforcing the sense of intimacy. The client was thrilled, which meant I was thrilled!


Kettle Foods has put together an ingenious promotion called People's Choice that invites consumer input on new flavor profiles as well as generates some great PR buzz. I started working on the kit last summer and just love the final result! The booklet above is part of what customers received when ordering the "Fire and Spice" themed limited-edition chips pack. The five different flavors of spicy chips take on you an intense "flavor trip," and after casting a vote for their favorite flavor online, Kettle fans will soon be able to buy the winning flavor, Death Valley Chipotle, at their local supermarket.


Last but certainly not least, Cecily Ink's very own 2008 Desk Calendar won a design award, too! If you didn't get a calendar yet, it's not too late. Just visit the website. Plus, they're on sale for only $10 if you enter this coupon code at check-out: 08cal.

Sadly, these awards from American Corporate Identity don't come in the form of a statuesque figure like the Oscars (my number one pick for coolest award statue!), but I will receive award certificates, which I will promptly forward to my clients. A big hip hooray to them: thanks, Jackie and Deidre, Lynnette and Ken, Scott and Janet, and Jennifer!

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Shop Talk – Passion Flower

You know how some stores draw you in and make you want to spend hours wandering around, admiring every little detail? Well, Passion Flower in Eugene is just such a magical place.


From the moment I stepped into the spacious boutique, my eye is drawn into every direction, just wanting to soak up all the visual goodness. So much inspiration here!


So much more than simply a flower shop, Passion Flower offers everything from gorgeous home decor and unique gifts to luscious bedding and bath to amazing art and jewelry – and of course, lots of flowers, plants, vases, pots, urns, even garden bistro tables and chairs.

Next time you find yourself in Eugene with a little extra time on your hands, I suggest you stop by Passion Flower and prepare yourself for a visual feast!

PASSION FLOWER
128 E. Broadway • Eugene OR • 541.344.3857