Inspiring Colors

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Often times some of the most unexpected and beautiful color combinations can be found in our everyday life. I love to look at photographs on Pinterest and see what colors are found in nature, interior design and fashion.

Dipped in Gold

                    rings                                                          glasses

Oh man, these dipped gold rings and glasses are pretty awesome. The rose ring would be a beautiful wedding day accessory and the glasses would be a perfect detail on any reception table. 

Moving Announcement Voting Time

I really hate crowdsourcing, but I do really like Minted. It's a good outlet to try out new ideas and to learn new things. I recently submitted two designs to the moving announcement challenge. I'd appreciate a vote if you have a minute. Thanks in advance!







































Click here to vote for the balloon boxes announcement.

Click here to vote for the feminine geometric announcement. 

Working Hard

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Last week, things weren't too busy and I was getting a little bit bored. But wow, is this week different. It looks like I'll be busy designing brochures and an annual report. I should learn to embrace the slow times, because I know things will always pick up.

I've learned recently that I am very easily discouraged when it comes to work stuff. I often doubt my abilities and even my decision to be self-employed. So lately, my prayer has been that I won't be seeking to find my identity in work or being a graphic designer, but rather in being a child of God.

What are you busy working on this week?

New to the Shop

Last week I added some new items to my Etsy Shop. These calling cards are a great way to share your contact information in a fun and professional way. These are great for bloggers, self employed creatives, and really just about anyone who wants to pass along their info to others in style.

Set to Repeat

Bon Iver is my soundtrack for today. Specifically, I've been playing Skinny Love from the For Emma, Forever Ago album on repeat.

It's such a beautiful song, though I can't quite decode the entire meaning behind the lyrics.

Personal Logo Project

It has been a little bit since I worked on a fun logo and I got the hankering to get creative. I created a fictional urban boutique and designed a logo and business card to fit the envisioned brand. I'm in love with the plaid pattern and the tangerine and magenta color palette.

Lancaster County Meats and Deli Logo Reveal

When Todd, a friend from church, approached me about designing a logo for his new market stand, I was a little bit nervous. Working for friends can either be really great or really stressful. Luckily, I've only ever had good experiences working with and for friends, but I always go into projects a little wary. Todd's market stand, Lancaster County Meats and Deli, sells many different types of meats, cheeses and other things. The challenge was to create a modern logo with nods to the country and to what they sell. I was inspired by a weathervane and decided to stack animal silhouettes as part of that.

The final logo is really great and the client is super happy. Along with the logo, I created a business card and recipe card design.

Staying Organized

One of the most important things about being self-employed is staying organized. I can't just design all day, I also have to be a business owner which involves filling out paperwork, invoicing and emailing. I have a pretty good system down which has helped me keep my jobs and projects well organized.

I created these custom project sheets and they are awesome. Each time I get a new job or am sending a proposal for one, I fill out a new project sheet filled with notes, details and inspiration.

How do you stay organized?

Taking the Leap

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I'm going to start taking some time to answer questions about my business and personal life to give you a chance to get to know me better.

How did you make the decision to leave your full time job to go freelance?

Well, it wasn't something I jumped into lightly. For a few years now, I've had a desire to work for myself and do graphic design. For almost a year prior to leaving my full time job, I was building relationships with some small businesses and one local marketing firm. It was getting to the point where I would work 8 hours then come home and work 4 more hours on freelance projects. I was getting burned out and frustrated, and saw that maybe it was time to make a change. After a lot of prayerful consideration, countless conversations with my husband and a discussion with my employer - it was decided that I would go part-time at my job for 3 months then transfer out completely.

During that time I certainly had quitter's regret. I thought "what a bad economy to leave my job in," "I'm not good enough to do this on my own," and other self deprecating thoughts. I certainly do still think "what am I doing" at times, but I am mostly confident that I made the right decision and am following what I think is God's plan for my life.

While there are days where I have little to work on, there are also days where I can barely catch my breath. The past 6 months have been so great and only a little scary. It has been a big blessing to have more time to take care of our house, develop friendships and support my husband more fully.

We Are Finally Live

                               www.onelevencreative.com/wedding

After many long months and a few different versions, my website is finally launching today. I couldn't be more excited, but I'm also terrified. Now I can't use "my website isn't up yet" as an excuse to not be promoting my business.

I feel like I'm really putting myself out there now, and it's scary but very exciting. I'm taking a leap, but I know that I have a great God and supportive husband and family to catch me no matter what happens in my business.

So take a look at my website and tell me know what you think! If anything is showing up weird in your browser let me know.

Touches of Gray

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Gray is such a great color to use for wedding colors. But it's not that easy to incorporate into bridal bouquets. Touches of dusty miller are the perfect gray accent for both classic and vintage style wedding arrangements.

2012 Goals and Expectations

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HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I get excited about new beginnings, and celebrating the start of a new year is the perfect time to look ahead to the next 12 months and make some plans. Especially now that I'm fully self employed, I see the importance of setting goals for where I want my business to be and goals for how to balance work life and personal life. Here are just a few of the resolutions I have for 2012.

- Launch Oneleven Wedding website (which will be happening in the next few days).
- Create small packages to mail to local wedding venders announcing my
  new line of wedding invitations.
- Blog everyday.
- Read one book a month (I've started off January with "The Art of Fielding" 
  by Chad Harbach).
- Be more intentional in my friendships.
- Eat more whole foods.
- Be more uninhibited.

This is my first year writing down my goals/resolutions. Now I have some accountability.

What are some of your goals for 2012?