Talented Tuesday – Creative Montage

I just got off the phone with Aimee O’Boyle, the owner and graphic designer, from Creative Montage.  We were discussing some of the next steps I needed to take with the beautiful new logo she created for the rebranding of my interior design firm.  I was reminded of how fun it is to work with someone who not only shares an artistic vision, but she also has a wonderful system in place to make the work process go smoother.  People tend to forget great design is not all about the “pretty” things.  There is a lot of work to providing these services, no matter what that area of specialty might be.

Of course, we do hire designers in order to make all of the “behind-the-scenes” efforts transfer from concept to creation.  In my instance, I take it from pen and paper to a room.  In Aimee’s case, she puts it all on paper – literally!

Without further adieu . . . I give you . . .  Creative Montage!

First, I’m so impressed with Aimee’s offerings on her Etsy site.  From her save-the-date cards to invitations to monograms.  So many choices!

For those of us who appreciate even more custom choices, Aimee knows one size doesn’t fit all.  I think what surprised me the most is how reasonable her custom work is.  It all depends on how many options you need for her to create.  She’s happy to hear about your inspirations, but I can tell you from personal experience, when you give creative people some space to “do their thing”, you’ll be so happy with the results!

What a gorgeous vignette of her custom work:

Aside from her talents for couture bridal and life event papeterie, Aimee designs beautiful business pieces:

And then there is the Letterpress work.  Swoon worthy!

As an interesting aside . . . I’ve never met Aimee in person!  I was in the process of thinking about creating new business cards, about a year ago, and I happened upon her work on a Flickr site.  I did a little Googling and then found her website.  The rest just fell into place.  There was not only something about her work, which drew me in, I could somehow read her spirit through the screen. When she answered my call, I knew I had landed in the right place!

Today’s post isn’t just about talent, as you may have already concluded.  It’s also about doing business with people you know, like and trust.  Sometimes you can’t always put your finger on it, so let your intuition give you the nudge.  It’s usually right!

Thank you, Aimee.  You’re helping me to put my best foot forward! ~ Wanda

Christmas Countdown – Day 25

I’ve loved having you here!  Merry Christmas!

Thank you for spending your special holiday time with me.  2010 is quickly coming to a close and I’m looking forward to a New Year of fresh ideas and fresh starts!  It was a pleasure to share my Christmas Countdown gift with you, in between my design work, holiday preparation, and all of life’s moments.  I hope you were able to take-a-way a tidbit or two, for making it the best season ever!

It’s safe to throw on the Yule Log as Santa has made his visit down the chimney.  Cozy up to the fire with your favorite chair.  You deserve a rest and to bask in the glow of the holiday spirit.

Sending all of my best wishes to you and all of yours!

I’ll see you in the New Year!  Together, we’ll create a well-designed life! ~ Wanda

Christmas Countdown – Day 24

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys, and St Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes—how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook, when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a Good-Night!"

May all of your designing dreams come true! ~ Wanda

Christmas Countdown – Day 23

“Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus”

- Francis Pharcellus Church -

We all could use a jolly elf in our lives! ~ Wanda

Christmas Countdown – Day 22

Gifts From The Heart

“It isn't the size of the gift that matters, but the size of the heart that gives it.” ~ Quoted in The Angels' Little Instruction Book by Eileen Elias Freeman, 1994

As the days grow closer to Christmas, there’s no doubt some of you may be out seeking last minute gifts at the malls or opting for next day shipping from online sites.  It’s so natural to want to show loved ones and friends how much they mean to you – especially at this time of the year!

In our family, a few years ago, we decided to opt out of some of the major gift buying and chose to look at making donations to charities, which seem to have an even greater need during the holiday season.  Everyone has one or more causes, which speak to their hearts, because of a close friend or  loved one’s personal experience. 

 

If it’s more of your custom to share a wrapped present with others, there are many ways to shop online, or in local shops, where they offer to send a portion of your purchases to your favorite charity.  In many cases, most of the proceeds will go directly to the organization.  (If you have concerns about making sure your money is wisely used, you can check it out on CharityNavigator.org.)

Here are some fun finds for folks on your list:

Cute little push-pins, from the American Heart Association.  Folks often forget stroke is a cardiovascular disease.  My family has a history so I’m more than interested in research and prevention!

 

Great habits can still include great food!  A heart healthy cookbook shows your loved ones you care!

Giving someone a “step up” into a new home means the world!  This folding step stool from Habitat for Humanity is under $20 and tucks out of the way.  For a shorty like me, it’s a must have!

 

A colorful set of flour sack towels are less than $10 and all proceeds benefit the American Diabetes Association.

In our area, The Union County Christmas Bureau acts as a clearing house to assist families in need, during the holiday season.  They rely on donations of goods, money, and volunteer time to help distribute a Merry Christmas to over 2,000 applicants.  There is nothing like the face of a child when they receive an unexpected present!  That is the real gift of Christmas.

 

From my heart to yours – Merry Christmas! - Wanda

Christmas Countdown ~ Day 20

Museums and Mischief

Every year, there is a marathon day of the airing of “A Christmas Story” (<Click on for a fun trailer).  If you’ve not seen it, you must check your local channel listings as I believe it starts on Christmas Eve, for twenty-four hours, on TBS.  I’m not sure if it should be admitted, but my husband and his sister can almost mouth the entire dialogue, as they have watched it so much!

There are many hysterical parts and I don’t want to be the spoiler of any surprises, should you have been sheltered from viewing it.  Recently; however, after touring our local Mint Museum, with my friend, Maybelline Te, we came upon an exhibit of designer couture . . . shoes to be exact.  (And if you know Maybelline, shoes make her heart go pitter pat!)  Well, I just couldn’t help it . . . giggles ensued when I saw this:

And even more so when I read this:

(It’s kind of fun when a museum shares a sense of humor.)

If you are a fan of the movie, then you’ll know I thought the only thing missing might be the lamp shade!

It just goes to show you, you can take the mischief out of the museum, but not the museum out of some mischief.

With a twinkling of an eye! ~ Wanda

PS – By the way, do you think Mrs. Claus needs a wardrobe update?

Christmas Countdown – Day 19

Dog Tired ~

Some days it’s hard to admit when our plates are overflowing . . . When we need to recharge the batteries.

I’m tangled up in last minute client renovations; although, the results should be pretty and sparkly!  (Photo by Jill Beneninato)

. . . And there’s still some baking to do.

More shopping, as well.

Magnum and Freckles need a new Christmas picture.  (Even though this is one of my favorites.  Heart-melting.)

A little more decorating awaits.  (I did get a few new additions placed on this year’s tree!)

 

Some days are best summed up in dog speak . . . When the going gets “ruff” – time for a nap!

See you back in a while! ~ Wanda

Christmas Countdown – Day 18

Music To My Ears

Even though holiday songs have been playing on the radio, in malls, stores, and about every place one can imagine, I decided to “tune” them out until I got closer to Christmas so I wouldn’t be overdone and miss out on the pleasure of letting them float through the air, while I decorated the house, baked goodies, or just sat by the fireplace to chill out. 

While it was tempting to add a playlist to my blog, (at the start of my countdown), I refrained, knowing some of you prefer the sound of silence, while reading.  Now that we’re just a short time away from the big day, I’ve popped in some of my favorites, performed by both classic and current artists.

I hope it’s music to your ears, too!

I used to wait with great anticipation for “Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown”, to be aired every year.  Diana Krall shares the grown-up version without the chorus from Charlie, Lucy, Linus, and Snoopy. - “Christmas Time Is Here”

Love me some Louis!  He’s one cool cat! - “Zat You, Santa Claus?” 

While this is a more commercial holiday CD, it’s the kind which pulls you closer to the fire, with your favorite beverage in hand.  Put up your feet and enjoy “Winter Wonderland”!

The velvety voice of Nat King Cole.  “The Christmas Song” is an all time classic.  (Yes, I remember when!)

Allison Kraus sings “The Wexford Carol” with Yo Yo Ma.  The carol harkens to 12th century Ireland, where it tells the story of the nativity.  Celtic music is so deeply moving and these two make for a heavenly duo.

“Baby It’s Cold Outside” - Not just for holiday listening, this duet with Willie Nelson and Nora Jones will still add a jingle to your step while your wrapping up your holiday to-do list.

Some of the best musical collaborations are from two different worlds.  Andrea Bocelli and Mary J. Blige blend beautifully on “What Child Is This”.  Opera and Hip-Hop/Soul?  Amazing!

“Sleep in heavenly peace.” A beautiful version from Mannheim Streamroller of “Silent Night”.

Wishing you all the best! ~ Wanda