Uncork your compliments.

One of my favorite host/hostess gifts to give or receive is wine. Who doesn't love it?! It's good for the heart, and it's good for conversation, especially when you have a bottle of wine starts a conversation on it's own. "What am I talking about?", you ask. The answer is: Toast-its!

Toast-Its! cleverly designed a greeting card that is wrapped around a wine bottle. It even has an area on the back so you can write a note. There are a variety of designs to choose from. See a few of my favorites below :)

"Must Have" Pantones of Spring 2010

Is winter over yet?! Even though I love wrapping up my oversized, large-neck, cozy sweaters with a cup of tea, I am anxiously awaiting bright bursts of poppy (Cayenne, PANTONE 18-1651), coral (Fusion Coral PANTONE 16-1543), and turquoise (Turquoise PANTONE 15-5519) this spring. These colors are just amazing against sun-kissed skin.

According to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute® (yes, this is how I get to tap into my graphic design resources when it comes to fashion):

“Now more than ever, women are vigilant when it comes to spending. Instead of reinventing their wardrobe at the start of each season, consumers want pieces to complement what they already own. Pairing a bold color with a basic piece or freshening up their look with bright accents addresses the need for practicality, as well as fun.”

anntaylor.com
anthropologie.comtoryburch.com
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anthropologie.com
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It's Black and White....

In a world that is not so black and white, one thing is for certain, black and white business cards are sure to make a statement. Perhaps, this is because we are so inundated with color on a day-to-day basis, that the simplicity of a black and white business card is what makes it so great. Black and white is so many things: elegant, bold, effortless, uncomplicated, dark, pure, shiny, unmistakable, humble, natural, sharp, etc. I've collected a gallery of black and white cards that I think are done just right.

Best Designer Business Cards

I just love it when fellow designers say what the rest of us are thinking. Read the cards above, need I say more...

John Murphy Collages

I have been a huge fan of John Murphy ever since I discovered his website on Design Sponge Online. I have been head-over-heels for his whimsical dreamscape collages. Maybe it's just me but I am very particular about the art that I choose for my home decor, I like art that doesn't require interpretation but does make you want to look twice. I can think of the perfect space in my home for several of these works of art.

2009 American Graphic Design Awards

For the second year in a row I received awards from the Graphic Design USA, a news magazine for creative professionals. Each year, for nearly four decades they present the American Graphic Design Awards, which is sponsored by Adobe. The contest is open to everyone in the community: advertising agencies, graphic design firms, corporate, institutional, and publishing inhouse departments, etc. It honors outstanding new work of all kinds of media: print, internet, corporate identity and logos, etc.

This year I received awards in two categories. First, Vermont National Country Club Print Ad in the category "Advertising". Second, NJ Professional Services Marketers Group in the category "Identity".