color crush

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Color plays a large role in graphic design, well... in all areas of design, because it can be applied to any other element, potentially causing a dramatic change. It can even be used to evoke emotion. Color theory can be applied to all areas of life, really... which is why I've decided to incorporate a periodic color profile (I don't have a set interval but it will probably be monthly). The blog post could be focused on a single color, as this one is, or a cohesive palette of color.

"The first of all single colors is white ... We shall set down white for the representative of light, without which no color can be seen."  - Leonardo Da Vinci

Like black, white works well with almost any color. It has associations of cleanliness, innocence, purity and neutrality. Doctors don white coats, Western brides traditionally wear white gowns, and a white picket fence surrounds a safe and happy home.

White is a neutral color and is most frequently used as a background on the web, and of course in print. There is a misconception that white can be boring, or that choosing white is predictable, but there are many designers who choose and work with white to make beautiful designs. Using white does not mean being “minimalistic”. Minimalism is not dependent on any particular color. In the same way, “white space” does not necessarily mean that the space around any design element must be be white.

  1. Butterfly chandelier from Pottery Barn Kids (this is no longer available but I found a great DIY tutorial at Project Nursery - check it out!)
  2. Paper lanterns at Crafty Nest
  3. White vases are always a great accessory for the kitchen table or at an event, especially if done in multiples. I'm always on the lookout for one that is super-affordable and has a great shape (no matter how horrible the color) because they always look amazing after a few coats of white spray paint (here's the how-to via Ruffled).
  4. Doily bordered mirror DIY at LifeFlix
  5. White interiors - I have a young child, so an all white room isn't an option for me personally, but I love it when they're done well. Since white represents cleanliness and has the ability to make a smaller space feel large and luxurious, I would think the bathroom might be the best choice in a home - BUT I'm not a professional so here are some Nate Berkus tips for adding white in the home.

HOW THE COLOR WHITE AFFECTS US PHYSICALLY
  • Aids mental clarity
  • Encourages us to clear clutter or obstacles
  • Evokes purification of thoughts or actions
  • Enables fresh beginnings

WHITE AROUND THE GLOBE
  • White is the traditional color worn by brides in the western world, as well as in Japan.
  • White is a color of mourning in China and parts of Africa.
  • The color of deepest mourning among medieval European queens was white rather than black. This tradition survived in Spain until the end of the fifteenth century.
  • In Chinese culture, color corresponded with the five primary elements, the directions and the four seasons. White was associated with metal, west and autumn.
  • A white flag is universally recognized as a symbol of truce.
  • The ancient Greeks wore white to bed to ensure pleasant dreams. 

INTERESTING INFORMATION ABOUT WHITE
  • According to Pantone Inc., white is the best selling color for the classic American t-shirt. 
  • More shades of white are available commercially than any other color. A few variations include beige, ivory, antique white, cream, linen, vanilla, ghost white, paper, snow, pearl, etc. 
  • The appearance of white in a dream is thought to represent happiness at home. White castles are a symbol of achievement, destiny perfectly fulfilled and spiritual perfection.
  • Originally, scientists wore beige coats. In the late 19th century, medical professionals chose white ones - because of the idea of hope and expectations for healing and recovery that the physicians would bring.

hair bow holders

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Since deciding to add hair bows to my list of "products," I figured I might as well add bow holders! We wouldn't want our precious girls to be unorganized! Here are a few that I've painted the past couple of months (they all start out as raw wood). Each one is personalized, of course. I usually add two strips of ribbon below for holding hair clips (each measures about 24" long). And I can also include a ribbon/bow over the top for hanging on the wall or add a metal frame hanging piece to the back.


Prices range from $25-40 depending on size and difficulty

Boys, Boys, BOYS!

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Someone made a comment not long ago about my stuff being mostly "girlie" things. And I must admit, that is true... but it was not calculated by any means... I do only have one child and she happens to be female and I am a female, therefore I am more familiar and comfortable with "girlie things," but I certainly did not want to be thought of as prejudice in any way, so I sought out requests from a friend at work with young boys. She was the one who asked for this hat rack, as well as the nautical stool in a previous post. So hopefully we all can now sleep a little more peacefully at night.  ;)


Her son loves basketball, baseball and camouflage


This painting on canvas is a re-post from a while ago (for a BOY - hehe)

Special Occasion Ornaments

The previous post could have given the impression that I didn't have a good holiday, but I actually had a gloriously wonderful Christmas this year. And I must say my family has been truly blessed to have had some good Christmases, but this one was extra special....though I couldn't really say why. We did have a beautiful snow, which was the icing on the cake (snow is a HUGE deal in Alabama), but I think having my seven-year-old and seeing her pure excitement and joy is what does it for me. It was lovely.... definitely one to remember.

In that spirit, I painted several ornaments as gifts for dear friends this year....there were several more I wish I could have done. But I did what I could and was happy with how they turned out.


The top two are front and back for one of my dearest friends, 
Codie, her husband and sweet dog-baby Charlie
Both on bottom are for my other great friend, Brooke and her family


This, as well as the next ornament, were for my sweet friend Kristen
The one below was a request and the one above was a surprise!



This is all one ornament - another for my friend Codie, a big Auburn fan!

Define: BUSY

BUSY: actively or fully engaged or occupied;

The "main" holiday season (which are the days around Thanksgiving and Christmas for me) is always exciting.....yet exhausting at the same time. I love getting to spend time with friends and family and love the food, of course; and yes, I actually DO celebrate the REAL meaning behind the holidays as well. However I've also found that it is a common thing for others to ask, "How have you been?" or "What have you been up to?" This finding has led to the realization that I have completely exhausted my typical answer to those questions: "Oh, you know just... crazy busy." Now this is not a rare thing, I know, but really... doesn't it seem that not only as you get older do you get more and more things piled on top of you and the "to do" lists grow longer and longer, but also as part of the "Multitasking Generation," doesn't it seem almost impossible to keep up with the world? And not even is it impossible to keep up with the world's expectations, but with your own?

Anyway, in keeping with the busy theme...I'm finally posting a few of the projects I've been working on the past few weeks.



Painted canvas hanger for teacher's gift


Nautical stool


Hand-painted frame - gift


silhouette with initials


Monkey and Giraffe plastic trays (were bright purple originally)
div { zoom: 1 ; }