Create, Recycle, Devote.

Lowell - 10/26/10 logo contest

2010-10-26T13:20:00.004-04:00

Lowell: an audio-visual company that specializes in sound equipment and speakers.

The client requested a simple, clean "L" shaped logo.

Benson Marketing - 10/25/10 logo contest

2010-10-26T13:13:00.002-04:00

Benson Marketing Group: leading marketing group for wine & spirits in the US.

The buyer requested a logo that avoids typical wine imagery and portrays the idea of globalism. I came up with a wine grape globe. The lines still need refining, but this is the basic concept so far:

Revisiting my New Year's resolutions

2009-12-28T19:08:00.002-05:00

Now that 2009 is coming to an end, I've decided to revisit the resolutions I made at the beginning of this year. My first time ever making resolutions, and I did okay... but definitely could have done better! Looking forward to improving on my resolution follow-through in 2010!

In order of importance to me (for the most part):

1. Hang tight to my Quit.
Over 3 months so far of no smoking after 11 years of smoking and 8+ years struggling to find the motivation & courage to quit. My Quit means the world to me and I am hanging on for dear life! :)
Okay, so life happened and I totally bombed on this resolution after 5 months. :( This will still be at the top of my list for 2010 and I vow to make it happen this time... no matter what it takes!!

2. Learn to have more patience and not hold grudges.
Growing up with a wonderful family and a best friend of 20+ years, I had just assumed the entire world was filled with people like them - honest, dependable, loyal, loving, giving, etc. Call me naive. :) I don't want to lower my expectations of what I want in friendships, but I do realize I have to cut people some slack -- no one's perfect. And just because someone makes a mistake, doesn't mean I should hold a grudge forever! I will improve on this....
I thought this would be my most difficult resolution to keep since it involves changing something that has been so ingrained in me since childhood, but I surprisingly did it! I was tested several times with friends and I forgave and moved on. It felt damn good! :) And the more I tried to be understanding of people, the easier it became.

3. Free myself from the cubicle!
I have been looking forward to the day when I can escape the office environment and work from home, supporting myself solely through freelance design work (and a few pet-sitting jobs on the side of course!) That day seems to be getting closer and my goal for 2009 is to make my dream a reality. First, just need to pay off remaining debt and work my butt off networking and finding more clients!
By February 1st, this goal will become a reality. I believe things happen for a reason, and although I'm losing my job at Bayer due to a "restructuring" of our department, I am coming out of it with great contacts & amazing opportunities for freelance work. February 1st will mark day 1 of freedom from the cubicle, and my new future as a freelancer!

4. Take my nonprofit to the next level.
I have to admit, I've been completely slacking when it comes to my responsibilities for my nonprofit (Saving Shelter Pets, Inc). I just don't seem to have the energy now that I'm working so many hours. So after I escape my cubicle this year, I vow to dive right back in 1 million percent and make SSP the nonprofit that I know it can be! :) (with the help of all our wonderful BOD members & volunteers of course!)
I am very sad this didn't happen this year, but due to my day job, my rescue unfortunately took a backseat in priority. Thankfully my fellow BOD members really stepped up to pick up my responsibilities in the meantime. I feel confident that 2010 is the year for us. I will be working from home and have much more time to commit, and I'm very excited to see what the future holds!

5. Create a website for my freelance work.
I currently have a basic webpage built through GooglePages.... it's actually pretty embarrassing as a graphic designer, but it has done its job for the time being. I have done many sketches on how I want my portfolio site to look, but it's just a matter of finding the time to do it (especially since I'm website-challenged. lol) But 2009 is the year I commit to this project!
Well, I started this but never quite finished. Have a website & template set up... just need to get my portfolio up!

PACKS Rescue - logo contest 2/26

2009-03-04T10:48:00.004-05:00

PACKS Rescue - A nonprofit, social enterprise called PACKS Rescue (People & Animals Collaborating Kindness, Sacramento) PACKS is a unique startup helping people and animals in a low income neighborhood in Sacramento, California.

The buyer requested a logo featuring silhouettes, showing the interaction between dogs, cats, and people. Below is my first draft. If it is chosen, I will need to refine the silhouettes.

New Media School logo contest - 2/19/09

2009-02-20T15:02:00.003-05:00

New Media School - A new online education resource for niche education topics (specific to the digital world).

I created a simple text-based logo, using a graphic that resembles a digital readout on video and audio equipment. The logo can also be used horizontally, by just using the initials.

I've been interviewed!

2009-02-19T13:28:00.003-05:00

As everyone probably knows, I spend most of my free time on crowdSPRING.com entering as many logo contests as possible. I make a few extra bucks here and there, but the best part is how much my design skills have improved after almost a year of competing in these contests.

Recently I was chosen by the folks at crowdSPRING to be interviewed on their blog. I am incredibly flattered by their request, and thankful for the opportunity to get my story out there. :)

CLICK HERE to read the interview!

...and, as a little added bonus, there's a 2-sentence blurb about me in the Chicago Reader! :) ....read it HERE.

Syracuse Stage - round 2 - 2/1/09

2009-02-17T16:15:00.009-05:00

Syracuse Stage - a not-for-profit theatre that is the only fully professional theatre in Central New York. Client requested a fresh, contemporary, simple logo.

My 2nd entry in this contest....

Another GUT logo...

2009-02-03T14:28:00.003-05:00

After receiving feedback on my last 2 entries in the "Know your Gut" logo contest, I decided to give it one more try. For my latest concept, I used the yin yang as a symbol of balance and wholeness, and the leaves as a symbol of alternative methods of healing.

last few logo entries for January!

2009-01-30T16:10:00.003-05:00

KnowYourGut.com - a website that helps people with their health issues in a personal, easy-to-understand way (focusing on alternative healing). The buyer wants a bright, fun, modern logo with "personality".

I created a bold logo and enclosed the word "gut" in parentheses to represent the inside of the stomach.

Syracuse Stage - a not-for-profit theatre that is the only fully professional theatre in Central New York. Buyer is looking for a simple, contemporary logo that can be used across a variety of platforms.

For my first entry, I simply modified a font to make a simple, yet interesting logo. For the second entry, I took a more abstract, creative approach. Since theatre is all about the people involved, I used a thin line to represent a stage, with the gray representing performers, and red for the audience.

Logo contest entries for January 26th

2009-01-27T13:53:00.004-05:00

Deja - a new product coming out, targeted towards a female audience. Buyer requested a strong, text-based logo...feminine, but not "frilly".

I entered 2 concepts. The first one I played with the font to make something unique. I flipped the "a" and used it to represent the "e". I also adjusted the accent marks to give them a little more shape (they were previously just rectangles).

The second concept, I reflected the 2 accent marks and dot from the "j" to create a flower/windmill type shape.

Contest ends in less than 24 hours...crossing my fingers! :)

4 more logo contest entries...I'm on a roll! :)

2009-01-13T11:07:00.003-05:00

Impacts.Ca - an independent consulting firm, specializing in management consulting for the life science industry. Contest holder requested a simple, clean logo using the colors currently on his website. I took the "i" from "impacts" and rotated it to create a simple, professional logo.

New Orleans Knitwear - a retail store and website that sells luxury knits. Contest holder requested a logo that portrays "understated luxury". I also suggested implementing the logo on the lower right part of each shirt, using a thread similar in color to the shirt -- to really emphasize that "understated luxury".

Girls Incorporated of Indianapolis - inspires all girls to be "strong, smart, and bold". They are the Indianapolis, IN affiliate of the national Girls Incorporated organization. The contest holder requested a logo celebrating their 40th Anniversary, using the theme “This is what 40 looks like.” I really hope I win this contest as I feel it's a great cause....and close to home! :)

allclear! - a professional window cleaning company, geared towards the upper-class. I recycled a previous concept for this logo, but took it in a different direction....

Crossing my fingers that I at least win one of these!!

logo & business card contest entry - Jan 10th, 2009

2009-01-13T10:56:00.006-05:00

EyeCandyIcons - an adult website featuring high profile import models in very glamorous situations and settings. Company asked for a unique & trendy logo, along with a business card design.

For this logo, I went for a subtle, classy look -- to set EyeCandyIcons apart from other adult model sites. The eyelashes on the e's give this logo a simple, yet undeniably feminine look.

Unfortunately the buyer did not like my logo....oh well. :( You win some, you lose some. :)

January 10th, finally tried something other than a logo contest....

2009-01-13T10:43:00.003-05:00

....an icon contest! :)

Windy City Social - a Chicago company that creates opportunities for successful men and woman to connect on social, intellectual and professional levels. They requested 4 icons for their website .

There's a lot of great competition in this contest, but I figured I'd give it a shot anyways!

2008 donations to SSP - yay! :)

2009-01-03T15:02:00.002-05:00

Well, 2008 is over and I am quite happy with what I was able to contribute to Saving Shelter Pets through my freelance graphic design work and sales from my Etsy shop. Unfortunately, I didn't make much from my CafePress store but I hope to focus more on that effort in 2009. I ended the year with quite a few sales, but the commissions I made ended up only covering my monthly shop fees.

Donating 10% of everything I do, here are my totals from 8/13/08 through the end of the year:
For a grand total of $216.65 donated to the animals in 2008! :)

My goal for 2009 is $500.... I better get to work! haha ;)

Hellooooooooo 2009!

2009-01-02T13:48:00.007-05:00

I know it's so cliche to have "new year's resolutions", but I'm going to post mine anyways. :) Believe it or not, I've actually never written resolutions before....so at 28 years old, this is a first for me! (am I a dork for being excited about this?!? lol)

In order of importance to me (for the most part):

1. Hang tight to my Quit.
Over 3 months so far of no smoking after 11 years of smoking and 8+ years struggling to find the motivation & courage to quit. My Quit means the world to me and I am hanging on for dear life! :)

2. Learn to have more patience and not hold grudges.
Growing up with a wonderful family and a best friend of 20+ years, I had just assumed the entire world was filled with people like them - honest, dependable, loyal, loving, giving, etc. Call me naive. :) I don't want to lower my expecations of what I want in friendships, but I do realize I have to cut people some slack -- no one's perfect. And just because someone makes a mistake, doesn't mean I should hold a grudge forever! I will improve on this....

3. Free myself from the cubicle!
I have been looking forward to the day when I can escape the office environment and work from home, supporting myself solely through freelance design work (and a few pet-sitting jobs on the side of course!) That day seems to be getting closer and my goal for 2009 is to make my dream a reality. First, just need to pay off remaining debt and work my butt off networking and finding more clients!

4. Take my nonprofit to the next level.
I have to admit, I've been completely slacking when it comes to my responsibilities for my nonprofit (Saving Shelter Pets, Inc). I just don't seem to have the energy now that I'm working so many hours. So after I escape my cubicle this year, I vow to dive right back in 1 million percent and make SSP the nonprofit that I know it can be! :) (with the help of all our wonderful BOD members & volunteers of course!)

5. Create a website for my freelance work.
I currently have a basic webpage built through GooglePages.... it's actually pretty embarrassing as a graphic designer, but it has done its job for the time being. I have done many sketches on how I want my portfolio site to look, but it's just a matter of finding the time to do it (especially since I'm website-challenged. lol) But 2009 is the year I commit to this project!

Logo contest entry on Christmas Eve...

2008-12-30T11:16:00.003-05:00

Yep, I was designing logos on Christmas Eve...go figure. :) I only was able to enter one contest though before being dragged out the door to visit the family....

GoldnShine - a new jewelry company. Everything is gold to honor the sun and all that it represents. (glimmery background was provided by the client in this contest)

I am really hoping to win this contest for 2 reasons:

1) I am so happy with my logo and how it turned out...the ligature between the "n" and "s", the font choice, and the rough circles of the "o" to create the sun. Something about this logo that I just really like. :) (still need to tweak that ligature though!)

2) The client feels the same way as I do about animals. I love that she is donating 20% proceeds from her jewelry to help prevent the suffering of animals.

Logo contest entries for December 17th

2008-12-18T10:17:00.003-05:00

Logos created to the sounds of the Flaming Lips...

e-Me - a service that allows you to express yourself online, designed for professionals and recent college grads. Buyer is looking for a simple, modern text-based logo.

AC UNIZA - a newly founded academic sport organisation (NGO) which associates about 20 sport clubs at the University of Zilina, Slovakia. Buyer wants a logo that can be modified across different sports, such as basketball and judo, and wanted an owl to be included as part of the design.

I'm not completely satisfied with the AC UNIZA logo, but hopefully the buyer will choose it, and allow me the opportunity to fine-tune it. :)

Logo contest entries for December 16th

2008-12-17T11:41:00.003-05:00

Created to the sounds of the Fiery Furnaces and TV on the Radio. :)

HOTSA - Matthew Clayton's personal consulting company.

Zymeaux - a New Orleans based mobile marketing startup. I recycled previous logo concepts (that did not win other contests) for both of the Zymeaux designs.

Logo Contest Entries for December 1st

2008-12-01T19:49:00.006-05:00

Created to the sounds of Of Montreal. :)

Scottish Debt Experts - a company that provides debt advice to both individuals and companies.

Exhibitions Department - an art consultancy & online gallery tailored to less experienced art buyers.

Logo contest entries for November 24th

2008-11-24T20:33:00.003-05:00

After nearly 2 weeks of slacking off, I've finally entered 2 more logo contests.

Crowd Worthy - a site where consumers can come together and shop smart.
Trem Two Ltd - a technology consulting company.

Both contests end within the next 12 hours....wish me luck! :)

A good week in logo contests!

2008-11-16T21:12:00.003-05:00

Last week I was very excited to learn that I won two of the logo contests I had entered. Yay! :)

After a few edits, here are the two final logos:

Logo contest entries for November 11th

2008-11-11T19:57:00.003-05:00

Momemtum is slowing down, but I did manage to get one entry in tonight...

PAI Media is a PR company for indie rock bands and songwriters.

Logo contest entries for November 10th

2008-11-10T20:36:00.005-05:00

I took a few days off from logo contests, but had some free time tonight to enter a couple....

4 Thirteen is a new Christian apparel brand.

Zing! is a new mobile technology that will allow individuals to transfer money easily, without having to use traditional wiring services (such as Western Union).

Rewarding Memories is a service provided to companies who wish to reward their employees on anniversaries, for special achievements, etc.

My love/hate relationship with my button maker.....

2008-11-10T14:22:00.004-05:00

I bought a button maker almost a year ago, and while I love the idea of it and being able to create buttons whenever I want..... I mainly just want to strangle the d@&* thing.

So... after months of trying to make this relationship work, I must finally break up with my button maker. I will be listing it on Etsy this week if anyone wants to buy it.... maybe you will be more compatible? ;)

This means all the button designs I've listed on Etsy, I will now be listing in my CafePress store:

CLICK HERE TO BUY SOME BUTTONS!

Logo contest entries for October 30th

2008-10-31T14:03:00.007-04:00

So, I'm getting really into the logo contests again. Even when I don't win, I think they're great practice and the entire experience at Crowdspring has really helped me improve my skills. I hope I can continue entering 2 contests a day like I was able to this week....and of course, winning some money would be a nice little bonus as well. :)

So here are my 2 from yesterday...

VenusIQ is a "how-to"website for women only. I've created a simple, bold logo using a woman's silhouette in the "Q". I'm not completely satisfied with the shape of the silhouette yet, but with some refinement, I'm hoping it will be a winner. :)

Virtueel3DHuis is a real-time 3D rendering software to facilitate individuals building/designing their own house. The logo I created illustrates the idea of turning a blue print (2D) into a real house (3D).

Logo contest entry for the day

2008-10-29T18:19:00.006-04:00

I'm currently competing in a logo contest for a men's modeling agency and I'm pretty happy with the logo I came up with (and of course I'm hoping it will win!!)

....although the color scheme seems to need a little more work. I was originally going for gold & black to make it look "luxurious", but now I'm wondering what would work better?

I also adjusted the kerning in the letters so the 2 words lined up better, but I think the "U" still needs to move over to the right a bit, but I don't want to crowd the "X" too much...

Oh, the woes of being a graphic designer...no logo is ever truly "finished". My fellow perfectionist friend Lindsey knows what I'm talking about! :)

Logo contest win!

2008-10-29T10:08:00.007-04:00

Wooohooooo! I won a logo contest yesterday. :)

After some feedback from the buyer, here is the final logo for thegirlinthecafe.com. I'm very happy with how it turned out, and I love the pink color that Ingrid (the buyer) chose.

[ And as a side note, I must add that this buyer was a pleasure to work with -- just like the Fairwin ladies! I wish all clients could be so nice! ]

Getting back into logo contests...

2008-10-27T19:51:00.006-04:00

Now that I've settled into my new job, I'm finally making time again to enter more logo contests in the evenings at Crowdspring.com

Here are 2 of my entries from this week that I think have a good chance of winning...

New tote bag design: PLASTIC SCHMASTIC!

2008-10-20T19:32:00.003-04:00

I finally got around to creating a new tote bag for my CafePress store......and hopefully I can even add a few more this month!

CLICK HERE to shop!

Featured CafePress best-seller

2008-10-08T14:04:00.004-04:00

Today I would like to feature the best-selling item in my CafePress store. This is a design I had originally created (among others) for a t-shirt design contest. My "Pacifist" design won one of the contest prizes, but my "Future Activist" design did not.

So.... I have recycled the design for my CafePress store, and it's currently my best seller! :) Check it out HERE (also available on bibs, long-sleeve shirts, and more!)

SSP 2009 Calendar for sale!

2008-10-06T13:45:00.002-04:00

Photos by adopters & rescues.
Design by me. :)

Please order your copy today! All proceeds benefit the rescue of more cats and dogs in 2009! :)

Fabric Sale!!

2008-09-28T16:14:00.004-04:00

All vintage fabric in my Etsy Shop have been marked down 30-40% ....help me make room in my office by buying my fabric! :)

CLICK HERE TO SHOP NOW!


SALE - great brown ...
jammaram	$5.00


SALE - vintage flor...
jammaram	$5.00


SALE - vintage flor...
jammaram	$5.00


SALE - roses are re...
jammaram	$4.00


SALE - great vintag...
jammaram	$5.00


SALE - very retro p...
jammaram	$7.00


SALE - vintage gree...
jammaram	$5.00

New logo creation

2008-09-13T18:02:00.006-04:00

Just wanted to share one of my latest logo designs. I'm quite happy with this one. :)

The idea came from a concept I originally did for Stray Rescue of St. Louis through a logo contest on Crowdspring. I didn't win the contest, so I recycled this concept for a rescue friend of mine.

The silhouettes represent the idea of millions of nameless, faceless dogs that end up in shelters each year. And the collar represents how the rescue gives these dogs an identity, a home -- a second chance at life.

Logo designed for Puggles & Pitties -- if you're in the San Diego area, please consider adopting your next furbaby from this rescue!

New vintage items in my Etsy shop:

2008-09-09T18:22:00.002-04:00


vintage cat message...
jammaram	$10.00


vintage bathroom se...
jammaram	$18.00

vintage owl - maybe...

jammaram

$10.00

A rescue in need.....

2008-09-06T01:05:00.007-04:00

Saving Shelter Pets, Inc is a cause very close to my heart, and I am sad to announce that we are really struggling financially right now. :( In the past few weeks, we've had a slew of dogs with parvo, heartworm, and other serious (and very expensive!) medical conditions.

Unfortunately, these unexpected medical bills have brought our rescue operations to a halt...and we are desperate for donations so that we can continue in our mission to rescue homeless dogs and cats.

If you can spare even a few dollars to help dogs like Hazel and her pups (pictured below), it would be greatly appreciated! Every single donation brings us one step closer to getting these dogs the medical care that they desperately need!

Please visit the SSP blog for more info or to make a donation:
savingshelterpets.blogspot.com/

Heading in the right direction....

2008-08-22T21:51:00.011-04:00

A few years ago, I graduated from college, and immediately went out into the real world, optimistic about my future in the graphic design field. It only took me a year to figure out that a job is a job...is a job....no matter which field you're in. I started to panic and thought "this is the rest of my life???"

Then about a year ago, I finally realized what I want to do that will make me happy (because I'm the type of person who can settle for no less than happiness...yep, I'm a dreamer). I can't suck it up and hold a real job like most people do -- I just don't have it in me. So I decided that I really need to work for myself and freelance for a living, also allowing myself enough time to dedicate to my animal rescue.

Freelancing is great. I get to meet so many wonderful people, and it's a new job every week. I get to be creative, and there's really no risk of boredom....ever. The only thing between me and my goal is previous debt. I couldn't take the risk of leaving a steady full-time job for a unpredictable life of full-time freelance.

Then things started looking up a few weeks ago. I applied for a temp job at Bayer, and although it's not a permanent position, the pay was twice as much as my current job (not to mention, I'd save about $200 a month on gas by not commuting to Three Oaks, MI every day). I interviewed for the job, and it must've went well because I was offered the position that same day. :)

So, I just completed my first week at Bayer, and I am so incredibly thankful for this opportunity. This was exactly the head start I needed to start moving towards my goal of full-time freelance. Hopefully after 6 months in this job, I'll be able to pay off all our debt -- maybe even set aside a little extra for the future -- and by this time next year I hope to be working from home, full-time, supporting myself and my doggies on freelance design alone. :)

Things are starting to look a little brighter on my side of the world....

Ninety-seven dollars and thirty-five cents

2008-08-14T21:12:00.004-04:00

I just noticed today that I am about to hit the $100 mark for donations to SSP through my creative efforts this year. :)

Donating 10% of everything I do is my small way of contributing since I don't have a lot of money....and it's nice to see it's finally adding up!

How I wish all projects were like this one....

2008-08-11T14:49:00.007-04:00

I love what I do (for the most part) and I've worked for some great clients. However, I've had a bit of a bad streak with my freelance work lately: overly demanding clients, clients who promise work but never come through, and a slew of logo contests held by people who seem to have absolutely no design sense.

Thankfully, my luck has recently turned and I won my first contest on Crowdspring. :) The logo is for a new company called Fairwin Worldwide. I've been working with the owners for the past few weeks to finalize the logo, and I am convinced that they are two of the sweetest women I have ever met! :) It's an amazing feeling when the designer/client relationship is strong - good communication, mutual appreciation from both sides, and overall just a friendly (yet still professional) line of communication. Good client/designer relationships are rare -- and I will be sad when this one ends!

I just finished the logo today, and I am proud to show it off here. :)

Buttons, pinback, badges...

2008-07-29T20:54:00.003-04:00

...whatever you want to call them, I've got them. :)

Currently for sale in my Etsy shop with 20% of each sale going to Saving Shelter Pets, now through August 6th.

Shop handmade on Etsy and 20% goes to animal rescue!

2008-07-26T09:58:00.001-04:00

About Saving Shelter Pets:
Saving Shelter Pets (SSP) strives to eliminate euthanasia as a method of population control for homeless companion animals, by providing no-kill alternative solutions and pro-actively addressing the problem of pet overpopulation.

SSP is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization with supporters nationwide. Please see our FAQs for more information.

NOTE: The animals pictured in this or any other message are NOT available for adoption. We do not have the resources to properly screen adoptive homes. We send our dogs and cats to pre-approved no-kill rescues in the Northeast, and these rescues will then adopt them into wonderful forever homes.

A good day at the thrift store....

2008-07-12T20:12:00.011-04:00

I went to the thrift store today with my mom because she had a coupon for 50% off. 3 hours and $26 later, we left with an entire shopping cart full of junk. :) It was a great day and we had so many neat finds!

First great find of the day.... 2 vintage coffee mugs that happened to match the one I found at a different thrift store a few weeks ago. :) So now that this family of mugs is reunited, I've listed them together as a set in my Etsy shop.

Second great find of the day.....fabric, fabric...and MORE FABRIC! So many great vintage patterns! And can I just say how great polyester is?? :) All fabric, now listed in my Etsy store as well...

Third find of the day... the coolest placemats ever! From 1976, these plastic placemats are super cute -- denim design on one side, and a matching hankerchief pattern on the other. I've listed these in my Etsy shop, but I'm contemplating keeping them for myself....

And last but not least, I found the cutest little rooster trivet. I absolutely LOVE the bright colors! :) And of course, it's up on Etsy as well.....along with these adorable stacking rooster cups I found last week....

Swimming in doggies....

2008-07-04T19:43:00.008-04:00

So, I woke up early this Fourth of July to drive to the LaGrange County Animal Shelter to pick up a puggle for a fellow rescuer. I had an hour long drive to remind myself not to look at any of the other dogs there, otherwise I'd be bringing home another...

Well, against my better judgment, I was suckered into taking home a second dog named Oscar, who was originally adopted from the shelter as a pup, but returned recently due to "unforeseen circumstances".

So....now I'm looking for a home for sweet Oscar. If you're interested, please email me at jmarfurt@gmail.com

He is still a pup at just under 1 year old. Up-to-date on all shots, neutered. American Bulldog / Boxer mix, weighing at about 70lbs. He's the sweetest boy ever and just loves to snuggle up and cuddle. :) He's very playful, and gets along wonderfully with everyone – dogs, cats, and kids!

He's also got the cutest little underbite. :)

Just listed some great vintage/retro earrings...

2008-07-02T13:46:00.012-04:00

CLICK HERE to shop now!
...and as you can see below, I can't take a good photo to save my life! LOL :)

The coolest wind chimes ever!

2008-07-02T09:03:00.003-04:00

I originally bought these as a house-warming gift for a friend, but unfortunately things didn't work out. :(

So they are now for sale in my Etsy shop! Get them before they're gone! :)

Made in 1981 as a Fort Myers souvenir. Made from translucent sea shells.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE.

I love dinosaurs.

2008-07-01T13:39:00.004-04:00

Brontosaurus and stegosaurus buttons!
$2 for a set of 2.....now for sale in my Etsy shop.

My first tote bag design....

2008-06-30T16:09:00.005-04:00

I am obsessed with canvas tote bags and can't wait to continue creating more designs for my CafePress store.

....but for now, here's my first design. Enjoy!

Tweet Little Birdie....

2008-06-30T15:36:00.005-04:00

I created this little birdie for a logo contest on 99designs.com and although he made the top 5, he didn't end up winning. I'm actually sort of relieved as I love this little guy and wanted to retain the rights to him... so now he's mine...all mine. :)

I have listed several items in my CafePress store featuring this tweet little birdie....t-shirts, bibs, buttons/pinbacks, note cards, and more!

Hope you like this little birdie as much as I do! :)

I finally jumped on the blogging band wagon...

2008-06-29T23:31:00.003-04:00

Everyone else is doing it.....why not me? :) I decided to create this blog as a central place for all the things I am passionate about: graphic design, creating things from recycled objects, thrift-storing, animal rescue, ....and the list goes on....and on.

Just a few links to start out with:

1. My Etsy Store
An assortment of handmade and vintage items.
I love designing buttons (although I'm still battling with my button maker!). I love thrift-storing for cool vintage things, and then listing them on Etsy for others to enjoy. I also create a variety of handmade items using recycled objects. I mainly do this for fun....it helps release the stress from my every day life. And if I actually sell a few of the things while I'm at it, I am a very happy girl! :)

2. My CafePress Store
A variety of unique designs....emphasis on the tote bags.
This shop is still a work in progress and should hopefully be up & running in a week or two. I've created various illustrations throughout my design career that didn't end up being used for one reason or another, so this shop is a great way for me to recycle those ideas into t-shirts, tote bags, and more! I am a strong believer in using tote bags instead of plastic, so I will be focusing on creating a variety of tote bag designs to offer in my shop.

3. Graphic Design
Everything but the web...pretty self explanatory.
I am a professional graphic designer and can't even begin to explain how much I love what I do! :) I am always up for some freelance work, so if you need something designed, let me know! Logo design is my favorite, but I also enjoy designing fliers, postcards, business cards, letterheads, envelopes, stationary, signs, etc. And I will do the occasional website design as time & patience allows. lol :)

And.... I donate 10% of the money I make from all 3 of these sites to my favorite animal rescue of all time (yeah, I'm not biased.... lol) -- Saving Shelter Pets, Inc.