Personal Stationary

Thank You’s for aThank You and a Thank You

My inner Emily Post is so proud at this moment.  I made my darling cousin a set of personalized stationary for her graduation from The Ohio State University a few months ago.  Way to go, Nats!  Not only did I promptly receive a handwritten thank you from her on one of the new notes, she recently ordered some stationary for her boss and her director as a thank you gift for her internship.  What a great way to show appreciation.  And who doesn’t love something with your name on it?!

I think it is a great gesture and shows maturity on her part as a young woman beginning her career.  So proud.  And I think they turned out super cute.  Classic, simple, and tailored to each woman’s personality.  Nat, hope the ladies enjoy them as much as I did making them!  Thank you!

Thumbs Up or Down will resume next week.  I am too busy at the moment to be judgy!

kisses,  mrs. V

Tales From the Projects - another DIY acrylic tray

Acrylic Tray–a-nator 3000 - part deux

Took another whack at the trays.  This go round I began by using spray adhesive in place of the Mod Podge.  It should be noted that mr. V asserted that this method would not work either.  But I had high hopes that a fine spray would not give me those pesky little air pockets.  Epic fail.  The spray adhesive was a nightmare and saturated through the paper leaving an oily looking mess.  I was so crushed I didn’t even take a snappy Q.

I went back to the drawing board.  I hacked.  I poked.  I used different papers and I am much happier with this result.  Although it is not perfect - there are still a few air pockets – there are considerably less than the first time.

This tray is a birthday present for my mother.  Hope she digs it.  I, for one, am in love with this chinoiserie type pattern.

In other project news, I finished this bell-shaped hurricane over the weekend for one of my clients.  And I am over the moon to be helping my dear, dear cousin with a stationary order for her bosses.

And last but not least, since this is a place of accountability, I am sharing this BEFORE picture of our kitchen. Well, it is technically, MID-PROJECT, but before we finish up the banquette cushions, window treatments, re-finish the floors, and fingers crossed, a supercalifab situation for that wall.

Ignore the Ikea shelf and random placement of the art and mirror.  These are the remnants from a previous incarnation of the kitchen.

kisses,  mrs. V

Gift Tags - Wine tags, Host & Hostess, Birthday

Gift Tags for the Sauce and Such

Where did the weekend go?  There was a flurry of activity at Chez V although some of my plans got sidelined, like attending a party - boo! But while I was stuck at home I knocked out a lovely glass hurricane for a client and I hatched new plans.  These are part of them.

Meet my newest line of paper goods - wine tags.  Perfect way to embellish a wine bottle for that last minute invite.  Don't forget your hostess.  

Or host, for that matter - I even had some fun making some dude tags.  Is my husband the only guy that says, ‘here, dude’ when asked to carry in that six pack of craft beer or nice bottle of KY bourbon that our host prefers?

In addition, I added a few others to include birthday gift tags, thank you notes, and some stationary.

Available for purchase very soon.  In the meantime, if you are interested in any you can email me at vivivdesign@gmail.com.

kisses,  mrs. V

Paper Love - Valentine's

Pulp Fiction – A love affair with paper

I am crazy about paper, design and typography.  Of the many callings I missed, graphic design was one.  I didn’t even know such a thing existed when I applied to college.  No!  I am not 100. I just got bum rushed into pre-med.  Instead of slogging through organic chemistry I could have been learning something useful like Illustrator or how to find the Enter button on a Mac.

I made a notepad with these

In spite of my narrow guidance, I have learned my way around a program or two and as a result, design paper goods for folks from time to time.  Any occasion really, is enough for me to design stationary or a tag or label or tote!  Oh, you stubbed your toe?  ‘WATCH OUT, bum toe’ tags might appear on your doorstep.  Horseback riding at Jen’s farm?  ‘HAPPY SPRING’ labels for cookie bags will definitely make an appearance.

Gift tags for client

Teacher note cards paired with green envelopes

So I have been putting my obsession to good use at Pieti’s pre-school.  Her teachers received personalized note cards at Christmas along with an etched glass ornament (duh)!  And now - Valentine’s!!!!  I made this simple card for her hand outs.  It will have a pink/red Tootsie Pop attached with ribbon.

The PNG image is altering the font a bit but you get the idea

But I also started messing around with a few other ideas...

Got the dragonfly and bee graphics from here.

So what about you guys?  Are you making any Valentine's cards this year?  Stayed tuned for more V Day love.  I am going back into the kitchen for more baking abuse!

kisses,  mrs. V