Just when you thought you were through rating designs on Minted, I’m popping in to ask for your votes again. This time, the challenge was birth announcements, and somewhere amid the craziness that was the month of June, I managed to eke out a couple of designs. I had many more ideas, just not the time to execute them. Such is life, I suppose.
Pretty Paisley
The first design, Pretty Paisley, is inspired by the bedding in Micah’s room. You may or may not know this about me, but pink just isn’t my favorite color. Shocking, I know, given the current color scheme of the blog. At any rate, when I found out we were having a little girl, I immediately started looking for decor that wasn’t so, well, girly. I don’t think I’m the only mom out there who wishes there were more options for little girls, hence this birth announcement design that features a non-traditional palette of blues, yellows, and greens.
Nametagged
The second birth announcement design, aptly dubbed Nametagged, obviously has a completely different feel to it. It’s not for every set of parents, but those with a lighthearted sense of humor will love it. At least, that’s what I’m hoping. Seriously, how many times have you been thankful that someone was wearing one of those goofy “Hello, my name is” name tags? We’ve all worn them at some point in time, and we’ve all been saved by their presence when we run into people that we ought to know. This design is fun and spunky, and it definitely makes me smile.
If you have some free time before Monday, please rate my designs by clicking on the images above, then spend a few minutes rating some of the other designs you see {your votes won’t count if you only vote for me}. You’ll be blown away by the talent of my fellow designers.
Thanks for your support!
Until next time, grace and peace.
I know that it seems as if all of my posts lately revolve around Minted, but that’s because it’s been a very busy month in the Minted world. Voting on the Chronicle Books challenge closed yesterday, and today, voting opened on the Sending Good Cheer Holiday Challenge. Designers submitted over 2,000 entries to the challenge, and the quality of design is simply overwhelming. Because of the staggering number of entries, the Minted staff made a first cut, narrowing the field of designs to 700. Of the eight designs I submitted, two were selected to move on to the voting round.
I’ve already shared both of these designs with you, but I wanted to relink you to them so that you may rate them if you have a free moment. Here they are:
M is for Married
I’m totally in love with diagonal stripes right now. They’re a bit preppy and vintage-y, and I love the subtle character they add to this “M is for Married” Christmas card that doubles as a wedding announcement.
Twice the Meaning
I’m also totally in love with banners, as evidenced by the recent redesign of snippets. They’re perfect to highlight important details in a design, including a brand new baby’s name, as on this “Twice the Meaning” Christmas card that doubles as a birth announcement.
It’s ironic that the two designs selected were the two I submitted first. Although I’m sad that the rest of my designs got cut, I’m glad that at least a couple made it to the voting round, which will be open for the next five days. If you have some free time, please rate my designs by clicking on the images above, then spend a few minutes rating some of the other designs you see. You’ll be blown away by the talent of my fellow designers.
Thanks for your support!
Until next time, grace and peace.
personal stationery – Posie Pop
In case you haven’t noticed, I love Minted, especially the company’s commitment to independent designers like myself. If you like paper even a little bit, you’ll love Minted too. The quality of design and beautiful product simply can’t be beat.
All of that said, I participate in the Minted challenges because it sharpens my design skills. The competition is incredibly fierce, and though I have yet to even come close to winning, my scores have improved with each challenge. I’m hoping that this one will be no different.
Minted has partnered with Chronicle Books to develop an exclusive line of stationery that will be sold around the world. Chronicle will select four winning designs to include in their collection, and the Minted community will select designs to be sold as personalized stationery. Prizes range from $1,000 to $100, plus a commission on all sales. It’s an amazing opportunity, and some really great designs have been submitted.
Chronicle Books supplied a color scheme {which explains why all the designers used the same colors}, and asked designers to develop ‘over the top pretty’ designs for the competition. I submitted four designs for this challenge {including the “Posie Pop” card at the top of this post}.
personal stationery – Fan Whimsy
This “Fan Whimsy” design was inspired by hand-folded paper fans. I’ve seen these all over the blogosphere lately, and I’m smitten with the quirky personality they can add to an event. Love.
personal stationery – Funky Floral
I love the elements in the “Posie Pop” design above so much that I developed an entire pattern with them. This “Funky Floral” design is cheery and bright, and it’s not your grandmother’s floral. Thank goodness.
personal stationery – Blooming
And finally, “Blooming” is a more refined take on the same flower. I love the simplicity of this design. It’s reminiscent of old school tole painting and reminds me of my mom.
Voting is currently open for the Chronicle Books Challenge. If you have a few spare minutes, click on each design above to rate it. But don’t stop with me – rate some of the other designs as well. There are some really fabulous entries. But don’t take my word for it, go see for yourself.
Until next time, grace and peace.
The past couple of weeks have been insane. In. Sane. That’s why the blog has been silent. After spending the last two weekends on the road, submitting a lesson to NavPress, creating custom designs for clients, designing entries for Minted’s latest challenge, keeping up with Micah, and filling orders from the etsy shop, I’m ready for a break.
That’s why I’ve temporarily shut down the etsy shop. I’m still taking custom orders {especially from friends and family}, but I need a little down time. I plan to have the shop back up and running upon my return from youth camp mid-June. In the meantime, I’ll be busy redesigning and refining my collection. It desperately needs editing and updating, and I’m finally taking the time to do it.
Hope you’re all doing well. And taking a little break for yourself!
Until next time, grace and peace.
Whew. It’s been a busy week! I’ve been stealing time from my family to develop some fresh designs for the latest Minted challenge. The assignment? Holiday cards. Designers have until May 31 to submit designs, so voting isn’t yet open, but I thought I would go ahead and share the designs I’ve been working on thus far.
So, without further ado, here they are:
Shiny Bright Holiday
This design was inspired by hand-painted vintage Shiny Brite ornaments. I had a lot of fun creating the patterns for each ornament, and I think it turned out especially cute.
Twice the Meaning
This sweet and simple Christmas card has twice the meaning. Quoting Isaiah 9:6 and echoing Handel’s Messiah, this design announces the birth of a Savior and a family’s newest blessing.
M is for Married
I love the way this card turned out. For couples who want to announce their recent marriage and send Christmas cheer at the same time, it’s a perfect fit. It’s simple and modern and has just the right touch of whimsy.
To look through all the other fabulous designs, be sure to click through to the Sending Good Cheer Holiday Challenge on Minted. I have many more ideas, but I don’t know how much time I’ll have to implement them. We shall see what the next few weeks holds.
Doesn’t looking at these designs get you in the holiday spirit? What does your ideal Christmas card look like? What message does it bear? What colors does it use? Is if fun and whimsical or elegant and classy?
Until next time, grace and peace.
