4/30/11

A Photo A Day: Project 7: Day 3
































Today my dog (one of three), Zoe, is the star of the show for day 3 of my Project 7 challenge of taking a photo every day for seven days. This picture was taken in the backyard. I'm enjoying trying different settings with my camera and applying different filters in Photoshop.

4/29/11

A Photo A Day: Project 7: Day 2

Today is the second day of my Project 7 challenge to myself to take a photo a day for the next seven days. And on day two of my Project 7 challenge, I've already learned a few new things about my camera and it's settings! Who knows, maybe I'll actually be able to keep taking a photo a day and meet the Project 365 challenge!



Since today is Arbor Day, I thought it would be appropriate to photograph one of my favorite trees. I love trees and this is a picture of an aspen tree that is in my backyard. I have always been drawn to and fascinated by this tree because to me it looks like it has "eyes." I chose to take this picture in black and white because I am a huge fan of Ansel Adams and have always love his nature photography. I have several of his prints throughout my house. I also love the photography of Anton Corbijn (one of my very favorites) and have his print of the "Joshua Tree" from the U2 album cover of the same name hanging in my living room. Nature is beautiful.

4/28/11

A Photo A Day

Today I was reading about Project 365 which is a fun project that involves taking a photo a day for a year. I'm not a very good photographer but love good photography. I'd like to become better and learn more about photography so this was very interesting to me. The whole idea behind the project is that you will be able document a year of your life and in doing so you will become a better photographer just by using your camera everyday. It will also stimulate creativity by causing you to come up with an idea for a shot on a daily basis!

I love the idea but I don't know if I can handle the commitment of taking a photo every single day. This being the case I am going to start with baby steps and create my own Project 7! I'm going to attempt to take a photo every day for the next seven days. If I am successful, I will keep going! I actually did take a picture today before I learned about Project 365 so I'm posting it as part of my personal Project 7.


Self-portrait of my feet wearing houndstooth wellies taken in the backyard while walking with my dog, Zoe.

4/27/11

Color Inspiration Design Use

Earlier today I posted about the color inspiration I got from the beautiful tulips I received this weekend. I decided to put that inspiration to use! I added the color scheme to my newest baby birth announcement collection. I think it fits in very well with the retro modern vibe of this design. I think the colors are fresh and fun. I love that they are different from all the other baby announcement color schemes out there. What do you think? Do you like these color combinations?

Color Inspiration

Inspiration comes from all around us. Today I was admiring the beautiful tulips I received this past weekend from my in-laws (over 40!) and was inspired by the gorgeous vibrant colors. I love the combination of the vibrant purple with the blue, soft white and punches of yellow and green. I'll definitely be using these colors in future designs. I think they are stunning.

4/26/11

New! Baby Birth Announcement Design!

It's been so busy lately with lots of freelance and custom projects, that I haven't had time to add new designs to the shop. I've been creating lots of rough sketches of design ideas in my trusty notebook and finally had the opportunity to take the time to create one of them—Sweet Baby Retro Circles Birth Announcements.





This sweet baby birth announcement design by The Spotted Olive™ features a retro modern circle pattern background with a contrasting solid color block, the words "welcome our sweet baby" in a stylish typeface and a place for your photo. Easily personalize with your baby's photo and information. Available in a variety of color choices and paper stocks.

4/6/11

The Spotted Olive™ Receives 4 Zazzle Graddy Awards!

We just checked our email moments ago and to our delight had four notifications that we had won Zazzle Graddy Awards! What's a Zazzle Graddy Award you ask? Here's the sccop from the email:


 Your product has been hand-picked as an example of creativity of graduation design at its finest. Out of thousands of creative graduation invitations on Zazzle, your design was chosen for being one of the best!

A great display of artistic vision, your design is currently featured on our graduation invitations page. This means that you, your product, and your store are on center stage, so you should be proud!

You're part of a talented group of artists on Zazzle, so be sure to share your success and spread the good news!






Below are are award-winning designs:

Class of 2011 Trendy Weathered Graduation Invite invitation


Class of 2011 Graduation Argyle Charm Invitations invitation


 Trendy Preppy Plaid Party Invitation/Announcement invitation


Class of 2011 Elegant Damask Graduation Invitation invitation



Each of the above designs comes in a variety of color choices and paper stocks! Our custom photo graduation announcements are easy to personalize with your photo and information.

We are so thrilled and honored to have received this recognition. Thank you so much Zazzle!

4/5/11

Lovely Personalized Note & Thank You Cards for Spring!

Spring is here and I've been inspired by the season to create some lovely personalized note & thank you cards! These sweet personalized note card designs by The Spotted Olive™ feature a darling modern spring peony flower on a lightly striped background. Shown in the stylish color palette of canary yellow and gray. Easily personalize with your name or special text.


Both styles are available in a variety of color choices and as flat or folded note cards. Additional coordinating products also available. 

Modern Spring Peony Personalized Flat Note Card invitation


Modern Spring Peony Thank You Folded Note Card
Modern Spring Peony Thank You Note Card card