Book Club

Cheers are in order—Creative Lettering And Beyond is coming out November 1st, and you'll find a chapter in it by yours truly!

I contributed three projects that explore creative craft applications for your lettering—think painted place settings, embroidered cocktail napkins, watercolored gift tags... My favorite? Wood burned lettering (seen in the cheers tag above). Using an electric wood burning tool as your pen, you can create an impressive impression on wood. The result is rustic and awesome...and leaves your home smelling like campfire. I swear our apartment had an essence of s'mores for days while I was shooting. Each project is complete with detailed how-tos, process pics, and final photos. A few outtakes are pictured below—fun, right?!

You'll find my chapter in the incredible company of these super talented letterers—Gabri Joy Kirkendall, Laura Lavender, and Shauna Lynn Panczyszyn. They'll take you through comprehensive lessons and additional projects.

And now, said in my best radio dj contest voice, want your own copy? Be the first to comment below and I'll mail you one for free! If you're a little slow on the draw, you can purchase one here.

Enjoy.

One

And just like that his first year is over. Somehow our little 7 pound baby Benjamin has become a toddling, giggly Big Ben. 

To celebrate his birthday (and that we all survived the first year!) we threw a low-key party at the playground with his buddies. I drew up some invites and mailed them to his people calling them to an afternoon of cake and swing rides. 

Our neighborhood park is tucked into a quiet side street with a single picnic table nestled in the back, surrounded by ivy. The setting is already pretty enchanting, but to add some extra birthday magic I sewed a table cloth with scraps from his baby quilt, strung up some fabric garland, and, lest anyone question his age, I embroidered a birthday "one"sie.

Despite the cold and foggy San Francisco day, it was the perfect afternoon marking the milestone. Happy Birthday Benjamin Bruce.

Sew & Stitch

You'll remember these invites I did for my good friend's baby shower. Well, she had the baby! It wasn't a girl after all, but we love him just the same. Sweet Sam is a very special little baby and deserved an equally special welcome-to-the-world gift.

I love how embroidery can breathe life into calligraphy as the lettering takes on a third dimension. Selecting colors and pairing it with the perfect patterns create unending (and very pretty!) potential.

Speaking of the perfect pattern, I thought these smiling whales were amazing—they're equal parts happy and boyish (footballs and sports equipment are not required on all things boy.) I coupled this with a complementary, equally happy, bright red-orange fabric and embroidered his calligraphed name and birthdate in the same bold hue. The result is a special keepsake for Ben's best friend, Sam.

Side note, our Easter flowers bloomed into the most splendid bouquet, don't you think?