2013 Holiday Designs - The Vote is On!

b.wise Holiday 2013 Part 1 board by b.wise papers. See more www.minted.com

It's been a while since my last update, and I plan to update proper here soon. My first year of my MFA program was a success -- only 2 more to go! I've also been busy working on my stationery designs, lately holiday. Speaking of, voting has started for the Minted Holiday challenge. Above is a sampling of some of the designs I've entered. I had so much fun designing them, and I hope you all like them as much as I do. Minted really values feedback from everyone, so if you have a moment, head over and vote!

Calendars are coming back!

That's right -- calendars will be back by popular demand this season at Minted! And now is your chance to vote on which ones you'd want to buy. This challenge was a quickfire challenge, with voting starting today and ending tomorrow. So, if you want your vote to be counted, head on over pronto. And if you feel like showing a little love to some of my designs, I'd appreciate it! Three are shown above (Big Month, Charming Twelve, Urban Post) and I also have three other submissions (Graceful Year, Bright Year, Book Shop). I had so much fun designing these, so I hope you love them too. And hopefully they will reach the cyber shelves soon!

Round Here

Helllloooooo!! How are all of you doing?? Boy, it's been a while since I've checked in here. There have been quite a few changes in my world, the biggest of which is that I went back to school!

(This is my hallway...Dana Tanamachi came to the school last spring and chalk lettered the walls.)

I'm getting my MFA in Graphic Design, which is a 3 year, full-time program. It's been good, although definitely an adjustment. One of the highlights so far is getting to operate this beauty:


We were cutting blocks for that project, but the type shop has drawers and drawers full of typefaces. It's glorious. I'm deciding on projects now, thinking some sort of calendar?

In family news, out littlest punkin turned three last month:


The best way to describe her at this stage of life is one minute she's an absolute joy, and then next she's a total wreck. Life at age 3 is so tumultuous. I think the 3's are harder than the 2's personally. She's majorly into mermaids and her "blanklets," singing songs and eating yogurt with m&m's. And most of the time, I could just eat her up I love her so.

What else? Oh, we've already got out Halloween costumes! I was pretty dang proud of myself on that one. H is going to be a football player, S is going to be Harry Potter, and M is going to be...wait for it...a mermaid! I think our neighbor has even procured some mermaid costumes for Reg and I...should be interesting, no?

In studio related news, my new holiday collection for Minted is now available!
 

Because I started a full-time school program, I will be doing most of my holiday orders through Minted this year. However, if you have worked with me consistently in the past on holiday cards, and would like to do so again this year, please contact me at alston [at] bwisepapers [dot] com. I'll be taking a limited number of orders from my repeat clients. If you decide to order one of my designs through Minted, I'd be happy to help you match-up your photo and make design decisions there, so don't hesitate to get in touch!

One of the newest features this holiday season at Minted is die-cut shapes! There are some great ones, and I think it could be the perfect little twist to your holiday card to make it personal and unique. Minted has software that lets you not only preview your photo on a card, but also see it cut into the shapes. Check out some of my faves:
 
Sometimes people ask me what my favorite design is, and while I don't like choosing between them, if I had a pet - like a teacher's pet - this one would be it. And I think the reason is because of the story it tells. I remember that first little stocking we got to hang by the fire and what a miraculous feeling it was to be celebrating with our new baby. There's not a chance we are having another one, so I'll just have to live vicariously through all the wonderful people who order it. And then force it on my sister when she has a baby one day.

Alright, back to the shapes! I love the organic curves of this one, and combined with the timeless typography of the design and a beautiful photo, it would be a gorgeous card to send.



The tag shape is great fun, and looks especially cute with ribbon tied through it.
 

And lastly, another one of my favorite designs, the elegant, classic typography and composition of Classic Merry works with several of the new shapes.
  
That's all I've got for now, but hopefully, I won't be away for so long next time. Peace and happy fall!

A Louie

In May, I headed up to NYC for the National Stationery Show. More on the trip to come, but an exciting part of the show for me was that I won a Louie Award! The design that won is The Perfect Match sold right here on Minted. I received a handy little statue and everything, which you can see a picture of me holding over on the Minted blog.

I'll be back soon with info on round two of holiday voting! If you voted before, I think you're completely awesome.

Vote for the 2012 Minted Holiday Collection!

Hellooooooo!! It's been a while. How are things? I've wanted to pop over and catch everyone up on what is going on around here, but things haven't slowed down enough to do that proper. I plan on it, though -- a detailed, photo-filled post. But in the meantime, let's talk holiday cards. I know it's hard to believe with school just getting out and summer beach vacations starting that I'm saying that, but I am! Many of you know that I've been working with a company called Minted for a few years now. Last year, I had the opportunity to launch a line of holiday cards with them, and I will be doing the same this year. In order to help them decide which designs to sell, they need your input! SO crank up that A/C, grab a blanket and cozy up to your computer. You can find direct links to all of my submissions in this post, or to see them together, you can sort "by designer" on the Minted voting page. 1. Simply Blessed // 2. Urbane // 3. Sending Cheer // 4. The Top Five // 5. A Wonderful Life // 6. Counting Our Blessings 1. Holiday Graffiti // 2. Glad Tidings // 3. Script Merry // 4. Grand // 5. Timeless Greeting // 6. Nutcracker Wonder // 7. Kinship

There are some truly amazing designs in the challenge this year, and Minted really wants to know what potential customers would like to buy. Hop on over and let your voice be heard! And if you have time to vote for at least 50, Minted will even give you a gift:
 

PS: There will be two rounds of voting for the holiday challenge because of the large number of submissions. I'll be sure to post when it's time for the second round!

A Season

Hi blog friends. How have you been? It's been wild around here -- lots of good things happening, but things that also take a lot of my time, not leaving much left over for blogging. In all honesty, it's been nice to take a step away and just absorb the life that is going on around me. November and December were tough with all the demands of my work in the holiday season coupled with all the activities of that time of year in general. I remember sitting in church on Christmas Eve and thinking "Oh yeah, it's Christmas tomorrow." I hadn't had a moment to just be in so long -- to stop and reflect -- and I feel like I missed out on a lot of the wonder of that season. So I needed some time. Time to think about how to manage doing the work that I love doing and all the things that come with having a family. And I've had to make some changes in order to achieve a good balance. One is cutting back on blogging. I enjoy blogging -- the creative outlet and the people you connect with through it. But as anyone who blogs knows, it takes a lot of time. And time is something I just don't have a lot of extra of right now. But I hope to check in here once in while and share a bit of what's going on around here. And I hope you'll be around when I do! Speaking of, curious what we have been up to over the past month or so?

The beach has been so good to us. I can't think of a better place to be. Neither can the kids.







March madness is in full swing at our house. H, our oldest, is just a wee bit obsessed with basketball, and could tell you just about any stat you're looking for. Curious how many points Dwyane Wade averages a game? Hang on, let me ask him.....24. Oh, and he averages 7 rebounds and 5 assists.



We've all got our brackets filled in, but unfortunately for me, mine is a mess. Missouri lost so early. Then Duke, but I should have expected that. (I say this good-Tarheel-heartedly) And then my Heels. Oh, that was a sad one.



M has started letting me put her hair in a pony tail. Sometimes. She lets her sitter put it up all the time, but that's a whole other topic.



She looks so grown-up, doesn't she? We've also started potty training, so any happy potty thoughts you'd like to send our way would be much appreciated.

We have new wallpaper in our pink bathroom:



I love it. Before & after pictures to come once I get everything squared away in there!

I've entered a few challenges at Minted, one if which has voting going on now, ending tomorrow actually. If you're up for it, click over and vote for my design Stock the Bag:



It was inspired by the all important diaper bag, and features illustrations of baby essentials. I thought it would be a great theme for a first time mom who has no clue what goes in the diaper bag, as well as for moms going back into the world of babyhood.

I've also been working with Laura Negri Photography on new baby designs. Working with Laura's photographs is one of my favorite things. She has a true talent for capturing little faces, and if you are in the Atlanta area, I highly recommend booking a session with her.









Check out the full catalog!

And possibly the biggest news around here is the release of Ben's book! It was a true labor of love, and I couldn't be prouder of him.



You can find it on Amazon right here if you're so inclined.

We're having a little celebration in a few weeks in true 1910s fashion as an ode to the man's life. I'm going to try my hand at this amazing looking chocolate orange bundt cake. For his next book, I'm going to try to get him to focus on the 50s -- hello, Madmen-themed bash!

That's all for now, but if you're curious about what's inspiring me daily, come follow me on Pinterest:



It's loads of fun.

Until next time -- peace, friends.

b.wise papers for Minted // Valentines

It's time to start thinking about sending the love! I've got several new Valentine designs at Minted this year. Here's a little sampling:


[Happy Love Day]


[Bold XOXO] There's a complementing stationery set for this design [shown in the banner at the bottom].

Some classroom Valentines for the kiddos:


[Be Mine Classroom Valentine]


[Alien Classroom Valentine]

And don't forget address labels! Minted's signature skinny wrap label is an excellent addition to any envelope:


[Bold XOXO Skinny Wrap Address Label]

Find more designs in my Minted Storefront!

b.wise papers for Minted // New Years Cards

Minted just started a 15% off promotion* for New Years cards! There are 3 b.wise New Years designs:


CLASSIC NEW YEAR


BIG YEAR


GALLERY NEW YEARS

And don't forget your liners and labels!



*Use code SLED15 for the discount. Expires 1/2/12.

I Spy b.wise papers for Minted

It's always exciting to unexpectedly see my work out there in this big ole world. On Tuesday, I was sitting at our kitchen island with M, eating our morning oatmeal [she insists that we eat out of the same bowl; I drew the line with the same spoon] and flipping through the latest issue of The Oprah Magazine that had just arrived the day before. And guess what to my wondering eyes did appear? The Minted ad featuring my design Merry Ribbon and Jody Wody's Modern Headline!



I looked at M and said "No Way!!" She just stared at me smiling, like "I have no idea what's going on, but you look happy, so I'm happy, too. Yay!" I'm thrilled.



And then on Wednesday, I saw this neat video featuring Minted on The Daily Grommet. Guess which design Jules Pieri chose for her personal card?




NOEL!! I tell you, it's always an honor to find out that someone has chosen my work out of all the many beautiful designs out there. And don't you just love that little grommet logo? I do.

Shop all b.wise for Minted designs right here! And enter code BWISE2011 for 10% off!

Minted Friends and Family Discount!

Minted is offering an exclusive discount to friends and family of their designers: 20% off holiday cards until November 15th! [See below for specifics]









You can find all of the designs I currently have for sale on Minted in my designer storefront.

Minted FRIENDS AND FAMILY Discount: 20% discount on your holiday cards – valid November 1st – 15th. Use this code at checkout: DESIGNFAF2011

Head Over Heels

Howdy! How are you? Things around here are going superb. I just finished up and entered 8 new wedding designs for the latest wedding challenge on Minted:

SECRET GARDEN


PICTURE PERFECT PAIR


PERCHANCE


POCKET WATCH


TWO BY THE SEA


ESTABLISHED


DAPPER


ENCHANTED FOREST


This challenge has some truly gorgeous and original designs in the mix, so if you have some time over the next week, hop on over and vote!

Over the next couple of weeks, I'm planning to share some insights into what inspired my new holiday cards. Italian mountainside, anyone? Yes. Please. Stay tuned! And in the meantime, is there anything you guys have been wanting to know? Burning questions? About my designs, of course. I wouldn't be much help when it comes to Calculus or Astronomy. Or figuring out who was off-sides. But I do happen to know a bit about diapers, Legos, and how to throw a spiral, so questions about those subjects are admissible, too. I'm out for now!