a new look {and home} for lizzy b loves

Some very exciting news from Lizzy B Loves, today. It's finally here!! Lizzy B Loves is unveiling its new look.

It's been more than a few years in the making, but the new website (and blog) are finally ready to be showcased. All of your favorite visual + sparkles and color palettes are there, along with a more prominent exhibition of the Lizzy B Loves Invitation Collection.

With a new logo and icon, Lizzy B Loves will be sure to differentiate itself from the grand array of Wedding Invitation & Social Stationery Designers out there. Be sure to read more about the new look of Lizzy B Loves and the many developments to be announced in the future.

That being said, this blog will remain as is, in this same spot, as a reminder of the beginnings and explorations we took via this vehicle. Make sure to visit the new blog and update your rss feeds to keep track of the many new adventures. More great news in a bit...at our new house.

{ Images Via :: Lizzy B Loves }

it's a new year

The New Year came just as if it were any other day. It's not until now that I'm starting to feel that 'New Year' energy and am getting organized to finalize some LizzyB Loves projects which have been pending for a while.

Some great news came with the end of last year which I'll be able to share with you in a few months (hint, hint: it involves a magazine!!), but for now I'll fill you in on the soon to be accomplished goals.

You've obviously noticed my dwindling down of posts over the past few months on this here blog, well, it's due to quite a list of things which I just don't need to bore you with, but most importantly because I've been working on updating the blog with a new design, new invitation/portfolio section, invitation pricing, easier ways of ordering your invitations, oh, and a new home for the blog as well!!

So, I'll keep you posted on the progress, which should be temporarily available in the next month. For now, get inspired, as I did, with these graphic finds via my Pinterest 'Great Words' board. Sometimes a little visual spark is all that's needed to give form to such true words.

{ Images via :: Pinterest :: Pinterest :: Pinterest }

a diy christmas

This year has been one of many life changes. My love (and may I add, now Fiance) and I are finally back in our own place after many years of living with relatives, many LizzyB Loves projects with some fabulous brides and grooms to be have come my way (and many more to come next year), and other less than happy moments which after they pass, you figure were essential life lessons. These events have made me realize what is truly important in life, as well as made me see that out of every situation a better day will come.

And, what does all this sentimentality have to do with diy Christmas projects you may ask!! Well, out of need comes resourcefulness, right, so as a creative Holiday project this year we decided to make our own gift wrap. Our initial idea was to stamp a design Gabriel, my Fiance (I don't think one can ever tire of saying that!), created and which I would cut on linoleum onto the craft paper.

After thinking about that for a second, we decided to go a simpler way and stencil the design instead. Ummm, better said than done. That turned out to be a bit too much for us as well so out of frustration I started painting over the only design I managed to stencil on the box and I got these very graphic patterns.
 

Combining the two red and purple metallic paints we were going to use for the stenciling, we came up with this accidental outcome for this year's Christmas gift wrapping.

Keeping with the diy approach and using whatever you have available, I followed this fun and easy tutorial via 100 layer cake for these retro gift bows made out of magazine pages. Again, total suprise outcome. I was thinking of buying colorful magazines to make the bows and after a gander through one I just happened to have laying around my house (which is odd, I rarely buy magazines; this one was probably a very old one which was given to me.) I found the perfect color ads to match my red and purple color palette. This one above was made from a Lancome ad with Emma Watson; the perfect purple tones and shades.

I found an ad for every gift to create a colorful palette of bows. This one above was white, but I loved the contrast it created between the whites of one side of the page with the dark grays of the other side. I couldn't decide which side to use.

Any paper is perfect for these hand-made bows. Here's one made with hand-made paper...a scrap I've had for years in my many boxes filled with scraps of everything!

Oh, and to add to the do-it-yourself projects, Gabriel and his companions at 8 a.m. each designed and screen-printed Holiday Greeting cards. He provided our little Holiday project these remnants of their hard work which served perfectly as gift tags (and, the perfect match, again, to our color palette...in metallic, too.)!

Now here is my favorite bow, a full page of red and purple-toned M&M's! Enough said.

As a final note on the diy decor, albeit, our ornaments weren't ALL diy, they're ornaments we've collected throughout the years of living together. Some purple, some red, some silver...ummm, that's where the color palette stems from. We decided that instead of buying Gabriel's idea of the perfect Christmas Tree ornaments (Star Wars-themed figurines) we would just stick everything we had on the tree. It turned out to be the best one we've had. The pretty crocheted white and red ornament you see in the first image in the beginning of the post is a very retro one from a set my mom made when I was very young (oh, they're at least 20 to 25 years old). All keeping with the diy/use-what-you-have theme.

So yes, a very serendipitous Holiday this is turning out to be, but a very well DESIGNed one at that!!

May you and your loved ones have a happy and safe Christmas weekend. Always remember, it's with the surprise outcomes that we can find joy in the smallest details.

{ Images Via :: LizzyB Loves }

On Oh So Beautiful Paper

Oh So Beautiful Paper, my favorite paper design blog!!!

What joy I felt while scrolling through a beautiful invitation by Rifle Paper Co. on the Oh So Beautiful Paper blog and suddenly seeing a very recognizable yellow and charcoal logo...the one found on my in-law's Mexican tile-inspired 50th Anniversary Invitations. Just want to take the time to thank Nole for featuring my in-law's 50th Anniversary Invitations on her fabulous blog. They look beautiful...check them out!

{ Image Via :: LizzyB Loves }

a new {blog} look

So, what do you think? I just wanted to freshen things up a bit. Good changes are coming for LizzyB Loves...new blog, new website, new ready-to-order invitations...I'll keep you posted.

{ Image Via :: Typography Served }

lizzyb loves on facebook + a minted giveaway

I've joined the social networking scene, at last...Like LizzyB Loves on Facebook and enter for a chance to win a Minted stationery set of your choice (a $50 value). After you've Liked LizzyB Loves on FB, come back here and leave a comment to be entered in the drawing (drawing deadline is 3/16/2011 11:59 pm PST).

{ Image Via :: LizzyB Loves }

it's been a while...

Wow, I can't believe a whole month has past and I haven't shown my face around here!! The entire month of February has been a very exciting, active, life-changing one. Great things have happened, and some not so great ones that in the end have made me stronger. There were some fun, new projects (which I'll share with you by the end of the week), a few moves from one apartment, to another...and to another, but now, everything is just starting to adjust to the way it has to be.

I'll tell you a little about my life the last couple of years: about two and a half years ago my boyfriend (I guess I can call him my husband now after more than eleven years together, right?) and I moved to L.A. in search of grand new adventures only to be returning a year later to San Diego after the death of my brother. Ever since we moved out of our own place back those almost three years ago we've been living with relatives from one place to another. Of course, we are greatly appreciative for the help we received, but hey, after a while you yearn for your own place.

Well, finally this beginning of February, we were unexpectedly given the opportunity to move into our own place, and, get this, the same exact building we left those three years ago. It's been a very difficult three years, with many attempts at starting my own [stationery] business and other design projects, but always having to put things on hold due to financial reasons. This year started like no other, with many new projects and adventures, and now that I am back where I never should have left in the first place it feels as if things are settling where they have to in order to move forward and CHASE my dreams. It is totally a full circle experience and many new ideas are in the cards.

I chose these wonderful illustrations by talented illustrator/designer Zara Picken, whom I've shared before, because they drew me in with the bright, yet soft, colors. And now that I review this post it seems as though they are a perfect fit. Check her site out for more great work.

{ Images Via :: Zara Illustrates }

stopping in to say hello

Just stopping in to say hello. It's been a very busy start to the New Year, a great thing, but I still keep you all in my mind as I work.

Here's a little visual eye candy via the very talented Jim Denevan. I came upon his work a while ago and couldn't keep my eyes off of the beautiful, earthy designs he creates with his bare hands (well, and sometimes some help from his pick-up). Check out his site for some more images of this fabulous, large-scale work.

{ Images Via :: Jim Denevan }

a fresh start :: inspiration

Hello All and Happy New Year...may you all keep the spark of 'New Year Energy' throughout the year in hope of accomplishing the goals and resolutions you've set for yourself.

As with all start-of-the-year resolutions, I've resolved to exhibit more of my own work through this blog and less of everyone else' work. After all, you are here to see what I've created, right? I sure hope so. Of course, as mentioned before, there are things out there I totally admire which inspire me to create so I'll share that with you as it pertains to my creations, but I'm trying to make this blog evolve through the growth of LizzyB Loves and make it more personal, so we'll see how it goes.

To start off with the right foot, here are a few quotes I've found which will keep me inspired and focused on the path towards exciting new things.

I've found these 'great words' via Pinterest, my new favorite way of collecting visual inspiration. Here's a sneak peek at my boards:

A fabulous way to catalog the visuals you love.

I'll see you back here soon with a few of my creations from last years Printmaking course...loved it!

{ Images Via :: Pinterest :: Pinterest :: LizzyB Loves on Pinterest }

a celebration of what's to come

It's not conceivable that it's this time of year again...2010 has flown by faster than any other year. The December Holiday Season, New Year in particular, represents a time of renewal and reflection, and this new year will mark the anniversary of having started this blog.

I leave you just a few days shy of Christmas day as I take the next two weeks to reflect on this year's successes and next year's plans. Thank you to all who have followed this visual journey through my blog and I'll see you back in the coming year. May you have a fabulous Holiday Season with your loved ones and end in celebration as you welcome what's to come with open arms.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year, Lizelly.

{ Image Via :: LizzyB Loves }

popping in to say...Fail Harder

Hello there. Hope all is well with you and that your Thanksgiving Holiday weekend was the best. Just wanted to pop in and say hi, I'm still here...it's been a while.

Here's a great video I came across a while ago created by the students of Wieden + Kennedy 12, an experimental advertising school run by Portland ad agency W+K. More than 100g clear thumbtacks were used to create this mural that spells out 'Fail Harder', a message that states how important failure can be during the creative process to come up with even greater ideas.

{ Video Via :: DesignMate }

it's back to school

Hello Hello. I couldn't leave you for long. It's been a week since I've shared some cool stuff with you and I've missed you...not even work can keep me away.

Well, yesterday was the start of another stage of my life. I've been out of school for a few years now and when I graduated I said enough is enough, after 20 years of school I deserve a break. Well, three years is enough of a break. Yesterday I went back to school, not for another degree, but to take a few art classes (Printmaking and History of Women in Art) and, get ready for this, Singing Lessons. Ha, I can't believe it...and I'm so nervous, my class is later this morning. I've always enjoyed singing so I thought I would get out of my comfort-zone and go for it; It's now or never!!

In keeping with back-to-school season I've gathered a few school supply goodies totally tricked out by fabulous designers. Buying supplies was always my favorite part of going back to school; I wish I had these when I was shopping around. Isn't this the coolest pen, especially for me since I love to cook (and eat!!).

Russell & Hazel stationery goods are always the coolest. They never seize to amaze me with their sophisticated pieces.

And of course a messenger bag is a must and these by Poketo for Target are lovely.

Wish me luck...do-re-mi-fa-so-la-ti-do!!!

{ Images Via :: Seltzer Goods :: Russell & Hazel :: Russell & Hazel : Russell & Hazel :: Poketo }

i'm here and there

Hi there, just checking in this mid-week while I take a short break from a long list of LizzyB things I have to do.

As I get closer to hitting the seven month mark of having started this blog I've come to realize how great it makes me feel to have a space where I share with everyone my inspirations on design, but one doesn't always feel as inspired to share as other days.

I'm trying to move forward as well as have this blog evolve to include more of my own work, so from now on I'll be popping in less frequently while I work on LizzyB projects which I'll share with you as I have available. I'm planning many projects for the upcoming Fall and Holiday Season, both through LizzyB and with EndorfinaEstética, a design company Gabriel and I have been trying to develop, so look forward to those.

If I do find something which really keeps me in awe and I just have to share, I'll pop in and tell you all about it. For now, enjoy this great image of Audrey Hepburn as she sits pretty and pensive. I'll be back soon with a break down of my projects and some visual + sparkle of them as well.

Have a great day!

{ Image Via :: FFFFound }

ready for a smile

How can you not crack even a smirk when viewing this?! It's just the perfect pick-me-up for starting the day.

Have a great day and look out for those dancers!!

{ Video Via :: YouTube }

it's an audrey type of day

Sometimes you wake up and can barely get out of bed. Other times you just pop-up from under the covers with a great big smile on your face. Today, is that type of day for me. Funny thing is I didn't realize it until I was in the shower...I noticed myself smiling and humming tunes from West Side Story while I was washing my hair.

I'm a great admirer of Audrey Hepburn. Her beauty and sophistication always make me smile. This image is a perfect example of how I feel today: smiley with large, shimmering eyes and thinking of wonderful things! (click on the image to view in its full size...it's gorgeous close up at 2000 pixels wide!)

{ Image Via :: Audrey Hepburn Complex }

i'm back with joy

Hello all and welcome to a new week. I'm back from a little blogging break I gave myself last week to dedicate a bit more time to working on a few small projects, of which I'll let you in on in a few. I'm ready to start the week off refreshed and with joy...after all, the sun is finally peeking through the gray haze here in San Diego (although, I do love those overcast days, too).

Here's a little floral joy from The Wheat Fields of Katie Daisy. I always love her work.

{ Image Via :: Katie Daisy on Etsy }

there's more to typography

Hello all, hope you had a great 4th of July weekend. It was a fun weekend for me, with an exciting baseball game with fireworks show on Friday, and a trip to the San Diego County Fair on Sunday.

This weekend full of family fun made me realize that there is more to life than work, work, work. Sure, one can be lucky and have their work be their life's joy, but you have to give yourself a break every now and then to get refreshed and filled with joy again.

I came across this interesting typography poster (with a great message) via FFFFound. Created by the talented Jeff Sheldon of Ugmonk, I'm really liking the way the letters morph into one another. Check out his site for a cool behind the scenes of this t-shirt design...and while you're there, buy one!

I'm taking advantage of the vibe from this past Holiday Weekend and taking the rest of the week to catch up on some fun work. If I come across some great finds I'll pop in, if not I'll see you next week. Have a great one.

{ Images Via :: Ugmonk }

we can change the world

So much to say, yet I can't find the words. This video is a great reminder that while we pass through hard times, it's still possible to change the world. May it inspire you, as it did me, to always keep fighting for what you want and remember that anything is possible.

{ Video Found Via :: Sapling Press }

to the zoo we go

Today will be a fun-filled day at the Zoo with my little niece Alexis, her Mama (my sister), and my Mom. So to celebrate this mid-week outing I searched high and low for the cutest animal illustrations. Here are a few of my findings.

{ Images Via :: wallcoo.net :: Jade Frolics :: Sketched Out :: A Journey Round My Skull }

busy, busy bookworm

This is so me today. Not that I'm head deep in books, but I am in lots of web work and coding...oh, how fun!!

I just loved this illustration when a came across it on Geek, c'est Chic. That's exactly what it is: Chic Geek.

See you back here tomorrow. Enjoy your busy days and be glad that you have them! :)

{ Image Via :: Geek, c'est Chich }