la ballena de jonas

A couple of weeks ago Gabriel and I attended a great concert. His cousin, Jorge, plays in an awesome band called La Ballena de Jonas, and they had the great privilege of playing with the Baja California Orchestra, so when we were invited to attend we knew we were in for an interesting night.

La Ballena is a great fusion of Gypsy rhythms and Mediterranean sounds so when combined with the symphonic melodies of the orchestra you can just imagine...take a listen.

I love the colors they're using in some of there branding...this is a cool illustration and would make a great decal.

This was a sold out event, which was great for the guys, but if you're in the San Diego/Tijuana area on the 28th of August make sure to take the opportunity to see them at the boardwalk in Playas de Tijuana!!

{ Images Via :: La Ballena de Jonas }

she has arrived

Good morning all. Today I have for you a LizzyB creation, something I haven't shared in a while. About a month ago I shared with you some holiday card designs I created for the Minted Holiday Challenge, of which one was inspired by this Birth Announcement I designed for my good friends' new baby, who was born just a week ago.

This was a simple and sophisticated folded card which she could use to place the newborn's image in the space provided inside the scalloped frame. I chose a soft, metallic, rosy color palette for the card and envelope, and accented with light aqua and brown. The script typeface gives it a touch of elegance, yet the sans serif Universe font keeps if modern.

The inside shows the pertinent information surrounded by the same scalloped frame as in the front, with a lined banner serving as a background.

As a small detail in the front, I placed the month and year of her birth beneath the frame.

I also designed a personalized gift wrap using Zoe's, the newborn, initial as a motif and creating a pattern. I played around with placement and color to create interesting shapes.

And here's the wrapped birth announcements. I used the same scalloped frame as a label for a special message for the new parents. Congratulations Jazmine & Christian on your new arrival...a lovely sister to Anette!

{ Images Via :: LizzyB Loves }

zara {picken} illustrates

It's a new week and I have some great illustration finds via ShareSomeCandy...which I love!!

These unique illustrations come via Zara Picken, a fantastic English illustrator, who describes her work as 'retro-tinted with textured blocks of colour'. Love it!

I'm loving her use of color and texture...something I'm seeing a lot of recently. Very 'retro' as she so describes. And I just noticed the positioning of these stamps...how cool is that?!

I love the top image here of the women's curvy silhouette holding the telephones. Reminds me of 'Joan' from Mad Men (oh Mad Men, I miss you so...).

{ Images Via :: Zara Illustrates }

happy weekend + dining al fresco

Another week come and gone. We're about to start the last week of July and San Diego is still in gloomy, gray weather. Where have the summer days gone? I keep my eyes pasted on these beautiful outdoor dining images to imagine myself sitting under refreshing trees in my outdoor dining area and enjoying a delicious meal 'Al Fresco' with my loved ones. Ahhh...what a great way to spend a warm summer evening!!

Have a great weekend and see you back here on Monday!

{ Images Via :: Haute Design :: Style Me Pretty :: Desire to Inspire }

illustration crush

I just finished submitting another Minted Challenge design and as I was perusing the creations of the other designers I came across Mandy Gordon's cutest illustrations.

I've shared my love of owls before, so when I saw Mandy's colorful owl versions I fell in love. A perfect Valentine's card.

I love her use of bright colors, so in right now with the neons.

And she has a great collection of pattern designs as well. Check out her stationery designs on Minted...perfect for any occasion.

{ Images Via :: Mandy's Creative Situation }

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 }

madame ur

I'm back with some music and today I'm loving Madame Ur y Sus Hombres.

This fabulous image was taken by photographer Aldo Guerra Cota and styled by Cathy Alberich. A perfect example of the exuberant vintage feel of Madame Ur's style and music.

I learned of this awesome Tijuana-based quartet via La Ballena de Jonas (whom I'll share with you later) and instantly fell in love with their music. Hopefully I'll be able to see them live soon. Check more of them out here.

{ Image Via :: Cathy Alberich }