what i've been up to

I had mentioned last year that I was starting a Printmaking class...well, it was pretty interesting to learn about the various techniques used in centuries past to create what we so easily create now with digital media. A true eye-opening experience. Here is a sneak peek into my creations while I finalize the photography of the actual pieces:

Lithography - this was my favorite process. I started out using simple, one-dimensional designs just to try out the technique, but WOW did I learn that you can go in so many directions. Igor Koutsenko is one of my new favorite artists which I discovered through the class and he has some fabulous work you can check out here. I'm anxious to try out a few new designs of my own; I'll keep you posted.

Etching - Now this was a long and laborious process, probably my least favorite of all, but it was surely a learning experience in self-discipline.

Collagraphy - This was another of my favorite techniques as well. A fun and mind-boggling process, it's fun to put the pieces together and see something arise on to the thick paper straight off the press.

{ Images Via :: LizzyB Loves }

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 }

winter wedding visual + sparkle

{ Click on image to view in full }

To bid you a great Wintery weekend this Friday evening, here's a Winter Wedding Visual + Sparkle I just created as inspiration for an upcoming wedding invitation. Happy Weekend.

{ Images Via :: Style Me Pretty :: Wedding 52 :: head vs. heart }

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 }

an addition to my {art} collection

I'd promised I would peek my head in if I found something that truly merited sharing. Well, I've fallen in love with these gorgeous paintings from Peggy Wolf Design.

I was immediately captivated by those large, brown eyes and immersed by the vibrant, rosy colors; I'm loving the contrast of turquoise and oranges. This just might be my next acquisition!

This reminds me of Amy Winehouse (love her singing). It seems very refreshing and summery with the green summer dress. I really like the textured background in this one, as compared to the other two with pink backgrounds I showcase here.

And this one is so elegant; a very proper woman with her beaded necklace and coiffed hair-do. Love the color palettes in all three paintings. Check out Peggy Wolf's Etsy shop to get your own piece of Peggy Wolf Design.

{ Images Via :: Peggy Wolf Design on Etsy }

happy weekend + minted wedding invitations

I'm on to the first round of voting for the Minted Happily Ever After Wedding Challenge. Go on there and vote...please!

Although my City Lights was the only design which made it through this time around, I have a few favorites from other fabulous designers...check them out:

This was my absolute favorite invitation. The ladies of Alethea and Ruth truly have the most sophisticated design sense with a touch of folk thrown in. I totally fell in love with this design, I couldn't keep my eyes off it, every single word is set appropriately in its place be it in a banner or in the logo. Perfect!!! I loved these ladies' designs so much I couldn't decide which to showcase, check out my other favorites here and here.

This design caught my eye due to the unique take on Japanese Washi tape. The perfect design motif in the varying patterns.

I'm always looking for uniqueness in invitation design, which this time around was sprinkeled sparingly in the Wedding Challange, but this design by lehan paper design fit the bill perfectly with the report card concept. Interesting!

Have a great weekend, see you next week!

{ Images Via :: Minted }