Days Gone Design Blog

A New Year, A New Baby!

2012-01-03T17:04:00.001-05:00

We are so excited for the blessings God will bring us this year! Evie turned 18 months on New Years day and we are expecting our second child on June 26th! Evie has brought us more joy and happiness than we could have ever imagined. She is such a good baby with tons of personality - never a dull moment.

I am 15 weeks today and feeling the baby a lot right now. I actually felt the baby for the first time a couple weeks ago, very early. It seemed to take forever to feel Evie move. This pregnancy, all around, has been much different than my first from morning sickness, fatigue, and weight gain. I'm over it finally, but the sickness was much worse and lasted longer than the two weeks with Evie. I've been so tired this time and take naps for the first time since I was little. Luckily, weight gain has been very minimal. I welcome that! These differences convince us we are having a boy! I would be perfectly happy either way, but I had strong intuition that Evie was a girl so I plan on sticking with my gut this time.

Happy 18 Months to our little "Peach"!

Evie is around 20 lbs and in 12 mo clothes. She's pretty petite! However, she eats nonstop and outdoes me sometimes. Evie is very independent and plays so nice by herself and with other babies. She finally started walking at the beginning of December! She sleeps great and takes at least one nap everyday. Her little tricks and quirks keep us laughing and entertained. Evie folds her arms, plays harmonica with Daddy (she blows and shakes her head at the same time, adorable!), she flirts with everyone, loves her babies and patting their bottoms, gives lots of kisses and hugs, blows her food when it's hot, folds her hands to pray, blows kisses to everyone she loves, including Jesus. We pray with her every night and just today, she folded her hands to pray as I laid her down for her nap. So precious! She melts me.

Giveaway Winner Announced!

2011-12-16T09:37:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Kelly Wilson! You are the winner to my $200 giveaway to use toward your wedding stationery!!! I have been working with Kelly on her beyond adorable shabby chic save the dates. She is so much fun!

I would also like to share these fabulous candle labels I am designing for one my dear clients, Katie. She has the greatest ideas and I love how these are turning out!

$200 Wedding Stationery Giveway!

2011-11-17T20:14:00.006-05:00

Are you looking for beautiful wedding stationery? If so, you may want to participate in this huge giveaway! It comes personally from Days Gone Design. In honor of making my 200th sale, I am giving one lucky couple $200 toward their wedding stationery order! Its really simple to enter too!

Details to Win! (must be a Days Gone Design Blog subscriber or follower):

For One Entry: Visit Days Gone Design and let me know which items you will order if you win.

Additional Entries (leave a separate comment for each):

For Two Entries: Like Days Gone Design on Facebook.

For Three Entries: Tweet or Facebook about the giveaway and let me know you did!
example tweet: Just entered the #giveaway over @daysgonedesign for $200 towards wedding stationery! http://bit.ly/vdmThd

Please leave an email address so I can contact you! Thank you for your support and good luck!

__________________________________________________________________________

More Details: All wedding invitations and other wedding items from my shop or custom design apply. You may use part or all of the credit towards your purchase. Any unused credit will not be refunded, but it can be used at any time towards a future wedding purchase at Days Gone Design. Minimum quantities of 50 only. Excludes shipping costs and envelope upgrades.
*Gift Certificates are non-refundable, and cannot be redeemed for cash.
*Dollar amount is USD, but is not limited to US participants.

Featured in Lovely Clusters Catalog!

2011-11-15T10:56:00.000-05:00

Check out Lovely Clusters Fall/Winter catalog, packed with gorgeous items and Days Gone Design is featured! Everything is categorized so beautifully. Get fabulous Holiday gift ideas for Christmas!

Mr. Darcy's Wedding Programs are featured in Soft Neutrals

Vintage Swirl Filigree Wedding Invitations are featured in Paper Goods

Check out the full catalog for so much more!

A Yellow Giraffe in a Pink Ruffle Tutu

2011-07-08T20:14:00.003-04:00

We had lots of birthday fun here last weekend! Evie was all decked out in her pink ruffle tutu. I planned on making her a fabric crown inspired by this...maybe next year!

I did have lots of fun planning and had some help and great inspiration from Leah of My Bride's Aide. She recently opened her event planning business so I thought I would take advantage of her expertise. She gave me the idea for these fabulous paper flowers.

I am not a cake baker but I had lots of luck with this one! The last stacked cake I made was for my husband's birthday and ended up sinking in the middle and falling apart. This cake was Evie's cake :) It is 2 6" cakes. The icing is homemade buttercream frosting. The ruffles were actually very easy! I watched this video first.

For the guest cake, I made a cream cheese frosting (delicious!) on 2 9" cakes. I used the remaining frosting for the cupcakes.

I found this amazing shabby chic tier stand for about $40 on Amazon. LOVE it! I can use it for other parties and so much more.

The white picture frame was a $2 garage sale find, painted and distressed by me.

The ruffle was super fun to make! I found pink cotton fabric at JoAnn's. I first sewed pieces together and then gathered manually by sewing machine. I tried another zigzag gathering tutorial first, but somehow the entire ruffle came out:(

Evie's party invitations were my first project for the party. I think I started them when she was only 3 months old! The rest of the planning was inspired by this.

I had plans for pompops and a more elaborate banner, but ran out of time.

LOVE these striped straws! I found them at various Etsy shops and others, but they are cheaper on Amazon.

Evie received LOTS of fun new toys!

This chalkboard from Spell it with Style is awesome! We are using it in our kitchen now.

Kristi was an amazing help once the party started. I would turn around to go do something and she already had it done! She didn't even make me pay her that day:)

We had tons of fun and Evie did a great job!

Yep, we're proud:)

Cassie & Joel's Vintage Wedding

2011-07-07T01:44:00.002-04:00

Months before the bride and groom say I do, so much time, talent, and inspiration go in to planning every last detail of the most important day of their lives. Each element plays it's part in creating the particular look and style the couple is hoping to capture. The details may each be beautiful on their own, but when looking at them as a whole picture, the sight can be stunning.

So when Days Gone Design provides invitations or other paper goods for a wedding, it is always so exciting to see the photographs of our clients' big day and see how all the little details came together to create a wedding that is truly breathtaking.

Such is the case with Cassie and Joel's wedding. Photos courtesy of Red White and Green Photography.

I am currently working on their thank you note! Check them out:

I finally have all of Evie's 1st birthday photos ready so I will posting all about her pink and yellow party soon! Here's a little peak...

One Year Ago

2011-07-01T10:42:00.000-04:00

It's so hard to believe that one year has already flown by since our baby girl was born! This time has been amazing for Matt and I as Evie grows and learns new things. Our love for her is unimaginable and really puts in perspective, God's individual love for each of us. Evelyn is totally unique, one of a kind and there will never be another just like her. She is one loved little girl! It blows my mind just home many people are so smitten with Evie. She likes to show off her charm. She tries all her tricks at once so we have peek-a-boo, waving, blowing kisses and dancing all lumped into one. Pretty darn cute!

We are planning a fun pink and yellow birthday party this weekend! More details and photos to follow!

Bride on a Budget

2011-06-30T16:19:00.016-04:00

These days, brides are really having to find ways to stretch their dollars. So anything that can be done a little more affordable, without losing the chic and stunning effect you are going for, is always a sweet bonus.

I found this beautiful idea for a centerpiece on projectwedding.com. By submerging the flowers in a tall vase they will last longer, plus you can use just one or two stems which greatly cuts costs. Adding a floating candle and other surrounding candles definitely captures a romantic and whimsical mood!

Another super cute idea is this DIY Just Married banner that can be hung at your reception and then removed and placed on your car as you leave. Or personalize the banner with your and your sweety's names. Find out how to make your very own custom banner at marthastewartweddings.com.
One more sweet idea. And this one really is sweet! DIY homemade raspberry jam to give as a wedding favor. What's especially great about this is that you can make the jam and can it months before the wedding because it lasts for a whole year. Using mason jars and making the tags yourself will really save you some dough. Check out how to do this project at intimateweddings.com.

Doing as many wedding projects yourself with the help of your groom, and close friends and family can greatly help a bride cut back on the high cost of a wedding.

A Father's Day Gift For The Man Who Has Everything

2011-06-09T21:08:00.004-04:00

It's that time of year again! Time to search and search for the perfect gift for dad. If your dad is like mine, he is the kind of man who doesn't need much, but what he does need, he typically buys himself. So every year it's a struggle to find just the right gift.

This year may be easy though. I came across this Custom Cornhole Table on Etsy.com. I have never seen this before and it's just so awesome! Not only can the table hold your drink, food, etc. while you play, it is also a scoreboard! What cornhole lover would not drool over this thing?! These are custom made with your team's logo, your favorite adult beverage, etc. right on top for all to see.

There's nothing better than a relaxing backyard game of cornhole with dad! And you just know he'll be bragging to his friends about the wonderful son/daughter he has who bought him this sweet Cornhole Table! Forget about dad, I want one!

Pretty Chic Lace Business Cards

2011-05-28T09:00:00.007-04:00

Business cards are essential for businesses so why not make them stand out? I designed these pretty little cards for my shop and really wanted them to reflect my branding, as well as stand outside from the rest.

Days Gone Design offers custom business cards, whether you are looking for a similar style or something completely different. Compliment your branding in style.

Timeless Wedding Details

2011-05-27T09:10:00.003-04:00

Unwavering antique details add stunning touches to your vintage wedding. I'm a sucker for lush and intricate details shown in these photos.

Antique or antique style lace and embellishments add just the touch to get that timeless glamor appeal. Jaws will drop and your style will be remembered.

{via Wedding Bells Blog}

I am loving this idea of photographing the bride with a hand mirror or wall mirror. I think to see the bride's actual reflection would really add dimension to your photos.

{via Jeza Photography}

This creamy and lush bouquet has it all. The grouping of soft blooms, lace and final touch of the brooch make these pretty petals just right.

{via Emmaline Bride}

Ruffles of lace and beautiful cutout back flow gracefully and would make the vintage bride quite a knock-out.

{via Wedding About}

Oh to plan our wedding all over again! These style ideas would be some definite top contenders.

The Mouse Spider and Other Summer Fun

2011-05-26T10:37:00.011-04:00

Summer is nearly upon us and along with the joys of cookouts, vacations, and warm weather, we also have the potential risk of receiving visits from unwanted intruders. I don't mean your husband's relatives, but rather the threat of critters with eight legs. You may be asking yourself: Is there such a thing as a mouse spider? Honestly I'm not sure, but that is the name I've attributed to the invader I found in my home the other day.

I was sitting on my couch, minding my own business, when suddenly I caught a glimpse of a dark object scurrying across the floor in the next room. My immediate reaction based on the size of the creature was MOUSE!!! However, upon further investigation, I discovered this was no mouse, but the biggest spider ever to have the audacity to invade my home! Now one thing you must understand is that I have a severe dislike--no, hatred, for spiders. The thought of them gives me shivers up my spine and gives me that prickly feeling on the back of my neck. As the thoughts of how to either kill or trap this uninvited guest scrambled through my head, the intruder evaded capture by hiding itself under my desk. I searched for it, but to no avail.

Later that evening I told my husband about this massive critter, but I couldn't help but feel that he just didn't understand how horrific this spider was. Based on the half smile and unbelieving chuckle he gave me, I believe he really thought I was exaggerating!

The next evening my mom came over to watch our daughter, Isabelle, while my husband and I went out. When we returned, my mom exclaimed that she had killed the biggest spider ever!! "Ha!" I said to my husband, "See, I wasn't exaggerating!" My poor mother hates spiders as much as I do so I felt for her. She said it was so big she didn't know if she could handle killing it. I'll spare you the gruesome details, but it wasn't a pretty death. This spider came to its unfortunate demise, but it's possible it had friends who would not think twice about finding dwelling in my house. I share this story as a warning to all of you to be on watch for these unwanted visitors. Summer is fun, but it can be deadly. Well for spiders anyway.

On a lighter note, if your husband's relatives are planning to drop in for a cookout, be ready to impress them with these DIY cocktail umbrellas found on diylife.com from the June issue of Country Living magazine. If your husband's relatives are anything like mine, you may be needing a cocktail by the time the weekend is through!

And to keep the kids happy, here's a cute idea for a DIY beehive pinata. Also found on diylife.com from Country Living magazine, this adorable project can be done for around $10!

Newbee

2011-05-20T15:04:00.007-04:00

Hi! I'm Kristi, Nikki's younger sister and new employee. I am also a wife to my loving husband, Joe, and a mother to my sweet baby girl, Isabelle!

I have been working with Nikki for just a little while now, helping her with tax preparation and other incredibly facinating financial stuff. But now that tax season is past, she has promoted me to blogger! I am very new to blogging so we'll see if I have any super blogging skills waiting to emerge from down deep!

Nikki suggested I start by checking out other blogs and wedding websites for inspiration. I did as the boss said and I came across this wedding favor on Ruffledblog.com.

If you're a coffee lover and looking for the perfect favor for your guests, this is it! I think it's such a cute and creative DIY favor that wedding guests would love! Check it out on Ruffledblog.com and they show you everything you need to make these yourself! And they suggest that since not everyone loves coffee (to each there own, I guess), you can do the same type favor with tea bags.

If time is an issue or you're craving a custom tag, visit DaysGoneDesign.com to have us create a favor tag just for you! We can help you make your favors a reflection of your own unique style! Even if coffee bag favors just aren't your thing, we can make custom favor tags for any sassy or sophisticated favor idea you can think of!

As long as Nikki doesn't fire me after reading this post, I hope you'll be hearing more from me soon!

A marriage proposal that will make the movies jealous

2011-05-20T11:39:00.001-04:00

Love this proposal! Totally original and so sweet. You will laugh, cry and try to figure out how he pulled this off...

Write Notes

2011-05-19T17:13:00.000-04:00

Handwritten notes are so special and an excellent way to send affection. Here are a my newest stationery items in my shop.

Writings with lines of chirps to sing your message.

Sundae inspired stationery for a fun little treat.

Chic Designer stationery with a boutique look, featuring a post card style.

View all of my stationery here.

Music Share

2011-05-15T23:10:00.004-04:00

Coffee Shop by Landon Pigg

Loving You Tonight by Andrew Allen

Love Never Fails by Brandon Heath

This one may be my new favorite song. Love it!

My fella and I danced to Pieces by Red for our first dance. I love that it can be related to both God and each other. Versatile, pretty, and unordinary.

What song did you play at your wedding or dream of dancing to with your future betrothed? I'd love to hear them!

Old made New

2011-05-13T23:48:00.002-04:00

{via The Kitchn}

My fella and I plan to transform an old dresser to add more counter space and storage to our kitchen. I just adore this idea! The styles and options are endless. It's an economical and creative way to add fabulous elements to your spaces.

{via Vision Painting Co}

Have a lovely weekend! I will be off faux painting with my sister at her home tomorrow and then doing some drawings for a friend's Bible school. Perhaps a girls night out later on...if we're lucky. What are your plans?

{DIY Chic Chair Bows}

2011-04-20T18:23:00.001-04:00

I came across this adorable post by Emmaline Bride today and just had to share! I love chic ideas made on a budget and easy to do - all at the same time.

{via Emmaline Bride}

photography: jeanna hayes / styled by: she paperie

{Sisters}

2011-04-04T12:54:00.000-04:00

I am excited to introduce my sister, Kristi, to you. It's been a long time coming as she has been helping me out with business for several weeks now. Days Gone Design is really hopping lately and bouncing off the walls! Kristi is finally finished helping me prep for taxes! Now she will be begin helping me in other ways, which includes blogging!

Kristi is my only sister and best friend. We have always been really super close and each others confidants. Having 4 brothers, I have no idea how I would have survived childhood without her! Having her work with me is like a dream come true. Kristi is such a left-brained person and I am so right-brained. We bounce things off each other well and work great as a team. She is everything I am not and can do everything that I can not. I think she will add so much impact to Days Gone Design and has so much to bring to it.

As an extra bonus, Kristi just so happens to have a baby girl too, who happens to be Evie's best buddy:) It's so nice that the two girlies can play together while we work. Those two adore each other!

{2nd Place Winner on The Lovelies!}

2011-03-22T23:33:00.000-04:00

My shop won 2nd place in the Paper Goods category! I'm pretty stoked! Thank you so much to all who voted!

It's been f o r e v e r since I have posted. This is all simply due to the fact that I have been SWAMPED! It's so great to see this little business growing. However, that just means that certain things lack.

We are so busy, and I do mean we. We, as in, my sister and I! I have hired my best friend in the world (aside from my husband) to help me with business. This is a dream to come true! Right now she is working one day a week and focusing on getting me organized to file taxes...ugh! Thank God she loves spreadsheets. I detest this sort of work. She, on the other hand, can do everything I can not. We make an excellent team in everything we do. So, that's a little peak into what is to come. I will write an introduction post all about Kristi. You will actually be lucky enough to meet her soon (once she finishes the dreaded tax task)! She will then begin posting a couple times a week to keep you all updated on whats going on with Days Gone Design and more!

{The Lovelies}

2011-02-11T11:53:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday! It's been a busy week! I teamed up with Laura from Captured by Laura Photography to do a design shoot for my paper items. I'm really looking forward to seeing her photos and sharing them with you!

The husband sent this to me the other day...he loves Apartment Therapy! Ever since we bought our house, I've been trying to explain to him my ideas for decorating and my love of white and rustic, but with an elegant touch. I think he was picturing a girlie style due to my frequent use of the word, shabby chic. I'm getting the itch to start doing some projects around the house.

{via Apartment Therapy}

Vote for my shop on The Lovelies, please?

I'm so excited to have the opportunity to gain exposure to my shop via The Lovelies Award! I'm overwhelmed by the love I've received already! Please, be a doll and vote for my shop? You can "like" and also leave a comment. Thank you so much!

Tonight, one of my dear friends will be celebrating her engagement and I am leaving Evie home with Daddy! I've never been away from her for more than a couple hours so this should be interesting. I'll miss her big blue eyes, babbling words and outstretched arms reaching for me but I am excited to get away for a little bit. She is in good hands:)

{Sweet & Simple}

2011-02-07T10:46:00.000-05:00

I designed business cards for one of my favorite clients, Kelly from Sweet & Simple Jewelry. I adore her work and recently purchased these earrings and I love them! My new favs!

She is so phenomenal to work with, which is why I agreed to design her Etsy banner for her new shop, opening soon! Be sure to favorite Sweet & Simple Home and await it's glorious opening!

Our newest wedding invitation design is fun, unique, grey - who doesn't love this happening hue, and chic! We have more designs coming so be sure to check back.

{Apple Saucy Fun}

2011-02-04T14:52:00.002-05:00

This adorable hat was a gift from Evie's great Aunt Lisa. It was handmade by her mom. We love it, Lisa! Thank you!

Little Evie is now 7 months old and busier than ever! She is so curious and loves playing with mommy's phone and random dials are her new trick:) She now has little chompers! Her 2 bottom teeth came in last week but it's not helping her eating situation. Evie loves everything to be in her mouth...except for food, besides crackers and cheerios, that is. One food she particularly despises is apple sauce!


APPLE SAUSE

As mentioned here, the Dunne Storybook Wedding Album is complete! It looks stunning with the help of the beautiful photos of Kristy and Nicholas. You can get your very own storybook from my shop!

{Branding Makeover and Blog Feature!}

2011-02-01T11:07:00.001-05:00

Persis from Miles of Style was so kind to feature my shop today! She has stunning posts full of vintage and chic style, not to mention, how uber sweet she is! Go check it out! I'm sure you'll fall in love with her.

What better time to order my Romantic Chic Stationery Cards!? Valentine's Day is just around the corner and these would be perfect for romancing your vintage Valentine!

I'm so excited to debut my branding makeover! I have a new blog button too so be sure to link up!

{DIY Play Felt Food}

2011-01-06T13:35:00.001-05:00

For Christmas, I made a few batches of felt breakfast food for some of my nieces. The pancakes, bacon and eggs turned out great and were super easy to make! I plan to make many more items in the future for Evie:) My inspiration came from Natalie from The Busy Budgeting Mama. She offers some links to great tutorials or you can just wing it like I did by looking at pictures. Thank you, Natalie!

Evelyn was 6 months old on New Years Day! She is now scooting forward. She is so determined! We're still working on eating table food...she's picky. I guess she gets it honestly. My oldest brother nick named me "Picky Nikki" when I was a baby:)

A friend of ours visited after Christmas to take some photos of Evie. Check out his amazing work!

Don't forget to enter the Jewelry and Baby Bling By Dara's New Year's Give-Away with 39 Amazing Vendors!