Little Story Designs

Grover Landscape Services

noreply@blogger.com (LittleStory) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 16:04:00 +0000

With http://www.groverlandscapeservices.com/ I was able to work hand in hand with the client to develop the content and design that truly reflected the tradition of the company as well as incorporating their direction for the future. This full service business site features integrated bid request forms, portfolio galleries and extensive content to produce a site that is easily navigated and covers the broad diversity of the company. In the end we were able to create a big budget site for a much smaller price tag.

Bonnie Baked

noreply@blogger.com (LittleStory) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 15:50:00 +0000

http://www.bonniebaked.com/
Bonnie Baked is a gourmet, homemade bakery featuring simple, high quality ingredients. In this case a picture is worth 1000 words and those words are mouth-watering and delicious. We made the focus the fantastic photos and let them speak for themselves.

Unique Boutiques

noreply@blogger.com (LittleStory) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 15:41:00 +0000

http://www.modestouniqueboutiques.com/

Unique Boutiques is a brick and morter shop that features talented local artisans and small business vendors. With over 40 vendors they needed a website that reflected their eclectic collection, highlighted new products and marketed their outdoor craft faire events. Utilizing the Wix platform we were able to create a flash site with a much more big business feel for the small business cost of around $5 a month.

In addition to the website we employed another of the great, small business marketing tools...a blog. This coordinating design also linked in with custom twitter, facebook and RSS feeds. This owner accesible option is a fantastic, free way to get the word out.

With the money we saved on website upkeep costs and traditional marketing we were able to design custom event posters that create buzz and excitement for the monthly craft faire events.

Inklore

noreply@blogger.com (LittleStory) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 14:16:00 +0000

Inklore is Ink with a Story http://www.inkloredesign.com/
They create artisan, well designed and eco-friendly housewares and accessories. Block-printed by hand in on high quality linen and cotton using environmentally sensitive, water-based inks. Everything is washable and color-fast, perfect for simple living.

For this website I emphasized a clean, minimal design that highlighted the classic and beautiful products. Hosted on Squarespace this site has the design capability of a full service website with enough user-friendly controls to let the website owner do all her own editing and posting. In fact she hosts a lovely printmaking blog and lifestyle blog.

We integrated a complimentary full online shop via Big Cartel.

The cherry on top was the fully functional online catalog available for download.

It's fantastic working with a client with a wonderful design aesthetic and appreciation for simple, uncluttered design.

Favorite Design Review: Sunshine City Lassie

noreply@blogger.com (LittleStory) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 20:57:00 +0000

Here's another little peek into the design side of my world. This is a collection of banners I put together for Sunshine City Lassie. A fantastic place to get some vintage finds.

She went with the first design that reflected her fun, kitschy

feel. We even made up some matching address labels.

The right image can speak volumes for your business. Print your banner or avatar and use them as thank you notes or packaging toppers. Get the most out of your design and your money!

Favorite Design Review: Wedding Bar Menu

noreply@blogger.com (LittleStory) — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 06:15:00 +0000

Wedding Bar Menu, originally uploaded by littleStory.

Awhile back ago I created a custom Wedding Bar Menu for a client. Inspired by an idea from The Knot while still incorporating the colors and feel of the clients special day. It was only $20 for the custom .pdf -- What a unexpected way to add a personal touch without spending a fortune.

Fun Outings: Renegade Round Up

noreply@blogger.com (LittleStory) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 14:55:00 +0000

Well, I was right. It was a positively beautiful day at the Renegade Craft Fair. The crafters did not dissapoint and their were twice as many vendors there as last year. Here are some of my favorites of the day:

Grey Felt Beard from imadeyouabeard.etsy.com

Hugs and Kisses Freezer Bag from Inklore

The entire Footnotes Collection* from Old Tom Foolery

Woodgrain Belt in blue from Cosmonaut

Fun Outings: Renegade Craft Fair

noreply@blogger.com (LittleStory) — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 15:03:00 +0000

Off to Renegade Craft Fair in San Francisco with some of my best friends. Cool friends + cool crafts + cool weather = a perfect day. I'll come back and share some of the great finds I make!

Favorite Design Review: Bubble & Boo

noreply@blogger.com (LittleStory) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:49:00 +0000

I'll be sharing some of my favorite design projects from the amazing world of Etsy Alchemy. Alchemy is the custom arm of the handmade products site. You can request bids from the talented Etsy designers for anything from a custom wedding dress to a new business logo. For a girl like me who needs a little push-start of inspiration it's a fantastic place to find a fun, new project to tackle and make someone happy with some beautiful design.

Here are some custom illustrations for the talented Dzintra at Little Threads. These are for her new business venture called Bubble & Boo.

For the List Obsessed, Like Myself

noreply@blogger.com (LittleStory) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:54:00 +0000

Too Too Too busy to blog today. But I'm never too busy to peruse my fav blogs over morning coffee. I stumbled across a to-do list over at Modern Homebody and all of a sudden my to-do list got a lot more interesting.

~~1. Started your own blog~~
~~2. Slept under the stars~~
3. Played in a band
~~4. Visited Hawaii~~
~~5. Watched a meteor shower~~
~~6. Given more than you can afford to charity~~
~~7. Been to Disneyworld/Disneyland~~
8. Climbed a mountain
~~9. Held a praying mantis~~
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
~~14. Taught yourself an art from scratch~~
15. Adopted a child
~~16. Had food poisoning~~
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
~~18. Grown your own vegetables~~
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
~~21. Had a pillow fight~~
22. Hitch hiked
~~23. Taken a sick day when you were not ill~~
~~24. Built a snow fort~~
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
~~30. Watched a sunrise or sunset~~
31. Hit a home run
~~32. Been on a cruise~~
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
~~34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors~~
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
~~39. Gone rock climbing~~
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
~~41. Sung karaoke~~
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
~~45. Walked on a beach by moonlight~~
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
~~52. Kissed in the rain~~
~~53. Played in the mud~~
~~54. Gone to a drive-in theater~~
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
~~57. Started a business~~
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
~~60. Served at a soup kitchen~~
~~61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies~~
~~62. Gone whale watching~~
~~63. Got flowers for no reason~~
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
~~67. Bounced a check~~
~~68. Flown in a helicopter~~
~~69. Saved a favorite childhood toy~~
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been laid off from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
~~84. Had your picture in the newspaper~~
85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year’s Eve
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
~~88. Had chickenpox~~
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
~~93. Lost a loved one~~
~~94. Had a baby~~
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
~~98. Owned a cell phone~~
~~99. Been stung by a bee~~

It does feel good to mark a few things off the list. Go ahead and try it, you might even feel accomplished :)

Go Make Something - The Poppies are Here!

noreply@blogger.com (LittleStory) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 06:33:00 +0000

Well, after a very long winter I think Little Story is ready to emerge for Spring. The past season has been full of creative work for me but I've had very little time for my own pursuits. I've stored up all these ideas like little seeds of inspiration and since the weather has thawed I think it's time to let some of them grow. I'll be sharing lots of projects with you that cost little or nothing to do. I hope you find your own inspiration and I'd love to see what you're making this spring. Feel free to leave a comment or drop me a line at littlestorydesigns@gmail.com.

Here in California the poppies out. I can't think of a happier flower and they inspired a little furniture redo. The new poppies in my house are a bit blue-er but no less cheerful I think. It's amazing what 99 cents of paint can do!

Who doesn't want to be Cuteable?

noreply@blogger.com (LittleStory) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:43:00 +0000

My little paper friend was featured on Cuteable.com today. As the name suggests it's a home for all things cute and I'm so glad Mon Petit fit the bill!

It's been a great week so far. The weather is turning crisp. The kids came to vote with us. We spent the night munching popcorn, watching the returns and talking about the state of the world. It may be heavy stuff but nothing gives you an infusion of hope like a 5 year old perscpective on the world.

My hope is a lovely week for you. Maybe a new Scoutie Girl giveaway might brighten it To my surprise Little Story was included again so, go get some free stuff. That's always a pick me up!

1000 Markets

noreply@blogger.com (LittleStory) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 15:31:00 +0000

If your looking for a new place to take care of that window shopping itch head over to 1000 Markets. It's a brand new site with a fantastic philosophy of bringing buyers and sellers together and giving people a chance to connect. The interface is beautiful and the whole team at 1000 Markets is very involved and interested in creating a fantastic place to be.

Come take a peek and even hear a bit more about Little Story on my 1000 Markets blog!

Well, It's About Time!

noreply@blogger.com (LittleStory) — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 01:18:00 +0000

Oh, it has been way too long. It was about time to get back to more crafting. What about you? Is your crafting "me" time. Why do you do it - for gifts, for business, to get rid of that creative muse talking in your head? I usually have a nagging little idea that must eventually make it out of my head before it bugs me to death. Here's the little cuckoo clock that's been rolling around in my head.

I took my little illustration and made it into a set of gift cards and tags that will save me from the inevitable last minute trip to the store. I always think I am so well prepared when I pick up extra cards and gift wrap in anticipation of holidays and birthdays. Invariably, I never have the exact right card for the right occasion and I'm headed out to the store minutes before I should be at the event. I thought with a little white/silver pen I could make these cards say just what I need them to. They could work for the holidays and still be useful after all the Christmas presents are opened and gone.

Ahhh, little nagging craft idea checked off my list and new goodie in the shop...wheeee.

Paper n Stitch is Here!

noreply@blogger.com (LittleStory) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 16:01:00 +0000

Time to celebrate! I have been eagerly awaiting the opening of the first Paper n Stitch exhibition. The wonderful Brittni Wood has brought together a fantastic group of artists in a monthly curated exhibition. The site looks fantastic and I'm so excited to be a part of the first one. Come take a look I'm sure you'll find something wonderful!

Get Some Indie Goodness

noreply@blogger.com (LittleStory) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 16:32:00 +0000

I'm so excited to be a part of the Indie Goodness Giveaway over at Scoutie Girl this week! The giveaway is worth $295 and would be a great start for your Christmas shopping. Take a peek at the wonderful finds she has and enter to win. This week I'm offering 20% to all my Scoutie Girl friends so please come to the shop for a peek!

Style in a Can

noreply@blogger.com (LittleStory) — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 00:20:00 +0000

So what's your style? A little bit vintage, a little bit modern, a little bit casual, ever-so eclectic. I never can decide on my look in the morning. Get some style practice before braving your actual closet with Mon Petit Closet.

Printed on 8 1/2 x 11 magnet paper, you can swap your "Farmer's Market" outfit for your "Day in Paris" garb every time you grab a snack from the fridge.

My daughter and I always have fun with paper dolls but sadly they never stand the test of time. This one comes with a little metal tin to serve as her Petit Closet and it's roomy enough for all her clothes and her trusty little friend.

If her style suits your own you can get her fantastic messenger bag from our good friend over at Inklore. Isn't it fab?

I was so excited to add this cutie to the shop. Here's a little gift from me to you. Get your own downloadable Little Story bookplate to stake your claim on all your own little stories! Just click here.

It's Time to Share a Nut Card er, umm...Note Card

noreply@blogger.com (LittleStory) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 22:12:00 +0000

Taking a look at my recent Illustration Friday entry I thought those hedgehogs looked a little shifty. I mean, are you sure they're even hedgehogs? They look suspiciously oppossum-like to me? I think it will take someone far more trust worthy to wipe the pout off her face.

I think this little friendly fellow will fit the bill. Here's your chance to perk up the expression of your pouty loved one. Send them a Nut Card, er, umm...Note Card. Pick up a two-pack in the shop and write those notes you've been meaning to.

1. Time to Share a Nut-Note detail, 2. Time to Share a Nut-Note Card, 3. Time to Share a Nut-Note Card packaging, 4. Time to Share a Nut-Note Card

Illustration Friday - Clique

noreply@blogger.com (LittleStory) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 23:01:00 +0000

I think it may take awhile but they can become "Fall Friends".

It may take some time to wipe the pout off this face though.

original illustration in pencil & ink then digitally colored.

It Takes Patience...

noreply@blogger.com (LittleStory) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 18:49:00 +0000

I think my daughter has inherited a serious lack of patience. I don't mean to throw stones (since more than a few could come back in my well deserving direction) but I do believe this one comes from her father. If anything though, I can relate to this little episode. As we looked back over birthday party pics, all of her expressions capture the exasperated look of a girl putting up with the long drawn out verses of "Happy Birthday." She just can't wait until the final note when she can get to the good part...the wishing!

Her actual expression was too good for me to even recreate so this is a mixed media illustration using photo, pen and digital coloring. It was perfect for this year's birthday cards and you can find it in my shop!

Speaking of patience I'm eagerly awaiting the announcement to the Indie Fixx Craft-Off but to tide me over the fabulous Indie Crafts editor, Jaime, over at Craft Gossip did a little write up on me. Thanks Jaime!

TIme to Open Presents!

noreply@blogger.com (LittleStory) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:16:00 +0000

It's my very favorite time...time to open presents. September was a big birthday month. In my endeavour to give all handmade, I created some prints for my close friends. These were inspired by the beautiful children of my good friends and some of my daughters best playmates. I love how their personalities are so evident in each one. I'll be doing a series of prints and cards for all four seasons. Summer and spring are checked off my list. I'll think I'll do winter in time for Christmas cards! Be on the lookout for these later today in my etsy shop.

Thank you to everyone that voted for me in the Indie Fixx Craft-Off. Hopefully the winner will be announced soon but, in the meantime, we have a winner of our own! The fantastic bot over at Random.org selected lucky number 7. micaela6955 will be receiving my first ever print of Two New Friends. Be on the lookout for an e-mail from me and your print will be on it's way to you soon!

My Printer Love Affair

noreply@blogger.com (LittleStory) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 23:00:00 +0000

How much can one person love a printer? My darling inkjet just helped me create my first note cards! They turned out beautifully and now I finally have something in my shop. My head is swimming with all the paperie possibilities!

Voting is So "In"

noreply@blogger.com (LittleStory) — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 22:45:00 +0000

I don't know about you, but I have been following the election coverage every day. Between all the conventions and issues that must be carefully deliberated over, it's nice to have something easy and fun to vote for.

Drum roll please...my entry into the Indie Fixx Craft-Off was selected as one of the 15 finalists! What a fantastic motivator to get my pencil out and draw some more. Feel free to check out the other entries and place your vote here.

Thanks to my wonderful friend over at Inklore for the heads up on the contest.

In honor of my 15 minutes of fame I'll be giving away my first Two New Friends print to a random reader.

Just LEAVE A COMMENT here by September 15th and I'll package up this little artwork for the lucky winner!

The image measures 5X7 inches, perfectly sized for a standard frame. Signed and printed for you on beautifully textured Canson Mi-Teintes paper with archival inks.

Meet Two New Friends

noreply@blogger.com (LittleStory) — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 22:52:00 +0000

Well, I spent the day harvesting almonds with my family in 100 degree weather. It was quite an adventurous day with a visit from a snake, a slew of praying mantis, some very amiable lizards and an exciting encounter with a swarm of wasps. You would think with all the hard work I would want to go home and take a nap. Instead my mind was ticking away with crafty ideas for the Indie Fixx Craft-Off. True to my nature I let time almost run out. The deadline is today so I raced home and whipped up something quick!

The challenge was to incorporate the number 2. Immediately I thought of my daughter's two new friends that came for a visit.

The wonderful UPS man delivered my georgeous new Hahnemuhle Museum Etching paper! I've been saving it for something special. Should I make this my first print?

Illustration Friday - Memories

noreply@blogger.com (LittleStory) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 16:35:00 +0000

If you're looking for some inspiration head over to Illustration Friday. It's a weekly illustration challenge. A topic is posted every Friday and then participants have all week to come up with their own interpretation. What a wonderful way to design something just for the love of creating!

Although I've been drawing doodles all my life I'm brand new to illustration. While I'm hoping to carve out a bit of time next week between work, motherhood, and etsy banners I had a piece done that fit this week's topic perfectly - Memories.

My favorite memories were the quiet times spent reading with my parents. Now that my daughter is reading her first books to me I think I have a new favorite memory!