Polkadot Prints

LEO THE LION BOY BIRTHDAY INVITATION

2015-11-23T14:39:00.000+10:00

I designed these Leo the Lion birthday invitations for a special little guy a few months back. I think it's kind of fun they went with the whole "Leo the Lion" theme and embraced it whole heartedly. Leo's mum is a friend of mine and she had a pretty solid idea of how she wanted them to look which makes my job a whole lot easier in many ways. Also they planned for no gifts, so they wrote a little blurb on the back as an alternative for guests to donate to a charity gift catalogue if they preferred. I really love that idea for small children when they truly don't need too much in the way of toys. Don't you?
I think this mangey guy turned out pretty cute in the end!

Contact Jordan(at)polkadotprints.com.au for personalised or custom designed stationery.

PEPPA PIG PARTY STATIONERY & SUPPLIES

2015-04-16T14:53:00.000+10:00

I designed this Peppa Pig themed stationery for Ellie's 3rd birthday earlier this year. Like many girls, she is a huge fan of peppa and her muddy puddle jumping family! She'd been requesting a Peppa Pig cake for quite a while. : )

Here are links for the Peppa Pig invitation, sticker, mug, paper plate, swing tag, gumboot button, birthday badge (she LOVED wearing this for her birthday dinner!).

I'm really excited to start sharing some stationery collections and party supplies I've been designing for Zazzle. From stationery, stickers, swing tags, paper plates, badges, I have designed matching collections for popular party themes and they are personalised and printed for you, then conveniently shipped to your door.

FREELANCE GRAPHIC DESIGN :: BEAUTY PRODUCTS PACKAGING

2015-02-09T04:30:00.000+10:00

Last week I shared a freelance graphic design project I did for Watoto. Today I'm sharing a packaging design project I worked on for them. It was for Living Hope, an arm of Watoto that rescues women from widowed, in poverty, robbed of dignity, and gives them hope, empowerment & meaningful employment.

The women in Uganda have started farming Shea nuts and are making their own Shea butter - 100% pure mind you! But they needed to get it out of Gulu and into the world. So they are in the process of creating their own beauty line. First product off the rank was the pure Shea body butter. I was asked to design the labels for the tins of shea.

They have a strict Living Hope branding and also there are many restrictions on labelling within the beauty industry, so it was something different design style for me but a good challenge. Also because it is going to be sold globally with the Watoto children's Choir, it had to be translated into a number of different languages, with country specific information, liaising with each countries printers etc. A mammoth task and real team effort!
I am available to freelance for you too! If you need graphic design work from logo's, packaging to brochures, flyers & annual reports, please don't hesitate to send me an email!

Canadian Thanksgiving in Australia :: Packaging & table setting

2015-02-04T04:30:00.000+10:00

It was months ago now, but I was looking through my photos and realised I hadn't even loaded these pics off my camera, let alone share them with the world.

One tradition we have kept alive from our time in Canada is Canadian Thanksgiving (a little earlier than the USA equivalent). So back in October, we invited some good friends over, had a potluck with turkey, roast and all the sides and celebrated all we had to be thankful for.

When all the food was eaten and all the kids were quietly watching a movie, the grown ups all sat around and each shared something we were thankful for, and something we were praying and hoping for the year ahead. People really shared heart stuff and it was a great night. And that's what it's all about. When hosting an event, it's always the people over the food. The stories over the styling. And the conversation and being present, over the perfectly folded napkin.
I am looking forward to sitting with the same bunch of people next year and hearing how their plans and dreams have come about.

We truly do have a lot to be thankful for. I'm thinking we should start a movement here in Australia to get this thanksgiving business on the national holiday list! Beats halloween any day : )

Sources:
Give Thanks gold foil wall poster
Plate circle & box labels - email me
Leftover Boxes

BRISBANE FREELANCE GRAPHIC DESIGN :: WATOTO ANNUAL REPORT

2015-02-02T16:28:00.000+10:00

This year I feel a new love for freelance graphic design work. It's my 'trade', so to speak, and it feels really comfortable to be doing more of it these days. It also provides a great opportunity to work on bigger projects (than stationery) and partner with some great organisations & businesses.

We finished up this Annual report for Watoto later last year and I'm really happy with how it turned out. It's something i've done for the past few years for them, but last year I had a bit more creative freedom and we mixed it up just a little. We made it a square size, and added pages to take advantage of some stunning full bleed images (how can you not smile looking at those gorgeous faces?!).
I love the African animal collage on the front to make the year, and the full spread map is another favourite page. We just did a short run of a printed version for key sponsors and donors and then created a full online 'magazine' version for all those interested in Watoto. An annual report is always a big job, but it will be a great tool throughout the year for anyone wanting to get an overview of what they do and the impact they are having. Looking good Watoto!

And don't forget, I am available to freelance for you too! If you need graphic design work from logo's, packaging to brochures, flyers & annual reports, please don't hesitate to send me an email!

HAPPY NEW YEAR AND TAKING ON NEW GRAPHIC DESIGN JOBS

2015-01-27T21:33:00.001+10:00

Well, it's a little late, but consider this my official hello for 2015!

I kind of fell off the blogging wagon by the end of last year. I was still around on social media and consuming blogs, but just didn't have the same joy and sparkle I did from earlier last year. I really needed to just bunker down, grieve, spend time with family, and just do my freelance work in my own time and without any expectation that it had to be blogged about. Just take the pressure off. That's hard in this industry, when you feel like you're being left behind, but for the first time ever, I didn't even care. A sure sign I needed a break! : )

I was still working, just for some regular clients and not taking on much new...B U T...I'm now back!
I feel refreshed, I feel more like myself again, I feel inspired and energised to get back in my creative zone and design again and in new ways. I have the mojo back folks, and it feels good!

I will share over the coming weeks, some of the projects I worked on last year, that you haven't seen yet. As well as a couple of family birthdays that I'd love to share. I can't wait to get this year off the ground as I gear up for all the new projects. If you would like a quote on graphic design work, stationery, printing, or web design, in Australia or around the world, please shoot me an email and we can get you in the game for 2015!

Image from Honey & Gold

INSPIRATIONAL FOIL WALL ART :: HONEY & GOLD SHOP IS OPEN

2014-10-22T04:30:00.000+10:00

I'm excited to let you know that as of last week, the Honey & Gold online store is officially open! Yay! While cliche, it has indeed been a dream coming true! One that many of you made happen. The heart of this project is to have faith-based inspirational foiled wall art that is both beautiful and meaningful. I encourage you to check it out and maybe you'll find a gift for a friend who needs encouragement today (or something for yourself!).

Image // Marnie Hawson & Bianca Virtue for Honey & Gold

BOUTIQUE BAKING LOGO & BUSINESS CARD

2014-10-01T05:30:00.000+10:00

I love it when a job comes along that you really love, that suits your own aesthetic and just gels with you. Boutique Baking's logo and stationery was one of those jobs. Kate had a specific font in mind, so we worked with that to create her logo and then went on from there to design stationery, stickers and Facebook images.
The business cards were my favourite. Printed on a really nice card stock, they look and feel lush (said the paper geek!). You can follow on her baking adventures here.

If you own a business that needs a logo, or need business stationery & promo material designed, feel free to shoot me an email for an estimate.

VIKING & DRAGON PARTY :: LEVI TURNS SIX

2014-09-29T05:30:00.000+10:00

Last month we celebrated Levi's sixth birthday with a viking & dragon themed party. It was his first 'friends' party, with his friends from school and not just our own family friends.
I designed & sent these viking themed invitations to all the boys in his class, I sewed some 'hiccup' style viking vests, and Dave got all 'man crafty' on me and made all the weaponry for the boys. (We had a laugh at how much he got into it, staying up late doing party prep - quite the role reversal!!).

I kept food simple, buying some and making some, knowing they would likely just play the whole time anyway (which they did!). The hero of the food was indeed the cake. I saw this viking helmet cake on Sweet & Saucy, and given the transport was impossible, I set out to make something similar but with buttercream (yum!) and not fondant. I was impressed that I got the horns to stay up!!

It ended up pouring down rain, but was still such a fun morning. The boys had to 'earn' each piece of their weaponry with each game. There was sheep launching, dragon fire defending etc. The 'dragon killing' game was the most fun, with hatchets and balloons, and could have gone on for longer had we had more dragon balloons blown up...lesson for next time!

It was a really fun day and the boys totally go into it. Happy birthday handsome boy! xo

Sources: Invitations // Stickers // Treat Bags // Game Ideas // Cake Inspo

See Levi turn; Two | Three | Four | Five (?? missing somewhere??) - I can't believe I have a six year old!

HONEY & GOLD POZIBLE CAMPAIGN UPDATE

2014-08-19T13:34:00.004+10:00

I woke up this morning and saw that the crowd-funding campaign for Honey & Gold had gone over the $3,000 mark. Wow! Thank you, thank you, thank you, to everyone who has pledged. Seriously, I am so excited over here!
I am getting more and more confident that this dream will actually become a reality. Amazing. There are only three more days to make a pledge, so I hope you will head on over and be part of this 'heart project' of mine.

If you're catching up on this and want to know what it's all about, you can read the story here.

Thank you friends x

ROCKY ROAD FREE GIFT TAGS

2014-08-12T13:01:00.001+10:00

I'm just catching up from a super long weekend over here. Both Friday & Monday off school has been a bonus. It's so much more relaxing in the mornings and I feel I can just breathe easier throughout the day. Ahhhh...

I don't know if you follow Leanne of Sweet Style? But if not...get on over there! She is one the original Aussie party bloggers I 'met' back when I started blogging and getting into the party scene. I have the utmost respect for Leanne. Many have come and gone, but she has been true to herself, and been committed to seeing her shop grow & change with her. And in addition, more recently, she has bloomed into this amazingly talented photographer! I love her bright and clean style.

I have started contributing to her blog in the diy/design area and I had my first feature last week. Head on over to read why the Rocky Road, and get a free printable gift tag!

Oh I want some of that right now...:)

Happy Monday friends!

All Images// by Leanne from Sweet Style

FLORAL BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT

2014-08-01T13:07:00.004+10:00

I designed Lexie's birth announcement many months ago now, and I am still handing out to friends and family. So slack, but this is real life!
I think if I'd waited to have professional photos taken etc, then they'd still be in the making, so I guess I'm thankful for that, and better late than never right?!

I can't believe she is 5 months old already! If you follow me on Instagram you can see how big and chubby she's getting. Such a fun age! She even had her first taste of real food today...(mummy detail!). This three kids thing has been a juggling act, but I'm loving that we're getting into a better groove now. Yay.

How is your world & life juggle at the moment? I hope you have a wonderful weekend enjoying your own friends and family.

Birth Announcement available to purchase & personalise in my shop here

MOVING HOUSE + HAPPY WEEKEND

2014-07-25T22:33:00.001+10:00

Image Source

As we continue to unpack and set up home, I'm constantly thinking about the end goal of each room. What I want it to look like, how it needs to function. Biggest on my list is the lounge room. At the moment we have grey couches...on tiles...in winter...it's cold and not overly inviting. I'm inspired by this living space I've had on my Pinterest board for a while. Neutral but interesting. I like the gallery wall & clean lines. I'm drawn to these colours I've pinned too. We need something on the floor to start off I think though, so I might just start the rug quest this weekend. Wish me luck!

Thank you so much for the overwhelming response to my pozible campaign. The funds raised so far are almost a quarter of the target amount...in just two days! Blown away. Obviously there are still 28 days to go, but there's no time like the presence to pledge and make this dream become a reality. Yay, it's happening! :)

Have a great weekend x

HONEY & GOLD POZIBLE CAMPAIGN

2014-07-23T14:05:00.001+10:00

After our big move over the weekend, we have unintentionally had 'media fast' at our place this week. No internet and really poor phone coverage (meh!). But hooray, the internet is on and just in time. Because...

Today I launch a really personal project of mine called Honey & Gold, and I'm really excited to share it with you! The whole vision & dream started last year in Canada, but it was only after my sister passed away earlier this year, that I really felt it was something I had to do.

I feel like I want to get it off the ground and happening asap so I have started a Pozible crowdfunding campaign.

Have you heard of crowd funding before? It's pretty much where you get a crowd of people to fund something (funny about that!) : ) Anyway, I think it's kind of exciting to be a part of other peoples dreams, And I'm hoping you'll be a part of mine.

Last year I helped Tanya from Tickle the Imagination, turn her digital magazine into a special printed version. I only gave $50 bucks, but its funny how now with each new edition she prints, there is this little bit of happiness I get feeling a part of seeing her vision become a reality.

I hope you'll head over to Pozible & make a pledge. And don't forget to check out the different level rewards you get in return!

From a nervously excited Jordan :)

HOORAY MAGAZINE + HAPPY WEEKEND

2014-07-18T12:52:00.001+10:00

I kind of chuckle at the phrase 'fun bags', but this truly was a fun bag of goodies that arrived yesterday. The new 'Hooray!' Magazine packaged up in a cool tote. All Australian, all inspiring. Even the cover has me excited. I can't wait to dig in!
But...I don't think that will be happening till later next week. We are moving house this weekend. So it's all boxes and unpacking I think. This little winner is going to have to wait a little longer to be savoured slowly. Magazines are totally my little indulgence. I love sitting down, browsing and wishing...What about you?

Have a great weekend! x

P.S. Check out this funny Guide to Ikea a friends husband wrote

CREATE BOX FOR DUNNE WITH STYLE

2014-07-17T05:00:00.000+10:00

Crafting is one of my fave things and I've had a go at tonnes of different things ever since I was a young girl. From Cross-stitch, to calligraphy, quilting & quilling...you name it, I've probably tried it. I love that we've been riding the craft-is-trendy wave again for the past few years and that it's still going strong.

Being a true blue craft lover, these Create Boxes from Dunne with Style are right on. I've seen a couple of subscription craft projects in the US, but this is the first I've seen here in Australia, and I love that.

I worked with Sam on the design and print of the 'Create' cover cards (printed on Kraft card stock), and also the white on black artists cards. I would definitely be happy getting this box of goodness in the mail, wouldn't you?

There are a limited number of 50 for each box, so you'll have to be quick to get your crafty box of inspiration!

You can purchase the Create boxes via Dunne with Style:
Box One by Laura Blythman here
Box Two by Gemma Patford here

If you need design work done for your small to medium business shoot me an email, I'd love to work with you!

LOGO DESIGN & MINI BRANDING :: VERUS VITA COMMUNICATIONS

2014-07-14T06:00:00.000+10:00

I designed this logo for a client/friend of mine in Canada. She is a freelance journalist and PR consultant. She had a strong sense of what she wanted, more of a word mark than an image. After a couple of concepts she settled on this vibrant and friendly red version. I really like how it turned out.

Even though we live in a digital age, with all my logo clients I include a business card design. So I added some hand illustrated elements to get the conversation going! : )
I think it's nice to get the logo off the screen and have something tangible at the end of the day. Don't you?

I would love to help you create a professional look & brand for your business. Shoot me an email and we can talk about what you have in mind. I look forward to hearing from you!

POLKADOT PRINTS DOES GOMA & NITROGENIE

2014-07-11T12:46:00.002+10:00

The reason it's been quiet here....We are nearing the end of our three weeks school holidays! It's been so nice to have a break from the 'must-be-out-the-door-at-a-certain-time' school mornings and just chill. After taking it pretty easy the first two weeks, this week we have been out and about a bit more. A highlight was heading in to South Bank to check out the GOMA and current exhibition by Jemima Wyman. I love that they make art so kid-friendly. (Except the part where we were looking for the childrens gallery and walked into a silent video installation of naked men in a meadow...true story!) The kids made patterned spinning cards, pattern puzzles and played with interactive kaleidoscopes. It was a lot of fun.

After lunch we topped the day off with Nitrogenie. I'd heard about this magical Willy Wonka-esqu place for a while and wanted to check it out for myself. Inside you find white overall-clad creators making incredible flavoured ice cream with stand mixers and liquid nitrogen. It is really mesmerising to see your ice cream magically freeze before your eyes. I highly recommend it!

I hope you get to enjoy this sunny winter weather this weekend. Have a good one x
"/>
Images // copyright Jordan Bariesheff

ICE CREAM WALL PRINT SERIES

2014-06-20T06:00:00.000+10:00

I have been working on updating some of my most popular invitations lately and my ice cream stationery is one of the lucky ones. It includes some new illustrated ice creams and icy poles (or popsicles for my North American friends!) and I thought they were worthy of a feature of their own.

Wouldn't these look fun in a playroom, dining room or even outdoor space? Yummo!

Wall art available in my shop.

Well, signing off for the week. What do you have planned for the weekend? We have a bit of errand running to do, and then a whole lot of nothing because it's holidays for three weeks in this house! Yay for the school-free days! : )

RAINBOW & SUNSHINE PARTY

2014-06-18T20:09:00.003+10:00

Well winter is definitely here! We've had our first round of the winter flu hit us with a vengeance and made the rounds through all of us, including a little hospital stay for little miss Lexie to perk up her oxygen levels with a bout of bronchiolitis poor baby. I miss summer already! So I'm taking you back to Ellie's 2nd birthday in the height of summer.
I was heavily pregnant when it came time for the party planning, so we didn't do anything too fancy. I made a piñata and and pastel pink ombre cake with topper, in fitting with her 'rainbow & sunshine' theme. (see invitation I shared here)
She had a lovely day and it was just the right amount of event planning for me at the time. She looks so small even just four months ago!

Rainbow Stationery available in the shop

BRANDED LOGO STICKERS

2014-05-14T04:00:00.000+10:00

I've been working hard at updating my shop with heaps of new items. Still lots of products to add as I get the time, but I'm really happy with how it's looking, some old, some new. Why not head on over and take a look, you never know you might just find the invitation, wedding stationery or packaging you've been looking for!
One product I'm really loving are these stickers. I think they're perfect for businesses. I had some kraft envelopes lying around, so popped some labels on as just a little sample of Etta Photography's recent order. I look forward to seeing what Maddie does with them!
So versatile...think logos for packaging, gift wrapping your products, for bakery ingredients, clothing boutiques, party favours...anything really! You can find these & other stickers in my shop here.

Happy Browsing!

P.S. Thank you so much for your kind words from my post last week. Feeling surrounded by even more love and kindness. xo

NOT SO GOOD FRIDAY

2014-05-07T13:40:00.001+10:00

This post is probably one of the hardest I've had to write here. And has been a long time coming. Nearly a month actually. Obviously my life is private, but I do share a lot of myself here with you. And it just feels a little bit false and 'shiny' to share only the good stuff. So I aim so touch on it all.

Our family experienced the deep sadness of losing one of my sisters over the Easter holidays. She tragically took her own life. I know. Heartbreaking.
It's difficult to share something so raw and personal with you. As a sign of respect to her & our family, I'm not going to share her whole story here. Except to say this has been one of the most difficult things that has hit us as a family.

I feel totally blessed that life this far, while it definitely has it's ups and downs, has been tragedy free and I have not had to experience the loss of someone so close to me. But that has now all changed. So many tears, thoughts and wonderings. I will always miss my bright & creative sister. Not because of any talent, skill or achievement, but just because she is my sister.

I am so thankful that my family has a faith in Jesus, that has kept us grounded and united during this season. I realise you don't know our family, but we are definitely not doing this alone. You unfortunately only read my words here and don't get to see the amazing community we are a part of; the meals, the flowers that just keep turning up, the text messages from friends, those who have walked a similar road of loss sharing their story, the huddling together in those first few days just sitting together. Family. For this I am so very thankful.

While the journey of grief will no doubt continue over time, I wanted to write this post is a bit of a marker in the sand really. I probably won't share much more on this in the future, it just seemed strange to continue posting "frivolous" design stuff without acknowledging her life. But, while I have been back doing freelance for a couple of weeks, I am ready to start sharing here again. I really hope you'll stop by again soon.

Much love, Jordan xo

And P.S....Go hug those you love...one of those long 7 second stress-releiveing ones :)

TEACHER EASTER GIFTS

2014-04-03T04:00:00.000+10:00

It's only a few more days till the school Easter holidays, and we are ready for the break of the school routine. I wrote a little 'holiday activity' list yesterday to make sure we make the most of the days off together but also make some great memories. Love me a good list, I'm sure I'll share pics with you.

Today I am going to be using some of these Easter bags for some teacher gifts on the last day of school. Easter is definitely up there with Christmas when it comes to my favourite holiday celebrations. I've been eyeing off those foil wrapped eggs in the supermarket for weeks and I am glad I can validly purchase some to fill these bags! I think Levi's teachers will love them.

How do you celebrate Easter?

Easter bags available in my shop with 20% off this week only, but hurry only a few left! (code HAPPY20)

TICKLE THE IMAGINATION ICE CREAM PARTY

2014-04-01T04:00:00.000+10:00

I was really happy to receive an email in my inbox last month from Tanya of the beautiful Tickle the Imagination magazine. She asked to feature some of my work in their upcoming issue and we settled on a little Ice Cream bar 'how to'. I was so delighted to see it all prettied up in the flesh last week.

So many gorgeous ideas and talented people in this issue. Love the dessert feature and one very cute veggie patch party!
View the latest issue here. And why not make the most of the the last days of warm weather and host an ice cream party over the coming holidays! (yay to the school holidays : )

Ice Cream themed stationery & sundae stickers available in my shop. (Use HAPPY20 for 20% off this week!)

I'M BACK! & SHOP SALE

2014-03-31T04:00:00.000+10:00

When life throws a curve ball and there is a lot of change, I feel like I crave the familiar design work I do even more than usual. I think it's the sense of normal, the familiar, the 'I know how this works' that just feels good. There's been a whole new juggle when it comes to welcoming another newborn into our family, and I want to share on that more in a different post.

But, today is all about getting back into freelance work and re-opening my shop! What a privilege to be able to care for my kids and put something back into our family budget without leaving home. Truly, I love it.

So get excited! It's been about a year since I've had a sale, and so I thought nows a good a time as any! Back from 'maternity leave' and ready to start designing and creating personalised stationery for you again!

This week I am having 20% off my shop...on everything! That's right, invitations, birth announcements, custom stickers, even wedding stationery.
So spread the word, head on over (enter HAPPY20 at the checkout for the discount to apply)

Grab yourself a deal for the events coming up in your world over the next few months!
Happy party planning : )