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Archive for Christmas – Page 4

make . Saint Nick Stamping

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If you are on the AQUA Creative Journal email list [please SUBSCRIBE!], you were the first to see a new illustration project I’m working on. Through some connections with a high school friend and my online Sketch Journal entries, I’m thrilled to launch a new Small Pond Graphics collection of craft stamps through my friends at CRAFFITI DIRECT! The clear polymer stamp maker launched its custom line of stamps earlier this year with a handful of artists, and in October, they approached me about turning some of my “sketching” style and illustration ideas into a Small Pond Graphics collection.

I’m really excited about the possibilities with these stamps. All the designs are original illustrations with hand-drawn type. I recently received my samples and have had a lot of fun playing around with ideas for how they can be used to create cards, wrapping, gift tags and other DIY projects. The kids and I are enjoying some rainy days at our family farmhouse for Thanksgiving, and I thought I would share a couple of the stamp diversions that have been keeping our creative juices flowing indoors.

One of the stamp sets in the collection we’ve been playing with is one called “Saint Nick.” The set includes all the “parts” needed to make the funny Santa shown below. I’ve also been experimenting with some patterns and cards using his hat and beard. Enjoy!

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Here’s a peek at the first five Christmas sets available in the collection. They can be purchased here. This was my first opportunity to use clear stamps, and it’s amazing how they “cling” to almost any plastic surface. I’ve used clear stamp blocks, stamp pad covers and even silly things like hairspray tops to stamp them! So many possibilities!

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inspired by . Charley Harper Ho Ho

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Have you ever seen images that cause you to take a deep breath? The work of illustrator, Charley Harper, does that for me. Based out of Cincinnati, Harper’s work mostly spanned the second half of the 20th century. It appeared in magazines (notably Ford Times), books and posters in the grand tradition of “Commercial Art” — my Carter’s precursor. Harper described his own work as “minimal realism” and it is really exquisite in its simplicity. I have Todd Oldham’s mammoth catalog of Harper’s work, and I often use it for inspiration in logo projects where simplicity is paramount. I was looking through the book last week and came across some of Harper’s holiday work. It made me smile and take that deep breath.

There’s no better time than the holiday season and the coming new year to think about the process of simplicity. May you and yours have a merry Christmas celebrating the simple truth of Emmanuel – God With Us.
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inspired by . Cookies with Santa

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This weekend I was out of town and doing a little online window shopping with Terrain. I really love their collection of simple, nature-inspired products. I decided to have a little fun and collect a wish list of favorite finds for Christmas Eve cookies with Santa. Hope you’re enjoying your own sugarplum visions today!

COOKIES WITH SANTA FAVES:
1. Juice jars — an old-fashioned vessel for cold milk!
2. Striped paper straws — green is a nice contrast to the red suit!
3. Hickory wood coasters — to protect the holiday table! Handcrafted by American woodworkers.
4. Red-striped napkin — to keep those crumbs out of his beard!
5. Stitched side plate — a design a toy maker could certainly love!
6. Reindeer penny candy — what midnight Santa snack is complete without candy? And a reindeer to boot!

inspired by . Saint Nick

I *might* be a packrat. In my defense, I get it naturally from my mother who is actually the one who kept these Santa specimens. Each year when we unearth the hoard of Christmas boxes from my attic, I search down all kinds of yellowed pages like these. They are infused with memories and wonder that have been layered since I was a child. I pulled a few to display in my office last weekend and I’ve been inspired by the nostalgic illustrations this week — ca. 1969-ish. Enjoy!

[Programming note: If you are connected with the Pond through my Facebook Page, you may have read about the changes in our lives over the last three months. I’ve taken a hiatus from Plop! and many other things as we continue to adjust. As we move into 2013, I hope to get back to posting with more regularity and to see with fresh eyes the inspiration that comes from simply living. I cannot express how my heart has been blessed by the support and patience of so many of my business colleagues. I’m convinced more than ever before that good business is human. Thank you.]

favorite things . Yummy Twelve Days

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The 12 Days of Christmas are almost over, but I couldn’t resist this great set of dessert plates from Rosanna, Inc. depicting each day in the carol. They have the perfect touch of whimsy to make sure holiday spirits are in full swing!

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

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