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Friday, June 29, 2012

I HEART NICOLE'S CLASSES


Happy Friday Everyone!

Today I wanted to share one of my newest addictions - Nicole's Classes free tutorials { found here }.  These concise and informative tutorials focus on Photoshop, Illustrator (my personal fav), InDesign, and general typography design.  As I'm still in the process of browbeating convincing Mr. Squareview into pulling the trigger and purchasing the Adobe Creative Suite, I can only watch these longingly.  I cannot wait to sign up for the 4 week classes they offer after Mr. Squareview finally caves! 

Enjoy this example of how to create a bracket in Illustrator.  Have a great weekend!

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

MODERN NURSERY ART - ANOTHER WHALE OF A TIME




You may remember from a previous post { found here } that I was playing around with using hand drawn animals in Adobe Illustrator. This all began because I wasn't having any luck finding a modern nursery art piece to give as a gift for some family friends that became new Grandparents so I decided to make my own. 

I ended up using a fabric design in print form for that gift but it made me realize that it would also look super cute with fabric as well.

Well, I had another opportunity to test out this theory as my colleague's beautiful baby boy was turning one and moving into an new house.  I jumped at the chance to make him something for his new space to make him feel at home & wanted to share the results with you.

I took the whale that I drew for the piece above and literally cut it to use as my template.  Walter's room is going to be navy blue with splashes of orange so I used that as my color palette and got to work designing.    

I ORIGINALLY TRIED TO INCLUDE THE BLOW HOLE SPRAY, BUT IT JUST  DIDN'T WORK
INSTEAD, I CHOOSE TO USE SOME CUTE BUBBLES
MOVING CLOCKWISE: 1. MY TOOLS 2. POSITIONING MY TEMPLATE FOR TRACING
3. TRACING MY WHALE 4. MY ORIGINAL FABRIC OPTIONS

FIRST DRAFT - I THOUGHT THE ORANGE WOULD POP, BUT THE FLOWER PATTERN JUST WASN'T DOING IT FOR ME.  ALSO, LOOK AT THAT SAD ONE ARMED TEDDY I USED AS A PROP!  POOR GUY!
QUICK TRIP TO THE FABRIC STORE AND VOILA! SWEET AND SIMPLE BLUE CIRCLES FIT THE BILL { even though it was unintentional, they matched my bubbles perfectly - sweet serendipity! }

I was super pleased at how it turned out and just gave it to Walter's Mom. Yea! She liked it too.  I'd love to hear what you think of the final project.

Monday, June 25, 2012

MUSIC MONDAY vol 10

Oldie but goodie to share today.  I may be a bigger fan than most of this entire album  { as I'm a sentimental sap }, but all  in all, it is just plain fun.   This song in particular always puts me in an upbeat mood and gets me dancing in my seat, despite the fact that the actual lyrics are about breaking up! J Enjoy! 

Friday, June 22, 2012

HAPPY FRIDAY & A FUN NEW PROJECT!

Happy Friday everyone!  Even though I just got back from vacation, I'm really looking forward to the weekend.  It is supposed to be 84 and sunny here in Chicago and I can't wait to take advantage of the beautiful weather!


While I was away, a package I've been expecting arrived.  It contained the last items needed in my list of supplies for a project I've been itching to do.  As the weather is meant to be so incredible this weekend, I may not find the time to begin it but I wanted to give you a taste.... Stay tuned for the my take on the DIY Paper Straw Wreath!




Thursday, June 21, 2012

AHHHH...BACK FROM A MUCH NEEDED VACATION!



Mr.Squareview and I just arrived home from Key West, FL where we celebrated our 1st Anniversary.  It was a fantastic trip.  We really were able to get some much needed rest and relaxation.   We consumed Conch Fritters and Key Lime Pie (and a few cocktails) as often as we could!  I can't wait to go back!


We were having such a great time, we really didn't want to go home.  Mother Nature helped change our mind though and you'll see why in this pic I took as we were headed to the airport J Even with the downpour - I'm dreaming of my next opportunity to get back to, as the locals call it, Key Weird!

Monday, June 18, 2012

ONE DOWN, 50 TO GO





I can't believe it, but one year ago today I married my best friend.  It was a gorgeous sunny day and I would do it all over again in a heart beat.  Happy Anniversary, Mr. Squareview! Time sure does fly when you are having fun.  Here is too another 50 anniversaries.  Love you!



Wednesday, June 13, 2012

A LITTLE MUCH NEEDED R&R

Mr. Squareview and I are leaving this weekend for a little mini-break.  We're headed to the Florida Keys for some much needed rest & relaxation!  I'm so looking forward to our trip as it will not only be a sun filled beach trip, but a trip to celebrate our one year anniversary.  Cannot wait!

You may have noticed from my other posts that I'm on the road a bit for my day job.  In fact, both Mr. Squareview and I travel for work.  As a result, we've got packing pretty much down to a science.  Unless our travels take us away for more than 10 days, we do not check bags if we can help it.  You may think this is an economical choice, but it is not (we both travel enough that we don't have to pay for check bags).  It is more of a self inflicted challenge.  We just love to see how much we can cram into our carry-on rolly bags. We even use a little 18" one that, in a pinch, can be stored underneath the seats in front of us.

As this trip is special,  we'll be packing a bit more date night outfits than usual so we'll likely graduate to the "huge" 24" bag.  Oh, the space I will have!!  Looking forward to all this space, I began to plan my outfits using Polyvore for inspiration.  Here are a few of the combos I came up with.  What do you think?


A day at the beach




Sightseeing in the afternoon




For a night on the town




Anyone who knows me would argue that my date night outfit is not my style at all.  But, I saw the dress and thought - if there ever was a place to wear it - Key West was it!  I wonder if Jimmy Buffet will like it....?