2012: My Year in Review

I don't care what anyone says. There is something so absolutely magical about New Years Eve and being able to 'reset' and start fresh come January 1st. I am living proof of this very thing. 2011 was a hard year for me. For the first time in my life I felt lost and unsure of myself. I was in a serious funk and didn't even realize it. I slept through New Years (another first for me) but when I woke up on that first day of 2012 I really did feel like I had hit the reset button. I knew I wasn't happy with where my life was at the moment and I knew I was the only one who would be able to change it. So I did. It didn't happen over night, but slowly I started to change. 2012 really was a fabulous year, full of growth and self exploration. I'm so grateful for that. So in keeping up with tradition, here is a look back on my 2012. (See my other 'year in review' posts here: 2004 | 2005 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011.)

And because I also love words and (lots) of details, if you're so inclined, you can read more below.

• Right off the bat in 2012 I announced that I would be switching things up a bit and working under Stephanie Creekmur and not Paisley Card Co. Although I had made a change before, this one finally fit and has been, hands down, the best decision I could have made. (I also shared that my word for the year was confidence. I'm proud to say that I knocked that one out and am ready to tackle 2013's word, but more on that tomorrow!
  
  
• Shortly after announcing my news, I revealed the new look. While, I don't hate the look, it is so not me. I love bright, vibrant colors and the muted pallet and lack of pattern just wasn't going to work. I've since been really evaluating myself and business and am so thrilled with where my brand is going. I can't wait to share everything, oh so soon!
  
  
• In January I debuted the first 9 Southern Saying prints available. The collection has now grown to a total of 20 and I love every single one and they have provided lots of opportunities for this little business of mine.
  
  
• I gave the 'monthly goals' post a good college try and only did it for January. I really want to do better in 2013 because it really does help me to see my goals and when I put them out into the universe I seem to have a better completion rate!
  
  
• In February we (Christie Jenkins and I) began accepting pre-orders for our book, My Animal Alphabet. I am still completely amazed that a book I illustrated is available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Wow.
  
  
• I attended the first Amber Housley Inspired workshop here in Nashville and I wholeheartedly believe that is where things began to change in me and with my business. I owe Amber and the other ladies so much for what has happened this year. I am forever grateful for their wisdom and eagerness to share and nurture other growing entrepreneurs.
  
  
• My golden birthday. I turned 26 on March 26th. I just new it was going to be a great year. And I was right!
  
  
• A handful of my favorite people on this planet drove down here to Tennessee to surprise me for my birthday. It was hands down the best birthday ever and I am still completely shocked they were able to pull it off. I am never completely surprised!
  
  
• In June I revealed the final look for Stephanie Creekmur. I finally felt like I was on the right track. Working under my name just felt right and the multicolor logo can not be anymore me.
  
  
• In the summer my dad took my sisters and I to Disney World. I had waited 26 years for this. I was so excited and I'm so thankful that we got to experience that trip together.
  
  
• November was such an exciting month for SC. I was published in print for the first time, not once, but twice! First in the Atlanta Journal Constitution and (here is the online link) then in Southern Weddings Magazine Volume 5. My work for Pizzazzerie was also featured on the Huffington Post's website! Pinch me!
  
  
• I steadily increased my sales each month. It is so fulfilling to see that the extra time you put into something is well worth it. When I got to my last few orders of the year I started tearing up while packing the orders. I was seeing my products being shipped all over the country and I finally started to see that my dream is so possible and I know that I will make it happen.
  
  
• I took a little break starting before Christmas and until the new year to relax, refocus, and spend time doing what matters. The time with my family was much needed and so appreciated. So thankful for them and thankful that I was able to take a break!

And now I'll leave you with one of my favorite quotes from the movie New Years Eve. Hillary Swank's character is doing a news conference because the ball has stopped midway on it's journey to the top and I just love everything she says.

"As you all can see the ball has stopped half way to its perch. It's suspended there to remind us before we pop the champagne and celebrate the New Year, to stop and reflect on the year that has gone by. To remember both our triumphs and our missteps, our promises made and broken. The times we opened ourselves up to great adventures or closed ourselves down for fear of getting hurt. Cause that's what New Year's is all about, getting another chance. The chance to forgive, to do better, to do more, to give more, to love more. And stop worrying about what if and start embracing what will be. So when that ball drops at midnight, and it will drop, let's remember to be nice to each other, kind to each other. And not just tonight, but all year long."

So there you have it, folks. 2012 has come and gone and tomorrow when we wake up a new year will be upon us. I wish you all the luck in the new year and hope that you don't frown on resolutions but always strive to reach higher and dream bigger. And always remember - It will never happen if you never try.

Happy New Year, Y'all! God bless! :)

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Featured | Christmas Printables for Pizzazzerie

Just popping in to share that my work was featured on Pizzazzerie again! I designed a full Christmas printables collection - in 2 color ways! There is red and green for you more traditional folk and pink and blue for those of you who like to switch it up a bit!

You can download all of the pieces in either color way here. Merry Christmas! :)

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In the Studio | Sweet Southern Charm Note Cards

I'm so excited to be sharing this right now. I debuted the first 9 southern saying posters in the Sweet Southern Charm collection at the beginning of this year and shortly after, I designed my first Sweet Southern Charm Note Cards. At that time, only 4 of the sayings from the collection were available and I kept the design the same as the posters. I have, for months, been working on an entire collection - 20 witty, southern sayings - and am so happy to say that they are finished! I am slowly adding them to the Shop and will have photos of the actual cards when I get them back from the printer, but I just couldn't wait any longer to share them!

These will be available at Tinsel & Twine, which if you are a fan over on Facebook, you know I will be sharing a booth with Button Baby - November 30th - December 1st - so come on out and do some holiday shopping!

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Featured | Thanksgiving Printables for Pizzazzerie

Happy Monday, friends! Hope you all had a fabulous weekend! My sister is in town and we had lots of fun but I didn't get much any work done - I'm paying for it today! ;) Anyway, remember the Halloween Printables I designed for Pizzazzerie last month? Well, I partnered with Courtney again to bring you an adorable (and fully stacked) Thanksgiving collection. There is everything from an invitation to invite friends and family to your Thanksgiving meal to leftover tags to adorn the bundles of food you send home with them when you leave! Be sure to head over and check it all out!

You can download all of the festive pieces here.

And here is a look at the complete collection!

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Featured | Halloween Printables for Pizzazzerie

Can you believe it? It's Halloween! I can't believe tomorrow is the first day of November! Before we know it, Christmas will be here! Ok, ok - before I get ahead of myself I thought I would share the printable collection I designed for Pizzazzerie. If you're having a party today and need some last minute paper details we've got you covered from party logos and drink wraps to food label tents and a banner! 

You can download the whole collection here.

Oh, and I'm working on some Fall/Thanksgiving inspired printables for Pizzazzerie so stay tuned! :)

Hope you all have a fun + safe night! Happy Halloween, friends!

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In the Studio | MBFW - The Man Shower

Continuing on with the My Best Friend's Wedding paper goodness, today I want to share with you the invitations and party details from the man shower I threw for Brandon. As soon as I knew my two best friends were getting married (to each other), I was so excited for both of their showers. (You can see the invites for Lindsay's shower here.) I have to admit, Brandon wasn't too excited about the idea at first but he eventually came around after I made many promises that it would not be girly or silly. Just a bunch of guys, getting together to eat and play golf! :)

I wish I had better photos to share with you than ones taken with my iPhone, but these will have to do!

I had a lot of fun with the details knowing that the guys wouldn't really get too excited about them but they would at least humor me! I think my favorite part would have to be the utensil bags complete with a sticker of B's silhouette! 

I also had a lot of fun coming up with names for the food. And yes, I had to Google golf terms!

I love how the cupcakes turned out! I asked Amy from Amycakes & Cookies to make me some grass inspired cupcakes and I added golf tees, marshmallows (for golf balls) and little flags. They were so cute! And delicious too!

It was such a fun day! Thanks so much to Lindsay and Marissa (Bride & Groom's Sister - and my best friends!) for helping me! I appreciate it so much! And thank you, B for understand that I love to do this stuff and for letting me throw you a shower! Ha! Y'all are the best! :)

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Infontuation | FREE Halloween Fonts

Halloween is exactly one week away so I thought I would share some of my favorite spooktacular fonts with you. These are great to use for party favors or paper details at your Halloween party. The best part? Every single one of these fonts is FREE over at DaFont. Click on the links below to download the font of your choice. 

1. Double Feature | 2. No Fear | 3. Black Widow | 4. Blood Thirsty | 5. Friday 13th

6. Shlop | 7. I Still Know | 8. Swamp Witch | 9. Insanity | 10. Evilz*

Links will direct you to DaFont.com in a new window.
*Link will direct you to Font Squirrel 

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In the Studio | MBFW - Bridal Shower Invitations

I'm back with another addition of "my best friend's wedding" to share more paper goodness! In case you missed it, last time I shared the save the dates I did for Lindsay and Brandon. Today, I want to share the invitations for Lindsay's bridal shower as well as some of the details I created for the day.

The shower was on a Sunday afternoon, after church, and we went with a "country picnic" theme. For the invitations, I wanted something very feminine and of course I did not hesitate to throw a red gingham backer into the mix. What country picnic is without red gingham? No picnic I want to go to, that's for sure!

For the party details I created a welcome sign with mini fabric and doily banners that mimicked the larger banners we had inside. I stained the doilies in coffee so they weren't so stark white and I really like how they turned out!

It was a lot of fun and I love how all the details turned out! I wish I had better photos to share with you, but these will just have to do! I will be back tomorrow to share the invitations and details from Brandon's man shower! 

Hope y'all have a great day! :)

P.S. Two years ago today, my beautiful grandma went home to be with Jesus. Although we miss her, it is comforting to know she is in Heaven and has no trouble remembering a thing! :) RIP♥10.10.10

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In the Studio | Return Address Stamps

A few months ago, I started designing a collection of return address stamps. Sadly, like a lot of things I design, they get put on the back burner so I can complete the other not so fun tasks of  running a business - like answering emails, filling orders, ordering supplies, bookkeeping, running to the post office, etc. About a month ago, I finally found the time (read: I burned the midnight oil) to complete a collection of 20 return address stamps. I put them in my Etsy shop, and like with any new product launch, hoped for the best. Thankfully, they took off pretty quickly. I am so grateful for all of the orders and flattered that many brides have chosen my stamps to use for all of their wedding correspondence! If I had known how much people would love them I would have done it months ago!

You can see all of the stamps available in the shop, here! :)

Below is a look at all of the stamps currently available! I will be bringing out my Christmas products in just a few short weeks and these will coordinate with some of the card designs to make your Christmas card sending a bit more easy and festive. There will even be some Christmas-y stamps available! So stay tuned! :)

Even if you buy a stamp for yourself, I want you to feel like you are opening a gift when you receive one of my products. My stamps come tied with a big pretty bow, wrapped in tissue paper, and of course are accompanied by a handwritten note. If you are giving a stamp as a gift, just be sure to include your personal message in the notes section while checking out!

Alright, I think that's enough for now! I hope to be back soon with some more SC goodness! :)

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In the Studio | My Best Friend's Wedding - Save the Dates

In less than 1 month two of my very best friends in the world will be getting married. To each other. I am so excited for the both of them and so happy I get to be a part of their big day! I am also very thankful I was put in charge of all their wedding paper goods. Lindsay is my #1 fan. Well one of them, I have been blessed with many a cheerleader through my journey! 

Today I thought I would start sharing the different paper details that are all leading up to Lindsay and Brandon's big day. First up the save the dates! Save the dates are a great way to one, announce to those who may not have heard, that you are tying the knot, and two, give your guests a heads up of when this holy matrimony will be taking place. It's also a time where you can have a little more fun and it's a great opportunity to share your engagement photos with your guests.

For L&B's save the dates we did a double-sided design so we could show off as many of their gorgeous engagement photos (taken by Cargle Photography) as possible. I hate to say it, but my best friends are more than likely prettier than yours. ;)

Please excuse the poor quality of the photos! I'm just happy I finally got some taken so I could share them!

I'm really happy with how they turned out and most of all that Lindsay loved them! Next, I'll be sharing the bridal shower invitations I did for Lindsay, as well as some of the party details, so stay tuned! :)

Oh, and one more thing - notice their wedding monogram below? I'm a huge fan of using a wedding logo throughout the details for your big day. Much like a company would use their logo throughout their branding materials, a wedding logo helps to give your event a cohesive flow. You'll notice this little guy a few more times throughout the paper goods for Lindsay and Brandon! I'm also in the process of designing a collection of wedding logos that will be available for purchase very soon! I'm so excited and can't wait to share them with you! :)

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Infontuation | Carolyna Pro Black

This, my friends, is my favorite, most recent purchase. I purchased it a few weeks ago from Emily Lime's Etsy shop and could not have been happier. She is a typography genius! I can not wait to see what she comes up with next! This typeface has a larger price tag than I typically like to spend, but it is worth every penny and then some. I don't know why I held out for so long! (I've shared it's sister font, Carolyna Pro before. Also very gorgeous!). I used CPB in one of my new stamp designs and it has been my best seller. You can check it out here.

From MyFonts:

"Carolyna Pro Black is the bolder sibling of Carolyna Pro. It is an elegant yet whimsically handwritten calligraphy font that was created with readability in mind. It uses open-type features to assist with letter flow and to give each creation that modern, hand-lettered touch. With over 1000 characters, there are many stylistic alternates to choose from, tons of foreign characters so you can write in other languages, and fun swashes to give headings a little something extra. Note: This font works best with open-type friendly applications."

Again I say, EMILY, I can't wait to see what you come up with next! :)

Purchase Carolyna Pro Black: Emily Lime Design | MyFonts

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In the Studio | Party Straw Calling Cards

I have the best intentions of sharing my recent work on this blog but somehow I always fall behind! Regardless, today I'm here to share a fun project I worked on a few weeks ago! Back in March, you may remember, I had the opportunity to attend the AH Inspired workshop here in Nashville. Well, Amber brought the workshop back to Nashville and I was able to convince my friend Ashlee (we met through work and have so much in common. She is super creative and has big dreams just like I do. Needless to say, our dinner dates last for hours!) that she needed to attend the workshop! She is in the very beginning stages of her business so she doesn't have any branding collateral quite yet and she wanted to give the other attendees something they would remember. I suggested she give striped paper straws and attach her information to the package, because who doesn't love pretty striped straws? I just created a simple card with her information and I think they turned out super cute after Ashlee assembled! I can't wait to see where and how her business grows! :)

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In the Studio | Sweet as a Peach

This summer, Southern Weddings has added a new column, Summer in the South. I have loved every single one of these posts. They are so fun! Well, thanks to these posts and the ladies over at SW, I am now aware that it has been National Peach Appreciation Month. Who knew there was such a thing? One thing I have been well aware of here lately, is that people love Southern Sayings and they love the color peach! My Sweet as a Peach print has been added to so many treasury lists on Etsy, I've lost count. It's been one of my best sellers! I'm thinking about selling it with gold foil - I think it would be gorgeous! :)

How do you feel about peach? Love it, hate it? I have to say it has definitely grown on me this summer!

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In the Studio | Bride + Groom Money Shower

Happy Monday Tuesday, folks! I was in Ohio this past weekend and just got back late last. I'm exhausted but happy that it's only a 4 day work week! :) I just wanted to share this invitation I did for my aunt who was throwing my cousin, Adrian and his future bride, Amy a money shower! When my aunt started talking about a "money shower" she got some negative feedback since it doesn't exactly fall into the good ol' southern tradition category. But, Amy has already had her traditional, no boys allowed, bridal shower, and the two live together in their new home and have had a housewarming party. The registry has been covered so we decided to throw tradition out the window! I forgot to snap some photos of the actual invitations (which we sent in black envelopes) so this digital version will just have to suffice!

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In the Studio | Sweet Southern Charm Print Collection

Hey y'all! Just wanted to pop in and share the full Sweet Southern Charm print collection! I've shared this collection before, but at the time there were only 9 and now there are a total of 15! I love these so much and even more, I love that other people love them! Today, I was informed that they (only the first 9) were shared over on Sweet Tea and Cornbread's Facebook page and so far it has 514 "likes" and has been re-shared 1,271 times (and counting...). That's a lot! And since I have yet to share all 15 here on the blog I thought it was as good a time as any! My favorites are Bless Your Heart, Thank You Kindly, Sweet as a Peach ... OK, who am I kidding! I love them all! I am in the process of hanging 9 of them on my wall. It was hard for me to leave any out, but I thought 15 was a little overkill! ;) I'll share pictures soon! Anyway, if you're interested in purchasing one of these prints (available in 8 x 10 and 11 x 14) head on over to my Etsy shop! Enjoy the rest of your evening! 

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Word to the Wise | Be Content.

This is (sadly) a constant reminder I have to give myself. It is so easy to get wrapped up in the material things this world has to offer but does any of it really matter? No. Last Sunday morning, I was hit hard by a link my friend Sheree shared on Facebook and it brought me to tears. So much so that I didn't know if I would be able to get myself to church. I am not a pretty crier. No Miss America cry for me. We're talking puffy nose, red face, the works. Nevertheless, I was able to pull it together and I headed off to the service. I could not get what Ann Voskamp (Author of 'One Thousand Gifts') said out of my head.

"Once we have seen the poor, we are responsible — we will make a response. As long as your heart is beating, there’s no such thing as unresponsive. We all look into the face of the poor and it’s either Yes, I will help. Or no, I won’t. There’s no getting off the hook."

I was hurting so deep because I am responsible and to be honest, I was feeling very guilty. I have been to one of the poorest countries on the planet. Twice. It moved and changed me tremendously. Inside. But what have I really done to help those people? I pray for them a few times a week, I think of them most days, and I sold some Haitian jewelry to support the talented artisans who make it. Big deal.I'm all the time dogging Kim Kardashian for accepting that gaudy "engagement ring" and "if she would have just fed the hungry with that or given to those whose homes are in foreclosure" etc. etc. etc. She may have a lot more money than I do, but that doesn't mean I can't help in my own ways. Haiti obviously holds a special place in my heart so I will always want to reach out to them but there are people around me every day that are fighting their own battles. This isn't a Christian thing or an American thing. It's a HUMAN RACE thing. Don't we have an obligation to help those that we can? How can we continually turn away from those in need just because it's uncomfortable or its inconvenient?

It's pretty obvious that I am working toward a large goal. I want to be my own boss and work full time doing what I love. I get so caught up in how I'm going to make it all happen and trying to be productive and making sure I'm doing everything to make MY life better when I really need to be less concerned with myself.

I had been wanting to paint a chalkboard wall for awhile so last week, I just did it. This was one of the first things I wrote on it and it's still there. And just about every day, I have to remind myself just how true it really is. It's nice to have a little perspective thrown at you every now and then! I feel like I have been given a talent to create beautiful things and I want to be sure that I am not only using that talent for my own benefit. I want to some how, some way give back.

Alright, that's enough for now! I hope you all have a FABULOUS week! :)

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In the Studio | Bachelorette Weekend Save the Date

Every now and then (OK, a lot of times) I end up with unused design concepts. This is for a couple different reasons. One, I like to give my custom design clients options. I at least give them 2 concepts to choose from and many times, I give them as many as 5. It just depends on how quickly and abundantly the inspiration is flowing. Another reason for left behind designs is, plans change. Which happens to be the case here. My best friends are getting married in October. Yes, plural - how fun that two of my best friends are marrying each other? Yay!

Anyway, I'm in charge of planning the bachelorette party! Originally everyone was going to make the trek south to celebrate here in Nashville but we decided it would be easier if I headed to Ohio and we celebrate there! We will still have a marvelous time, but I am kind of bummed that I won't be sending these babies out! I absolutely love them! I chose coral and teal to play off the red and navy used in the Tennessee flag (that's where the circle and star monogram comes from too!). But, for now, they won't be used so it's back to the drawing board! Of course I will come up with something equally as fabulous and share with you when the time comes! I'll also be sharing Lindsay and Brandon's Save the Dates here in a few days, so stay tuned!

Please excuse the pixelation and discoloration! Blogger's photo loader is not the best! ;)

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In the Studio | Country Ladybug Baby Shower

Good morning, friends! I hope your Monday is off to a great start! I wanted to pop in and say hello and show you a recent project! Sarah contacted me through my Etsy shop. She came across my Red Gingham Minnie Mouse Invitations while searching for baby shower invites for her sister-in-law. She was going for a "Country Ladybug" theme and thought my invites with one little tweak would be perfect! We switched out the Minnie head for a Ladybug and voila!

Along with the invitations, I designed an enclosure card requesting guests to bring a book to stock Baby Hendrix's library. The little poem was so cute! This is something I've seen pop up more and more recently! (Remember these?)  Sarah also purchased my Kraft envelopes with Red Gingham liners to coordinate with the invitations. Lined envelopes are one of my favorite details! They just make the delivery that much more special! I just love how this invitation suite turned out! I do believe I will never tire of gingham + Kraft.

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In the Studio | Jellyfish Wishes Website

I am so excited to share this project! I had the pleasure of designing a website for Jellyfish Wishes, an organization that collects cards for children who are spending time in the hospital and need a little cheering up and encouragement. It was started by one of the sweetest little girls I've ever know and is able to continue because her mother, and my friend, sacrifices her time to make it happen! 

This project came together pretty quickly because they were recently interviewed by a local news station and needed to have a web presence by this Friday! There are still a few minor tweaks going but please head on over to their new website to read their story and to leave a little message for them!

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Land of the Free, Home of the Brave

And, it's over! Well sort of. I'm kind of carrying the celebrations of Independence Day into the weekend. How about you? I spent yesterday out by the pool with friends and family. We had BBQ chicken and ribs. Yum! I don't have much to say today accept that I am so grateful to have been born in this country and equally grateful for those who have sacrificed (& continue to sacrifice) for the freedoms you and I get to enjoy every day. So, thank you!

I also just wanted to share this image from a shoot I had this past Sunday with Michelle from Nixon Photography. The weather was less than what I had hoped for (I was craving that yummy, warm sunlight) but we embraced the wind and were able to pull this flag shot off. I can. not. wait. to see the rest of the images and share them with you!

I hope you enjoy the rest of your week and have a fabulous weekend! :)

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A New & Final Face

Today I am beyond thrilled to share with you my new (& 100% permanent) logo. If you've been here before, you may have seen a few different versions, but I won't get in to that - moving forward, right? ;) From the beginning of my journey in early 2009 I knew two things to be true. 1. I wanted to have my own creative business. and 2. I wanted my logo to be done in calligraphy. I played around with script typefaces, and although beautiful, they lacked the unique and handmade feel I was looking for. There are some things only pen and paper can do! 

A few months ago I started seriously searching for a calligrapher. Checking out their styles and emailing back and forth until I found the perfect fit. Finally, I came across Angi, of Angelique, Ink. Not only was I smitten with her work but she was so nice and wonderful to work with. During the 1st revision round she took my suggestions and really listened to what I was saying and she nailed it right on the head. We didn't have to go any further! She was also very patient as I waited weeks to give my response. As I've said before, I want my brand to be a full reflection of me and my business and I want to make sure I put lots of thought into it. Thank you so much, Angi. You're amazing & I can't wait to work together in the future! :)

As far as the color(s) - I can not tell you how much I love them. I'm kind of nervous to be putting this out here because I feel like I'm taking a bit of a risk. When my (wonderful) aunt suggested I use all of the colors I loved, I kind of thought she was crazy and did not expect to like it at all. Whatsoever. I don't know too many logos out there that have this many colors going on, and yet, it just works. For me. I love the way it makes me feel when I look at it. It's the same way I feel when I look at this photo which is how I know it's right.

Back in March, I had the opportunity to attend the Amber Housley Inspired Workshop here in Nashville. It was such a great experience and just what I needed at the time to ignite that fire inside of me again. I'm so proud of the progress I have made and so ready to just keep pushing towards all my wildest dreams.

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend and PLEASE tell me what you think of my new logo! I hope you love it as much as I do because friends, it's here to stay!

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Happy Summer, Y'all!

It's officially the first day of Summer. Ah, if only I could spend every waking moment out by the pool or out on the lake sipping lemonade and sweet tea out of a mason jar (because let's face it, there really is no better way to do it). That would be the life! I have a really busy two weeks ahead but I hope to pop in now and then in the meantime! I have my very first photoshoot for Stephanie Creekmur coming up and I'm very excited and super nervous so I hope to share some fun things going on with that!

But for now, enjoy this video I found over at Southern Weddings (one of my FAVORITE blogs even though I'm not planning a wedding. I love southern details!). Also, be sure to head on over to Southern Weddings to see the gorgeous photos from this Southern Summer Shoot. Have a great Wednesday, folks! :)

Blue Eyed Yonder presents Summer in the South from Artworks Wedding Cinema on Vimeo.

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Disney Bound | Where Dreams Come True

Just popping in to say hello! Things have been so crazy busy (& fun) here lately that I haven't had any extra time to blog! On Wednesday, I was lucky enough to go to the CMT Award show! That was such a fun experience and I'm glad to be able to check that off the list! The CMA Festival is this weekend here in Nashville so there is so much going on!

I also wanted to say that although things have been quiet this week, they are really going to be quiet next week because after 26 years I am finally going to Disney World. I am so ecstatic, I can't wait! I am going with my dad and my two sisters! It will be so much fun. My sisters and I fully intend on acting like 5 year-old little girls and getting every single princess's autograph. No shame here, people. No shame. I have lots to share with you about Stephanie Creekmur Design and can't wait to show you some behind the scenes stuff! :)

Oh and if you know me, you know I am smitten over bright colors. They just make me so happy, which is why this Rainbow Wedding Inspiration Shoot shared over on the Wedding Chicks caught my eye. There are so many charming details and while it's not exactly my style, there are so many elements I love. Check it out!

Have a great weekend, y'all! :)

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In the Studio | Mickey + Minnie Mouse Invitations

Day after day, the two posts that are always within the top 3-5 most visited here on my blog are dedicated to Mickey and Minnie Mouse (here and here). My Mickey and Minnie invitations have been some of my best sellers in my Etsy shop and I recently added a pink version of Minnie which have already been a big hit. I also added Mickey and Minnie return address labels that coordinate with the original invitations. It's obvious that little boys and girls love, love, love these characters and I love being able to design birthday party invitations inspired by them.

Due to the popularity (especially of Mrs. Minnie) I have added another Minnie Mouse invitation to the shop. This time in gingham, which if you know me or my work, you know I can't get enough of it. There is a red and pink version and coordinating return address stickers for each.

I'm super excited about the new additions and I'm adding new products each day, for this party theme as well as others so keep checking in with the shop to see what else is new! :)

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Free Download | Keep On Dreamin' Even If It Breaks Your Heart

Hello, all! I'm here a little later than normal with a post but I just wanted to share a little download I made for y'all! I don't know if you've heard the song, Even If It Breaks Your Heart by Eli Young Band but I am in love with it. As a small business owner and someone who is trying so hard to make many big dreams come true for herself, it can be a little heartbreaking/defeating/discouraging/etc. It's easy to be impatient. We want the reward right now. Hard work does pay off, even if it takes time! I just needed a little reminder to just keep going, always. I wish the same for you, whatever your dreams are or how far off they seem, just keep dreaming!

You can download an 8 x 10 here (download will start immediately). 

Enjoy, friends & remember - Keep on dreamin' even if it breaks your heart!

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In the Studio | Eyes Wide Open

Wahoo! It's Friday! This week has been one of my most productive in quite some time. I have marked a lot of (big and small) things off my very long, never-ending, always multiplying to-do list. Can I get an AMEN? I know there are more of you like me out there! ;) I'm also excited because this afternoon I am heading home to see my mama! The weekend is going to be a blur, packed full with lots of visiting with family, friends, & even a little work, but I can't wait!

Today, I just wanted to share a print that I just added to my shop - Eyes Wide Open. It's inspired by my friends Sheree and Bryce. They go to my church and were on our second mission trip to Haiti. Back in September, I designed a blog for them that they will use to document their journey. They are in the process of adopting two Haitian children to join their family of 6! They are amazing and so inspiring and I want to do what I can to help out!

Please purchase one and spread the word! Pin It, Tweet It, Share it on Facebook! You know the drill! :)

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Inspiration Found: In Floral Design

Being a designer, I am constantly finding inspiration everywhere! In nature, in pictures, even in those recyclable grocery bags (true story). Inspiration can strike anywhere at any time and I thought it might be fun to share from time to time what has inspired a certain design of mine.

This time around, inspiration found me through floral design. This bouquet created by Ella Bella Floral for one of their couples is amazing.I have been obsessed with it since I first came across it on Pinterest. I love the colors, I love the floral choices, and most of all - I love the way it makes me feel. This image has been my main source of inspiration throughout my re-branding process. It's perfect.

My aunt asked me to design an invitation for my cousin, Amy, who was turning 16. We decided on a luau theme and I looked to the Ella Bella bouquet for my source of inspiration. I just love the color combo and I'm really happy with how the invitations turned out! 

On a non-design related note - my aunt also asked me to help chaperone this party (it was a sleepover party for a bunch of her girlfriends at a hotel). We were down by the pool while the girls were swimming and guess who was hanging out right beside us? JASON ALDEAN. Turns out his daughter was having a birthday party there as well! I went right up to him and his wife and introduced myself. I have no clue what I said (I probably made a huge fool of myself) but it was just one of those things I had to do! Ha! Sadly, I did not get any photos of that exciting occasion. He was with his family and it just didn't feel right! The memories will have to suffice! :)

I hope y'all enjoy the rest of your Wednesday! :)

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In the Studio | Sweet Southern Charm Notecards

Back in February, as I was preparing to attend the AH Inspired event here in Nashville, I turned my Southern Charm print collection into a set of note cards to add to the swag bag for workshop attendees. I was short on time, so I wasn't 100% satisfied with the quality of the note cards at the time but still thought they were super cute. I especially love the plaid envelope liners that coordinate with each note card. (You may even recognize the pattern from a recent project I shared.) I've sense had time to perfect the quality and presentation and am really happy with how they are turning out!

I've had such a good response from these that I have decided to offer them in my shop. They are the perfect way to say hello to an old friend and send a little charm through the mail. To start, the 4 cards you see here - Bless Your Heart, Goodness Gracious, Give Me Some Sugar, and Hey Y'all - will be the only cards available. The note card sets will include the 4 note cards (printed on 100# card stock) and 4 plaid lined envelopes. I'm super excited!

I hope you're all having a productive Tuesday! I'm trying my best to! Make it happen, people! :)

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In the Studio | 2012 Grad, Lindsey

Hello, friends! I hope y'all had a wonderful weekend! Mine as I said on Friday, went super fast! But alas, it's time to get back in the swing of things, so today I want to share a custom graduation announcement I did recently! The announcements were printed double-sided with a glossy finish. I have a few other grad announcements that I hope to share some time this week! 

Hope your Monday's get off to a great start! Make things happen, people! :)

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