Last year on this day

was the last time I posted! Yes I know, shame on me! 2011 was a great year, I took some much needed time off from working freelance, doing craft shows and blogging, but now I am back and ready to be in full swing with some new direction on all of my extra extracurriculars! The hubs and I are also going to be taking on the task of a big purchase this year... a house! We are very excited and we hope the process will go smoothly. I hope to blog about the process, renovations, and decorating here! Will I be able to handle it all? We shall see ;)

The Flynn Skirt

You had me at hello. Thick stripes, check. Navy, check. Hot pink shirt paired with it, triple check. AND the designer, Anne Cramer, is local! You can check out the retailers on her website. If anyone is feeling extra giving, my birthday is next week and this would put the cherry on top. :)

Should I work for free?

(click box for full flow chart to see the only reasons you should be doing any work for free!)

Hells no!
But in all seriousness, working pro bono or on spec is a huge issue in the design community and when I saw this flow chart I thought it was a great way to introduce this discussion.

People often think that we designers can just whip up a design in no time just for them to "see if they like it" before purchasing (or paying for your work). Unfortunately, this theory doesn't really work in any other profession, why in design then? I mean, if you give the milk away for free who wants to buy the cow?

There is a great website I think all designers should check out called No-Spec and in addition I thought this post from Grace Smith was really well written and has quite a few really great links to check out if you are dealing with spec work requests.

What are your thoughts on this topic? On one hand you want experience, on the other you need to eat and pay rent. I know there are definitely a lot of opinions out there- I would love to hear them!


flow chart by Jessica Hische

Jan/Feb Issue of Lonny.

Lonny = Love.

Check it out here.

Um. SWEET!

I did a double take when I first saw this post! I die. SRSLY. Bananas. (yup, pulling out all the annoying acronyms for this one.) I can't wait- I hope this line does not disappoint bc I will be first in line at the Target store on May 1st!

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New Year New House?

Gotta say, winning this dream house from HGTV would certainly brighten my spirits in 2011.

Happy New Year To Me! :)

Ikea Hack

Love this idea! who would have thought to take a simple besta and finishing tacks to create a luxurious, sleek, and modern custom piece! Might be worth a trip to Ikea this weekend to see what I can diy myself! :)

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