Manzanita Speaks

So, after much soul searching, hours in Illustrator, and tons of paper wasted on printing mockups of in-process designs, I have FINALLY settled on a logo for Manzanita [event flowers & décor].

Here’s where I started:

This is from an image of a real manzanita shrub I took off the web – I put it through Illustrator using an action called “live trace”. But I just didn’t like how branchy the overall image was.

So I tried to make the form of the plant abstract by drawing over the first picture with a calligraphy brush in Illustrator. I didn’t like this either; it looked contrived and messy. So I had to move onto my next idea. Except I didn’t have another idea!

In coming to the end of my rope for ideas, I had to move onto my most feared medium: pen and paper. So I drew what was in my head all along: a simple little unassuming tree, clean enough to be classic yet strong enough to stand on it’s own. Here she is:

And after some refining of the graphics, this is my final product. What do you think? I think ….that I am finally done!

So the Bridal Faire at Madonna Inn a couple of weekends ago couldn't have gone better.

First, I had the honor of sharing a booth with the Events Redefined Girls. Niki and Jonnell are just wonderful, and were instrumental in helping me get rid of pre-Faire butterflies.

Secondly, The Girls and I did a last minute presto-chango to our booth theme. Turns out it was a good decision, because we were given the award for "BEST FLORIST" at the Faire. I was SO surprised and honored.

All in all, the three of us got a chance to meet some really great people, and winning for best booth was just the cherry on top.

If I got a chance to meet you at the Bridal Faire, thanks for stopping by!

Enjoy a couple of images from our booth below. The first two are courtesy of Niki Whitsett from Events Redefined.

With the influx of phone calls and consultations I've been scheduling with brides, I realized I'm in need of a new day planner to keep things straight.

Here is a HILARIOUS handmade planner I found on an Etsy seller's site (the store is called Mishamj). She creates them based on random quotes from family members. Here's the story behind this one:

"Each of my books are created around a quote from a member of my family. This one reads, "Seems like every time I try to call your mother, She's not home. I hope she's not out drinking like her father did. Love, Grandma" My grandmother had a Borderline Personality Disorder, and was the meanest woman I have ever known. This is an excerpt from a letter she wrote to my sister when she was little. Priceless!"

Think I should get it? Hmmmm...

ps: Bridal Faire pictures on the way!!