Happy New Year

New Year - New You!

Get your new year off to a great start and achieve a new you with a logo designed just for you!

For a limited time only! Secure your new logo design work, ready for when you are during 2017 

Happy New Year!

Book now and let's make that change.

IMAGE CREDIT PIXABAY.COM

Beautifully wrapped up

Make someone feel extra special with a beautifully wrapped gift...

What do you do with those awkward shaped presents or how do you add a bit of pizazz? Gifting and wrapping is one of my favourite activities in the run up to Christmas:

• you can disguise a gift to keep your loved ones guessing
• create a multi layered 'pass the parcel’ style wrap with a note or a treat inside each layer (might be best to stick these in place so they are seen)
• wrap your gift in tissue paper then inside the second layer of your chosen gift wrap add some glitter or artificial snow to guarantee a White Christmas! (kids (and big kids at heart) will love this one! ...but it’s not for everyone - choose wisely…)
• if the gift is HUGE and will need roll upon roll of gift wrap, add a bow and tag, and send them off on a treasure hunt to find it
• for small gifts or gift vouchers, why not pop them inside a cracker - job done!

We’ll be looking at a variety novel options and festive ideas to create gorgeous gift wrap at our Christmas Workshop on 14th December 2016 - don a Christmas hat or jumper for some extra festive fun (optional!). Bring along 2 or 3 gifts to work with… learn techniques, create and be inspired for all your Christmas gifts (and gifts throughout the year!)
- you’ll be the perfect Santa’s little helper...

FIND OUT MORE & BOOK your place here: www.inkshed-designstudio.co.uk/workshops

The PERFECT wedding?

The PERFECT Wedding?

Okay, so does the perfect wedding really exist? You hear stories about weddings that sound so perfect, as though they have come straight from a fairy tale - how did they achieve that? and did it all really run smoothly like magic?

I'm pretty sure there are a fair few stories to be told behind every wedding,

especially in the planning part (whether it's days, months or years in the making)

as well as the things that maybe didn't quite go to plan on the day...

Here's a chance to share your story, as part of market research,
- the ups, the downs, and the details that made your day!

Whether you are in planning mode (or just about to start)
or if your wedding was this year, last year or a few years ago...

...your story is UNIQUE and I would love to hear from you
about how you made your day PERFECT to you!

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE

So what makes the foundations of the perfect wedding:

you & your fiancé

Your day is all about the two of you - your story, your hopes and wishes for your special day and beyond. It's the start of your adventure together as a married couple. Your day should capture your personality and tastes, it's a celebration of the start of the next chapter in your story.

Perfection is something that is completely bespoke to each individual, it's the creation of your ideal -yes, that's right, that makes YOU & your fiancé the creators and authors of your perfect day (as well as the leading characters of your story of course) - there is no 'one fits all'. It's that 'glass slipper' moment, it's creating the day that perfectly fits the two of you...

"Once in a while,

(right in the middle of an ordinary life),

LOVE gives us a fairy tale"

So maybe the saying "Once in a while, right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale" actually holds a real truth. After all, marriage is a transformation; a new identity as a married couple, it's a day that is dedicated to you, your story, a gathering and celebration amongst your loved ones. Even if things don't go quite to plan it is how you get round them together that counts.

There are things that you can't control (the weather to list but one) but you can make a few back up plans to help embrace whatever the elements throw at you (and you can capture some really unique, beautiful and even 'magical' photos)...

I love the term 'Perfect Imperfections' - it's acceptance of the things that you can't change. Instead look for unique opportunities and ways to incorporate or turnaround any imperfections to make them 'perfect imperfections' that become part of your story and your unique day...

- making a perfect wedding, fit for you!

What's your Wedding Day Story?

- how did you create your wedding day or how are you planning to create it?

CLICK HERE to fill in this simple questionnaire 

AND as a BIG thank you for taking part

you are in for a chance to win something EXTRA SPECIAL!

...One lucky entrant will be picked at random on 30th JANUARY 2017

to receive a £30 DISCOUNT OFF your purchase of either:

a) Your Paper Buttercup Wedding Stationery Design Collection

OR

b) A Bespoke Story Frame to capture your day
- a gorgeous, unique anniversary gift!

Really looking forward to hearing your answers
- enjoy some time out to plan or reminisce!

Thank you, Becks

(Winner will be notified by email 30/01/2017 with their discount code and details on how to order).

PHOTO CREDITS: PIXABAY | PEXELS

Dancing Christmas Shadows...

We're gearing up for Christmas - (with the first of the Christmas workshops starting tomorrow!) to help you create beautiful handmade gifts, decorations and gift wrap... 

Find out more details - CLICK HERE 

With the colder autumnal nights here, it's lovely to reflect on family traditions past and present - I remember sitting with mum from an early age busy making paper decorations for the Christmas tree and paper chains that adorned the curtains... I loved (and still do!) setting up and decorating the table ready for family and friends to arrive and for the anticipated feast...

It's all part of setting the scene for the celebrations and festivities - adding that little bit of magic... the worst part for me is when it's time for the decorations to come down and return to their boxes in the loft until next year - it always looks so empty!

However, I have found a way...

(maybe not everything has to be packed)

Inspired by shadow art and the art of storytelling - these stunning paper cut designs really come into their own inside their box frame. The contrast between papers along with the depth of the frame allows the intricate details of the paper cuts to suspended in space and time. Beautiful shadows are cast onto the backdrop, seemingly dancing as they tell their story of Christmas!

Looking for a unique gift

this Christmas?

Keep the spirit of Christmas around all year

with these contemporary and monochromatic enchanting designs:  

The Nativity

and

'The 12 Days of Christmas'

(...can you find the 12 themes depicted within?)

"A really unique way to tell the Christmas story...

They are beautiful!"

These will be on sale at the

St. Nicholas Fayre at Holtwood, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 7DT

on 26th November 2016

(...and will soon be available to buy online - more details to follow!)

      

Fall in love with Autumn...

Venture outdoors for some Autumn fun...

PHOTO TAKEN AT STOURHEAD | NATIONAL TRUST

Exploring the great outdoors, away from the distraction of screens and technology,

spending quality time with friends and family (or capturing some all important 'me time')

reconnects you with nature and is great for your well being too!

Sign up to to discover 10 fun activities:

https://tinyletter.com/inkshed

or follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/inksheddesignstudio

...fall in love with Autumn indoors and out!

AUTUMN BLISS

Beautiful inspiration for Autumn celebrations!

- bring nature inside or embrace the elements and celebrate outside!

Are you planning an #Autumn #Wedding 2017 / 2018?

There are many ways you can keep your special day cosy and warm, inside or out:

Take inspiration from the gorgeous autumnal colours around you - use autumn leaves, produce and finds to create stunning decorations, button holes and to inspire your cake.

Decorate your ceremony or reception with hurricane lanterns grouped in corners or down the aisle, have soft, textured blankets at the stand by in wicker basket, serve a delicious selection of autumnal food and drink (perfect ideas for favours too), melting marshmallows on sticks over an open fire...then when night time falls a beautiful send off with sparklers... why not grab a cuppa and take 5 mins out to peruse ;)

...you'll be spoilt for ideas!

Time to throw a party...

Paper Buttercup is a beautiful design collection for bespoke stationery and paper accessories

to help you create your perfect handmade wedding...

Find out more:

http://www.inkshed-designstudio.co.uk/paperbuttercup.html

...let's get designing your day!

Stamp & Make

Some shots from our last Coffee, Craft & Cake Evening...

...beautiful work!

As you can see we had a great time - here's to our next one

(Christmas themed workshops - more details to follow!!!)

Materials: black paper and black pigment ink pads from #Hobbycraft /

white watercolour paint / paper, cards and envelopes /

selection of assorted stamps  / seasonal finds / gold embossing powder

Coffee, Craft & Cake Evening

Craft Workshop: Stamp & Make

Tuesday 30th August, 7pm

@ Horton Heath, (near Wimborne)

Learn how to use stamps to create individual gift tags, stationery, preserve labels, cupcake toppers and have your kitchen and favourite recipes labelled up in style! 

Stamps are a great way to personalise and gift your kitchen makes & bakes...from the humble potato stamp through to rubber stamps there are many ways you can add your own style and creative flare from the kitchen table through to the party table!

Tickets £20 per person.

(Special discount for group bookings of 3 or more people

- plus a great excuse to bring along a friend or two!)

For more info and to register click HERE.

A beautiful friendship...

"My inspiration" - Mother & Daughter

This story frame captures a beautiful bond and friendship

between mother & daughter.

It is handcrafted from just 2 items of clothing:

- a pretty floral summer top from the daughter

- a gorgeous lace trim from the mother

Both items were loved for how they made them feel
when worn and for the times they represent;

the top was a light, summery fabric that felt fresh, the fit and style
gave confidence and soft feminine country charm (both mother and daughter
are country girls at heart). The top was no longer worn - now showing signs
of how well it was loved - and tucked away in the back of the wardrobe for a

"it might come in handy one day" moment!

- a trait both mother and daughter share,
creativity is another:

the gorgeous vintage lace trim was added as a finishing touch to
a dress the mother wore for her own 18th birthday.

These items capture two very different times within the story frame;
one before and one after children, combining two individual personalities
but with many similarities and interests into one story frame.

The delicate floral paper cut frame expresses the shared love of the outdoors,

country living, open space and the inspiring environment to create and explore,

along with the support and encouragement in finding that unique path in life.

The hand painted artwork of the little girl in sepia tones adds a nostalgic charm

to the story frame, reflective of the childhood memories it holds.

A gift truly from the heart, from daughter to mother "My inspiration"

.....

I would love to be able to create this nurturing environment
and bond - if only it was as simple as just stepping inside 
this story frame, in true story book magic! (Mary Poppins style!)


Have your very own version of this story frame made - now available as a D.I.Y option:
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/456529286/diy-nursery-wall-art-incorporate-fabric

What's your favourite item of clothing and how does it make you feel?

What special relationship would you like to capture?

Coastal inspired up-cycled bottles and jars

Coastal inspired up-cycled glass bottles and jars

A warm summer evening filled with the gentle clinking of string on glass, making the sound of sailboat masts in the sea breeze, combined with the taste of salted caramel cupcakes you could almost believe you were at the coast!

Everyone enjoyed a relaxing Coffee, Cake & Craft Evening tying lots of knots to create unique votives and vases from up-cycling glass jars and bottles... (a word of caution: the handicraft of macrame is quite addictive once you get going!). It's also therapeutic which really added to the atmosphere of the evening and allowed easy flowing chatter and friendly banter.

Seeing the patterns that emerge with each knot placement puts you in control on how your piece will look and you can create various designs using the same techniques... if you'd like to create your own up-cycled master piece I'll be sharing details on how to get your hands on your very own starter kit soon.

Be the first to hear about workshops, projects and events...

SUBSCRIBE to my new monthly newsletter: https://tinyletter.com/inkshed 

What you'll discover:

“It’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen” (John Wooden)

Here you'll find creative inspiration and ways to make GREAT design more personable and handcrafted to express YOUR story, YOUR way for every day living... 

let's make a difference to each day with little acts of sunshine!

...it's in the little things!  

Coffee, Craft & Cake Evening

Craft Workshop: Saturday 30th July, 7pm

Learn how to up-cycle glass bottles or jars ready to become candle holders or vases, a perfect way to set the scene for late summer alfresco dining with friends and family!

This workshop is great for beginners and upwards. We'll be using the traditional handicraft of macrame (tying lots of knots by hand) to create beautiful coastal inspired bottles or jars.

A chance to take some time out for yourself and be creative. All materials and work space are provided along with coffee & cake! There will be a selection of bottles and jars of different shapes and sizes to choose from and by the end of the workshop you'll take home your very own up-cycled creation along with the 'know how' to make many more!

For more info and to register click HERE.

Story Frames

I’m currently working on a really special project to create bespoke artwork that incorporates fabric patches from your treasured items of clothing to capture the memories they hold within a 'story frame’.

For example; baby clothing from their first year, off-cuts of wedding attire and outfits only worn that once, special items belonging to a loved one who has passed away...

— all things people find it hard to part with, which generally end up in the loft or cupboard, stored away.

BUT through a bespoke 'story frame’ these pieces can be given a new lease of life and protect & cherish those memories for years to come...

FIND OUT MORE HERE http://www.inkshed-designstudio.co.uk/story-frame.html

The story frames are about celebrating and treasuring life's great moments, but my hope is that the remembrance 'story frames' will also help individuals and families through one of the really tough times in our lives by giving them something familiar and physical to hold onto. A connection, a way to celebrate that person and their relationship - it could feature a favourite saying, perhaps a phrase their loved one used that always brought a smile...

Please share the 'story frame’ link - it would be great to help make a difference and to cherish those memories and the stories they hold.

'Story Frames' can be commissioned at my Etsy shop - send a truly unique gift
- Gift certificates now available online!

The heart of design...

I've always valued the importance of keeping at the heart of design, the story. But why is the story so important?

To answer that we need to go back to the beginning of the story; this value was a 'seed planted' during my studies for my degree in illustration - everything that was included within my design work had to have a purpose and reason for being there. The reasons could be on multiple levels, some discreet, some prominent and obvious (after all simple is often the most effective), but everything from the tools used, to the chosen medium to express the message, down to the final delivery of the communication (including the material it's printed on or the media it's distributed through) - they are all connected by one thing - the story.

All stories have a beginning, middle and end:

- the beginning is the foundations and values; the key ingredients, your skills, that makes your brand

- the middle is the adventure - the here and now, your experiences, your projects that you're working on (remember you can change direction and try different avenues)... and great branding will evolve with you

- the end is the results you want to achieve, your ambitions, the project focus, and to leave people wanting more (well there is always another chapter or a sequel waiting to be written...the great bit is that it never has to be the 'end')

It's really important to nurture and value those ingredients and talents - in a growing business it is all too easy for those little things to be taken for granted and overlooked. They're the skills that make you or your brand unique, the items that attracted your first clients, and foundations upon which you built your brand. That's not to say you cannot evolve or grow - in fact it's the complete opposite - you can mix those ingredients to try different 'recipes' and come up with new directions and solutions. Nurturing is about giving the ingredients the creative time and space to develop, prove and rise... these will continue to add value to what ever you do.

Throughout my design career I've been privileged to work with gorgeous licensed brands, including character and designer brands. Designing products and packaging with their individual assets and style guides as reference I developed a keen in-depth understanding of their story; their key characteristics and values, their audience, about the artist...from which I was entrusted to develop new style guides for collections.

Hallmark® is a great example of this; I even got the chance to visit their design studios to see the huge archive of Forever Friends™artworks (right down to the very first illustrations!), to select designs for a heritage collection and develop a logo and identity with them specifically for the collection. It was truly amazing to see how this character had evolved over the years... Anyway, let's go back a few steps to the beginning of this story; a leading craft distributer, I was working for at the time, obtained the licence for 'Forever Friends™', many people in the industry were dubious about the relevance today of a brand that seemed like it had had its time. I was so excited to be given the project to concept designs for the craft industry (it had been one of my childhood dreams to work with this brand!)...the concepts got the go ahead, and the products were received by the industry and market really well, earning the company big financial profits, a great reputation for licensed work, the respect of a variety of well known licensors who we then collaborated with, even to the extent of being able to work with 'rival' licensed brands at the same time; 'Me to You™' by Carte Blanche®. The key was understanding their stories and staying true to their brands - there were many points of difference including their target audience, their approach, look and style... both had a really relevant place within the market, had their own following (and a special place in my heart too! - another big tick on my dream list of brands to work with).

Since then I have worked with design consultants and agencies to create and refresh brand identity; whether bringing them up to date, relevant to their current audience, direction and key values or creating and establishing a style guide as a reference to their 'design identity' (their story), along with designing and art working assets (including print patterns, icons, inspiration for use, logos, tags and packaging examples) ready for other companies to license. Being able to look at the whole story and see where they started, where they have been, and where they are now heading, gave the insight to the key elements that needed to feature within their 'design identity', to maintain their recognition whilst provide the versatility in the ever changing market to meet the relevant needs and purposes.

As you can see the story is pretty integral to design (and to everyday - it's important to not overlook what makes you happy) - it gives the direction, focus, personality, trust and recognition in your 'brand or product' and takes you back to the heart of what you set out to achieve. Capture that within the design, whether for brand identity, promotional material, photography or event styling, and it will allow you to connect on so many levels providing the bigger picture and the experience. For me the story within my design work is your story, which also means that some of the projects I've worked on I cannot share specifics or showcase them (which doesn't make me love them any less - there are so many that I would love to share and tell the world about) but in keeping true to the story, it's all about the brand, my part is behind the scenes in the detail and the workings, a bit like a mechanic, making sure that it works and that it's fit for purpose...it's in the little things!

Snapshots from the workshop...

...in the action, craft table packed full of colourful goodies

"Thanks Becks for a fantastic evening, I really enjoyed it...thanks again" 

...delicious cakes

"Very inspirational and will enjoy continuing this at home. Many thanks. (P.S. Cupcakes were scrumptious too)"

...step by steps

...stitching and embellishing

"Thank you for everything I learned this evening"

"Enjoyable"

Photo credits: Timothy Neale Photography - many thanks

Coffee, Craft & Cake Evening!

...come along and join the fun!

Coffee, Craft & Cake Evening
Monday 6th June
7.30pm - 8.45pm

An informal, relaxed evening packed with tips,
techniques, inspiration (and cake!) - just for you!

Make 5 pieces of your very own, handfinished
'little owl' designer stationery.

Tickets: £11 per person
includes materials, raffle and refreshments...

- please email me for more details and to book your place :)

Look who's 3!

We're celebrating our 3rd Birthday here at inkshed design studio
with gorgeous personalised printable stationery & accessories
to help you throw the perfect handcrafted party!

Two colour options to choose from,
both personalised with your party details,
and your little one's name and age.

Each A4 printable file is packed full of fun makes for your party
- including invitations, envelopes, party bags,
party table accessories, cake toppers and more!

- enjoy x

Does your branding reflect your personality and values?

...your design identity

Accessorise your home or office...

Accessorise your home or office
with these gorgeous typographical prints
that will bring a smile to each day.

Printed onto beautiful linen embossed cardstock,
in a choice of 3 accent colours, ready for you to frame...

Makes a perfect gift to mark milestone occasions;
add a frame mount for family, friends or colleagues to sign
and create something to be treasured.

'...it's all yellow'

I'm starting off May with a creative challenge on Instagram to find the little things that add a bit of sunshine to each day of the month. Whether it's a something found when out and about, a design project, something delicious, a peek behind the scenes here at the studio, or just simply loveliness... (the only rule is to feature yellow) :) Why not follow along...

Welcome, little one...

Customised baby announcements
and invitations coming soon!

...at the beautiful estate of Kingston Lacy, Dorset, UK

We had a gorgeous sunny early start to the day

- perfect for setting up the stand (and for the early birds!).

Many thanks for the lovely comments received :)

(...we weren't quite so lucky for the dismantling

and packing - the rain certainly stopped play!)

...a little bit of sunshine

Send a little bit of sunshine with these contemporary
handcrafted greeting cards.

Featuring lovable characters and fresh designs for all occasions,
each card is hand embellished with variety of finishing touches
and comes with a sunny yellow envelope to cheer anyone's day

Now available from the gorgeous gift shop
Agnes & Vera in Sturminster Newton.

(photo courtesy of #Agnes&Vera, many thanks)

Spring Party!

Spring party preparations!

With these printable designs you can make more
than just a card - create gift tags, cake toppers, garlands...

This little egg design makes a really cute baby shower theme
perfect for stationery, decorations and mementos
- co-ordinate with your colour scheme (you're completely in control).

Cut around the eggs and tuck behind a little note with
your best parental advice, top tips and wishes for the parents to be
and the new arrival - have a cracking time :)

behind the scenes...

Here's a look behind the scenes
- handcrafted greeting cards in the making:
featuring hand cut elements, doodles and glitter...
(there are so many variations and techniques you can use
to truly add your own style and personalise!)

Spring Fun!

http://www.pinterest.com/inksheddesign/spring/

SPRING SALE NOW ON

SPRING SALE NOW ON!

Simply add the coupon code:

SPRINGSALE2016

to receive 15% discount at the Etsy shop checkout

(offer valid until 1/4/16) --- enjoy! ‪#‎dorsetteam‬

...for mum

Mark the special day tomorrow by celebrating the mother figures in your life - something handmade always has an extra special meaning...whether it's making a card, gift, teatime treat or simply catching up over coffee and cake - whatever you choose to do have a great one.

Remember to use your free gift for Mother's Day and Anniversaries - the printable template makes a great finishing touch to hot drinks and desserts!

Happy Leap Day!

Will you be doing something special to mark the extra day?

If you have an exciting announcement or you are in need of a 'Save the Date' card - let's get your story down onto stationery so you can tell the world.

Come say hello on our website and we can discuss a design tailor-made to your needs.

Make something special for Mother's Day

Make a handcrafted card for your Mum this Mother's Day, Sun 6th March.

This card kit helps you handcraft & customise 3 gorgeous cards

 - 1 for Mum, 1 for an Anniversary, 1 for a New Home

(...or Mum To Be...or Just Because...)

- enjoy!

Creative gift idea...

...another way to use your free gift:

...find your co-ordinating card kit at our Etsy shop

...ideas and inspiration to make this Valentine's day that little bit extra special

...it's in the little things

Follow inkshed {design studio}'s board Love on Pinterest.