We’ve just started the exciting task of finishing our basement and turning it into a playroom/office. When we first bought our house we had no intentions of finishing our basement anytime soon but after a year of having our first child and him quickly entering toddler-hood, having a big open space for running, jumping, and dancing is suddenly a high priority!

A while ago I made a post about my workspace. I created a cute, colourful corner for my little one to quietly play with his toys while mommy does some work. This setup work well until about 2 or 3 months ago when my little one decided to get very mobile and explore beyond this corner and into the ‘off-limits’ computer zone. Needless to say, we needed more space!

We are in the middle of finishing this new space and I’ve jumped right into the decor/setup. I did a very rough sketch of the layout and where I plan to place the furniture (please ignore the horrid perspective!). I’ve also come up with a red/green/yellow colour scheme. My big plan is to create a large mural on the main wall where I’ll be placing this lovely Pottery Barn wall storage unit I just purchased. The style of the mural is a bit cleaner/simpler than my typical illustrations as this is my first real mural (unless you count painting on my bedroom wall when I was 16) and I don’t want to get in over my head.

It’s great to plan ahead, but in this case my lovely plans may not happen. After the workers left today, I went downstairs to inspect the progress only to see that they have framed around two pipes along the wall I planned for the mural and I no longer have the space I imagined!

Some redesign might be necessary! Hopefully I can still figure out a way to fit everything in as I planned but I’ll probably be waiting until they are all finished down there before planning anything too specific. I’ll post some photos of the room once it’s all said and done :)

With the help of my wonderful hubby, I’m happy to launch my redesigned blog! Not only have we been working hard at redesigning my blog but we’ve also created a new portfolio website.

I wanted to separate my blog from my portfolio site for a couple reasons. Firstly, I didn’t like having my blog as my main page because the content continuously fluctuates on this page and it’s the first impression a viewer has of my site. I wanted to have a bit more control over the first impression. Secondly, I want my portfolio site to remain professional but also want the freedom to be more personal on my blog. By separating the two, I am able to have a bit more fun with my blog :)

I have designed a new logo, layout, and colour scheme. The logo represents me and my little one, Isaac! Anyone who knows me, knows that Isaac LOVES to be carried and that I put him in my Ergo baby carrier (best baby invention ever!) everywhere I go – even at 27lbs! He is my little inspiration and I wanted to include him in my redesign.

My blog is also a bit larger now and has more features – feel free to take a look around! Currently, you can subscribe to my RSS feed, add me as a contact on Flickr, become a fan on Facebook, add me as a contact on LinkedIn, follow me on Twitter, and subscribe to my email updates!

I’ve also managed to redesign my business card, letterhead, and envelopes. I’m hoping to make a post about those soon.

I’d love to hear your feedback on my redesign and the design of my new portfolio site!

Stampavie and I are trying out a new style of stamp that will be released very soon! I’ve posted one of the examples here. At first glance, it may appear very similar to my other stamps but the lines of this stamp are more free-flowing and natural. I’ve been experimenting with my line quality and feel that I’ve acheived a stamp outline that is much truer to my illustrating style. I love my work being free, light, and uncontrolled and I think that I’ve come close to acheiving that in my stamps. There are only a couple designs released for now to see how everyone likes them :) The stamps can’t be purchased yet, but I’d love to hear your feedback on what you think of the ‘new style’ and whether you think you’ll prefer this to my original style. I am still planning on releasing designs in the original style but thought it might be fun to spice things up a little!

You can view all the new stamp releases here. I’ve also created some fun accessory stamps in my original style. There is a birthday theme, garden theme, and more! Now you’ll be able to mix and match the stamps and create scenes. Let me know what you think of the accessories :)

On another note, Isaac is turning 1 in under 2 months and I have some birthday planning to do! I can’t believe he’s almost a year. Any suggestions for a 1st birthday party theme?

Summer is winding down and I’m finding myself with lots of wonderful work completed and suddenly, a 10 month old baby! I can’t believe Fall is almost upon us. Although it is my favorite time of year, summer really did go much too quickly!

Here is a growth chart I designed for Goodnite Moon Kids. I’ve had so much fun designing for this company! On the topic of growth, I’ve also included Isaac’s 10 month picture. He is a BIG boy in the 95th percentile. He is just over 30 inches and weighs almost 25lbs! I am already beginning to plan his first birthday! Oh my, how time flies :)

Hope you are all doing well and enjoying these last days of summer warmth. Keep an eye out for my website redesign that should be appearing in the next couple weeks. Have a great week!

I’ve been working hard for the past few weeks, producing many new designs for Goodnite Moon Kids. Here are a couple children’s clock designs I have just completed. I’m excited to get my hands on the airplane clock for Isaac. I am already planning his toddler room and this will work perfectly! It’s so much fun creating these products when you have a little inspiration crawling around your feet while designing :)