One thing I’m proud of this year is teaching art-integrated lessons. It’s been fun for me and it’s been fun for my learners. You’ll see.
In this post, I will share three of my favorite middle school arts-integrated science lessons from the 22-23 school year. All lesson plans, slides and rubrics are links to make a copy in your google drive. Clicking the link *should* ask you if you want to open as a copy in google docs.
Plant Reproduction – Observational Drawing
This was my first official AI lesson and it went so great! It was also my first time with a co-teacher and I learned a lot from seeing another teacher do her thang.
Standards
Visual Arts: Cr.2.3.8.a: Select, organize, and design images and words to make visually clear and compelling presentations.
NGSS MS-LS1.B: Growth and Development of Organisms: Plants reproduce in a variety of ways, sometimes depending on animal behavior and specialized features for reproduction. (MS-LS1-4) Rubric
I worried about the glue aspect of this activity, but with my arts integration co-teacher, it was only a problem in one class! There’s an opportunity to collaborate with Math to help students develop a deeper understanding of ratios.
Standards
Visual Arts: VA Re 8.1.8a: Interpret art by analyzing how the interaction of subject matter, characteristics of form and structure, use of media, artmaking approaches, and relevant contextual information contributes to understanding messages or ideas and mood conveyed.
NGSS: MS-LS3-1: Develop and use a model to describe why structural changes to genes (mutations) located on chromosomes may affect proteins and may result in harmful, beneficial, or neutral effects to the structure and function of the organism.
I always go big for Earth Day, and this year was no exception. Several students chose the digital option, and each one of them said it was to reduce waste. My teacher heart just about melted. I tied this into ELA as well.
Standards
Visual Arts: Cr2.E:6-8:2 Explain the environmental, social, and ethical implications of using various tools, materials, equipment, and images to create works of art and design. Rubric
NGSS: MS-ESS3-3: Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing a human impact on the environment. Rubric
Arts Integration is a great strategy for differentiating instruction. I hope you find these resources helpful and if you test any out, please let me know how it goes.
Sometimes you need to remove the background from an image. Fast. Like when you take a lovely photo with your nieces in front of a trash can.
I heard about remove.bg quite some time ago and understood it to be a fast and free tool that could remove the background from any photo. I’m delighted to share that it’s so much more than that. It also provides options for alternate backgrounds, and I had a lot of fun with that feature.
Privacy concerns aside, I was excited to learn that Google Lens can be used to identify plants, animals, and bugs. I use Lens through the Google Photos app since I already have it on my phone.
It’s easy – once you have an image of something to identify, open it in Google Photos and click the lens icon on the bottom of the screen (3rd icon from the left in the image below).
Before you know it, some possible results pop up and with a little clicking, you’ve got yourself the knowledge that you almost stepped on a Fowler’s toad. Almost.
While I’ve only used this to satisfy personal curiosity so far, I’m looking forward to testing this tech-based teacher tool with students in the fall.
Vocaroo is a free online tool that allows users to record, send, and download voice messages. Teachers and learners can use Vocaroo in different activities, such as podcasting, digital storytelling, broadcasting, and giving feedback. Recordings can be downloaded, sent, or even scanned with a QR code reader.
Here’s a rough tutorial I made for how to record and share an audio file using Vocaroo. No one can judge me harder for this than my students did when I played it for them, but it worked – a handful of students used this tool to demonstrate knowledge whenever I offered it as an option.
This tech-based teacher tool is a must-have for differentiation.
Maybe it’s my love of Wheel of Fortune that sold me on this tool, but regardless of the reason, Wheel of Names is a free and easy-to-use website you can use to pick a random name (or item) from a list.
Simply enter names, and spin the wheel to pick a random winner. You can customize the look and feel, and save and share your wheels with others.
Learners young and old enjoy the sense of competition and excitement that accompanies every round of Kahoot! I used this tool as a review activity, which usually looked like 8 – 10 questions at the end of class on Friday.
Fellow science teachers, here is my teacher page. Feel free to reuse or repurpose any of my stuff. Let me know if you do and how it goes!
I also created a Kahoot! that covers some community and school history. My idea is to play it at a community-based event or school assembly, but I’m not there yet. If you’re interested in Bay Brook Elementary Middle School #124 or the Brooklyn, Curtis Bay, or Masonville Cove neighborhoods of Baltimore City, here’s what I have so far. I’d love your input
Before the school year started, I wrote an open letter to my students. It’s full of broken promises and buzzwords and honestly, is a little embarrassing, but represents a moment in time that I want to document.
Dear Students,
I want you to know that I’m looking forward to getting to know you in the weeks, months and years ahead. I think of you as more than students. I believe that before anything else, you are people first, and are entitled to the respect and attention that all people deserve. I also think that you’re going to teach me just as much as I plan to teach you.
As I begin designing lesson plans and testing out lab activities for our time together, it’s easy to come up with a list of all the high expectations I have for you. But I want you to know that it’s ok for you to have high expectations for me. In fact, I hope you do because you deserve the best teachers the City of Baltimore has to offer, and I promise to show up each and every day to try to give you just that.
At first, it may seem like we are very different, and in many ways, we are different. But in a lot of ways, we are very much alike. For example, first and foremost, I am a person, and unfortunately, all people have biases. This is something I will devote time to every week so I can be sure whatever biases I might have are not impacting you. Like you, I must also continue to learn and grow to be my best self. To be the best teacher I can be, I will be doing a lot of reading, listening to podcasts, taking professional development courses and collaborating with other educators to be sure I’m evolving, growing and improving.
When I think about our first few weeks together, I’m most excited about getting to know you. You should also know that I plan on establishing a relationship with your parent/guardian. I know that I will have to work to build your trust. I’m looking forward to that, I really am.
Besides getting to know you, I’m also excited to teach you Biology. I think of it more of facilitating learning than teaching, but we can talk about that later. For now, just know that you can plan on being an active participant during our time together. I want you to play a role in your learning journey. This might take the form of discussions, group work or working with lab partners. I will work tirelessly to ensure that each of you has the support and access you need to be successful in reaching your learning goals.
As you will soon find out, I’m an open and honest person and am far from perfect. It has only been in the past few years that I’ve discovered the power of setting goals for myself. Goal setting has dramatically improved my life and is something I wish I had discovered when I was your age. We will spend some time together in the first few weeks developing your goals. I used to spend a lot of time feeling like a failure because I never took the time to define what success looks like. I won’t let you make that mistake.
What I can let you do is thrive in the classroom. Together, we’ll figure out what works for you to be your best self during our time together. I know what works for me, and that is sticking to a routine and having a clean and tidy space. I am sensitive to my surroundings, so if my space is messy, I find my mind is messy, too. Because of this, keeping our shared space neat, tidy and orderly is critical. You can always expect structure and a predictable routine in my class because I need to stick to a routine to be my best self.
In the virtual space, I hope you are open to some surveys and icebreakers to get the process started. When we are able to meet in person, I’d like to work together to decorate our shared space. I’ve got some ideas, but since it’s your space too, I want to be sure we can create a safe and welcoming atmosphere that reflects who we are as a classroom community. I’m really excited about this.
In closing, I want you to thank you for being a part of this truly special moment of my life. The year ahead is full of many unknowns, but for me, I know this is exactly where I am supposed to be. Teaching is a lifelong dream of mine and I’ve worked very hard for the privilege of teaching you. Whether we’re in a virtual or in-person classroom, you are my very first students and will always have a special place in my heart. Thank you for the opportunity!
Ms. Vail
Teachers Log: 01.23.2021
In the style of Jean-Luc Picard
Transcript: Stardate 2021. After gaining teaching experience and having a close read fail just today, this letter looks long af and is uncomfortably well-intentioned. A supplemental log will be added to update the status of the current situation.
Welcome and thank you for joining me on my descent into the fascinating world of color meanings and representation. In this post I will explore the meanings behind the 6 colors represented in the gay pride flag.
RED: LIFE
Red is the purrrfect color to kick things off! It’s the top (first) color in the gay pride flag, making it a logical starting point. Besides that, red is known in Feng Shui circles as the most active of all colors, making it a great color to examine in preparation for a month full of rainbows, parades and glitter-filled celebrations.
In the context of the gay pride flag, red represents life. Indeed, the many variations of red are associated with power and energy, two sure signs of life that I struggle with on a daily basis. The struggle is so real that I’ve done some pretty deep dives into the practice of Feng Shui over the years.
My go-to for any and all design concerns is a document known as a Feng Shui Matrix (or Bagua). I’m not an expert and it’s complex AF, but for the sake of Pride, I reworked the rainbow colors into a Matrix that should work just fine if you dare to dabble.
Please do dabble carefully – red corresponds with the element of fire.
Red also has the ability to deliver powerful messages of warning, some easier to receive than others.
If you ever happen upon a set of red curtains appearing in a circle of 12 Sycamore trees, know that the color red serves as a warning. Special Agent Cooper, Mr. C, and Dougie Coop know what I’m talking about.
ORANGE: HEALING
Orange you glad you’re reading this post?!? I know I am.
Orange is the second color in the gay pride flag, and in this context, it means healing. I’ve been struggling with this meaning because it’s so broad, yet so specific in the context of the gay community.
I’m going to keep it broad here and share that I think there are many reasons we all need to heal and many ways to do it. From a Feng Shui perspective, the color orange encourages communication, which connects for me. When I know I need to work through some shit, I find that talking to someone is always a good place to start.
Besides communication, the positive qualities of the color orange include happiness, concentration, and intellect. A negative quality of orange is rebelliousness, but I’m on the fence about this label. Without the rebelliousness of all the activists, artists and allies that work tirelessly toward a more inclusive world, we’d all be in trouble. BIG trouble.
YELLOW: SUNLIGHT
Yellow, yellow, want some jello? Me either.
I’ve been looking forward to yellow because, in the context of the gay pride flag, it’s the meaning I love and connect with the most. It means sunlight, which, on its own is pretty great. But let’s go a little deeper here – it’s about being yourself instead of hiding in the shadows.
Come out into the light and get some vitamin D, y’all!
Without sunlight, life as we know it would be nearly impossible. This correlates with the designation that Feng Shui practitioners give yellow – it represents the Earth element.
From a Feng shui perspective, yellow is also known to stimulate the brain and aid digestion. It’s associated with enlightenment, intellect, optimism, reason, and decisiveness.
GREEN: NATURE
Greed is good. Er, whoops, that’s a whole other thang. Green is the color of money though, and I bet if Gordon Gecko had a favorite color that would be it.This is where I really start feeling the colors of the flag.
In the context of the gay pride flag, green means nature. It’s interesting that green comes after yellow, or sunshine, which makes nature possible. Science!
This meaning is the one I relate to the most. Just this morning, we came upon a baby Black-crowned Night-Heron that had fallen from the nest and landed on the concrete sidewalk. The nest is high in the tree, so baby bird is in rough shape. That’s nature. It can be pretty harsh.
Green represents the wood element in Feng Shui.
Besides representing the wood element in Feng Shui, green is known as a restful and refreshing color. It symbolizes growth, fertility, and harmony. It is associated with optimism, freedom, and balance.
BLUE: PEACE
Blue is my favorite color. Like, hard. It’s kind of complex in the context of the gay pride flag though, so I’ve been struggling with this color meaning in particular. To keep it simple, I leveraged the decisive attributes of yellow and decided to focus on one meaning: peace.
I do believe in the concept of world peace and all that jazz, but for now, let’s keep it simple and think about it using the frame of inner peace.
I know that inner peace would be a beneficial tool for me to have, especially when I’m feeling down or having a bad day. I’m not actually working toward it though, and that’s my bad – it looks really really hard.
Feng Shui practitioners use blue to represent the element water.
From a Feng Shui perspective, the peaceful and soothing color blue is linked to spirituality, contemplation, mystery, and patience. The positive associations of the color are trust, faithfulness, and stability. The negative associations are suspicion and melancholia, two associations I’m quite familiar with.
PURPLE: SPIRIT
All month long I’m doing my best to embody the meaning of the color purple – spirit.
Learning that spirit is the meaning of purple in the context of the gay pride flag is one of the main reasons I decided to do a deep dive into color meanings. I mean, spirit? I think I know what spirit is, but how in the heck can it be articulated? Needless to say, challenge accepted, universe.
For me, this means spending time with people I love, and that love me too (including pets, of course). I’m hanging out in nature, letting myself be creative and am excited for the months and years ahead.
From a Feng Shui perspective, purple is known to be a spiritual color and is thought to encourage vitality.Some positive associations of purple are excitement, passion, and motivation. Negative associations include mournfulness and force.
THE WRAP UP
I had fun researching the gay pride flag and am delighted to finally share what I know. I invite you to share this post with anyone that may enjoy it and would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Until next time, I’ll be trying to live my best life and hope you are too!
It’s been awhile since I’ve posted, but I’m back, baby. I’m back.
In my last post, I shared three of my 2018 goals. Two of the goals were personal ones, and I have to admit, all three were ambitious. A lot’s happened since that post, and it’s essential for me to fill in the details before posting about my current projects.
I don’t know why it’s important for me to do this, it just is. OK?
OK!
In this post, I’ll share my progress toward my 2018 goals, including lots of photos and a few projects I’ve done along the way. I’ll outline some current projects I’m working on before looking into the crystal ball for a glimpse into the months ahead.
2018 GOALS: AN UPDATE
Goal 1: Get married on May 5, 2018
I’m thrilled to say that this goal has successfully been completed! After 15 years, we finally tied the knot. Literally.
I’m glad we have this photo because the knot went missing soon after it was taken! It’s fine with me though because I’M MARRIED!
I’ll detail the DIY wedding projects I completed in the Maker Space section of the website, but for now, here’s a visual overview.
Dinosaur Placecard Holders
Tags for Wedding Favors
Dinosaur Glitter Veil
In this post, I outlined my process for designing our Save The Dates (STDs), and the design process for our invites is covered here.
Goal 2: Design, Develop and Deliver 8 tutorials by 12/31/2018
My progress toward this goal is nonexistent. I’ve got bits and pieces of a few tutorials recorded, but I need to sit down and go through what I have, what I need, and what I want to do.
Then I need to put the pieces together. This may be a goal I need to revise, but I’ll keep it as is for now. Stay tuned!
Goal 3: Graduate from IDT Master’s Program on May 1, 2018
Check! Dishes are done, man.
CURRENT PROJECTS
I’ve got more projects in the works than ever before! To keep it simple I’ll just cover the three projects I worked on most recently.
Project #1: Updating my Resume
I’m determined to find regular part-time employment by the end of June, so this should beis my #1 priority. I swear it is.
I did, however, spend most of my time today on Project #2.
Project #2: Poe Pencil Pack
I’m just about ready to launch a marketing strategy to sell Edgar Allan Poe themed pencils. The story behind these pencils is long and worthy of its own post, which is forthcoming.
If you just can’t wait, I included a short version in the Etsy listing for this item, which went live today – yay!
The last project I’ll mention is similar to the Poe Pack (Project #2), but I’m taking an entirely different approach to the marketing strategy. I’m excited to see which strategy works best!
Project #3: Pride Pencil Pack
Again, the story behind this project is better suited for a standalone post, which I’ll publish in the next week or so. In the meantime, I included what I believe to be some interesting information in the Etsy listing for this item.
I think I’m at the end of my pencil phase, but who knows, maybe the demand for these pencil packs will motivate me to keep going. I’ll definitely try to work some of these concepts out in future blog posts and newsletters, and I’d love any feedback you might have!
2018 PART DEUX: CRYSTAL BALLIN’ IT
Honestly, I have no idea what the future holds, and I think it’s probably better this way.
Here’s what I do know: I’ll be polishing up my resume and interviewing for part-time jobs shortly. I’ve put it off for too long, and it’s going to be great, right?!?
Right!
Other than that, I’ve got what feels like an infinite number of projects I want to move forward this summer. I’ll cover three of ’em and call it a post.
Future Project #1: Miniatures
If You Build It, They Will Come.
Wait, whaaattt?!? Who will come? What does that even mean? I’m really not sure, but wouldn’t it be cool if dolls really did come to life when humans were sleeping?
You’re right. Maybe it wouldn’t be that cool. I could go deep on this one, but I’ll cut myself off here.
ANYWAY…
I want to get back to making miniatures. I have so many mini projects that are almost finished. I think I could wrap most of them up if I make a plan and stick to it. Then I could get to work on some of my other 2018 goals, which I’m not going to go into here, but let’s just say that I want to construct several detailed dioramas.
I’m super excited about one concept in particular, which I call Unsolved Mini Mysteries. If you can imagine Robert Stack as a popsicle stick, I encourage you to subscribe to my newsletter to stay abreast of this project.
Future Project #2: Reading and Writing, hold the Arithmetic
I’ve been an avid reader since I learned to read as a kiddo. Now that I’m done with school, it’s time to tackle my ‘Reading’ pile that’s been growing steadily over the past few years.
During my coursework, I spent a great deal of time writing discussion posts, research papers and design plans. Now that I have more time and headspace, I hope to devote some of it to writing.
Not sure what this will look like, but blogging is my way of getting the party started. Thanks for following along!
Future Project #3: Travel and Adventure with Extra Productivity, please. Oh, and a side of Love, please. No tomato. Thanks for asking.
I find inspiration everywhere, especially when I travel. I’m excited about what’s on the calendar for the next few months and I can’t wait to learn all the new things I don’t even know I don’t know.
Next week I’m going to visit my mom in Kokomo, Indiana. She’s going to help me make some table runners to sell in my Etsy shop. I’m going to help her paint her master bedroom.
Offwhite. Sherwin Williams. She had a coupon and got a great deal. That’s my Mom and I expect nothing less! Also, I just need to share this, since it’s the best photo I’ve ever seen of my Mom (and I look OK too!):
Isn’t she so pretty? (I’m referring to the braid) (just kidding) (kind of)
In July Lyn and I are taking our first trip as a married couple! We’re heading to Chicago for a long weekend and I’m already exhausted from the weekend. To say I’m excited is an understatement. More on that later!
I may or may not join Lyn when she travels to London for work in September. I hope I do though – I’m in a bit of a History-of-England’s-Monarchy phase, so I’d love to see some historical artifacts with my own peepers.
UPDATE COMPLETE!
Phew, I feel so much better! Now that you know everything I’ve been up to these past few months, I want to hear from you! What have you been doing?
I’d really love to hear from you! Reach out directly or leave a comment.
CLOSING COMMITMENT TO THE VIRTUAL WORLD (THINK BATTLESTAR GALACTICA)
I know you hear me, understand what I’m saying (for the most part), and if you’ve made it this far, you get me, virtual world. I get you too. And there’s something you need to read/know/compute/scan/analyze/understand:
I LOVE YOU!
I’m happy to teach you what I know about being a human, but no promises on the quality of my lessons.
So today I’m making a commitment to blog more frequently. If you have any, hold on to your butts! I have a feeling this is going to get real weird, real quick. SO EXCITED!
Humans and Inhumans alike (including Cylons, of course), as long as you have an email address, I encourage you to sign up for my newsletter – it’s going to be pretty darn good!
I’m really proud of the title of this post, by the way. For anyone that caught the Twin Peaks reference, that’s +10 points!
Enough Procrastinating – Let’s Talk About Goals
I’ve had a bit of writer’s block lately, and I’m thinking it might be because I don’t want to write about my failure. But I really am ok with it, because I don’t view it as a failure. I achieved a lot last year, much of which cannot be counted.
In a previous post, I shared one of my 2017 goals (to generate $25,000 through self-employment by 12/31/2017) and the corresponding action plan I came up with to achieve my goal.
This post is an example of a positive reframe. I’ll share how my goals evolved over the course of 2017 and how I approached the planning process for 2018. It’s already been a more successful year!
Goal Tracking: Identify Failure Early and Redirect
I knew as soon as I set my goal that I wasn’t going to achieve it. I know, I know, that mindset doomed me. Which is exactly why I spent a good part of 2017 digging deep and doing the work needed to shift to a more positive mindset.
All that hard work on myself is paying off. I have to look at 2017 as a success, and this is how I got myself there.
When I knew for sure that I wasn’t going to reach my goal, I redirected and reworked a lot of my action items.
I did a ton of skill building. I learned, learned, and learned some more. I dabbled as a contractor. I traveled. I spent my days with my dogs, Emmett and Molly. I planned a wedding.
I started a blog. Then I scrapped that and started this blog. Then this blog turned into part of a larger website.
Finally, I gave myself some time and space to work on my 2018 goals. I’m so glad I did because they’re good. I’m not familiar with this feeling, but I think they might actually make me, happy?
Start with Achievable Goals
Going into 2018, I had a few life events on the calendar. Specifically, I’m getting married and completing my Master’s program. Both events happen in May, so it’s a big month for me!
I decided to start there since I knew they’ll happen unless I really mess things up (or something really awful happens):
Goal 1: Get married on May 5, 2018
There are a lot of subtasks for this goal. Waaaayyy too many. Weddings are kind of a racket.
Anyway, one subtask was to create a way for guests to RSVP for a few touristy events I put together.
So, I tied that to another goal:
Goal 2: Design, Develop and Deliver 8 tutorials by 12/31/2018
And came up with this tutorial:
BTW, the phrase design, develop and deliver is a super formal instructional-designy way of saying record and upload to YouTube.
It’s far from perfect, but it’s my best one yet. I’m trying to improve my tutorial skills so I can put together a few strong miniature-making ones later in the year.
The tutorial goal indirectly ties into my other achievable goal:
Goal 3: Graduate from IDT Master’s Program on May 1, 2018
I want to be sure I use what I’ve learned in my coursework, and designing tutorials is one way I plan to do that. I want to learn and grow so I can create content that people enjoy!
It’s a lofty vision, but I’m slowly working toward it.
2018 One-Word Theme: Collaboration
Yep, collaboration is my word of the year. I’d really like to unpack this a little more, but I’ve put off publishing this post for too long, so I’m going to end it here.
But, Let’s Collaborate!
If you’re interested in learning about themed goals, please let me know. I’m obsessed and would love to share what I’ve learned about them.
I’m happy to share my complete set of goals with you if you’re interested! I can use the accountability because I’m already a little behind (but in a really really good way).
Most importantly, I want to hear your goals!
What is one of your 2018 goals? I’d love to hear them! Reach out directly or leave a comment – that way, we can hold each other accountable!
My interest in crystals has been ramping up lately. The more I learn about the different gems, the more fascinated I become. I’ve got to create when inspiration hits, which it did after a recent Woman of Size Podcast episode.
In this post, I share the graphic, provide a brief summary of each stone, and give credit where credit is due – to the sources.
The Graphic
The Crystals
Selenite
Selenite is a great crystal for skin conditions. It amplifies healing and pulls away negative energies and blockages that cause that particular skin condition.
Turquoise
Touted as the master healer, turquoise has detoxifying and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce acne breakouts.
Azurite with Malachite
Azurite with Malachite, a combination stone, is a powerful conductor of energy and a powerful healing force for the body. It is an excellent stone for treating all skin conditions.
Black Onyx
Black Onyx is a soothing, cooling stone. Use this stone to help fight infection and calm inflammation. This crystal helps to rebuild confidence and self-esteem.
The Wrap Up
Do you have any crystal recommendations for reducing acne? I’d love to hear them!
In the meantime, I’m working on a few more crystal-related graphics, so be sure to sign up for my newsletter to stay in the loop!
Before I fully commit to 2018, there are a few things that came out of the 2017 holiday season that can only be described as just plain delightful!
In this post, I’m sharing five things that I found to be surprisingly inspirational this past month.
MUST-SEE Saturday Night Live Skit, Welcome to Hell
Trashin’ Through the Snow
Both the phrase and this sweatshirt, which is the newest addition to my holiday wardrobe.
The sweatshirt was a fundraiser to support the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore, the geniuses behind the Trash Wheel Family.
I’ll detail my love for both Mr. and Professor Trashwheel in a separate post, but for now, here’s a short intro if you’re interested.
Lego Advent Calendars
I’ve mentioned Heidi from Casa Pena Designs in the past, but we’re going to be working together more strategically in 2018. While I was at her office working on some shared 2018 goals, I noticed that her son had some holiday-themed legos, and upon further inspection, it turned out to be an advent calendar! Christmas & Star Wars Themes
I’m getting one of these for myself next year, as well as all the kiddos in my life!
Puppies Crash Christmas on Hulu
It’s hard to explain, but if you’ve ever seen the Puppy Bowl, it’s along those lines, but without the kitten halftime show.
Ability to link Amazon and Hiltons Honors
I used to travel a lot for work, so I’ve been lucky enough to benefit from free reward programs. It takes some time to accumulate points, but eventually, I find something to use my points on.
I’m not how I found this, but Amazon has an option to link to a Hilton Honors account so that you can use points to purchase items. I did, and my 3,000 points are worth around $6.
Perhaps it’s less than life-changing, but I thought it was notable!
It’s been awhile since I’ve posted, so I’m easing back into the swing of things by highlighting a recent design project that I’m pretty excited to write about: my wedding invitation.
In this post, I detail the design process for my personal wedding invitation, including what I learned and the unexpected outcomes of the project. I put a lot of myself into this one and am thrilled with how they turned out!
First Comes Love (I mean a Save the Date)
I designed a Save the Date (STD) awhile back. Although we didn’t end up using it, I like it a lot and hope someone is able to use it one day!
Celestial-themed wedding invitation and save the date.
Then Comes Marriage (Ah-hem, I mean a Formal Invitation)
For personal accountability (and budgeting) reasons, I wanted to be sure the invites were sent to the printer by the end of November.
Image
I used an Adobe Stock credit for this beautiful image.
Color Palette
I used the colors in the image to build a color palette. This is something new that I’m doing to build my color confidence.
I was a little self-conscious, but I decided to just go for it and posted my palette on Instagram. To my surprise and delight, I got a few new followers!
Design Program
I used Canva, again. I feel like I should try something new, but it’s just so easy and fun to use!
Printer
I requested wedding invitation sample packs from several outlets, including Vistaprint. While I was impressed by the packaging and detail included in the other packs, our favorite sample (I’m picky when it comes to paper stock) was from Vistaprint.
Factoring in the minimum 20% discount code they always seem to honor and my confidence using them as a printer, we went with Vistaprint.
The Final Product
Front of Wedding Invite
Back of Wedding Invite
Size: 5′ X 7″ flat
Fonts: Playlist Script, Hammersmith One, and Arialle
Paper Stock: Ultra thick matte (Vistaprint) – the invite looks as good as it feels!
Then Comes Baby (HA!)
I’ve been thinking about listing some of my designs on Etsy for awhile now, but I just never did. Until now! This invite turned out so well, I decided to I finally take the time to set up a shop and do all the stuff I needed to do to sell my designs.
Here’s a link to my shop, which I’ll add more designs to over time:
I’ve got another project in the works that will launch on Etsy in the first quarter of 2018, so I’m glad I’m learning how it works!
But Wait, There’s More!
Back to the wedding invites – there are a lot of things that need to happen before the mailing commences.
RSVP Cards
I’m currently designing the RSVP card to include in the invitation envelope. I probably should have just done everything at once, but I wanted the invite to be done and paid for, so I just went for it!
Envelopes
I’m making things even more complicated by lining the invitation envelopes myself.
I have the envelopes, the paper is cut, and the glue dots are patiently waiting to drive me to the brink of insanity. Historically, glue dots and I are not friends.
I will detail both projects in future posts, so be sure to subscribe if you’re interested in hearing how they go!
Both the phrase and this sweatshirt, which is the newest addition to my holiday wardrobe.
