Pocket Artist

I purchased a new phone recently...a Treo 700wx. It took me a while to get used to it. It wasn't until this weekend that I completely fell in LOVE with it, thanks to Pocket Artist. Pocket Artist is graphics software for pocket pc's that I purchased and downloaded to my phone. It's VERY similar to PhotoShop. You can create, edit and save images as PSD files (with layers), JPG, and many other popular file types.

Below are a few doodles I've created so far.

I made this one for my step-daughter who wants to be a professional ballerina. It actually looks a lot like her! She loved it! =)

I drew this pumpkin-man on our way to the pumpkin patch this weekeend. It's not easy drawing in a moving car, but I think the squiggly lines give it more character.
I'll upload actual photos of our pumpkin patch adventure in the next day or so.

Just a little stick figure in honor of the numerous stick figure drawings I've received from my daughter in the last few weeks.

Here I was just experimenting with different colors and filters. I used the smudge tool and noise filter to soften it up a bit. It's so much fun! If you're one who loves to doodle and happens to own a PDA, you have to try Pocket Artist! I'm sure you'll love it too!

Quinceañera Invitations

I've had a couple of requests for Quinceañera invitations this month. I'm currently working on a project with a princess theme. My clients had mentioned they had recently received a Quinceañera invitation with princess clipart, which they liked. I however, wanted to deliver a more elegant look for them, and through the use of sparkly shimmer papers, rhinestones, and a royal-looking logo, I was able to create the "princess" feel they were seeking, without the use of clipart. They loved it!

DIY "Newly Webbed" Cake Topper

Can't find the right cake topper for your Halloween wedding?

Look no more! Once Wed has provided step by step instructions on how to create your very own "newly webbed" cake topper!

It's very easy to make and very, very cute!

Painted Glass from Golden Hill Studio

I love hand-painted glassware, and I couldn't wait to share my latest find from Golden Hill Studio. Isn't this gorgeous?! Perfect for a garden celebration.

When it comes to painting, I'm far from being the best, but rather than looking at the final results, I look at it as being good for my soul and a great way to spend quality time with my family.

Below are a few pictures of our latest hand-painted holiday masterpieces. These are wooden figurines, about 1 foot high, that I purchased at Michael's a couple of weeks ago, and are now bringing some holiday cheer to our living room.

Kudos

It really touches my heart when people go out of their way to pass along some positive energy - especially when they send it my way. =)

Below is a short e-mail I received last month (Sep. 24, 2008) from a college student majoring in Mass Communications, focusing on Photography.

"Hi Dio,
I just wanted to let you know that you're in my top inspiration sites list. I always feel good and inspired after leaving your site. I am a TA for a Graphic Design class at Southern Adventist University, just outside of Chattanooga, TN. And I am always looking for more inspiration. My boss and I sat there going through every page of your site and were really impressed and excited at seeing your work. We are telling our students to check it out. I just wanted to pass along some affirmation.

Thank you."

- C. H.

HGTV's $5K Loft Wedding Transformation

I'm very excited about my holiday cards this year! I became very inspired after watching HGTV's Design on a Dime wedding special, where they transformed an industrial loft into a glamorous enchanted setting for a fairytale wedding. It was a beautiful loft with bright colors and a highly contemporary feel. Painting the walls was not an option, so the design team had to drape the room, and results were amazing!!!















The designers only had 2 weeks and $5k to transform the loft and setup for 35 guests. Everything, from the seating to the altar was custom designed. Below is a breakdown of the the cost:

Moving budget – $360
Fabric – $725
:: Fabric for walls – Textile Discount Center

Flowers and runner – $512
:: Flowers, $425 – Ashland-Addison Florist
:: Square vases for cocktail table, $4.99 – Jo-Ann Stores
:: Rocks for centerpieces, $2.49 – Jo-Ann Stores
:: Runner, $24.99 – Michaels

Altar and seating – $1,680
:: Branches, $10/bundle – Pier 1
:: Acrylic for altar, $135 – American Acrylic
:: Puck lights for altar, $19.99 – The Home Depot
:: Fur for runner/ottoman covers/bench cushions,
:: $7.99/yard – Textile Discount Center
:: White satin for ottoman covers and bench cushions,
:: $5.96/yard – Textile Discount Center
:: Ottomans, $15.99 each – Ikea

Mood lighting – $948
:: Conduit pipes, $2.18 – The Home Depot
:: Chains, $6.99 – The Home Depot
:: Rice balls, $7.98 each – Ikea

Cake and fondue – $750
:: Cake, $450 – Marked for Dessert

Total — $4,975

You can view more pictures and read more about the details at HGTV.com
As far as my holiday cards, it was their beautiful flower arrangements and color scheme that inspired me.

I've actually already designed my holiday cards, just have to start producing them and getting them out before the holiday rush.

I'll post pictures of them after they've gone out.