So, I made a new design for a t-shirt because lately I have been purchasing items from my designs to check the quality, and I wanted a nice t-shirt. Here it is:
The two items I bought thus far are a mug for one of my daughters and a pedestal sign for another daughter.The designs looked so good, I surprised myself, and Zazzle quality did not disappoint.
First, the mug:
It was good quality ceramic, with a slightly glossy sheen. The design was one of the more subtle in color, so I wasn’t sure how it would turn out, but it was soooo pretty ( if I do say so, myself). The printing was outstanding.
I had tweaked the design from the original, to make the resolution tighter (reduced size of image), but that was not necessary. I think the slightly larger size or the original is the better choice, although the one I ordered had such a refined look to it, that it was totally pleasing, too.
I think any customer would be super happy with it too.
Next, the sign
The subtle mauve and pink colors were just gorgeous. The printing was perfect. This sign is one that you usually have for event like showers or weddings. That is because I made a mistake ordering that type for my daughter to have on her shelf.
She liked it anyway, but now I wish I gotten the wall plaque or something- not because anything is wrong with the product, but because a wall plaque or something like that is easier to fit into home decor. The pedestal sign would be super cute for a kids room, though. ( which is what I originally designed it for.
Blue and white decor is always a fresh way to bring peace and calm into a room. From the kitchen to the bedroom, blue and white patterns are welcome. Lately, an old classic has been trending: French Toile de Jouy is a classic, traditional pattern that has stood the test of time.
Design tastes for fabric and wall paper patterns come and go, but French toile always manages to stay elegant, graceful, and understated. It is especially beautiful in a vintage context.
French Toile De Jouy and Cottagecore Aesthetics
What styles are enhanced with this French-inspired pattern?
Farmhouse and Cottagecore come to mind.
As mentioned, American Colonial, and vintage English or French interiors were decorated with toile de jouy.
European informed style, especially in the more sophisticated color choice of charcoal black on ivory.
French toile patterns mix well with thoughtful pairings of checks or plaids in the same hue.
Although the 1970’s saw these patterns pop up in shirt fabrics, French toile is usually seen in interiors of our homes. Because it is strongly associated with the American colonial period, these designs become popular whenever Colonial decor is trendy. It also gets a pick-me-up in trending fashions when Designers incorporate it into their collections. Recently, that has been the case.
Bedrooms, especially, benefit from the monotone, elegant, and peaceful effect of toiles. Bucolic scenes of pretty countrysides or whimsical hot air balloons match the mood of our most intimate spaces.
Love the Vibe, but not in Blue?
Ruby red toile pattern wallpaper in bedroom
In Colonial times this fabric was used for curtains, bedding, and upholstery. Today, similar applications with the addition of wallpapers are gaining interest and popularity.
Toile in Today’s Interiors
An easy way to add fashion trends, particularly if you don’t want a long term commitment, is with pillows. The fine textured patterning of toile de jouy designs melds with solid areas of color.
Blue toile table runner available on Zazzle
Another fine use of toile de jouy is in table linens. A table runner, placemats, or cloth dinner napkins will accentuate the dining room with a seasonal spot of color.
More permanent ways to bring the monotone patterns into play are with wallpaper. Interesting detail without overwhelming modern, small spaces.
Origination of French Toile
Also known as “toile de Jouy“, while associated with the French, it actually originated in Ireland. Irishman Francis Nixon exchanged the printing process from wood block to the copperplate method that allowed for more detail, monocolored, bigger prints.
While the French word toile originally referred to linen, the Irishman Francis Nixon printed his designs on cotton. A factory in Jouy, France began printing these types of designs which then became wildly popular in the ln the late 18th-century. The scenes are usually pastoral, but embrace the more exotic, as well. Traditionally a soft blue on ivory, many color iterations and even patterns modified with color surprises can be found.
Patterns Come Alive
Fresh perspectives in topical elements can be found today, from original, new designs to fashion forward colors. For those with a love for vintage, the traditional birds and branches, gardens, castles, and Fragonard inspired people are readily available.
One of the most versatile ways to have the colors and designs you crave for certain rooms or products is to use a company like Zazzle. These patterns can be tailored to everything from stationary to bed duvets or bathroom towels. Cups, table linens, indeed hundreds of different home products, can be printed to order.
The historically printed patterns are usually shades of red, blue, green, or black on a white background. Today, pink, mustard, brown, and many other variants are used to create the single color prints.
Add Interest to Your Traditional Home
Has this taste of French toile whetted your appetite for layering interest and texture through these vintage prints? Give your home an addition of French Country style with accessories in the colors that appeal to you. You may find you love the subtle, relaxed look of these pastoral prints.
While I think cats are cute, too, I definitely have a preference for puppies. So, I like cute dog designs and that is what I am creating more of in my POD stores. This is a fairly new endeavor of mine which began when I invested in more design resources. As an artist I didn’t spend much time drawing animals, mostly plants or people. Now, I am putting together some of the types of things I would like to buy; for others to enjoy as well.
Artists
I have so many more ideas to complete that it will take me far into this year to cover the dog breeds and make interesting artwork around them. Right now, it is still experimental. I have to keep in mind what others like, not necessarily what pleases just me. That is a lot like buying Christmas or birthday gifts: cater to the person that you hope to please. A very different perspective than most artists have in their training.
There is an artificial divide in the professional art sector. It can be between crafts and art, or between graphic art and fine art, but there is a lapover that makes it sort of silly to think that way. It probably makes sense in certain situations, but I think it tends to under-rate those who work commercially. Likewise, it adds a bias to artists who feel that the business side of making a living from their art somehow cheapens it.
I think it is up to the artist to decide which pathway and expression is best for them. And no matter what you call your work, it is important to try to make it pay for itself. Marketing and self promotion are a large part of that, like it or not.
Such efforts aren’t totally in self interest. because there are people who value the joy and beauty of what an artist or craftsman creates. It only makes sense to advertise it to those who are seeking to purchase it. Again, it is a strange perspective that creators have when they believe if they make it, people will find it. Our material society just has too much clamor in the marketplace.
Oh Yes, Dog Designs
Getting back to the main topic. One of the great things about how POD + Creatives work together is that you can choose to buy resources that other artists make, and put them together to make a new artwork. Additionally, placing this on products in a way that pleases and makes sense.
One of the things I like about creating these designs featuring dog breeds is the chance to spark joy. That idea translates from my de-cluttering efforts and applies to many areas of life including the business of creating. Those of us who like dogs, and especially certain favorites breeds, often feel joy when seeing them depicted on a tshirt or a picture on the wall.
Two Dog Designs I Have On Merch
Corgi
Vizsla
I like Corgis because they are just so cute. I am looking to buy a Corgi puppy this year. Being very particular about the type of dog that fits in our lifestyle and personalities, I am looking for a certain breed. In the past we usually had a Lab or Lab mix. My favorite dog is a Great Pyrenees, but I don’t believe I should get another if I am not going to stay on a large property. Loving the breed so much means I might be making some artwork featuring them.
The Vizsla is a Hungarian breed. Owners love them because of their very affectionate disposition. They are hunting dogs for active people. I think they look adorable, but I would not be the ideal owner for this breed.
We can love them even if we wouldn’t be best owning them!
While June is the traditional Wedding month, every season has its advantages. Fall, or Autumn, has harvests, rich warm colors, abundant apples, chrysanthemums and pumpkins. A beautiful time for a wedding, and bountiful choices in wedding stationary to go with all that wealth of theme decor resources.
Autumn comes with a bountiful set of assets:
The weather is often ideal with moderate temperatures and many days to count on clear skies.
It is a colorful time of year with leaves changing, and large brightly colored fruits and flowers.
People love to decorate for this season, so there is a wealth of beautiful and fun decor to be had in most stores. And if that were not enough, this is the time when crafts are plentiful both to make and purchase from artisans.
Foods for fall are some the most loved and popular, making menus a delight to put together.
Fill in the details with a modern striped enclosure card. Reverse is copper with clay stripes.
Using modern typography ...
Fall Colors for Weddings
The traditional and the trendy, both can combine your personal favorite hues. While this season used to be known for highly saturated color, in recent years fall can borrow the more subtle tones of November. October crimson leaves and pumpkin oranges might be subdued to white pumpkins, dried grasses, and rustic browns.
Even if your chosen color theme is unusual for the season, it can be given its ties to Autumn through a creative blend of themes. Love dusty blue? Wildflowers of September often are blue in hue. Abundant blue and white asters come to mind.
Emerald green is easy to pair with other tones that echo the Autumn season. Emerald and gold with cream white is elegant and could match up with any floral such as roses or go rustic with gourds.
On the whole, the colors tend to be deep and rich for this time of year. Burgundy, navy blue and gold are a gorgeous combination. Adding the metal gold to any color scheme gives instant elegance and class.
Muted Orange
Deep Burgundy
Moody Darks
Sage Green
Golden Yellow
Varied Wildflowers
Trending Wedding Themes
Autumn Leaves
Harvest
Muted Orange, Burnt Orange, Terra Cotta
Boho Pampas Grass, Earthy Palms
Romantic Purples Floral
Rustic Woodland
Wildflower Boho
Lanterns
Vintage Victorian Amber and Red
Luxe Metallics - Gold or Copper
Black and Gothic
Country Chic
Sage, Terra cotta, Marsala with burnished leather
Fall Reception Décor
Harvest themes and pumpkins are everywhere this time of year, but your fall wedding doesn't always have to center around orange (unless you love it- and it is trendy, now). Even when paying tribute to harvest time, gourds and pumpkins come in a variety of elegant colors- from white and beige to yellow and deep emerald green.
However, not everyone wants the pumpkin motif. In recent years the Boho themes with lots of dried flowers and big stems of pampas grass or dried palm fans have been very popular. They are just now coming into their own as one of the top looks in invitations and decorations.
The Boho look is big and bold and is economical as well. It is easy to transport and set up because dried floral material is so much lighter and sturdy than fresh. Besides the ease with which it melds in a rustic , as well as elegant, venue. The colors are basically neutral which can be matched with almost any color for accent.
For flowers, though, the fresh choices for Autumn are rich and abundant. Roses, gorgeous chrysanthemums, romantic clouds of asters, these are in all the beautiful tones of apricot, gold, bronze, and purples. As well as tender pink, if staying with a blush wedding.
Because the flowers tend to be strong and full, containers that look like farm baskets, wine casks, Macrame ropes, lanterns, and even hollowed out gourds or pumpkins can be incorporated into the designs.
A favorite theme for this season has to be the leaves. While you could stay with the greenery of other seasons, the amazing hues of fall leaves lead themselves to color themes and bring bold, exciting ways to adorn the venue and the tables. Even accessories can have a leaf motif, if not the leaves, themselves.
Working with a Budget?
Who isn't? The newest advice from professional wedding planners is to concentrate on "day of" stationary and decor needs. While I, personally, love the look of beautiful invitations printed on luxurious paper, they are an expense that can be dispensed with in our digital age. Instead, be sure the Welcome, programs, table signs, menus, and favors take priority. Their design will also tie together the venue to make the guests feel welcome, and give a well-thought, planned sense to the all important day.
A Magical Forest Animal Themed Event | Image Source: FreeImages
Are you looking to plan the perfect kids’ party? If so, then an enchanted forest animal party theme may be just what you’re looking for! With these guidelines, you’ll be able to plan an unforgettable experience that your kids and their friends will love.
Introducing the Enchanted Forest Animal Party Theme
An enchanted forest animal party theme is a great way to bring some magic to your kids’ birthday celebration. This theme is sure to spark the imaginations of your little guests as they explore a world of cute woodland creatures, fairies, and other magical creatures. Whether you’re planning a party for a first birthday or a fifth birthday, an enchanted forest animal party theme is sure to be a hit.
The enchanted forest animal party theme is perfect for those who love animals and nature. You can have your little guests explore the fantasy world of the forest by creating a magical atmosphere with decorations, activities, and food.
You can also add a unique twist to the theme by incorporating fairy tales like ‘Red Riding Hood’, or child stories such as such as ‘Peter Rabbit‘ or ‘Runaway Bunny‘. This way, your little guests will be able to explore the enchanted forest while also having fun with familiar stories.
Choosing your Venue for the Party
When it comes to choosing a location for your enchanted forest animal party, you have a few options. You can host the party at your own home, or you can rent out a space, such as a park or community center.
If you choose to host the party at your home, you can create a magical atmosphere by decorating your yard or patio with fairy lights, stuffed animals, and other enchanted forest decorations. If you have a large backyard, you can even set up a small campfire for your little guests to roast marshmallows.
If you’re looking for a larger space to accommodate a larger group of guests, then you may want to consider renting out a park or community center. This will give you plenty of space for decorations and activities, as well as providing a more spacious area for your guests.
Decorations for the Enchanted Forest Animal Party
Use stuffed animals to create little vignettes throughout the party area. This group has all sorts of animals!
Decorations are an important part of any party, and they’re essential for creating a magical atmosphere for your enchanted forest animal party. This is the fun part. You can start by picking up some basic decorations, such as hanging paper lanterns and fairy lights. I have plenty of those string lights from my Christmas décor.
Create a woodland tent with sheets and some leafy garlands.
Purchase some personalized posters and bunting to go along with your theme.
You can also hang up some stuffed animals, teddy bears and bunny rabbits, or other woodland creatures around the party area. This is another way Christmas decorations come in handy, especially if you have some woodland animal ones at hand. If not, look for these types of figures at your local Hobby Lobby or other crafts store.
If you’re feeling creative, you can also make some decorations yourself. For example, you can make some DIY paper trees and hang them around the party space. You can also make some animal masks or decorate some cardboard boxes to look like animals.
Enchanting Woodland Invitations
Cute woodland animals to personalize a child’s birthday.
Invitations are a great way to set the tone for your enchanted forest animal party. You can find some cute animal-themed invitations online or create your own. For example, you can make some cute animal masks for your little guests to wear, or create invites in the form of animal tracks.
No matter what type of invitation you choose, make sure to include all the necessary information, such as the date, time, and location of the party. You can also add a special note about the enchanted forest animal theme to get your guests excited for the party.
Fun Woodland-themed Activities for the Kids
When it comes to activities, the possibilities are endless! You can start by setting up some fun craft activities, such as decorating animal masks or making fairy crowns. You can also set up a photo booth with some animal-themed props and costumes, or even a petting zoo with some friendly animals!
If you’re looking for some more active activities, you can set up an obstacle course or a scavenger hunt, or even a mini-golf course. You can also have some dancing and singing competitions, or even some mini-games, such as Pin the Tail on the Donkey.
Food Ideas for the Party
Food for your enchanted forest animal party comes in plenty of options. You can opt for traditional party food, such as pizza, hot dogs, and chips, but you can serve some animal-themed snacks, such as gummy worms, animal crackers, and dragonfly veggies.
Vegetable snacks for kids that look like dragonflies. via Pinterest
You can also serve some healthy options, such as fruit platters or vegetable platters.
Serve healthy and delicious berries in a glass bowl, marked “forest berries”
Make little ladybug crackers with mozzarella, halved tomatoes, tiny leaf of basil or lettuce. Place dots of cream cheese on the tomatoes.
“Tree slice” sandwich roll-ups
You can make delightfully fun animal-themed treats, such as bear-shaped cookies or banana hedgehogs.
Party Supplies & Favors for Magical Memories
Party supplies and favors are part of the fun, and you can choose from a wide range of items. You can opt for traditional party supplies, such as cups and plates, or you can find some cute animal-themed items, such as animal-shaped balloons and stuffed animals.
Add a cute personalized gift tag to your party favors
As for party favors, you can give out
animal-themed treats, such as bags of gummy bear candy
or animal-shaped lollipops.
Include some small toys, such as animal figurines
or mini stuffed animals
Tips for Hosting a Successful Child’s Party
Make or purchase party hats to help everyone feel festive.
When it comes to hosting a successful party, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, make sure to plan ahead and be prepared. Have a clear timeline of what needs to be done and when, and stick to it.
Also, make sure to keep your little guests entertained. Have plenty of activities and crafts planned, and make sure to keep everyone involved and engaged.
Finally, make sure to take some photos and videos of the party. This way, you can look back on the special day and remember all the fun you had.
Other Ideas for a Woodland Forest Animal Party Theme
The appealing thing about the enchanted forest animal party theme is that plenty of other ideas can be incorporated into your party. For example, you can have a storyteller come to the party and share some enchanted forest stories with your guests.
You can also feature a special animal guest, such as a petting zoo animal (bunnies or ducks) or a trained bird. This will give your little guests a chance to interact with a real animal and learn more about it. Turtles are denizens of the forest, and tame (available at pet stores). Pet store mice or even a pair of binoculars for backyard bird and squirrel sightings.
Finally, you can set up some games and activities, such as a bean bag toss or a scavenger hunt. This will give your guests plenty of fun activities to enjoy. Outside is ideal, although these activities can be tailored to the inside with a little imagination.
Cornhole games are really popular now, and used long after the party is over.
This Theme is Easy to Customize for All Ages
Throw the perfect enchanted forest animal party with these tips and ideas! With the right decorations, activities, and food, you’ll be able to create an unforgettable experience that your little guests will love. So start planning today and get ready to throw the party of the year!
If you are having winter nuptials, these are some of the best picks for a winter wedding invitation, along with seasonal tips and trends. Although highlighting many of my own designs, I like to curate some of the best from other designers. Winter weddings benefit from some of the beautiful holiday decor and traditional family visiting times.
As a designer on Zazzle, I do a lot of research into the trends in wedding styles, and have always been interested in event themes.Themes are so much fun to explore because of the creativity that so many women express through their event planning choices!
So, along with a small showcase of actual invitations, tips and info on favorite themes and trends are on the menu of this post, as well.
In This Article:
winter wedding colors; popular, new trends, classic
boho wedding theme
A Few Examples of My Own Design
Two of the new, trending Boho style designs and a popular Holiday influenced Wedding Invitation.
A Rustic invitation style that combines warm elements of wood and a floral decorated lantern
While winter colors are often more subdued, around Christmas or Valentines Day it is just the opposite! Expect lots of red, but many strong bright palettes, as well as a deep, moody trend come to the forefront during the winter season.
Greens of Winter
winter wedding color theme
For 2023 and beyond, Green becomes a top favorite. The theme is usually a natural one that invites nature’s display of plant foliage, evergreens, and the many shades of green to infuse the entire event. For invitations, that means lots of watercolor foliage designs.
I think this Greenery theme is so popular because it is simple and elegant. It is also easy to source the floral materials year round for one of the more costly portions of the wedding budget.
A subset of the greenery theme is the Christmas season theme of evergreens and the traditional “Deck the Halls” foliage, with the additions of Berry Red. Green, red, and white is classic.
Chic, gold snow, pine green winter wedding invitation
Next for a color combination that marries two of the classic color themes for Brides everywhere: Blush and Sage. Instead of a monotone, these toned down contrasting colors create their own subtle excitement. This could also be considered a subset of the Greenery theme when sage is the pre-dominant tint for the decor. Bring in a “Tapestry Tan” to further blend these two chosen colors.
Because they are pale and reflect the seasonal red and green, this works surprisingly well for a winter wedding. Many floral choices in Blush and herbal Sage is readily available at this time of year. If the fragrance of sage isn’t to your liking, Eucalyptus comes in this soft shade of green as well.
Lavenders
Segue way from the foliage to a field of lavender, and Lavenders and Purples take the winter wedding into a more moody color set. Light purples are usual for spring, but for the mood of the colder months, a rich Plum purple and a gray lavender with a desaturated green create a dramatic backdrop.
Sunflower Yellow and Dusk Blue
Turn your head to something completely different: bring in the sunshine, with a nod to the Nordic countries. Blue and yellow have always been a Swedish favorite (the colors of their flag). This combo is perfect for a bright note in an otherwise overcast time of year.
Sunflowers are a favorite in all seasons, and a fun decor and invitation theme.
Go Burgundy
Transitioning the time of fall to winter is the time to go all out for color, especially the Burgundy/Marsala and Burnt Orange shades. Try the two together for a late fall theme, or lean into a strong red color like Marsala for further into the winter calendar.
A Rustic invitation style that combines warm elements of wood and a floral decorated lantern
Notice the trend towards the Classic in these choices of colors. The winter months lend themselves to feeling of elegance and timelessness, even a minimalism that just doesn’t seem right in the warmer seasons of Spring or Summer. That doesn’t mean you can’t choose something different, it just is what fits with what Modern Brides sensibilities respond to most during these times, and this season.
Add Sparkle
Sparkle brings alive so many of these themes. Trendy additions like metallics in copper, silver, or rose gold. Facets of crystal, snowflakes, icy surfaces like glass and mirror. For invitations, don’t forget foil effects.
A Boho Wedding Theme
This has proven extremely popular for both Weddings and Bridal Showers, with neutral colors and soft natural textures of burlap, pampas grass, dried Palm leaves and pretty orchids. Usually ivory, champagne, and dusty rose, but clay colors such as terra-cotta and rusty reds for contrast are part of the mix.
Earthy feeling, watercolor invitations and luxurious papers are part of the invitation choices that highlight this casual style choice.
Flesh Pink, beige, and soft white, paired with darker rust and olive green accents are peaceful hues for beach or garden environments- or decor that evokes those beautiful venues.
Boho doesn’t have to have those color themes, it really harks to a collection of playful and unexpected elements which give a casual, laid back atmosphere, often with a 60’s Hippy vibe.
Boho Tropical White Orchid Invitation
Whimsical Boho Meadow Floral Invitation
A reason that Boho style invitations work well for winter is in the use of dried floral elements or florals that are available during this time of year; such as orchids.
This look combines the deep sapphire blue of a jewel tone with the yellow and blue combo. Its variations involve deepening the blue and having a very pale yellow for the stars and moon decor. It is a very dramatic look, yet the moon and night sky lends feelings of romance.
It is a look that has been trending for wedding stationary for the past few years.
If you found this article and winter wedding invitation design tips helpful, please share it via Pinterest, Facebook or by visiting the Zazzle site to give the designs a heart (like).
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