Jen Bowles Design

Out with the old...

'Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us.'

~Hal Borland

Getting Ready for 2008...Going green

It's almost here...2008.  I read something in the newspaper the other day about trends for 2008 and going 'green' for the environment was mentioned.  Not that taking care of the Earth is or should be anything new, much less a trend, but that's another story.
So here's my first Ode to Green post-- a new mosaic of some flickr favorites.
View them all here .

from Me to You...

{bird is Rhonna Farrer from 2peas}

Christmas Inspiration, Day 12

I just received these adorable kitschy gift tags in the mail, a birthday present from a dear friend.
Literally, just received.  As in out of the box and onto the scanner.  Love 'em.
I just hope I'm not expected to actually use them. 
I don't think I can part with them.

Christmas Inspiration, Day 11

Creative Christmas trees. 
This wooden one was created by my 4 year old art buddy.  The best part of this project (other than he insisted on painting the tree bright red...)?  Drizzling the glue down and watching it puddle--then smothering it in sparkly sprinkles.  The cool paper tree was created by those geniuses at Starbucks.  While I don't drink coffee and only go there when dragged along with the rest of my family, I must admit--they have some cool stuff there.

Christmas Inspiration, Day 10

or should I say, lack of Christmas inspiration.
I mean, what happened with the US Post Office this year?
First, they raise the price of a 1st class stamp to 41 cents.
Then they give us Holiday Knits as the secular Christmas stamps?
On a sweater for a 4 year boy--very cute.  Adorning my holiday cards?  Lame--with absolutely no offense intended toward the knitting community.
I'm hoping for a return to graphic design glory next year. Even if it costs me 42 cents a stamp.

Christmas Inspiration, Day 9

Yet another JOY banner, I know.  I can't help myself though.  This is another one I made.  Starting to branch out on the style, ever so slightly.  Not only is this one tied together instead of strung, it features 2 different fonts.  And I freehanded both of them.  So proud.  Quick (relatively), fun, and pretty.
So holiday.

Christmas Inspiration, Day 8

Direct from the pages of skirt  magazine, Ice Skater ornaments from Anthropologie .  Though I've not seem them in person (yet), they do look quite adorable.  They also look like they're having a bit too much fun with their ice frolicking but hey, they're ornaments.  Why not?

A few favorites from flickr

A few favorites
Originally uploaded by fertree33

Christmas Inspiration, Day 7

The quintessential flavors of Christmas, chocolate and peppermint, together in a delightful little treat you can hold in two fingers.
And it won't melt.
One word:  Yum.