WE LOVE TO DESIGN

Aside from blogging, Jenny and I are hugely passionate about graphic design! Maiedae is growing everyday into a thriving graphic design business and when we aren't taking pictures, blogging, or working at our day jobs, we are busy bees creating custom designs for our clients. This season has been busier than ever and we are so excited about how much our design business has grown. In early 2012, we launched www.Maiedae.com that shares information about our services and packages. We've recently updated our portfolio with some of our new work and will be continuing to make updates as we complete projects for our clients.

We currently specialize in blog design for the Blogger platform, logo design, and business branding pieces. We mostly do design for the web, but recently have been working with clients who have print design needs. That said, we love taking on new challenges AND working within our specialties. This year we have a lot of exciting things lined up for our graphic design business, including expanding our blog design platforms to Wordpress and Typepad design!! We will be making the official announcement soon, so be sure to check in!

If you would like Maiedae to create custom design work for you, please contact our lovely admin Leah, Leah@maiedae.com, for more information! Also, be sure to check out our website for samples of our work and outlines of some of our packages. :)

Let's work together!

Disney Princesses in Accurate Period Costume

I came across these beautiful illustrations by Claire Hummel and just HAD to share. I'm a huge Disney fan and I love Hummel's portrayal of how the princesses would be accurately dressed during their time period...

Snow White: Based on early 16th century Germany

Sleeping Beauty: Based on year 1485

Pocahontas: Based on 17th century Powhatan costume 

Cinderella: Dress based on mid-1860s

Jasmine: Based on rare drawings of pre-Islamic Middle Eastern fashion

Ariel: Dress based on 1890s evening gown fashion

Belle: Dress based on 1770s French court fashion

Aren't they stunning?! I so want to go to Disney now. :) See more of Hummel's beautiful work here. 

March Comes with Big Plans

I. Feel. Recharged. Jonathon and I just got back from a short ski trip in the mountains with his parents and some friends of ours. We stayed in a beautiful log cabin, ate junk food, played games, and learned how to ski. It was one of the best vacations I've had in a long time. Now that I've had my crazy work week at seminar for nine days and followed it up by a relaxing trip with my family... I'm ready to make March an amazing month. BTW-- Here is a little peek at where we stayed this weekend, it was breathtaking and so peaceful:

I might have already mentioned that I'm really excited it's March, but just in case you didn't hear...I'm REALLY excited about March! I have some exciting plans, not only for the blog, but for Handmades, MaieDae Graphics, and home nesting. Can't wait to show you! For now, here is what I'll share, but the rest you will just have to wait and see!

What you can expect to see on the blog:
* Some more Project ReStyle's & a DIY
* A new blog series on Balance
* Some peeks into my nesting venture and home decorating
* A very special 365 Project post as I come to my completion on March 23rd!
* Some awesome inspiration & handmade shop features
* Crafty resources
* Awesome Giveaway!
* Some vlogs?! A first for MaieDae.

MaieDae Handmades:
* We will be having out first craft show March 10th-11th. I can't wait to share pictures and give you my two cents on prepping for your first craft show.
* In mid-March, you can expect to see a HUGE shop update with pieces that you know and love as well as some splashes of new color and products!

MaieDae Graphics:
* This month will be the first month that Graphics will officially offer blog design, one of many graphic services we plan to offer in the future. Keep an eye out for a special post and more details coming soon!
* On top of blog design, we will also begin to offer print design in the shop for your lovely home, as well as some cute customizable pieces!

My Home Nesting Projects:
* Paint the studio//guest room
* Repaint purple wall in our bedroom -- I'm thinkin' dark grey.
* Make little "dinnerware nook"
* Purchase new bedding and get it lookin' good in there!

!!! Here's to a grand month. I'm excited you're along for the ride!!!

NOTE & POINT

For most of you, whether you are in school or fresh in a career, you will probably have to give a presentation at some point or another. And while it is easy to throw something together using PowerPoint or Keynote's easy to use templates, why not wow them with your sick design skills?

I recently ran across an amazing creative resource called: Note&Point. It gives an amazing amount of ideas and inspiration for creating a unique and eye-catching PowerPoint//Keynote.

Here is a sneak peak at some of the goodness:

Nothing like a good design resource to get your creative juices flowing! Happy PowerPointing!!

GUEST POST: MY TOP 5 FAVORITE FONTS BY JENNY

Happy Labor Day weekend! As I was making the trip from the small town of Rome, GA to my parent's home in Knoxville, TN, I was thinking about how excited I am for the vision that Savannah and myself have for Maiedae! I am thrilled to finally create the business we have dreamed about for years.

As I was pondering what to write for my first guest post, I was still overwhelmed with excitement for Maiedae's future as a print design company. So... I decided to share something that we have found to be a key piece of any good print design: typography. It is true that picking a typeface can make or break a design. So here are my Top 5 Favorite Fonts. I find myself coming back to these fonts time and time again.

There are a multitude of awesome websites out there that allow you to download fonts for free, but one of my favorites is Dafont. The fonts are organized by themes and are easy to download. You also have the option to submit your own font! Ever wanted to turn your handwriting into a font? Now is your chance!

There are a few things to remember when choosing a font:
1. Decide your purpose. What is more important: readability or aesthetics? What is the purpose of the text within your design? Designing a band poster is different than designing a business card.
2. Choose a category of type. You want your typeface to match your work. If your design is simple and modern, you probably do not want to use a font with decorative swirls coming off the ends.
3. Think outside the box. Experiment with using different fonts in the same design. One important thing to remember: if you are going to use more than one font, it is always best to try different font styles. If you use similar fonts side-by-side, it looks like a mistake.

- Jenny