Inspired by DVF

There are so many inspiring women in business, fashion and art - one that I am often inspired by is the infamous Diane von Furstenberg. Not only did her creation of the perfect wrap dress make women everywhere feel beautiful, but the inspiring story, constant motivation and positive demeanor has made her into a true icon. Diane is a great example of how women should grow more confident and comfortable with themselves as they become older and wiser. I look back at myself 1 year ago, 5 years ago and even 10 years ago - I really didn't know myself yet. Even though I still have some growing to do, I am thankful to feel so confident and comfortable with myself. As I grow older, learn new things and gain new experiences, I learn to trust myself more. Trust my gut. This is definitely hard to do at a young age...I discover more about myself everyday. I do believe being an only child has had a very positive effect on me. Not only has it made me comfortable in my own skin, but it has also made me very comfortable spending time alone, reflecting and entertaining myself with my muses, interests and passions. I have never had the urge to constantly surround myself with people - I'm perfectly fine spending time alone and often prefer it when I need to relax and rejuvenate. I believe this is important for everyone - to trust what YOU love, not love what everyone else is loving. Rather than focusing on what others have, we should focus on what makes us happy and unique. What makes US special and not like everyone else. In a world of changing trends and styles, find what makes you smile and have the confidence to love it no matter what anyone else says or thinks. Love YOU for YOU - life will be so much easier.

I choose THIS kind of love.

Sarah Buck Photography

I thought I knew what it meant to love things. I loved my husband. I loved my home. I loved my career. I loved my family. I truly loved everything about my life. (Well, maybe not my parents living 4+ hours away, but I have faith that will change one day.) But overall, I loved everything else.

Well...as It turns out, I had no idea what real love was. I thought I did... but I have been proven wrong in the past 10 months of my life. 

It's hard to believe Rhett is almost 10 months old. Just a year ago, I was wrapping up the nursery details and counting down the weeks until the big moment arrived. Where does the time go? Everyone says that time flies and to cherish every moment. We have cherished every single second - every laugh, cry, tear, bottle, meal, diaper change - knowing these days are limited - we have never wished this time away. It saddens me to hear other parents wish their child would hurry up and walk or hurry up and crawl, etc.  - it always seems as though they are wishing their baby's life away. They are never this tiny again and I don't want to be the one looking back and wishing I had treasured these moments more. I have no regrets and I don't wish Rhett would grow faster. I miss snuggling and swaddling and everything else between. 

The everyday routine (or lack thereof) sometimes gets the best of me. I feel like my daily life is an episode of The Amazing Race - always trying to get the most done before time is up. A good friend told me from the very beginning that I needed to lower my expectations for my daily to-do list. I knew I needed to trust her advice and I have grown to believe it more every single day. Some days are so successful they make my head spin, while others are a complete wash. I'll take that though. I am so unbelievably fortunate to work from home, run a very successful business, make and produce everything my son eats and drinks, and have the support of my husband and family. We are surrounded by everything we could possible want or need and it humbles me. God is truly amazing and I always seem to have peace about my life and that everything has a purpose. My husband can tell you that I hardly stress the big things. I don't worry about finances, I don't worry about our home and providing for our family, I don't worry about my business - I am always confident that God will provide everything we need. I might stress about dinner not being cooked or the proof I didn't send today, but all of that doesn't matter in the big picture. It's definitely not what life is all about.

My life is about true love.

True love for this redheaded blue-eyed baby boy.

(and, of course, my other redheaded blue-eyed man)

Inspiration: Live with a little Sparkle

Good Thoughts

Came across this gem on Pinterest this morning and wanted to share such a wonderful thought. 

Feel free to pin, share and post on your inspiration board for everyday inspiration.

Mid-Week Inspiration

I don't know about you, but I always need a little pick-me-up on Wednesdays.

{ My personal favorite shade for everyday is Russian Red by Mac. }

Dazzle them, Darling

Wear your favorite shade of bright red lipstick...everyday. 

Order prosecco to drink...at 1 o'clock in the afternoon.

Dash into work today in your best attire...you'll feel more motivated than usual.

Dress up to go shopping...heads will turn.

Eat dinner on your fine china...tonight. You'll feel fancy.

Write a love note to your hubby...leave it by his coffee cup.

Listen to Frank Sinatra today...I promise it will put pep in your step.

Don't be boring, do something everyday to put a little dazzle in your life.

Rejuvenated

In case you didn't notice, I have been gone to far away places with my two favorite boys. Well, not really too far, but it was far enough for us. We took a short trip over to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina for the entire week - a much deserved first official family vacation. It is always nice to get away, recharge, ponder new ideas and rest up for a fresh start. This trip has timed nicely as I am finishing off a busy summer with Rhett, attending Stationery Academy and wrapping up details for a busy fall wedding season. 

After leaving Stationery Academy, I felt invigorated to take my business to the next level. I'm toying around with so many ideas and just trying to fine tune the direction. First up will be creating a whole new blog full of fresh ideas, inspirations, spotlights on my favorite work and stylish snippets from my day-to-day life. Next up, only time will tell. From an online store of luxury personalized paper & gift goodness to hosting cocktail party design sessions at our local paper shop, the ideas of flowing! I would love to know if there is anything you would love to see for my custom paper & branding company EMMA J DESIGN, everyday paper line TWIST PAPER or just me! Drop me a note emily@emmajdesign.com - I love to see client's ideas come to life. 

More dazzling things to come - stay tuned.

Be Radiant.

It sounds simple, but radiance is hard to show with the everyday hustle of life. We are so busy keeping up with schedules, work, children, networking and home life that it is easy to wear ourselves out. If you are truly joyful every single day for the people in your life, the career path you have chosen and the things you are surrounded by, then it is easy to exude radiance. Your pure happiness will shine through in every aspect of your life. I am guilty as the next to feel worn down by the daily grind, but I try to remember these four things everyday: to be kind to my husband with my words and actions, grateful for my amazing business and friendships, to feel beautiful inside and out, and to be as giving as possible in the glory of God. Some days are better than others, but at least I try. You HAVE to try to find happiness in your life and be grateful for what you have, what you have accomplished and have the strength to pursue your dreams. I feel so fortunate to do what I truly love everyday as I have followed my dreams. It is the most satisfying journey I have ever traveled. Live radiantly for your loved ones, colleagues and most importantly, for yourself. 

INSPIRED: Invitation Designs for Twist Paper

As a part of my presentation at Stationery Academy, I challenged attendees to make a list of their top 10 most treasured items. These items could be a painting, piece of antique jewelry or their favorite tunic. Using these items as inspiration, designers needed to create invitations or stationery centered around elements of their favorite things. The end result? A collection of truly unique designs that are the best representation of their signature style. I put myself to that test every time I work on a collection for Twist Paper. Twist needs to be the best representation of me and my style so instead of looking for what other designers have created, I use my surroundings as inspiration. This is the best way to stay true to yourself without being jaded by others in the industry. It's funny to see trends come and go. While it is important to stay current and fresh, you need to create beautiful designs that are truly unique and stand out from a crowd. I designed chevron for Twist over 3 years ago because I really loved chevron and have for years. Now, chevron is everywhere you look. In the words of Whitney English Kolb, be a trendsetter, not a trend follower. 

Here are the inspirations for these popular Twist invitations - each one was created with something I love in mind. True to form, they have been very popular because they are unique and my signature style.

Inspired

Thank you to my mom for sending over this gem yesterday!

-Dale Archer, psychiatrist and author of

Better Than Normal; How What Makes You Different Can Make You Exceptional

Signature Style

My heart is so full of inspiration, humbleness, motivation and energy after the amazing weekend I spent with 21 of the most talented women I know. I will forever be grateful for the experience of attending and speaking at The Stationery Academy, an intensive for stationers just like me. For any of you out there contemplating a career in stationery design, I highly recommend you to go next year. I was asked to speak about Signature Style and Visual Branding. Excitedly, I shared my experience, story and journey to find my own signature style. My brand has evolved and so has my style. I feel like I truly know myself now and know exactly what I want out of life, business and personal growth. It takes time for everyone to get there - you just have to take the steps in finding out WHY you want to be YOU. It has harder than it sounds, but once you can determine the values, fears, strengths and inspiration at your CORE, it is possible to truly discover who you are as a designer or business owner. BE YOURSELF - not anyone else.

Signature style is any representation of yourself - what defines you and what makes you unique.

Have the confidence to design what you love, everyone will follow. Some of the most successful designers in the style and paper industry have made a conscious decision to design against the norm and it proved to be successful.

DESIGN WHAT YOU LOVE, NOT WHAT EVERYONE ELSE IS DOING.

Like what you like, design how you want to design and you'll always be authentic.

Stationery Academy

What is Stationery Academy you ask? It is a comprehensive workshop experience for stationers alike and will be hosted this year by Whitney English Kolb and Natalie Chang. I am so excited to be attending and plan on soaking up every bit of motivation, experience and ounce of paper loving peeps I can take in. Spending 4 days with passionate designers like myself will be so wonderful and inspirational. Anyone can attend and you can visit the website here to sign up. Spaces are filling up fast so book now to guarantee a spot! Hope to see you there!

my new obsession: Pinterest

Are you the kind of person who keeps saving your favorite blog and website photos to individual little folders on your desktop? Then, 6 months down the road, you don't remember where you saved it from, then begin an endless search to find it's home? Well, Pinterest has come to your rescue. Not only can you save and organize all of your favorite photos : from decorating, food, quotes, paper inspirations, entertaining, etc, but you can see what others are posting and share in their interest! Today was a day of the ultimate Monday blues and I needed some major inspiration - this definitely did the trick! Just click here to follow me and then follow anyone that suites your interest - the photos will start flowing in like a status feed on facebook. It's candy to the create eye! Here's a screen capture of my current loveliness... 

Kelley and Kevin's Invitation Inspiration Board

One of my best friends from childhood got engaged over the weekend and we've already begun the preparations for her wedding! She hopes to secure a location for an August wedding and has her eyes set on a vintage barn setting that has been renovated for weddings in Rome, Georgia. The alter is complete with old church pews for guests. So beautiful! She's a really stylish gal and loves the idea of using a fuchsia and turquoise color scheme - which I love! Since her fiance is an avid outdoorsman, she still wants to incorporate rustic details for his style as well. Think bright purple/fuchsia bridesmaids dresses with chunky turquoise necklaces! Here's a quick inspiration board we came up with incorporating all of the colors, details and energy of the event. I can't wait to work on her paper products using the spode-rose border from Corrie's quail invitations, vintage monogram and bright jewel tones! Stay tuned for more details to come!

My Mother's Clothes

A few months ago, I was attending the Swan Coach House in Atlanta for a Bridesmaids Luncheon. The Swan Coach House is known for it's girly and southern atmosphere with delicate foods, savvy shopping and unique art gallery. While the other girls were busy browsing the gift shop, I found myself wandering into the gallery to check out the latest show. To my surprise, I discovered the most unique, touching, stylish and personal show I've even seen. "My Mother's Clothes" Lining the room were these huge square prints - obviously made with a medium to large format camera. Each photo displayed a personal article from the photographer's grandmother - either a piece of clothing, a lipstick blot or her day planner. Not only were the items photographed separately in their own right, but they were strategically placed on wonderful backgrounds with texture and style. I just LOVED the effect of seeing the entire show at one time. It was just magical. I stumbled upon a sign explaining the story of the photographer. She wanted to commemorate her mother in a way that exhibited her sophistication, style, grace and personality. Her mother had since passed and this was a way to remember the small details. I just adored this show and continued to remember it for days to come...

Well....just yesterday, I was walking down Broughton Street here in Savannah, when this bright and colorful photograph in a window caught my eye. It was MUCH to my surprise and excitement to discover not only was the photographer here in Savannah, but her prints had been transformed into a book and she was visiting for a book signing. I was thrilled! I quickly went inside Paris Market and was greeted by this sweet, charming and wonderful photographer. Her name is Jeannette Montgomery Barron and get ready to hear a lot about her! Everyone MUST go out and buy this book! It's absolutely stunning and such a pleasure to read. Kate Spade will be one of the retailers carrying this stylish piece of artwork. You can preview the book here and buy the book here.

Enjoy - this will make a fabulous gift for Mother's Day!

daily inspiration { shine by s.h.o }

I just LOVE the pieces from shine by s.h.o! Thanks to fellow blogger, Oh Joy!, I recently discovered a new love for these designs! Check out some of my favorites:

Would love to have an all white room with turq accents like this:

LOVE the base of this table:
love the detail of this cabinet!

love the shape of this table!

love the unique shape of the back!

Local Artist Spotlight : Trellis Payne

In Savannah, we have a local artist who paints the most fabulous creations!!! Being a non traditionalist myself - I can truly appreciate her whimsical and quirky approach to her subject matters! Check out her website at www.trellispayne.com to browse her portfolio - you can also contact her if you wish to purchase one of her paintings! I can't wait to move and redecorate so I can invest in one of her pieces!

Here's Trellis pictured here at Nadeau Savannah { a favorite furniture store! }
where her paintings are for sale!

Shown here: Her trio of Wild Fruit!

Buttons


I especially love this one because as a child people mistake my maiden name, Thigpen, for Pigpen, we later embraced it as a family so this would be a good tribute!


I just love her use of color! Peacock Panache

inspiration from kate spade

In studying branding and corporate identity, I can't help but love the marketing efforts from kate spade. No matter what goes out the door, whether it's online or via mail and marketing campaigns, everything is 100% kate spade and you don't even need to see the logo to recognize the brand. Here are a few examples.

Check out the latest email campaign - be sure to watch the video on the homepage on how to play "lemonade-pong".

A kate spade advertisement is easily recognizable - it usually consists of fabulous and chic photography and her popular pun on words and witty deadlines:

Why people like to complicate designs so much, I have no idea. Look how clean these headers are on her website - crisp, colorful, the right about of white space. Sometimes plain and simple is much better than going overboard with too much copy, imagery and jazzy effects. The focus should be on the product (which is great here by the way!):

Patterns that inspire me...

If you're a friend of mine, you know how picky I am about patterns! Lately, I'm loving a lot of patterns. I just love placing the element of surprise on the back of invitations. Here are just a few that I love!

{ Waverly Lovely Lattice }

{ Waverly Lattice)

{ Waverly Maldives Seaglass }
I just love the use of the light aqua and dark pink!

{ Kelly Wearstler Imperial Trellis }

{ Ballard Designs Wallpaper }

Beautiful Baby Line

Okay, this is SO not a hint that I'm preggers, but I just have to share this adorable baby line that I'm absolutely in love with! Down the road I'm sure I"ll be purchasing some of these items. In a general poll amongst pregger friends, seems as though not many people have heard of the Restoration Hardware Baby and Child Catalog. Well, here it is - and I must say, baby+chic all the way!

not to mention, they have a clothing line, too!

adorable chairs and ottomans