graphic design

Refresh

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Refresh

We have been in a McDonald’s that is old and dingy, but then you come across one that is freshly remodeled and your whole perspective changes. They refreshed their look without rebranding, changing their logo, changing the store brand color, or even dramatically changing their branding… they simply refreshed and the company “feels” different.

Where is your business at? Complete rebranding is something to consider with great deliberation. But what about refreshing your online image – social media, web, advertising; your brick ‘n mortar; or simply your marketing pieces. Keep your brand but refresh your look.

Sometimes it is not just our business that needs a refresh, but us. We stay true to our principles and our foundation, but we change our look or our outlook and grow. Change in ourselves. Growth in us will reflect in our leadership and business. Refresh and recharge even relaxation can change outlook which can bring rejuvenation to make an impact on the world around us.

 

Household life and balance…?

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Balance? I’m not sure that gets achieved daily in my world, but maybe over the long run.

Each day is a new adventure as school is out and both Tim and I are in the house together all day. Finding new rhythm to each getting our own work done – job hunting and design respectfully, helping each other in our respective work, and then working on house projects together. As we work to accomplish the to-do list and be productive in the waiting process (seeing what job will open for Tim in the fall), we are enjoying time together and time with our little guy.

The daily routine of the house seems to fluctuate and I almost find myself checking to see what day it is. The fall and spring activities have all reached their summer break and summer weddings are in full swing with programs, place cards, gift boxes, guestbooks, and favors to be designed. Small businesses are in need of logos and business cards. And the basement that was nearly finished… well, we organized all of the finished the living areas which means – I am still working on the basement!

Life is always full of change.

It is in the moments of change or waiting for direction that I remember the value of the day and God’s direction in the past. From living in Rockford, IL to Chicago to moving to Des Moines, IA there is no possible means that I could have planned my life. But taking steps to follow God one day at a time has led to a life so rich and full that I am glad my plans and thoughts rarely seem to “workout” in the way that I thought they would.

Balance is found when I let go and walk slowly… maybe today I’ll just take a few minutes at a time. God can handle the day, the week, and the next month quite well.

Where did 4 weeks go?

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Do you ever have moments in life when the time just seems to fly until you realize all of the little things are really adding up and begging to be completed? This realization summed up my weekend and then as I start this post and I see how long it has been since I updated… well I was not exaggerating the fact that weeks have somehow slipped by!

I awoke Saturday to this thought when I walked in the kitchen and realized my typical vacuuming was not even going to come close to cleaning the disaster of the floor. It needed washed. The highchair needed scrubbed, not wiped down. And as for laundry… well 4 baskets of clean clothes are great, but it is much better to find clothes that have been folded in a drawer not dug through in a pile and left for another day.

In the world of “The Organization Project”: It’s April… my deadline to have the 2nd bedroom completed. Well, we are at least close. It is cleared out and the baby stuff from Uriah’s room has found a home in the closet shelves for the next little one to make use of. The crib is in the room and I have to blank pieces of wood awaiting their respective photos. So the fun stuff is yet to come, but the canvas has been readied! Uriah wanted to give you a tour of his baby brother’s room…

BabyRoom1 BabyRoom2

The basement. Organized piles abound (yes, these are generally organized and sorted!). Now I just need to put everything into a usable easy to access and return-to-their-place-when-finished location on the shelves. And finish moving a few garage sale items up and out. I think we will be there in the next couple of weeks… at least I am optimistic. Then on to adding color and laying down the mix-n-match carpet squares that are leftover samples from architecture firms.

Basement

Lastly, I have found a way to include the last untouched closet in the house in this organization project. The games in the back closet are not accessible… so down to the basement they go to find a home on an open shelf and add a little more interest to the unfinished space. Besides who wants one closet left a mess at this point in the game! (Do you like the cheesy pun!)

Games

Until the next entry and update in the process…

Organization Part 1

Organization Part 2

Decisions

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In last couple weeks, we have had decisions placed in our household to make. I like the easy decisions like…

  • My child is crawling out the crib…  Decision: move them to a bed.
  • Should I get that new pair of pants…  Decision: The budget is empty, done deal.
  • My friend is sick and needs help getting to the doctor… Decision: Of course I should help!
  • Should I buy a bag of  Cadbury Mini Eggs… Decision: Well this one takes more thought; the smart health answer is no, but… : )
  • In light of some decisions, I do not even mind the endless decision of what to eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner and the three snacks a day my toddler eats (although if a maid wants to show up at my house and start cooking to make all of those decisions for me that would be great!)

But then there are decisions that force us to weigh out short-term and long-term gains. Decisions that force us to choose trust. Trust that God is in control even in a situation that may seem to others like a train wreck waiting to happen. Decisions that take days to discuss and consider. Decisions without clear answers or direction, real right or wrong, good or bad ramifications. Decisions that can only be clarified through priorities and what attitude you will choose in the future based on your current decision.

Psalm 90:12 is a verse that God impressed on me this last year and it becomes helpful in making decisions that seem otherwise difficult. The verse states “Teach us to number our days aright that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (NIV’86). The things that matter most are relationships with God and people and our most precious commodity is time. Time is also the commodity over which we have no control. Our days are numbered, none of us know how many we have left. We need to live and plan for the future with wisdom and leave the day without regret because it may be our last.

Some decisions result in choosing that even if we are down to the last $10 we are going to trust that God has brought us this far and He NEVER, EVER walks away. Although at times life may feel like God has walked away when that last $10 is gone (check out the prophet Jeremiah, Daniel in a den of lions, the book of Job), God does carrie us through to completion in Him – not our stuff or our American way of thinking. In God’s economy following through the trial is better than walking away in the process.

What does this blog have to do with design anyway! The design of our days is sometimes found in the decisions small and big. So the design of our life should be based on our priorities and values. Life is short. Make decision based on the design of the life you want to create not just on the momentary feelings. (And, yes, that is how I am calling this blog relevant to design!)

And, if you want direction on making decisions check out “Ask It” http://northpoint.org/messages/ask-it/ – a teaching series by Andy Stanley of Northpoint Church in Atlanta, GA.

Decisions

Fog, Work & a Tree

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It is a marvelous thing to have work to do. All day long the fog has hovered outside my window as I have had the privilege of completing another full day of designing drafts for various projects and people. The fog actually brings a comfort to sitting and working all day. I do not feel as if I missed anything by not going outside. Nor, do I feel stuck indoors, I find myself thankful to be cozy inside. In fact, it may be a new record, my son has not even requested to go outside once today. It must be a cozy indoor day.

My workspace is filled with the smell of fresh pine thanks to a beautiful, very thick 8′-4″ Frasier fir standing in the living room. I do not think we have ever had a nicer Christmas tree. I think I work in the best office one could ask for.

So, as orders are filled for Christmas Countdown cards, Christmas cards are designed to bring hope to others, and marketing materials for small businesses are organized to bring information to clients, I am grateful to have such incredible blessings. Lots of work to be done, cozy foggy weather outside, and a beautiful tree (that will one day have decorations) to work beside.

May the goal of December be to remember all the blessings recounted last week at Thanksgiving and turn them into blessing for others. Enjoy the start to another wonderful season of giving!

Christmas-1

Thanksgiving… It is here!!!

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I am so excited that Thanksgiving is on Thursday! I can hardly wait to see everyone and celebrate. I found coloring place-mats at Target and thankfully bought the exact number of people coming so far… unless there is someone else who joins in! Want a place to go where the cooking will be done for you! : ) Come on over!  (Don’t worry I’ll come up with additional place-mats for you to color!) Parade, people, food, games, and counting our blessings – I don’t think there can be a better agenda for a day!

Here are some of the things for which I am thankful this year:

  • My family who loves us, encourages, and prays for us
  • My husband who so lovingly deals with me and gently leads me to know Jesus more and who has endured and completed nearly 70 college credits in one calendar year – I am so proud of him
  • My son who is helping me understand how I need to obey God without excuse in the same way that we are trying to teach him to obey us without excuse : )
  • Endurance from God for the long days and hard times that are just a part of life
  • Encouragement from God and others that makes the long days worthwhile
  • The incredible support of some amazing friends who have walked through the crazy with us
  • Those who have encouraged LeA’Tev and allowed us to serve you this year
    • In particular, this past week I have been blessed by the response to the “Jesus is… Christmas” countdown. Your response and support of LeATev is among our many blessings and we have begun to pray daily for those that have received the cards. We are praying that they would truly help each person to focus on Jesus this Christmas and love Him more.

Thank you to those who read and follow this blog. Life is truly a beautiful design crafted by the Master Designer “who works all things together for the good of those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose.” (paraphrase of Romans 8:28)

Thank you for being a part of this sojourner’s journey; I am very thankful.

Thanks

Beautiful Disruption

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Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

This past week I worked on a t-shirt design with the words “beautiful disruption”. The words are the theme for the holiday season at Journey Church in Worthington, MN. They are a reminder that out of the disruptions of life God creates beauty. God is in the disruption; He allows and places circumstances and trials in our path that are contrary to what we thought the plan was for our life.

We all have daily disruptions… whether you are in the work place and receive constant disruption by bosses, co-workers, those you supervise, customers, venders, etc.; or if you work from or at home where children and pets offer about a kazillion disruptions per day. And everyone deals with the disruption of the phone, email, IM, and social media!

And we all have life disruptions – major and minor events that change the course of a day, a week, a month, or a lifetime.

In his book Margin, Dr. Swenson discusses the need to have margin in our spiritual life, emotional health, physical health, and schedules so that we can handle and even embrace disruptions. Mary, the mother of Jesus, displayed well her embrace of God’s disruption on her life. Mary’s responses to God’s angel telling her she is going to conceive are “How can this be since I am virgin?” and “I am the Lord’s servant, may it be to me as you have said.” She asks a question of logistics and curiosity, accepts the explanation, and willingly sets aside her plans for God’s disruption in her world.

Mary’s response to God’s major, life-altering disruption models an exemplary attitude. She held loosely to everything in her life – her dreams, her plans, her ideals. In a single conversation her life went from the average young Jewish girl to an extraordinary off-course, unchartered path with an uncertain future. But she does not even seem to fret for a moment.

Mary says – “OK, I am God’s. I am not my own.” She goes to visit her relative Elizabeth not too long after her conversation with the Angel, but she does not go to receive consolation or complain about the uncertainty of her future because of the plight God has given her… nope. Mary sings the Magnificat of praise to “Mighty One [who] has done great things for me.” (Luke 1:49)

We are thankful for the harvest God has given, for His salvation, for His provision and family and friends He has blessed us with and so many other good gifts. But, are we thankful for the disruptions and difficulties of the year? Do I recall that I am not my own, I was bought at a price; I belong to God? (1Corinthians 6:19-20) Do we recount God’s praise in our struggle or rehash our lack of faith to others? Do I hold loosely to every hope, dream, and even my life because I trust in God alone?

Luke 14:33 tells us that “in the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.” (emphasis mine) Mary was willing to give up everything – she was a disciple of God. The question of holding things loosely is not just a good thought it is indicative of my relationship to Jesus Christ as a disciple.

BeautifulDisruption

17 days and counting…

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Anticipation!! It is such a great gift. It is so much fun to think about good things that are coming and plan for the fun to be had! One of the things that I am so excited about is Thanksgiving!!! I was even more excited when I went in to Target last night and saw Thanksgiving decorations! One more reason to shop at Target. : )

Thanksgiving is so much fun and so relaxing! I really, REALLY like watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and watching football and looking through newspaper ads and cooking turkey. I actually think the whole of weekend of Thanksgiving is a holiday. Thanksgiving is four days of spending time together and remembering all that we have to be thankful for – I love it!

I am a bit behind in my Thanksgiving decorations, but I am hopeful to have everything up and ready to go by the end of the week – complete with a cornucopia. The week gets to conclude with a neighborhood fall block party… there is always a great reason to party and get to know people. How are you preparing for Thanksgiving?

FallBlockParty

I hope that you are looking forward to Thanksgiving and counting your blessings… we have so much to be thankful for!

Thanksgiving & Christmas Cards… what do they cost?

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Are you trying to decide if you would like to order Christmas cards?

Well, maybe the following information will help you to decide!

Why choose LeATev instead of one of the many, many other options?

Personal service, no templates to follow. It’s like going to a premier stationery boutique where you get one-on-one attention. Plus, we simply like getting to know and serve people so it is a fun way to connect with you and help you share your year and encourage those who matter to you.

Timing and budget is set at the beginning of the order process. We will work to meet your timeline and stay within the budget requested. You will receive proofs after our initial consultation and initial information is received. Nothing will be printed until you have given your final approval. In general, it is recommended that you order a minimum of two weeks before you would like cards to be sent out.

Extras.

Want to make your life even simpler… Send your Thanksgiving/Christmas card list to us. We will print your addresses, your return address, and put them in the mail for you!  Order before December 1 and all you have to do is pay the postage!

If you order after December 1, we can still mail your cards for you, but there will be a $15 minimum charge for printing and labor.

Price.

Cards range in price from $.75 – $1.50 each… you can get more complicated with card design (i.e. multiple folds, unique shapes, oversized cards, letterpress cards) and then we will have to do a custom quote. Within the cost you will receive cards and envelopes ready to be sent out. If you would like to get simpler or you have a very long list… the cost may be less.

For those living in the state of Iowa, a 6% sales tax must be added to all sales. Shipping will be charged at the lowest price possible and rarely goes above $5 per order unless a rushed timeframe is requested.

Want to place your order?

Send an email (heather@LeATev.com), give a phone call (515) 447-5974, leave a comment below, send a message on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/LeATev). Simply contact us!

Work in Progress

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The week is full with end of the month items to complete, paintings to finish, photos to touch up, and cards to design. Plus a few random projects of my own that got started on a weekend… and are still wanting a little attention. In other words my whole house/workspace is in progress!

My computer at work, my painting studio space (yes, it is in a play pen!) and my bedroom that needs me to spend a few evenings with it! 🙂

Hopefully, next Monday… I’ll have a few finished items to post!

What a blessing it is to start the week over and work! Here is a look at my “workspace” in progress. : )

Work-in-Progress