Rosehaven Cottage: Sharing some of my latest creations

Since I spend the majority of my day in my creative studio here at Rosehaven Cottage and not out in the garden, for this post I wanted to share some of the things I've been working on.

I LOVE vintage paper ephemera... cards, magazines, advertising... anything on paper that pre-dates the 1960's. I like to resurrect the pieces I collect and give them a new life for others to enjoy. So if the art is in the public domain (meaning it's old enough that I'm not infringing on any copyrights), I scan the original art on my hi-res art scanner; digitally restore it (remaining as true to the original as I can); and then incorporate it into a new design for this generation to enjoy.

That's what I did with the little firebears I found. The art became two different designs that are now part of my collection at pingg.com available to send as free online cards and invites.

Beginning in early summer, I've also had the pleasure of creating a couple blog designs.

Over the past couple of weeks, I've had the pleasure of redesigning the blog/website for The Lavender Spool (www.thelavenderspool.com)--a creative business owned and operated by my very talented sister, Jill. She needed a website that would serve as a portfolio site for her custom creations that range from couture modest gowns to one-of-a-kind jewelry made from reclaimed pieces to adorable handmade toys. It also needed to be an online "calling card" that could be viewed on any mobile device as well as computers. And it had to fit her impeccable style. I'm really happy with the way it turned out.

During the latter part of May and early June, I worked with Kimberly at Saltwater Chick Designs (www.saltwaterchickdesigns.com) to create her blog/website from scratch. She's launching a cottage-style furniture business and needed an online venue to share her creations. I had already created the chick logo but the chick needed a home. Now she has one that exudes all the beach cottage charm of Kimberly's creations. I also got to design her business cards, her price tags and even a cute custom iPhone cover featuring the chick.