Katie Fischer Design

Plantable Invitations made of Wildflower Seeds! An Inspiration Board...

2011-10-19T14:30:00.003-04:00

1. Using environment friendly, soy-based inks your invites can be printed on handmade paper made of post consumer product and five different types of wildflower seeds (see 5-9). Your gorgeous invite will be hung on your fridge until your wedding and then it can be planted into the ground!
2. A Sarah Seven dress sold at Lovely Bridal Shop: "Her gowns have the lightness and airiness that are fit for a goddess."
3. Choose an earth inspired design for this paper: like the "Clean Tree" wedding invitation suite by Katie Fischer Design.
4. The "Floral" wedding band by Ken + Dana Design which is "available in recycled 18k gold, recycled platinum, or recycled silver and its handmade in NYC." Ken + Dana Design specialize in environmentally friendly and socially responsible jewelry.
5 - 9. The type of wildflowers that will grow from your plantable invitations: (5) alyssum, (6) catchfly, (7) baby blue eyes, (8) siberian wallflower, and (9) black eye susans.

Check us out on DailyCandy!

2011-10-10T10:49:00.000-04:00

We're thrilled to be featured in DailyCandy's Fall 2011 Wedding Guide.

Woodstock Inspired Invitations and Rustic Fall Weddings

2011-10-07T15:43:00.003-04:00

1. This was one of the most fun custom invitation projects to date. The clients asked me to recreate the Woodstock poster for their invitation suite...

2. This design features fall colors for an October wedding in Vermont. October has always been a favorite month! The smell of fall, Halloween, pumpkins, sweaters, sunshine, hot apple cider...

3. The mood calls for the use of cozy, rustic, psychedelic candles everywhere.

4 & 5. My Woodstock Poster Wedding Invitation Suite will be included in an exhibit about the original Woodstock poster designers: Byrd/Skolnick: A Tale of Two Posters exhibit at The Museum at Bethel Woods (March 31-June 10, 2012).

6. Having a fall wedding? Consider serving hot apple cider spiked with rum during the cocktail hour or a virgin version at the end of the night. Or just make it for yourself at home, so yummy.

7. A simple wild flower crown is a way for a bride to look fresh and free on her wedding day.

8. DIY: Give out jars of homemade granola as reception favors.

9. Hire Rebecca Shepherd Floral Design to get an innovative wild flower look at your wedding.

10. And, isn't this the perfect dress to go with this suite? Check out Delphine Manivet at Lovely Bridal Shop.

Winter Wedding Inspiration Board

2011-09-20T16:47:00.001-04:00

The design was created to celebrate winter. Inspired by a serene and majestic winter birch tree forest.
Black and White winter wedding bouquet by the amazing Rebecca Shepherd Floral Design
The design is different, elegant, and moody...much like a black diamond engagement ring.
Dress up your winter off-white wedding shoes with icy diamond details.
Katie Fischer Design's Winter Birch Tree Wedding invitation suite. Shown here flat printed on shiny pearl cover. Photography by Nat Chitwood, Fotos by Nat.
Consider serving hot chocolate at your winter wedding: spike it with Schnapps and serve during cocktail hour or bring it out at the end of the night to warm up (or sober up) your guests.
A perfectly glamorous and unique off-white wedding dress for a winter bride to stand out against the white snow. Dress design by David Fielden (sold at Lovely Bridal Shop, NYC).
This is a place card idea I did for one of my winter brides to match her Birch Tree Wedding Invitation suite and theme. Belle Fleur executed this dramatic display of bare branches in a birch tree bark wrapped vase. Escort cards rendered in matching shiny cream paper, with birch tree images, and guest’s names and table numbers printed in matching fonts from the wedding invitation suite. Photography by Scott Whittle.

Rainbow Wedding Mood Board

2011-09-16T13:14:00.000-04:00

Katie Fischer Design's Rainbow Wedding Invitation Suite was inspired by the happy decision to legalize same-sex marriage in the state of New York!
Rainbow shoes? Yes, please.
Naomi and Rachel's bright and cheery engagement session by Jen Huang Photography featured on 100 Layer Cake. The rainbow floral teacup is a perfect touch.
This wedding suite reminds us of a rainbow assortment of wildflowers in mismatching vases - design by the one and only Hatch Creative Studio.
Katie wears this necklace nearly everyday - color wheel pendant by Yellow Owl Workshop.
Another shot by the talented Jen Huang Photography of Naomi and Rachel. Flowers by the lovely Poppies and Posies.
The Rainbow Wedding Invitation Suite by Katie Fischer Design. A design that celebrates life and love! Hand-drawn watercolor stripes in a rainbow pattern with curving vintage typewriter and quill and ink fonts weaving between the lines. Flat printed on shiny cream paper. Set includes an invitation, RSVP card, and thank you note and comes with with either recycled brown paper bag envelopes, shimmering pearl, or colored matching envelopes. Check out how to order, pricing info, or more about Katie Fischer Design. Photo credit: Fotos by Nat (c) Natalie Chitwood.

My Festive Beach Wedding & Our Anniversary

2011-09-13T16:06:00.000-04:00

Today is our anniversary! Thought I'd go down memory lane.

Venue: Seacoast Science Center, Rye, NH
Florist: The Flower Kiosk, Portsmouth, NH
Photography: Rhapsody Studios, New England
Invitations and event design: Katie Fischer Design, NYC & Montclair, NJ

What to give a couple who has everything?

2011-09-09T13:24:00.004-04:00

Dear Katie Fischer Design: Our dear friends just got married and we don't want to pick a soup bowl off the registry (plus they got everything haha) and have been trying to think of the perfect, unique gift for them. Maybe a modified version of the Story of Us? He's from New York and she's from Wisconsin (big apple, big cheese) and they met in new york but got married in Wisconsin - maybe something tying these things together. Also, they love to ski...

I love projects like this! Here's what we came up with: the perfect custom artwork gift for a couple who has everything...including love.

A special thanks to Dan Gerdes for the photography!

Katie Fischer Design's New Logo!

2011-09-09T11:27:00.002-04:00

I'm very excited about our new logo. We needed a change and I think this new design represents us perfectly! Have a great weekend everyone!

Lauren & Rich's Custom Escort Cards

2011-09-08T12:42:00.001-04:00

Lauren and Rich wanted to do something unique to make their wedding feel more like them. They decided to name each table after something important, such as:

Their childhood homes

Where they went to school

Where they had their first date

The different NYC addresses they lived at together

Lauren submitted specific pictures and I created original watercolor portraits for each memory.I designed matching escort cards with the illustrations as well as description of the significance of the image on the back.

The table numbers and escort cards were a great conversational piece at the reception and Lauren and Rich's guests left knowing more about them as individuals and as a couple.

The original watercolor portraits sprinkled into a formal and bright June wedding at a polo club setting was the perfect way to add charm, uniqueness and soul.

Lauren and Rich both received the original artwork of their respective family homes framed as a wedding gift from me.

Congrats Lauren and Rich, and special thanks to Niki Rossi for the beautiful photos!

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

2011-09-03T15:57:00.001-04:00

I hope you're somewhere like this for the weekend. Enjoy!

Introducing The Rainbow Invitation Suite!

2011-08-31T11:19:00.011-04:00

The photos are coming in from our last photo shoot.

Check out Katie Fisher Design's latest addition to our Template Wedding Designs, the beautiful new Rainbow Suite! Another photo compliments of Nat Chitwood.

More photos will be up soon!

New Invitation Photographs Coming Soon...

2011-08-25T15:04:00.007-04:00

I had such a great day on Tuesday doing a photo shoot with Nat Chitwood. She is so talented! Here's a sneak peak of a two groom custom wedding invitation. As implied by the props, we got inspiration from David Hockney and vintage album covers.

I can't wait to see the rest!

Katie Fischer Design Studio Tour by Moss + Isaac!

2011-08-24T10:59:00.005-04:00

Welcome to Katie Fischer Design!

This is our studio in Montclair, NJ. We're open seven days a week, by appointment only. We also see clients at our office in Manhattan on 23rd Street between Fifth and Sixth.

A very special thanks to the talented Moss + Isaac for taking these gorgeous pictures. To see more from our studio shoot, go to our Facebook page. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Good luck Grazia and Justin!

2011-08-12T12:00:00.006-04:00

Grazia and Justin's wedding is tomorrow. These two couldn't possibly be any more adorable. I had so much fun designing everything for their wedding from the save-the-dates, to the invitations, reception details, and especially their Story of Us. They've had some tough things come their way. I hope their wedding can still be everything they've dreamed of. Everyone, send Grazia and Justin your positive energy this weekend! Happy Friday!

Nautical Monogrammed Notecard Set

2011-07-29T15:18:00.004-04:00

In celebration of summer, please find my newest set of notecards. Hand-drawn watercolor stripes and pen & ink drawing of an anchor with a customizable monogram. These 4 x 6" folded notecards are flat printed on pearl shimmering cover with matching navy blue envelopes. Sold in pack of 8 directly through Katie Fischer Design and on Newly Wish.

And a special thanks to the talented Nat Chitwood for taking this perfect photograph.

Happy summer!

The Guggenheim Wedding Invitation Suite

2011-07-01T13:35:00.015-04:00

My husband proposed to me at the Guggenheim on birthday, July 25, 2007. Since its the first of July, I thought it would be perfect to introduce you to my newest wedding invitation suite: The Guggenheim!

The Guggenheim suite is sophisticated and modern: clean white space, minimalist line drawings of the museum, and Guggenheim-inspired fonts.

This suite would work well printed flat or via letterpress. For more information, go here.

Have a great holiday weekend!

Same-sex "Story of Us" Giveaway...

2011-06-28T13:21:00.006-04:00

I am so thrilled and excited about the vote to allow same-sex marriage in the state of New York! Woooohooooo!!!!

To celebrate, I'm offering a give-a-way to all same-sex couples getting married in New York. One lucky couple will receive a free Story of Us of up to ten memories. Submit your story to me as a brief bulleted list of the key moments that led up to your engagement at katie@katiefischerdesign.com and I will pick a winner on Tuesday July 26th. All couples who submit and do not get picked, will receive 25% off their Story of Us, should they decide to commission one...

Happy wedding planning to ALL!

Claire Rosen Photography + Katie Fischer Design

2011-05-24T09:54:00.010-04:00

I'm very excited to use my new photos that Claire Rosen took for me! They will be used on my Newly Wish vendor page as well as on my website. Here's a sneak peak. And, also, make sure you check out Claire's work here. I'm especially obsessed with her shoot for a hat designer where she reenacted Edward Gorey's Gashlycrumb Tinies. Amazing!!! Claire's eye and creativity continue to delight and inspire me.

New York Magazine Event, Tammy Golson, and Sofia Negron Photography...

2011-05-03T11:17:00.013-04:00

Finally, a proper post about the New York Magazine Weddings Event! I met so many gorgeous couples and loved seeing some of my my favorite colleagues: Ray Jarrell, Newly Wish, Sugar Flower Cake Shop, Kelly Guenther Studio, and so many more. A very special thanks to Tammy Golson for styling my table. These gorgeous pictures were taken by the very talented Sofia Negron. At the event, I raffled off a custom save-the-date design or a personal stationery design...congrats to the lucky winner, Freida O. This was definitely one of my favorite shows of the year!

Bonnie & Mark's Wedding at the Manhattan Penthouse

2011-04-21T09:42:00.020-04:00

Here are pictures from Bonnie and Mark's wedding at The Manhattan Penthouse on February 20, 2011. I designed everything for them: custom save-the-dates, an invitation suite, custom change of venue postcards, an original birch tree drawing as a sign-in board, an escort card tree (executed by Marilyn at Belle Fleur), programs, event signage, and a custom "Story of Us." The following photography is by the very talented Scott Whittle. I hope you enjoy it!

Vintage Camera Wedding Invitations

2011-04-19T14:33:00.005-04:00

Hooray! Please meet my newest template wedding invitation set "Camera Love," inspired by a vintage camera and retro fonts. Invitation, RSVP card, and thank you note shown here letterpressed on 110# white cover with recycled brown paper bag envelopes.

Pricing info:

$965 for 100 sets flat printed.

$1535 for 100 sets letterpressed.

If you have questions or to make an order, please contact info@katiefischerdesign.com.

Illustrated Seating Chart: Katie's portraits vs. the real reference pictures

2011-04-06T10:33:00.017-04:00

At the New York Magazine Weddings event last week, I displayed my illustrated seating chart. A couple of attendees were curious to see what the people in the portraits actually looked like. A very good question indeed. Here are a couple of reference pictures that I used and the portraits that I created.

As an illustrated seating chart, portraits of your guests can be arranged in a frame behind glass for you to save after the reception (as seen at New York Magazine) or they can be pinned on a decorative board for guests to take home their portraits as reception favors. Pricing depends on how many portraits, contact info@katiefischerdesign.com for a quote.

The Green Building Save-the-date

2011-03-15T13:00:00.006-04:00

I recently did signage for the after-party of Brooklyn Based Wedding Crashers which was held at The Green Building. If you haven't seen this space yet, I highly recommend that you check it out...especially if you're looking for a wedding venue in the NYC area. It's barn-like in the inside but with gorgeous chandeliers; it has a vintage yet glamorous feel. It also has an outdoor space and it's in a great Brooklyn neighborhood.

Sooooo, I used the artwork I created for the signage to create this template Green Building save-the-date. Flat printed with matching green, black, or recycled brown paper bag envelopes. Prices start at $400 for 50.

Wedding Crashers Tomorrow in Brooklyn!

2011-02-26T10:46:00.003-05:00

This is the sign I designed for the after party of the Wedding Crashers - a Brooklyn Based wedding fair. So many great vendors will be there. If you are engaged and in the NYC area - you should really come. The event is at the Bell House (149 7th Street, Brooklyn) from 11 am until 4 pm. Then there will be limos taking people to the after party at The Green Building in Carroll Gardens starting at 3:30. So fun! Get your tickets here.

Wedding Crashers with Brooklyn Based Sunday Feb 27

2011-02-22T09:55:00.007-05:00

I'm exhibiting in Wedding Crashers by Brooklyn Based on Sunday Feb 27. If you're engaged and/or in the Brooklyn area, stop by and say hello! I think its going to be a great event with some of my favorite vendors like Tammy Golson Events, Roberta's and Poppies & Posies. There's also going to be an after party at The Green Building in Carroll Gardens. I actually designed the signage for the after party. Here's The Green Building drawing and my self portrait that I used among many other illustrations of vendors for the signage.

You can get your tickets here. Hope to see you Sunday!

New wedding trend: Illustrated Favor Cards

2011-02-15T10:38:00.008-05:00

I've been noticing a trend in the wedding industry: couples are donating to their favorite organizations in their guests' honor as opposed to buying traditional reception favors.

I'm in the process of designing a series of illustrated favor cards to make this kind gesture more fun. Here's one that I did to encourage couples to consider giving to one of my favorite public radio programs, This American Life by WBEZ Chicago. If you're not familiar with it, I highly suggest that you check it out.

Stay tuned to see other illustrated favor cards from Katie Fischer Design....

Personal Stationery - Vintage Camera Design

2011-02-08T15:37:00.006-05:00

This is personal stationery that I just designed for Stacey Ilyse to give to her clients (she's an incredibly talented photographer...check out her work here). The design features a vintage camera with Stacey's name in retro type.

Everyone should have custom stationery..I suggest that you order yours today! And if you happen to like this particular design, it can be customized with your name and border color of choice.

Have a lovely Tuesday.

Bridesmaid Thank you Postcards

2011-01-28T11:59:00.011-05:00

Katie Fischer Design has made it easier for busy brides to send a little love to their hardworking bridesmaids. We've worded it perfectly for you on a charming vintage inspired postcard. All you have to do is write in the addresses, stamp it, and throw it in the mailbox! Sold in packs of 10 through the Katie Fischer Design website. To order, go here.

What to do if you have to change your wedding venue after you've already sent out your invitations.....

2011-01-28T11:32:00.010-05:00

My clients outgrew their wedding venue spot. They had to change venues AFTER they had already sent out the save-the-dates and the invitations. Ooops! Not a problem though...I did a custom watercolor painting of the new venue, The Manhattan Penthouse, to feature on the front of a postcard that we mailed to all their guests.

I say turn a minor bump in the road into a beautiful piece of artwork! I framed the original painting of The Manhattan Penthouse and gave it to Bonnie and Mark as a gift.

Illustrations of guests as reception favors

2010-12-13T15:41:00.010-05:00

An elegant framed canvas with portraits of your guests as a seating chart. Not only does this look amazing at a reception, but your guests will be delighted to take home their very own portrait as a reception favor. All portraits are pinned onto a framed canvas; names of the guests and table numbers can be written in pencil in case your guests want to frame their portrait.

Katie Fischer Design is all about creative ideas that can be used after the reception is over. This framed canvas can be used later as a gorgeous bulletin board in your kitchen or office. Happy Monday!

*Please note, the chart pictured above is a miniature model for the purpose of display in my studio. All framed canvases are made to order: they can accommodate as many or as few portraits as you'd like. Portraits can be rendered based on photographs that you send to me or that I can get off of Facebook or they can be whimsical pieces of art based on a questionnaire that you fill out for your guests.

Romance at The Alger House

2010-10-29T16:43:00.010-04:00

Bonnie & Mark are getting married at The Alger House, a 19th century townhouse in the West Village. For their save-the-date, they wanted something that had a historical, yet unique and sophisticated feel.

I used this grainy interior shot from The Alger House website to do a watercolor painting for the save-the-date. For fonts, I chose a vintage engraved font with a handwritten quill & ink font. The final piece was printed on shiny cream card stock. Black linen outer envelopes gave this design more drama and elegance. Custom circular return address labels are functional, cost-effective, and memorable.

As a gift, I have framed the original artwork for Bonnie and Mark.

Starry Night + Moody Romance = This New Save-the-date

2010-10-13T12:04:00.005-04:00

Can you believe it? This is actually where my clients, Grazia (of The Wedding Salon) and Justin, are getting married! They provided me with the top etching and asked me to create a save-the-date that would convey their romantic, starry night theme. A dreamy dream indeed...

Themed Seating Chart: Outdoor Garden Wedding

2010-09-16T10:06:00.003-04:00

Turn your seating chart into a piece of artwork.

This example is for an outdoor garden wedding. Each table is named after a flower or plant. The guests find their name next to their respective flower. Each table has the matching drawing of the flower that it is named after framed in an 8x10 frame and centered in the middle of the table. This original piece of art is meant to be saved and hung in the home after the reception is over.

Other ideas: family tree, constellation map, places we've traveled, favorite things to do and places to go, favorite bands, favorite food, things you grow in your backyard garden, etc etc etc.....

Winter Birch Tree Wedding Invitation Set

2010-08-02T12:45:00.009-04:00

This is a template design I created based on my artwork from my “The Birchtree Series” (Pat Gail Gallery, 2009). It's a celebration of winter weddings: white birch trees occupy the white snowy space. Printed digitally on art watercolor and with recycled brown paper bag or and ice blue envelopes. Matching winter white envelopes also available.

If you are getting married in the winter or in New England - this design is perfect for you!

Woodstock Inspired Custom Wedding Invitations

2010-07-05T11:34:00.005-04:00

Katie and Bryan are hippies at heart and wanted to do something fun and different for their wedding invitations. Katie had this fabulous idea to do a play on the original Woodstock poster design. I drew two doves instead of one to symbolize the couple. We printed the invitations on art watercolor paper to give them a handmade quality. Katie and Bryan decided to do postcards for their RSVP card. We indicated an area for guests to write fun messages to the couple--plus postcards save paper and money on postage. We used envelopes made from recycled brown paper bags. I designed a circular invitation seal featuring the two doves kissing with the return address forming a circular border. Katie and Bryan were a pleasure to work with and I'm thrilled to add their design to my portfolio.

SCBWI Conferene + The Brian Jonestown Massacre...

2010-06-07T11:40:00.005-04:00

Friday and Saturday I was at the SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators) conference in Princeton, NJ. I learned so much and it was amazing to spend two days with my kind of people! This is one of the final illustrations I presented in the illustrator's intensive as well as in the group show.

Then Sunday, I went to see The Brian Jonestown Massacre at Webster Hall with my husband. Had some yummy vegetarian food with some old friends. An incredible weekend; hope you had a good one too!

Do you have an invitation that has two brides on it? Yes.

2010-06-02T10:35:00.007-04:00

This design was just featured on AOL's Aisledash: http://www.aisledash.com/2010/06/09/gay-lesbian-wedding-trends-sex-and-the-city-2/

My "Two Brides" wedding invitation set includes an invitation, RSVP card, and thank you note. As shown here, the invitation is printed digitally on shiny white paper with chocolate brown and light pink envelopes. Colors, paper choices, and printing methods can be changed upon request. Of course, custom illustrations of the couple can be arranged as well!

Illustrative Invitations & A Two Groom Invitation Design

2010-05-26T19:40:00.012-04:00

This design was inspired by David Hockney and vintage album covers. Why not have original paintings done of you and your fiance for your wedding invitation? It can be done in exactly your style. You can frame the original artwork and hang it in your home. Sounds good to me. You too? Then call or email me to set up an appointment! katiefischerdesign@gmail.com or 917-714-2957

Custom Monogram & Green Table Numbers

2010-05-14T12:58:00.004-04:00

My client's fiance is a pro golfer. We created a custom monogram that incorporated a golf club for the invitations and stationery. They decided to name their tables after hole numbers; I did original watercolor paintings for each hole/table. All paintings will be centered on the tables in mismatching silver frames. After the reception is over, the collection of golf course paintings will be hung as a series in their home. I can't think of anything better than making one's wedding unique all awhile creating things that will be used long after the wedding is over. Green, green, green!

Illustrated Seating Chart

2010-05-06T14:01:00.001-04:00

Creative Place Card Design:
A framed collection of illustrations of your guests

It can be literal depictions based on photographs that your or your guests send to me. If you don’t want your guests to have to mail or email me a picture, I find pictures on Facebook or do whimsical sketches based on a quick questionnaire that you fill out.

The final product can either be a series of illustrations pinned on a framed canvas where your guests remove their image and keep it as a wedding favor; or the images can be arranged in a gorgeous collage and framed behind glass for you to save and hang in your home.

SCBWI Summer 2010 Conference

2010-04-20T20:24:00.003-04:00

These are children's book illustrations for the illustrator's intensive at the NJ 2010 SCBWI Conference. I had to choose a section to illustrate from the most adorable story about a little girl assimilating to her new family after being adopted from Korea. I submitted the black & white sketches and got feedback to show more interaction between the little girl and her parents. I think I achieved this in the final color version. On June 4, I will present the illustrations at the conference. Wish me luck!

Madison in a Birchtree Forest

2010-04-16T13:14:00.003-04:00

I merged "Birchtree No. 5" with Madison to create an eerie illustration. I lovvvvvve Photoshop.

Illustrated Seating Chart

2010-04-14T13:27:00.001-04:00

I'm offering a new wedding service: a framed collection of illustrations of your guests instead of place cards....

It can be literal depictions based on photographs that your guests send to me (as shown here). If you don't want to bother your guests, I can do whimsical sketches based on a questionnaire that you fill out. Or it can be abstract based on images, colors, places, animals, etc. that you assign to each of your guests - for example, I would draw a painter's palate to symbolize me and a book for my husband, Scott, who is a writer.

The final product can either be a series of illustrations pinned on a framed canvas where your guests remove their image and keep it as a wedding favor. Or the images can be arranged in a gorgeous collage and framed behind glass for you to save and hang in your home.

I'm in the process of illustrating everyone from my wedding to use as an example. I'll be sure to post the finished product, which will also be on display at my upcoming event:

Extraordinary Weddings
A Boutique Bridal Event
Monday April 19, 6:00 - 9:00 pm
@ Bangz
23 S. Fullerton, Montclair, NJ

*This event is free, however an RSVP is required. Please email bangzinc@aol.com or call (973) 746-8426 to reserve your spot today!

Pen & ink drawing in Sprouts

2010-03-30T21:46:00.000-04:00

"Let Me In Right This Very Instant!"
Pen & ink and wash with watercolor on paper. The Crabtree Witch Series.

This drawing just got published in the illustrators showcase section of Sprouts (http://www.newjerseyscbwi.com/sproutstakeapeek.shtml).

Sprouts is a publication of the SCBWI NJ chapter. I'm attending my first SCBWI conference in June. I need to get my manuscript and illustrations ready by April 27th. Wish me luck!

Madison: a pen & ink drawing colored in Photoshop

2010-03-26T21:01:00.000-04:00

This is Madison and she is a worry wart. She mostly worries about the deterioration of the ozone layer, the survival rate of earth worms after a heavy rainfall, and about getting an ulcer from worrying too much. She likes eating cauliflower soup, making paper snowflakes, and collecting sea rocks that have been warmed by the sun. Madison is worried that you won't enjoy your weekend. Please don't let her down...

"Maine", oil on canvas inspired by Maureen Gallace

2010-03-23T17:35:00.001-04:00

This is an oil painting I'm making for a good friend. Can you tell that I studied under Maureen Gallace? I hope its not toooooooo Maureen Gallace! I keep Maureen's color suggestions pinned up in my studio. She's wonderful; check out Maureen's work here: http://www.artnet.com/artist/26115/maureen-gallace.html

Other artists that inspire me most are Peter Doig, James Abott McNeill Whistler, Alice Neal, Edward Gorey, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, David Hockney, etc etc etc...

Shannon Hawley @ Market & Business Card Design

2010-03-18T13:45:00.000-04:00

Top image: I recently designed this logo and business card for singer/songwriter, Shannon Hawley. She's incredible in every way!

Shannon will be performing tonight (and every Thursday) at Market (12 Church Street, Montclair, NJ) from 7 - 9 pm. Enjoy yummy, local, fresh food while listening to the talented Shannon Hawley. What a perfect plan for a perfect spring day!

See & hear more of Shannon Hawley here: http://www.myspace.com/shannonhawleymusic

Bottom image: I designed this postcard too. While you're at Market enjoying the food and music, please also check out my artwork hanging in the back of the restaurant.

We would like to thank Market in Montclair, NJ for supporting its local farmers and artists!

Vanilla Pink, Custom Bridal Gowns

2010-03-15T12:25:00.001-04:00

I'm pleased to introduce you to Vanilla Pink (vanillapink.com) - an innovative dress design studio led by Lisa Krizner-George.

I recently designed the Vanilla Pink press kit. Lisa Krizner-George is a delight to work with and a true artist with such vision and style. Lisa wanted to create a very particular look with all of her designed materials: sort of Parisian/Art Nouveau, handmade yet couture, with vintage flare and sophistication. It seems we got it right. After Lisa sent off her press kit--Vanilla Pink got featured on Martha Stewarts's Blog!

Lisa Krizner-George spent a decade designing dresses for Broadway, tv & film, and for various celebrities (Uma Thurman and Isabella Rossellini, to name a few). If you are in the market for a wedding gown, or know someone who is, look no further. What a dream to have a professional like Lisa design your perfect, one-of-a-kind wedding gown!

Vanilla Pink
www.VanillaPink.com
Lisa@vanillapink.com
917-658-1630

ps - Vanilla Pink will be part of The Wedding Salon event in NYC on April 12 if you want to meet her. Event details here:
http://www.weddingsalon.com/events.cfm

The Crabapple Tree

2010-03-14T15:23:00.000-04:00

Doesn't this look like March?

This is "The Crabapple Tree" (pen and ink, wash, and watercolor on paper) which is part of the Crabtree Witch Series now on view at Market: (http://www.marketmontclair.com/) .

Speaking of Market, we went there this morning for brunch. YUMMMMM. Go check it out soon...

Hope you have a cozy and relaxing Sunday.

Chicken Bouillabaisee to weather the storm

2010-03-13T17:16:00.000-05:00

We're having a WICKED storm and I'm hoping I have enough good karma out there to prevent our basement from flooding.

In the meantime, here's a yummy recipe to warm your bones. I love cooking almost as much as I love making art. I am absolutely incapable of following a recipe to a tee. Here's a Barefoot Contessa recipe with my special touches:

Ina + Katie's Chicken Bouillabaisse

1 4-5 lb chicken cut into 10 pieces
Sea salt and freshly grounded pepper
1.5 Tlb freshly chopped Rosemary
Good EVOO
8ish garlic cloves
1 heaping tsp saffron threads
1 tsp fennel seeds
1 star anise
1 15 oz San Marzano tomato puree
1.5 homemade veggie stock (you should always have homemade veg stock on hand! Save your old mushroom bottoms, carrots, tomato pieces, fresh herbs, onions, garlic, shallots, fresh ginger, white wine, etc. - boil with 4+ cups water for 2-3 hours. Use some and freeze the rest).
1.5 cups dry Spanish or French rose wine
1 lb red potatoes halved

Pat chicken dry with paper towels and season it generously with salt and pepper and rosemary. Heat EVOO over med heat in a lg dutch oven. Brown chicken pieces in batches and set aside.

Lower heat to med-low and add the garlic, saffron, fennel seeds, star anise, tomato puree, veg stock, rose wine, two heaping pinches salt, and 1 heaping tsp pepper to pot. Stir and scrape up any browned bits on the bottom, and simmer for 30 to 40 mins, until the garlic is tender, stirring occasionally.

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Remove the star anise. Puree this sauce with, hopefully you have one - a hand held emulsifier. If not, sorry my friend, puree in batches in a food processor. Add chicken + their juices and the potatoes to the pureed sauce. Cover pot and bake until potatoes are tender and the chicken is done. Check it at 45 mins - in my oven it usually take about 1 hour and 10 mins. Check seasonings - you'll probably need to add more salt and pepper and I like to add more rose wine to give it a kick! Serve with yummy bread from your local bakery. Enjoy!

Scary blue man, children's book illustration

2010-03-12T10:22:00.000-05:00

Per the request of my husband, here is the freaky blue man. He was submitted for the same project as Lydia. What do you think, too scary for children? If you've seen The Crabtree Witch Series you'll know that I have a tendency to draw spooky! You can blame that on Edward Gorey.

Mira - children's book illustration

2010-03-11T15:34:00.000-05:00

This is Mira, she's also a character I created for a children's book pitch. Isn't she lovely?

Lydia, illustration for a children's book

2010-03-11T15:18:00.000-05:00

Please meet Lydia. She is a drawing I created per the request of an art director for a children's book in developement. Send me your positive energy...I hope I get this job!

New Design + You're invited...

2010-03-11T14:43:00.000-05:00

Hello and welcome to my blog!

I've recently joined a group of local wedding vendors to do events and bridal showcases. In addition to being the wedding invitation designer, I also volunteered my design services to the group.

Here's the save-the-date I created. What do you think?

And please join us for this event: Monday, April 19 from 6 - 9 at Bangz (23 S Fullerton, Montclair, NJ).
This event is free, however an RSVP is required. Please email bangzinc@aol.com or call (973) 746-8426 to reserve your spot today!