Purplebox Design - Creative + Print Boutique

I am so excited to announce our new product line -- semi-custom wedding invitations!

Our semi-custom collection offers brides the ability to customize their invitation without having to incur in the design fees associated with our custom invitations.  All of the designs in our collection can be customized to any color palette and personalized with the event details.  Purplebox Design carries a variety of paper colors, textures, and patterns, allowing us to find the perfect match for practically any palette!

Contact us today to inquire about our semi-custom collection - customization of the designs is also available!

Please take a look at our collection:
http://www.purpleboxdesign.com/semi-custom-collection.html

The entries are in and it's time to vote!  Purplebox Design invites you to vote in our FREE CANVAS PRINT ENLARGEMENT CONTEST!  Please visit our voting page and place your vote for your FAVORITE picture! 

http://www.purpleboxdesign.com/contest-entries.html

Votes will be accepted from June 21st - June 25th, 2010.  Winner will be announced on June 28th, 2010.

Please feel free to share with EVERYONE since this contest is not only limited to Facebook fans.  Anyone with a valid e-mail address can vote!  We strongly encourage you to spread the word, but to ask people to place only one vote!  Double votes just delay the tallying process and makes it harder for us to communicate to you what is the status of the contest!

Thank you and good luck to the contestants!

This past May, I had the privilege of celebrating the "one year anniversary" of the most important year of my life.  A year ago, my life was blessed with the a little boy by the name of Noah Anthony.  Besides all the emotional and intense feelings that accompany motherhood, the amount of personal growth that I have experienced since his entrance into my life is beyond words.

When I began to brainstorm ideas to celebrate this huge milestone in both Noah and my life, I immediately realized that I wanted to do something COMPLETELY out of the ordinary.  His birthday celebration had to be "up to par" with the "awesomeness" of our first year together.  I also wanted to incorporate "activities" that he could actually participate in and enjoy - as a result, I came up with the idea of having an "art party."  Being an artist myself, it's always been a priority of mine to offer my children the opportunity to become familiar with all types of art forms and types.  I figured that an art party would be an amazing way to meet this priority, while having so much fun in the process!

And so the planning began!  An immense surge of ideas started to hit me - paint drops of the floor, art stations, custom "tablecloths," paint buckets, brushes, crayons - oh so many great ideas and I couldn't contain the excitement I felt!  I knew that this birthday party was for "him," but that's BS - this party was also for "mommy."  It was basically my "graduation ceremony," commemorating a year filled with trails, tribulations, joys, frustrations, and so many other emotions that occur during the first year of motherhood.

I must admit (and I don't mean to sound cocky, because that is SOOOOOO not my style)... but the party was a freaking HIT!  Everything came out PERFECT - just the way I envisioned it!  The timing was right on - thanks to Chic and Sleek Entourage who followed by timeline to the "t."  The art stations were a hit with the kids - I was totally baffled when I saw an empty bounce house!  All the kids were absolutely LOVING getting down and dirty with the paint!  The clown was amazing, and incorporated all of the "old folk."  The food was AMAZING (thanks to Gourmet for a Day) - the mini "pan con lechon" sandwiches and lasagna was OUT OF HAND!  The face painting was so awesome that even I decided to paint my face!  Below, please find the beautiful images taken by Photos by Bello - Thank you so much for capturing this special event in my life!

An e-card was sent to the guests prior to the event  to "paint" the date!

The invitation was inspired by the "Crayola" theme - every last detail was custom designed by Purplebox Design - even the coloring page on the background of the inside!

We decided to wear bright colors to go with the theme of the party. Our shirts read "Mommy," "Daddy," and "Mommy and Daddy's Masterpiece."

I am a firm believer that unity is an absolute "must" in a party - every single little detail needs to fit in the "overall" scheme of the party.  All of the pictures below show details that were designed and printed by Purplebox Design!

I decided to use paint cans and brushes as the centerpieces for our tables.  The labels were custom designed and printed in the theme we used in our "paint-the-date" card.

The table coverings were printed in our largest machine and were trimmed to fit each and every table.

The posters were enlargements of pictures that were taken when Noah was 10 months of age by Photos by Bello.  Keeping them a secret until the party was NOT EASY, but I wanted to "inaugurate" them at his birthday!

The banner is designed in the "Crayola" theme - just like the invitation that I designed!

We installed a trail of "ink splatters" from the front door all the way to the end of the terrace.

Instead of "goodie bags" - we created "goodie paint cans" with art tools and accessories!

Each can was personalized for every child at the party - it serves as a wonderful keepsake as well!

Three different art stations were set up:  The "Paint" Station for the older kids, the "Baby Art" Station for the little ones and a "Coloring Station".

Each station had their own custom printed ID and accessories.

All the kids AND adults had a blast - I was elated to see the smiles on everyone's faces!  All the hard work DEFINITELY paid off!

I have been blessed with the privilege of finally finding a career I truly love.  I love the fact that I wake up in the morning and look forward to the projects of the day, and that I have to force myself to turn the computer off at night.  I love working in the creative field, and find it so rewarding when my clients have a real appreciation for my work and talent. 

Last night, I met with the winner from our April Free Invitation Contest, Jenise Sierra.  She was accompanied by her lovely mother, and talented sister, Jessie Sierra (which works in a field I absolutely love- MAKE UP!). I must admit that the combination of us four was AWESOME!  We hit it off from the start, and although we were supposed to discuss a bridal shower invitation and monogram design only, we ended up talking about every single little detail of her event.  After discussing many creative, yet practical ideas for her wedding, I realized that this sort of "consultation" would be a great asset for any one coordinating an event. 

Being that I was a bride-to-be merely three years ago, I am able to combine my experience from my own wedding coordination with my design sense and creative ideas - and this combination only leads to a brainstorming session that is filled with unique and creative ideas that can be incorporated in any event.  Please feel free to contact me at any time to find out more information about our "creative consultations."

I want to send a big "thank you" to the Sierra trio for being so open and receptive to the many ideas I brought to the table, but more importantly, because they are such wonderful people!  I am excited to work on the two projects at hand, although I am more excited to see what our next gathering will bring!

Should you want to schedule a creative consultation, please visit the website below and submit your inquiry.

http://www.purpleboxdesign.com/consultations.html

I have a small confession - there is one piece of event stationery that I absolutely love so much, that I think I can go as far as saying that's it my "favorite."  There's something special about this "little" piece, but make sure to not underestimate it due to it's size--for it serves a "huge" roll. There's just something about ESCORT CARDS that tickle my pickle! LOL

Escort cards serve a very practical role of directing your guests to their corresponding table.  They can be considered your reception's "ushers."  Although this is their primary function, they also serve as a great "welcome" display for your guests, and also make each and every guest feel "special."  I mean, it just feels great to see YOUR name on one individual card.  Maybe it goes back to the school days when the teacher would assign seats, and you had no clue who you would be sitting next to for the entire school year.  Well, maybe it's not that drastic, since this particular seating arrangement is for only a couple of hours, and most probably, the couple has seated you with friends and family.  Bottom line is that it's a little fun to find out "who you are seating with," and what's more exciting is how to display this information.

Traditionally, escort cards were simply hand-written by a calligrapher on a ecru or white stock paper, usually in a tented form.  Nowadays, brides, event designers and custom stationery designers (like myself) have taken this "small" piece and taken them to "big" lengths. The use of colorful paper, ink, ribbon, and design elements-- as well as elaborate displays incorporating floral arrangements, trees, corks, shells, etc -- have really set the bar high for escort cards and displays.  But it's totally worth it!  There's nothing more "exciting" than entering a beautiful reception to find YOUR NAME in a creative way.  And if executed correctly, it can very well be the "talk" of the town.

Please feel free to contact me for creative and unique escort card ideas!  There are so many AWESOME ideas that you can incorporate in your event!

Yep, it's Saturday and technically, I should be "off."  I should be spending quality time with my lovely husband and beautiful one-year-old.  However, I've been up since 7:00 AM and have worked almost the entire day.  Although it may sound like I am complaining - I am not.  On the contrary, I am very grateful to have work, and truly love my line of work!  You see... "working" in the creative world is fun and exciting - but, it also tends to consume your time, mind and spirit. My mind never disconnects - as a matter of fact, it's always working--while I shower, while I eat, while I clean up, even while I sleep.  I actually am the "most creative" when I sleep.  Sometimes, I find myself telling myself to "shut up!"  It sounds crazy, I know.  And NO, I don't have multiple personalities - but sometimes there is no other way.

On the brighter side, I was so productive today and completed three projects - that's freaking awesome!  Now, I can totally disconnect tomorrow and enjoy the entire Sunday with my wonderful husband, who is so absolutely supportive of my work, and my little angel - who is the driving force of my entire career.  

It's Saturday night and most of my friends are out and about, having drinks, partying and having a good time.  My husband and I, on the other hand, are on the couch with our laptops finding a way to make our businesses grow.  And it's really great that I can say that I am happy this is where we are...

Purplebox Design has finally brought together our extensive knowledge and design sense and have compiled a complete “know-how” guide to Wedding Stationery.  Learn the in’s and out’s of all the pieces that can be included in your invitation suite, as well as other important elements, such as menu’s, place cards and more.  We have included “contemporary” ideas for brides that wish to stray from the “traditional” design forms, as well as deadlines for each piece.  This is a “must” read before ordering your invitations!

Fill in those empty spaces in your home / office! Enter to win a FREE canvas enlargement!

Offer includes one (1) printed canvas enlargement 24" x 36"- stretched on 3/4” frame - $160.00 VALUE
Photo editing, retouching and enhancement not included.

HOW IT WORKS:
1) Log onto: http://www.purpleboxdesign.com/canvas-enlargement-giveaway.html
2) Enter your information and upload the image you wish you enlarge!
3) On June 21st, 2010, all of the contest entries will be posted online for voting
4) Votes will only be accepted from June 21st - June 25th, 2010
5) Winner will be announced on June 28th, 2010!

REGIONAL DETAILS:
Entries will be accepted from all the United States. Shipping is not included in contest. Winner will be responsible to pay for Shipping and Handling fees.

* ONLY ONE CONTEST ENTRY PER PERSON - ONLY ONE VOTE PER PERSON ALLOWED

So I told my husband I started a blog today... he was happy that I can have a place to "express" my feelings.  I guess he's tired of hearing me babble, LOL >> he also stated that most people don't even read blogs - so I'll take this as my public diary! LOL  

Today was a great day - spent most of my day updating my website (which I'm ALMOST done with).  I should have done this months ago, but I've had so much work that I haven't been able to invest time in finishing it.  But, hey, I'm NOT complaining - BUSY IS GOOD!  Make sure to navigate through to see all the new changes! PSST PSST - you'll find TWO new interesting links on the home page.  1) You can sign up for our "Promotions and Special Offers List", and 2) If you are bride, you can sign up to receive creative ideas - from the industry in general, and from the one-and-only, me! Go, go, go and SIGN UP NOW!

I also had a quite productive meeting with a lovely couple - they have chosen a "peacock" inspired palette for the wedding.  I am TOTALLY excited about this one - Aside from Purple - Teal is one of my faves!

Oh Oh - and I also had my full Envelopments training today - Can I say that I TOTALLLLYYY LOVE THEIR PAPER!  Wow, so many swatches, t'extures, and patterns to work with - it's a designer's playground!

Besides from all this, I spent some wonderful moments with the hubsters and the little guy - who just learned how to "blow" kisses!  He's my life.  

I'm trying to figure out the "to-do" list for tomorrow, but it's just a waste of time! I try to plan my days - but I'm HORRIBLE at prioritizing - so we'll see what tomorrow has in store for PB Design! It feels great to look forward to a full day of work ahead!

Wow, I cannot believe that I have actually started a BLOG!  Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my site, and for showing interest in what I've got to say!  For those of you who know me, and those that don't, my personal life and work are very tightly intertwined.  My love for my family and work are my motivation and drive me to work harder, and live better.  My blog will definitely embody this spirit, and it is my pleasure to share with you my love for art, design, and living.  Thanks for passing by, and I hope to hear feedback from all of you!