What's Happening - Three Blind Vines

Happy Wednesday! I wanted to take a little time on my lunch break to share with you a pretty big project on which I've been working... Three Blind Vines. I'm a board member of The Next Generation Heritage Foundation in Franklin and Williamson County. Our annual fundraiser is Three Blind Vines - a fabulous wine tasting event with a silent auction, delicious food from local vendors, and live music.

The theme in the past has revolved around the fashion trends from the Roaring 1920's. This year, the board decided to adopt a new theme based on styles from the late 1950's and early 1960's. The hit TV show Mad Men on ABC was where most of the inspiration came from along with the film Catch Me if You Can and the original Ocean's 11 featuring the Rat Pack. As a Graphic Designer, I volunteered to take on the role of Branding the event.... everything from establishing the logo to designing ads, posters, flyers, brochures, programs and more! I've had the privilege of taking a small ownership in this event that our board has worked many hours to make a reality.

Three Blind Vines is this Friday night, February 22nd from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. I encourage you to come taste the great wines, eat delicious food, and enjoy live music all to benefit the amazing Franklin Theatre. For more information and to purchase your tickets, please visit the website.

The inspiration board and event branding designs are below... Hope to see you this Friday night! Cheers!

Monday Motivation - Trust The Creator

Good morning! I wanted to share a bit of motivation and encouragement for those who may be feeling a little unsure of what lies ahead. Of course, none of us really know what the future holds, but there are definitely times when you feel stuck in "waiting mode." It may seem that you're held hostage by the "in-between," and you're anxious to know what the next stage in life will hold.

I have been in these places before, and I feel that way now sometimes. My business has grown leaps and bounds over the past few years (thanks to my amazing and loyal customers), but I still feel like I'm on the verge of something new and exciting! I have plans to launch my new branding and new website this Spring, and that may be the stepping stone I need. But for now, I'm in the "in-between." I'm not afraid of this stage, and I'm willing to be patient for what lies ahead. I trust The Creator because He knows what He's doing.

Business and careers are not the only places where we can feel stuck in "waiting mode." Some people may be waiting for the miracle of life to arrive like an expecting friend of mine here in Nashville. Some people may be waiting for a previous house to sell so they can find the home of their dreams. Some people may be waiting for a cure to the dreadful disease that has affected a loved one. Life is full of these "waiting" moments.

When I've been in these places before, it's amazing to look back and see how God directed my path. He put everything in place and worked out every little detail that led me to far better opportunities and circumstances than I could have ever dreamed for myself. Because of His faithfulness in the past, I'm not afraid of what lies ahead. I trust that He knows what's best for me and for those who trust in Him. So cast your cares upon Him, and embrace the "in-between" because He is able to do far more than we can ask or imagine!

Monday Motivation - Be Yourself

It's the last week in January - hooray! I love January for the new beginnings and fresh starts, but I'll be honest - I'm never sad to see it go. I love sunshine and warm weather, and January makes Spring seem so far away. So come on, February!

I'm in the midst of rebranding and launching a new website for Beth Hart Designs. I learned from the Stationery Academy that I need to first define who I am and what I value - then build my business to reflect just that. It's easy to compare myself and my design style to other professionals, but I ultimately want to set myself apart from the rest. What makes BHD different from any other paper design company? It's me, Beth Hart. I need to be myself and the rest will fall into place. I know that I'm doing what I love, and I have faith that my Father will help me reach my full potential.

It's not always easy to be yourself or stand out in a crowd... sometimes it's just easier to blend in and be like everyone else. But I think we were all created to let our own unique light shine. We all have a purpose which can't be fulfilled by being like everyone else. So go be YOU, and shine brightly!

Monday Motivation - Happiness

Good Monday Morning! I spent a good part of my weekend cleaning out closets, organizing, and de-cluttering. While I still have a long way to go, I'm pleased with the progress that was made. It amazes me how "stuff" just seems to multiply over time... where does it all come from? I'm a firm believer that "less is more," but good grief that's a hard philosophy to follow when you run a business that requires supplies and inventory! My little office is busting at the seams, and I'm so ready for it to become more functional and less cluttered. To get my office in tip-top shape, I'll be having a clearance SALE in my Etsy shop soon! Stay tuned!

As I was cleaning out the clutter this weekend, I realized how "stuff" can easily over-take our lives. It seems that so many people these days want more... more money, more house, more cars, more clothes, more high-tech gadgets, more shoes, more jewelry, more... stuff. It's ironic to me that we want all of these things to define our lives - give us a certain status or fill us up, but then we spend our New Year's and Spring Cleanings getting rid of all the clutter that seems to have overtaken our homes and ultimately our sense of peace. I'm so guilty of wanting unnecessary things - I think we all are. But I want to make a genuine effort to seek happiness outside of possessions. The truest peace and contentment does not come from the things we own - we can't take it with us when we leave this earth. So rather than yearning for more... I'm trying to make the most of what I've already been given. I'm blessed beyond measure, and I want to seek happiness within my soul.

What's Happening - Valentines for Kids!

Valentine's Day is one of my favorites! Not necessarily because of all the red, pink, hearts and lovey dove stuff... but because you can let others know that they are special with a simple card and a treat! I launched a few designs for children's Valentine's cards last year, but I've added a few more to the mix. Here is the full collection...

These cute little cards are personalized for $1.10 each which includes blank envelopes. They measure 5.5"x4.25" and are printed on a heavy white cover stock. The minimum order amount is 10 cards, but you can order any number after that... 11, 14, 18, etc.

I will be selling these in my Etsy shop very soon, but until then you can email your order to: bethhartdesigns@gmail.com

Adult Valentine's cards will be featured here on the blog tomorrow... be sure to check back! Happy Wednesday!

Monday Motivation - Seize the Day

Happy Monday! We've all heard it a million times... "Carpe Diem = Seize the Day." But these words really hit home yesterday morning when our pastor said them during his sermon. He reminded us that we have all been put here on earth for a purpose... every one of us has a significant role. We're only given a short amount of time to play these unique roles, so it's important to make each day count.

I'll be honest, sometimes I'm just looking forward to what tomorrow will bring. I don't take the time to unpack each day and make the most of every single hour, minute and second. But what if I started living each day for that day? How much less anxious and worried would I be? How much more productive would I be? How much more of a positive impact would I have? How much better could I fulfill my unique role?

I'm making 2013 the year of "Carpe Diem"... taking each day one at a time and making the most of it. What if you made 2013 your year of "Carpe Diem?" Today has just begun, and it's yours for the taking!

What's Happening Wednesday - Brand Inspiration

I'm using my lunch break on this rainy day to brighten, refresh and better define my brand. With the start of this new year, I've naturally been doing a little personal and professional soul searching. I've asked myself numerous questions that essentially get to this point:

Why am I in this paper design business and how does it answer to my higher calling?

I absolutely love what I do, and Beth Hart Designs is such a large part of me and my life. I'm proud of the hard work I've put into BHD, but I know there is plenty of room for improvement! The about page on my website helps to define a little more about me and why I'm in business. But I ultimately want all aspects of my brand to reflect the love I have for Southern style and the faith I have in my heavenly Father.

So I'm ready to get to work and give Beth Hart Designs a fresh new look. My current website is terribly outdated, and there are oodles of designs and products I offer that no one even knows about. Shame on me! So I'm building a sparkly new website, editing my logo a little, establishing my collections of products and designs, and making sure that BHD represents everything that I value and hold close to my heart. It's so exciting!

If you follow me on Pinterest, you'll see that I've been busy pinning many ideas for color and pattern inspiration on this board. To sum it up, I've included my favorite pictures below:

I can't wait to share the finished product with you this Spring - don't you think Spring is the perfect time to launch a new beginning and have a fresh start? I better get back to work! Happy Wednesday!