Autumn Has Arrived (sort of)

Technically speaking, it is officially Autumn. Weather-wise, um, not-so-much. Today in New England it was a lovely 82 degrees and the weatherman says warmer and more humidity for tomorrow. That stated, the trees, squirrels and geese know the seasons have changed. Everywhere I look I note shades of Autumn color on the treetops. The squirrels have been busy digging in the garden, finding that perfect hiding spot for Winter's culinary treasures. The Canada Geese can been seen (and heard) flying in their perfect "V" formation as they make their way to a warmer climate.

This imagery brings me to some of my latest card designs.  I recently had the honor of creating a custom design for a business that specializes in the humane removal of Canada Geese by using canines.  The owner of the company had received a business holiday card last year from a client of mine. She contacted me this Summer asking if I could create a holiday cards unique to her business. Here is the finished product. I especially love the look of it with the rhubarb colored envelopes! The order was complete with coordinating, round return address labels.

More and more companies are sending appreciation cards during the Thanksgiving season which is smart and thoughtful business! Here are some of the other Autumn designs you can find in my shop. If you send out business "holiday cards" perhaps you'll consider sending Thanksgiving cards instead. My clients who do so report a lot of positive feedback!

(almost) Annual Halloween Party

We moved into our current home about 10 years ago.  It was January 31 and the day was a typical cold and snowy New England Winter's day.  I had a two-year-old as well as a newborn and I knew no one in our tree lined neighborhood.  It took a good six months to really start to mingle with the neighbors, but during those six months I discovered we'd moved onto a street that had several small children and babies!  When October rolled around I decided to host a neighborhood Halloween party!  We've thrown a bash of some sort or another nearly every year since.  Occasionally we've skipped a year here and there, but basically we do our best to host something for the neighborhood kids and grown-ups.  We missed last year, so this year we're trying to make up for loss time.  Here is the invitation I designed for the big night!

Here are some photos of Halloween past...

one year hubs and I went as "Super Hero" sandwiches
(made with "Wunder Bread")

homemade skeleton costume
(white vinyl table cloth material was my friend!)

over the kitchen table

mad scientist... and the candy cabinet (if you dare!)

specimen and candles... and a few spiders

our "haunted" house

What sort of fun things will you be doing this year for Halloween?  Let me know in the comments!