design shop: OPEN for business...

Graphic design has always fascinated me. I love how someone can take such a small idea and make a beautiful creation. All on their computer.

I want to do that.

So I did.

Ever since I started my blog, a few years back, I have been creating my blog design. Not because I was a FABULOUS graphic designer, but because I was cheap. My only follower was my mother and I didn't see the need to spend a ton of money on a design.

Because of this I began learning the Photoshop Elements ropes. Let me tell ya, it ain't easy. I do a lot of searching. A lot of trial and error. A lot of trashing my work. 

Oh, and did I mention that I also had to learn HTML and CSS so that I could actually apply all these wonderful designs to the blog. Jeepers! I'm surprised my head didn't explode!

But once I got both things down I was set. I still don't think that my blog design is worthy of any esteemed blog designers praise, but I think it's pretty cool.

Not only do I design my blog, but I also design my etsy shop, business cards, freebies, and classroom worksheets and goodies for TeachersPayTeachers. Again, I am no master, but I love it and it makes me happy to hear someone tell me, "That was exactly how I envisioned it in my mind!"

This past week I was approached by a fellow etsy seller and blogger. She was very sweet and had asked if I created all of the designs that I use on my blog. Why yes I do! She needed new business cards and a banner for trade shows that she attends. She had a very specific idea and design and asked if I would take on the task of creating these for her. 

Hell Yes! Yes ma'am, I would love to!

So she created a pinterest board full of her inspirations for the design and I created what I envisioned them to be. She loved them and so do I!

This whole thing got me thinking, "I could do that! I could have a design shop!" And so I started one. 

 CharlottesWebTheBlog Design Shop

I can now say that I've had my first paying client in my design shop.

Check out my designs. So far there are only the products I've made, but I plan on adding some that are pre-made.

So, what do ya think?
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Oh, and go check out the blog Pretty Shiny Object. Elizabeth is doing a shop feature post about my etsy shop!

Enjoy and God Bless

freebie: august 2013 desktop calendar...

I've enjoyed my summer break and one of the things I've been trying to master is photoshop elements. Everyday I am learning something new. And so I give you the first of many freebies.

august 2013 calendar

Enjoy and God Bless!

photoshop: polka dot tutorial...

I love learning new things about photoshop. One of the things I wanted to learn was how to make polka dots. I went searching online and found this tutorial by Pugly Pixel.

Here is the first polka dot pattern that I made!
Gold glitter polka dots!

Hope this helps any of you photoshoppers!
Enjoy and God Bless!

Almost that time again...

School starts in 2 weeks, but I have to go back before that for meetings and getting my room ready.

Timmy graduates soon and then leaves for more training in Texas. He has two more tests to take and then DONE! It's crazy how fast that year and a half went. I feel like I just moved here.

Today I've been thinking about my Timmy a lot and kept peeking at this photo. I am going to miss him, but this is the next part of our Air Force life. God is in control.



God Bless

family.photos.vacation

Sorry I went away for a few weeks. Life got a little out of control. Tim and I were constantly cleaning and preparing for his parents arrival on July 3rd. They stayed with us for a week and we had a blast. Sad that they are gone, but glad we made some memories.

When the entire family went to San Antonio for Tim's BMT graduation I made an itinerary. I didn't make it because I'm an organized control freak. I made it because we had limited time together and I wanted to make sure we didn't waste any of it. Ever since then his parents are always wondering why I don't have an itinerary written up for my visits. Well, I made one for this visit. Not to say, "HaHa look what I did!" But, again, because we had limited time with each other and Tim (he was still working). We drank a lot of wine, shopped everywhere, and had a marvelous time!

Now, no more writing. I wanted to show off some of the photos that Tim and I took while his parents were here. I put them in Photoshop and played around with them. Enjoy!

God Bless