A Graduation Celebration with Tangerine Tango

It's that time again to start thinking about a graduation celebration whether you or someone you know is graduating from 8th grade, high school, college, etc.  If you know me, you know that I love photo announcements and I love options.  Some people wear the school colors loud and proud while others would rather their graduation announcement matched their grad photo.  That's a perk of semi-custom photo announcements.  Color is easy to change and customize.  After Pantone announced their color of the year, Tangerine Tango, I knew I wanted to design a wedding package and a grad announcement using this color. 

It took me a while to figure out the perfect color palette using Tangerine Tango while keeping in mind my audience for graduation.  It's not an explosion of tangerine but enough to add visual excitment and still achieve an element of simplicity.  Typography is also huge right now.  Add it all together and you get one trendy yet classy announcement that has it all.  

One feature of this announcement that I added was the optional flourish.  I really liked the flourish but sometimes people want something a little more masculine and that's perfectly fine.

This Tangerine Tango Grad Announcement is currently available in two sizes:

5 x 7
6 x 7 1/2 (For those printing at Costco)

It is available in a psd format on my website for those with Adobe Photoshop to download and add their own personal touches.

For those who don't have Photoshop or would like me to add the photos and make the appropriate changes it is also available in a jpg format.  You will email your information and photos after making your purchase.  I will work my magic and email you a final flattened jpg file, ready for you to send to the printers of your choice.

In the end I hope this color palette inspires you and your graduation celebration like it has me.

Bridal Trends 2012 and the Orange Invitations

It's finally here, my first wedding package!  I suspect that as Tangerine Tango is the color of the year and showing up in all kinds of retail stores it will also start popping up in bridal trends 2012.  Orange wedding colors were already making a comeback and will be most popular in the summer and fall.  It's such a fun color.  So to keep up with the bridal trends 2012 I have created this wedding invitation package which include the following:

- 5 x 7 Wedding Announcement
- 4 x 6  Save the Date
- 4 x 5.5 Save the Date
- 4 x 5.5 Thank-you
- 4 x 5.5 RSVP

I try to keep my sizes with the standards most printing companies have.  If you are wondering what some of my favorites are for the mainstream public it would probably be Costco and my latest find Mpix.

This package is available in a PSD format on my website for those with Photoshop.  The perk to downloading these files is that you can alter color, text, and even size to meet your personal needs.

It is also available in a JPG format for those who don't have Photoshop or wish for me to insert your photos and information.  After you purchase the JPG version you would then send me the photos and information you want used, I will work my magic and send you the final jpg copies, ready for you to print.  If you are interest in this package but different sizes please email me at info@sarahdawndesigns.com

Below is a close up of what this particular package includes.  

This is the 5 x 7 wedding announcement/invitation.  Not only is it included in the above package but is available as a stand alone purchase in both PSD and JPG format on my website.

4 x 6 Save the Date

4 x 5 1/2 Save the Date (Is is the exact same just in a different size for convenience)

4 x 5 1/2 Thank-You

4 x 5 1/2 RSVP

In addition I will be adding one more size of the Wedding Announcement, 6 x 7 1/2 for those print at Costco.  

Now onto a Tangerine Tango Graduation Announcement.  Be sure to check back for more details.

Finding Inspiration In Architecture

The husband and I have been traveling A LOT.  I'm starting to get used to living out of a suitcase.  While it means that getting projects done takes a little bit longer I have certainly been enjoying myself and yes, even finding inspiration all around me.

One such trip found us in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  It's not much to look upon at first sight, at least the whole ride over.  However there are some really unique elements.  After going to an art museum we decided we wanted to walk around Old Town Downtown.  There were so many colors and I loved all the texture.  There is something about history and architecture no matter where it is that just fascinates me.

Let's start with the doors.  I was having a hard time not stopping at every single door to take a photo.  In the photo above I loved the contrast of the bricks and the teal doors.  I loved the rustic look of the peeling paint and the variations of the wrought iron.  Do you notice the different patterns?

Texture.  By now you might be realizing that I am a total tactile person.  When we came up to this fountain I was intrigued.  I love how some of the grout is deeper than others.

Does this remind anyone of our Color of the Year?  Ya me too.  I think one of the elements of Southwestern design that gets me excited is there use of bold colors.

Finally I love the attention to detail.  To think that this door was made way before all of our technological advances just baffles me.  So much love and work went into this one door.  Love it!

All That is Tangerine Tango

I know I'm a little late getting on the subject of Pantone's color of the year... Tangerine Tango.  I've known what I have wanted to do with new 2012 Spring Colors and my blog for some time but I was out of town for all of January with limited Photoshop access.  My goal is to spend one week on each of the colors.  I will introduce the color and how I think it will trend.  Then I will introduce new products, such as wedding announcement packages, graduation announcements, birth announcements, etc. that are inspired by these colors.

So how about some Tangerine Tango?  Yes Please!  Orange is one of those colors you either hate it or love it.  I have loved it for many, many years and think that it is a fabulous color.  So how will Tangerine Tango be used?

Interiors

1. Mirror 2. Flower Pillow 3. Solid Pillow 4. Chevron Pillow 5. Knolls Chair 6. Glass Bowl 

7. Orange Rug 8. Flower Rug 9. Candlesticks 10. Lamp

For the most part I expect that we will see this color mostly in accessories.  Right now I think we will continue to see clean white interiors spiced up with pops of color.  It can be retro, modern, whimsical, etc.  Myself, I wouldn't just go painting any Tangerine Tango walls but that's not to say it can't be done and done tastefully.  I just don't predict that it will trend that way.  An orange chevron rug would be fabulous in a living or dining area and in preparing for this post I found so many great accent pieces like the lamp shown above from IKEA.  Some will still be shy of using this color in their interiors but as more products come out I see it becoming more popular.  With that being said, I don't think Tangerine Tango will be a timeless color.  It will continue to go in and out of style as the years go on.      

Fashion

1. Solid Shirt 2. Lace Shirt 3. Earrings 4. Scarf 5. Skirt 6. Necklace 7. Shoes 8. Handbag 

9. Clutch 10. Nail Polish 11. Glasses 12. Bracelet

This is where I think we will really see Tangerine Tango take off.  I got onto Anthropologie's website to look for some photos to show and didn't have to look far.  Orange is showing up everywhere.  It's prefect for a fun spring and summer look and transitions right into fall... thus the reason it makes for a great color of the year.  It will look great in family photos as it contrasts so well with many backdrops found in the great outdoors.  Some people don't feel comfortable in an orange shirt or dress.  No problem you can still ride the Tangerine Tango train through your accessories.  Grey is still HUGE right now.  Pair a grey top with an orange handbag and shoes and you have the perfect outfit to feel comfortable and trendy in.  With that being said, I think we are going to see many fashionistas making bold choices in how they will incorporate this color.  We will see more orange make-up looks, orange nails, and many many statement pieces.  Tangerine Tango is a very fiery color.

What do you think.  Love it?  Hate it?  How would/will you use this color throughout the year?

Be looking later this week for a Tangerine Tango Wedding Package which will include coordinating announcements, save the dates, and thank-you cards.