Shannon Berrey Design Blog

An Open Sketchbook

Monday, December 09, 2013

When oohing and aahhing my way through the incredible vendors at The Big Crafty a few weeks back, I got to browse the lovely artwork from the dynamic duo of An Open Sketchbook.

I have been following this talented North Carolina couple since they started just a year ago. As a UNC design student, Suzanne started her blog as a way to document sketches and stories of people and places she loved. Her husband joined her on the blog in 2011, and together, they decided to follow their passion and dive into a full-time partnership in design and illustration.

'Drawing inspiration from our family, childhood and a love of visual storytelling, we strive to create work that celebrates the best and, often times, overlooked parts of life.'

I love watching the progressions of their paintings and the retro vibe of their collaborations.
I also love all of their stories and the sketches documenting the adventures of being new parents to twins. And speaking of the twins....

This is hands down the BEST BABY ANNOUNCEMENT EVER!!!! You have got to click here to see the whole illustrated announcement that they shared around their Thanksgiving table a few years ago.

It. is. awesome.

And they just released a new book in collaboration with Our State Magazine filled with their illustrations and stories of growing up in the south {it's on my Christmas list!!}

Check out their blog and their store filled with cards, prints, recipe cards, and gift cards.

{all images except numero uno via An Open Sketchbook}

{not affiliated or sponsored--just a fan}

Have yourself a Wolfpack Christmas!

Friday, December 06, 2013

If you recall, Maris asked for *more pillows* for her dorm room. So, I have been on a bit of a pillow making marathon. When she was home for Thanksgiving, I decided to go ahead and give her one of her Christmas presents since it needs to be enjoyed during December.

I sketched out my design on heavy white cotton with pencil and then painted it in. I thought it would be fun to use the old school Wolfpack mascot and replace his hat with a santa's hat.

I backed it with a soft berry red velvet.

Here it is in Raleigh with all of it's new friends. {Recognize the NC t-shirt pillow and the dropcloth painted wolfpack??}

I loved making this so much, that I made several. I have gifted some, and she is going to, as well.

Do you have a special Wolfpack fan on your Christmas list? I have a few for sale if you would like one.

I used paint that has just a touch of metallic sparkle to it {it's hard to see in the pics} but it adds a really fun festive touch. They are about 18" square and are completely hand painted, sewn, and signed! They are $75 {this includes shipping}.

Cardboard Christmas

Monday, December 02, 2013

After a nice long break, we are now in December. It was such a lovely Thanksgiving with great food, a little snow and great friendship and family time. And, it was wonderful having Maris home all week.

I did no shopping or sales. The crowds just don't interest me at all. But, when I was younger, I lived for the after Thanksgiving sales, camping out, sleeping in the car. Ugh.

And speaking of younger -- nothing made me happier than for my dad to bring home a huge cardboard box from work. Oh the possibilities! I would collect a list of the most wonderful cardboard craft ideas I wanted to duplicate from watching Captain Kangaroo and Zoom. If you ~~are very young~~
have never had the opportunity to see Zoom, here is a bit of the {crazy long} opening.

In honor of my cardboard love, I thought I would share some great cardboard Christmas decorations

fashion-conscience.com

Feelmycraft

hutch studio

Journal resident tipsters

Aunt Peaches

Even a cardboard baby Jesus and his crew!!!

Mackin-Art

The Big Crafty is Back!

Friday, November 29, 2013

It's back!!!!! One of my favorite events of the year ! It's big, it's crafty and it's incredibly fun. Think community bazaar with a lively celebration of handmade commerce. Throw in music, local food, beer and fine wares from a juried group of select indie artists and crafters and you have yourself a perfect spot to find your Christmas gifts. Even Country Living Magazine agrees as they stated that this is 'one of the nation's coolest craft fairs'. {November 2012}. For more info check them out here.

Hope to see you there!

An Open Sketchbook

Have yourself a Wolfpack Christmas!

Cardboard Christmas

The Big Crafty is Back!

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