Bird Dog Blog

{ this blog has moved }

2008-12-21T00:41:00.003-07:00

you can now find us here! please update your feed and/or links and keep in touch!

pivot questions

2008-10-13T00:02:00.002-06:00

I love these questions that James Lipton asks at the end of each of his "Inside Actor's Studio" interviews ... here is a little history on them and the questions themselves ...

These 10 questions originally came from a French series, "Bouillon de Culture" hosted by Bernard Pivot. Answers them for yourself, and have fun with your friends. You'll be amazed at how much they reveal about a person's thoughts, feelings and beliefs.

1. What is your favorite word?
2. What is your least favorite word?
3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
4. What turns you off?
5. What is your favorite curse word?
6. What sound or noise do you love?
7. What sound or noise do you hate?
8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
9. What profession would you not like to do?
10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

don't vote, unless ...

2008-10-04T10:54:00.001-06:00

like a giddy bride

2008-10-01T09:45:00.006-06:00

Today, I feel the excitement of what it felt like to get married {though that was almost 5 years ago, I still remember}

It's not quite my anniversary {November 1st, the day after Halloween} but I was invited to be in the Style Me Pretty Little Black Book a couple of months ago – and today the Rocky Mountain region went live alongside three of my favorite photographers in the area – Julie Afflerbaugh, James Christianson and Jenna Walker!
I am honored to be a part of Abby's inspiring blog and flattered that I was asked to join them in a quest for truly unique & exceptional weddings.
Thanks Michelle and Abby!

look ahead to 2009 color trends

2008-09-29T21:06:00.002-06:00

Straight from the color experts at Pantone ...

2008-09-25T23:05:00.006-06:00

1. Katherine Cove, 2. Insalata Caprese Salad, 3. AMOR & VOLUPTAS by Ken Cox. 1966-68, 4. Orange is In..., 5. Johnny_depp, 6. Mojito, 7. The view from our private island/beach, 8. Tiramisu dessert in chocolate cups, 9. Moonlight balance, 10. Imagination & Knowledge, 11. Aries, 12. IMG_0561.JPG

here's the deal... you answer the following 12 questions about yourself (my answers are in parentheses after each question):

1. What is your first name? (katherine)

2. What is your favorite food? (caprese)

3. What high school did you attend? (cox)

4. What is your favorite color? (orange)

5. Who is your celebrity crush? (johnny depp)

6. Favorite drink? (mojito)

7. Dream vacation? (a private island)

8. Favorite dessert? (tiramisu)

9. What do you want to be when you grow up? (balanced)

10. What do you love most in life? (imagination collaboration)

11. One word to describe you? (aries)

12. Your Flickr name? (theHandmaiden)

Wanna play?: Type your answer to each of the above questions into Flickr's search. Using only the images that appear on the first page, choose your favorite and copy and paste each of the URL’s into the Mosaic Maker (3 columns, 4 rows)... Enjoy!

see caption list (above) for photo credits...

this bride knows best

2008-09-22T09:22:00.005-06:00

{photo by Recherche}
Remember my bindery beauty post? and several before that with all of the brightly beautiful orange poppies and green berries? Well, Heather of Calluna Events did indeed get married! And I was lucky enough to do all of her stationery. She had some really great ideas to make her wedding unique and of course it turned out beautifully – because she planned it that way .... See for yourself.

Here is a list of all of the vendors that this well-informed bride chose, I think it says a lot about them:
Venue :: The Canyon House
Catering :: Catering By Design
Flowers :: European Flower Shop
Photography :: Recherche Photography
Cake :: Haute Cakes
DJ :: Pure Sounds Productions
Rentals :: All Events Party & Tent Rentals
Decor :: Denver Design Works
Stationery :: Bird Dog Press
Hair :: Andy Mendoza
Make up :: The Face Lab
Rehearsal Dinner Site :: Trattoria on Pearl
Rehearsal Dinner Photographer :: Foto di Vita

organic origins

2008-09-17T10:22:00.005-06:00

Friends, Martinis & BirdDog Press paper goods .... I attended the grand opening of a new Origins wellness store in the Denver Cherry Creek North shopping district last night! This "made-for-denver" store is all about local, green, sustainability and wellness for the entire body. There is an article in the NY Times that explains more in depth.

Brett gets us an organic martini by Vodka Fourteen made here in the Rocky Mountains.

Yummy Pekoe Sip House "cocktails" for me and my girlfriend, Shannon of HotMama Designs jewelry.

My husband and I await dueling chair massages, which my neck, shoulders & back really appreciated after months of being glued in front of a computer or the press.
Me with the merchandise display of BirdDog Press paper goods and LobotoME organizational products. Can you see Siler framed proudly by her press?!

The whole scene. It was a fun night and I give the new store a thumbs up for cool construction. The floor was constructed with barnwood from an old local farmsite and they had all kinds of live herbal plants and vintage wares for display.

love, luv, <3

2008-09-11T23:57:00.001-06:00

After a weekend of love {attended an amazing wedding} >>>

and a few days doing what I love {spending time outside with my family}, >>>

I came home to even more love today! Love from new old friends on facebook, >>>

love from a wonderful friend and amazing metalsmith, {so much more about her to come} >>>

and love from a fabulous photographer {intertwined with some of the other love mentioned above} >>>

after all, all you need is LOVE!

ps. if you click on the photos, you'll notice that both were taken by the fabulous Jenna Walker, which i should have mentioned more clearly above, and certainly deserves all the credit and major props!

bindery beauty

2008-08-27T21:49:00.005-06:00

After being chosen to create this unique couple's wedding stationery suite, we were commissioned to do a custom guestbook. There are so many amazing details going into this wedding event. The bride and groom are writing personal letters to each guest in the form of escort cards and are asking for personal letters to be written to them in the form of a guestbook. The book was designed to house these letters from the guests with letterpressed signatures using the flora silhouettes from the wedding stationery design and colorful envelopes were bound into the signatures using a coptic stitch. The interior is custom pressed with a continuation of the designs from the invitations and a green bookcloth finishes the cover with a silk string and button closure.
ps. to see more about this wedding visit the handmaiden papeterie blog

fall wallpaper

2008-08-26T23:11:00.003-06:00

New desktop wallpaper for autumn! Inspired by a feedsack, of course. Download your resolution below.
1920 x 1200
1680 x 1050 (iMac)
1600 x 1024
1440 x 900
1280 x 1024
1280 x 800
1024 x 768
320 x 480 (iPhone)

feedsack frenzy

2008-08-15T11:25:00.003-06:00

As I visit with my Granny in rural South Carolina, I am continually inspired by the design and beauty of things from the past. My eternal love for feedsack fabrics grows with each design I uncover, layer after layer of fabric. I indulge in thoughts of what women of the 30's might have used these for ... Was this once a little girl's dress or a curtain hanging in a farmhouse kitchen? The wonder goes on and on.

pronounced BPPPPRP

2008-08-04T14:56:00.006-06:00

Yipeeee! Boxcar did it! Yes, they found a way to recycle used photopolymer plates. I can't wait to set up a little box next to my paper recycling bin in my studio. We will certainly be participating in the program. We like getting greener and greener here at the BirdDog Press. Oh, and thanks Boxcarians for the mention in your newsletter.

supercalifragilisticexpealidocious!

2008-07-23T11:23:00.004-06:00

No, Mary Poppins didn't make this ... the BirdDog Press did! I usually post custom wedding wonders over on my Handmaiden Papeterie blog, but I just couldn't resist showing this one off in more than one place. I love the result of a good collaboration and some non-traditional materials. This is cherry wood veneer, au natural, printed with bright fiesta-worthy turquoise and papaya orange.

broadway paper

2008-07-18T15:34:00.004-06:00

A HUGE Thanks to Tracie from Broadway Paper. I got some bloggy love today about the product they ordered at the National Stationery Show this past May. I like stories too, especially ones with a little history. I have so many inspirations to keep me going and I hope Broadway Paper will come back next year to see what I reveal in New York. Nice photo by the way, and I promise the latest order of Animal Fair notesets are on their way! Merci Mille!

bicycle built for two

2008-07-15T00:42:00.006-06:00

A design of my own, for a fabulous local photographer - Julie Afflerbaugh - just down the road in Boulder, Colorado. This is an anniversary card for her wedding clients using a vintage tandem bicycle image, and as the 1892 song goes ...

Daisy, Daisy,
Give me you answer true.
I'm half-crazy
All for the love of you.
It won't be a stylish marriage.
I can't afford a carriage.
But you'll look sweet upon the seat
Of a bicycle built for two

I even worked in the Julie Afflerbaugh Photography logo into the center of a flower with the tagline "true love is tandem" - printed on plantable paper with snapdragon, primrose and yarrow seeds.

work hard play hard

2008-07-14T00:20:00.002-06:00

Despite the fact that it is summer and there have been all kinds of fun family adventures happening around here. The BirdDog Press has been running full speed as well. It seems there is a lot of designer interest in letterpress right now and I find myself printing a lot of other designers' work. I like the perspective as I definitely look at it in a different light. This is a clean, simple design by stacey b creative inspired by a branding iron as the wedding is to take place on the brides' parents' cattle ranch here in Colorado.

little cupcake

2008-07-05T12:57:00.001-06:00

Inspired by pastries and a perfectly round pot belly (have you seen Pulp Fiction?), this baby shower invite is nearly edible! The only thing topping this fun, spunky design is the mama it celebrates. My love goes out to you, Abby Jane.

etsy is the besty

2008-06-29T00:12:00.003-06:00

If you have never heard of Etsy and you love all things handmade like we do, you should definitely check it out. We have been members forever and finally opened our own etsy shop so that you can buy BirdDog Press goods from the Handmaiden online! yipee!

make me look good

2008-06-16T12:52:00.001-06:00

Because I am from Tennessee, printing a real live country music singer's cards made me a little homesick (in a good way). I had a little chat with Paul on the phone a few weeks ago and before we hung up he said, "make me look good" .... and while I can't take all of the credit for that – Jess Smith designed them – I think I can safely say ... mission accomplished.

spice up your image

2008-06-11T00:06:00.003-06:00

Been working on some identity since I have been home. This is a business card for a freelance producer. A great client and a patient one, too. She has waited a long time for these cards, but I think it was worth the wait.

back with a vengeance

2008-06-09T23:59:00.001-06:00

Be careful what you wish for! I have been home from NYC for a couple of weeks now and have had absolutely ZERO time to breathe. Busy is good, but this is just plain crazy. The good thing is, I am back in the rhythm with my trusty press again and loving it. Here is a photo of me on my press with my fancy Boxcar Press apron. I was recently featured on their blog, which is nice because they are an inspiring bunch whom I admire and I actually got to meet a couple of them at the Show - Hi Carol. Yay!

just can't wait to get back on the press again

2008-05-14T16:20:00.004-06:00

So much work for the National Stationery Show has meant a little less time on the press lately. And now, I'll be off to the BiG Apple for a week. I sure will miss that century old hunk of iron and all of it's funky noises and quirks. Luckily, there is all kinds of fun presswork lined up for when I return from NYC. Biz Cards and Weddings and New Babies - Oh Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy!

ps. Check out my fun collection of vintage wood type available for funky monogrammed notecards, coasters or writing sheets!

from seed

2008-05-02T23:45:00.004-06:00

We've been talking up a big game here at the BirdDog Press about this plantable paper. Well, here's LIVING proof – it really does grow.

{and NO, I didn't start these seeds at xmastime}

growing green

2008-04-22T02:15:00.006-06:00

A sneak peek at two of the Twirly-Gigs Greetings designs to be offered to the retail world at the National Stationery Show (Booth #3867) in less than a month in New York City! These cards are printed on plantable paper from Porridge. Cheers to Mother Earth!
Keep up with the happenings in NYC here.

Before, ... and After!

2008-03-27T23:56:00.004-06:00

This business card just got a makeover. The design didn't really change just the details. The method went from traditional offset, to even more traditional letterpress. The paper became more tactile, cotton and duplexed in color. The colors became more muted, but richer.
This may be a foreshadowing of what is to come from both the BirdDog Press and Akamai Consulting with their participation in the WE2E New You Expo in May. The Women Entrepreneur to Entrepreneur group came up with the idea of showcasing their businesses through a community effort, offering Whole Life Makeovers to women in the area and presenting their amazing transformations in a red carpet, expo-style celebration at the St. Julien Hotel in Boulder, Colorado.
Come see the results!

phenomenal woman

2008-03-19T17:56:00.001-06:00

I hope that everyone has phenomenal women in their life. I have many and I am lucky. Girlfriends, Aunts, Grandmothers, Cousins and Mothers (my own especially) – they are all relationships that make life lovely. I love that Maya Angelou poem of the same title. This invitation celebrates a Phenomenal woman who will be 90 this year. Wow.

self image

2008-03-18T15:41:00.001-06:00

I am really enjoying all of self promotion projects coming my way. Here are two from earlier this year. One I mentioned before from Julie Afflerbaugh Photography – and here is the finished product! Reminiscent of a trip to an old fashioned candy shop, the nearly edible colors and glassine bags allow Julie's photography to shine timelessly. This was such a rewarding collaborative effort between two Aries women!

And another from Cathy Nilo - colors that pop! and usefulness too. This was a little booth teaser for a Chicago trade show announcing new clothing lines represented and featuring a show schedule on the back to entice attendees to put them to use. Great idea for attracting attention as opposed to the old, run of the mill direct mail marketing junk!

old but new

2008-03-17T15:24:00.001-06:00

This is actually one of the first things that came off of the BirdDog Press, but I have had so many requests to see it as the thumbnail on our website might as well be a teaser. It was inspired by the historic and fabulous posters of Hatch Show Print. Of course they have their own style - never to be matched - but this idea was born from my love of their work.

playing catch up

2008-03-15T23:46:00.000-06:00

Goodness! I'm not even sure where to start. It has been over a month since my last confession ... Luckily it has certainly not been over a month since my last print job. Lots happening here. I will try to backlog and show some of what we've been up to recently!

allow myself to introduce myself

2008-03-10T17:31:00.001-06:00

A "Prop. Card", I have learned this year, is a Proprietor's Card which introduces new members of the Amalgamated Printers Association. It has very specific layout recommendations, salient facts about the proprietor's interests and equipment and the size must be 3"x5". Membership in the APA is capped at a certain number and hopefuls are put on a waiting list until a spot opens. I look forward to learning a lot from this group of master printers. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you the BirdDog Press prop card!

four belles + two aspens

2008-02-11T20:18:00.001-07:00

Our first collaborative effort with Four Belles Ink is a success. What fun it was to help find a paper to compliment their beautiful design and overcome the challenges of printing a tri-fold totaling almost 15 inches on our smaller 8x12 inch press bed. The chosen paper, steeped in German papermaking tradition since 1584, was duplexed with a texture rich mocha colored paper from the same mill, introducing the natural setting for the event to come. The double aspen leaf illustration allowed the impression of letterpress printing to really shine through. We truly enjoyed this project and look forward to teaming up with Four Belles Ink again.

rollerCOASTER ... ooh ooh ooh!

2007-11-21T22:37:00.001-07:00

Maddie turns one! What can't you live without at your First Birthday Party? Coasters for the parents' beer, of course. This might just be the cutest job that has run on the BirdDog Press to date.

We can do coasters for any event. Holiday Parties, Business Gatherings, Wedding Cocktail Hour ... you name it.

Photography by Julia Vandenoever

supersize my studio

2007-11-19T13:14:00.001-07:00

Here's where it all happens! I was working in unfit conditions until recently. No worktable, stacks of paper, unorganized tools, bad lighting... the list goes on. There are still upgrades to be done, but I now have an efficient, organized space to let the creativity flow. For more on my studio transformation, visit the Bozeman Collaborative Blog.
Pictured is the official BirdDog Press, she always had her own space - the star of the show - if you have never seen the video of her in action, watch it here.

holiday gets underway

2007-11-10T23:08:00.001-07:00

See, the newly designed studio HAS increased productivity! A few things from the start of the holiday hullabaloo ...
This is Truman with his long winter's nap yawn as photographed by Julia Vandenoever, featured in a vintage cut holly frame. And some fun grommeted gift tags made with plantable and alternative pulp papers from Porridge Papers.
More very soon ... this little elf is working overtime in the studio.

a little sparkle in your snowflakes

2007-11-07T16:05:00.001-07:00

Just off the press, a holiday party invitation in hopes of bringing cooler wintry weather to the Washington, D.C. area. My clients say it has been unseasonably warm. The snowflake design is pressed into the paper without ink and tiny rhinestones add a subtle sparkle. More holiday designs coming up as the season reaches full swing in a few short weeks.

birth announcement, one year later

2007-10-15T16:19:00.001-06:00

Out of procrastination, comes a fun idea...
I wasn't able to get my son's birth announcement out in a reasonable time frame when he was born - I was too consumed with trying to figure out how to be a parent! But I already had the photo chosen and ordered, so what to do?

I decided to wait for his First Birthday and then compare his stats on the day he was born to his progress at one year. It turned out to be really fun and a little twist on the traditional newborn announcement.

What about a First Tooth announcement, or I'm Crawling announcement? There are tons of great ways to share your mini's milestones!

self-promotion specialty

2007-10-10T09:48:00.001-06:00

If you haven't discovered Hot Mama Designs yet, you should click on over and check out what this mama is doing to honor all mamas around the world. A woman after my own heart, she is a metalsmith and jewelry designer, doing custom handcrafted jewelry for moms (and dads, and grandmothers, ...)
We have been working on a self-promo piece for her and it is becoming a favorite specialty of mine as I have been working on one for Julie Afflerbaugh Photography as well – and of course, several for myself.
Three cheers for women entrepreneurs and innovative letterpress self-promotion pieces getting these women noticed! Keep watching, I will post these pieces as soon as they are finished.

waking the senses

2007-09-27T16:32:00.002-06:00

Business Cards are a dime a dozen. You can get hundreds printed for free online! How do you make one stand out from the rest? They have to appeal to the senses. Tactile soft papers and a clean pressed design make all the difference. Millions of business cards are handed out with hopeful intention, and then lost or tossed. Give them something they just won't be able to put in the never-to-be-seen-again pile on their desk.

Along the same idea of business cards, Calling Cards are making a comeback. Wouldn't it be just too easy not have to write your number on a coffee-stained beverage napkin with a borrowed pen when you run in to another mom from the park who knows of a really great babysitter?

The next time you give out your contact information, it could be a sensible experience.

twirly-gigs & pirouettes

2007-08-25T22:45:00.002-06:00

I am pleased to announce the birth of the first line of blank greeting cards from the BirdDog Press! The concept for these designs has been living somewhere in my head for several years and the prototypes are finally printed and going out to stores. These are the first three in a series of letterpress illustrations combined with decorative papers and funky grommets. Each card is unique and handmade.