There's a new photographer in the Des Moines area! Here's a peek at the process of her logo creation, starting with some initial mockup ideas. Julie has a big thing for the number 8 (her lucky number) and is a lover of anything to do with daisies. You can see the references to both her number and her flower in the logo ideas below.

 So which direction did she choose to go in? With a couple slight modifications – the bottom right! (And my personal fave!) Check out Julie's work!

It's that time of the year…requests are coming in (ALREADY?!) for holiday photo cards! I WILL be releasing a couple of new designs this year, but for those that just can't wait to get their order on, here are templates that are already available!

Download CardCatalog2010.

You will notice that I'm doing something different this year! While I am happy to recommend some of my very favorite tried-and-true online photo printers, I will not be offering printing services this year. INSTEAD…I am passing on the beauty of OPTIONS to you! For a flat fee of $20, I provide you with the retouching of your favorite photo, and tweak a template design to your liking. Then, I send you the final, high-resolution file to do with what you please. Print 5,000 copies of it at your favorite local print shop (or use one of those zillion online photo coupons!) OR you can choose to go green and save on postage – simply insert your card design into an email and hit the "send" button – it doesn't get any easier than that! 

With the swarming influx of orders that comes in between Halloween and Christmas, and the fact that I DO still have a day job I have to keep up with, I just can't stay on top of the printing/shipping management AND feel like I'm giving 110% to the design process. Therefore, I'm cutting out the part that can easily be done elsewhere (and at a savings to you!) and focusing on what I love – customizing holiday greetings for you and your loved ones!

Check out the catalog link above to see best-seller designs from the past two years, and keep an eye out for a couple of new designs…coming soon!

Want to place an order? Shoot me an email at lizinkdesign@gmail.com with your digital photo and your template of choice (and customization requests!) to receive a free proof before you even pay a dime.

Hip Mama Cards are back and better than ever, just in time for the holiday gift-giving season!

Perfect for networking at the playground, these sweet little cards can include as much (or as little) of your info as you prefer to hand out to other parents when setting up playdates. Read a feature story about the launch of these cards here.

A perfect gift for any hip mama! Check out the new designs for 2010 as well as the return of some best-sellers…all of which now feature chic rounded corners!

The specs:Cards are digitally printed in full color on glossy coated 15 pt. cardstock.

Set of 25. $18.00 +s/h

Want to order a set of Hip Mama calling cards? Shoot me an email at lizinkdesign@gmail.com or visit my Etsy store!

Perfect for stocking stuffing or swapping new recipes at Thanksgiving, these brand new recipe cards are culinary chic! Recipe cards will be available the first week of November and will be debuted at The Traveling Door Art Show in Cedar Rapids, Saturday, November 6. Click the link for location and time details!

The specs: Recipe cards are 4"x6" in size and offset printed in full color on matte 15 pt. cardstock. Click any design below to view larger.

Set of 20. $12

"Mmm…That's Good"

"Cooking with Cocktails"

"Christmastime Cooking"

What It Is

For those who suffer from food allergies, the effects can range from stomach aches and hives to life-threatening reactions. Regardless of the severity level, food allergy sufferers have the constant concern of where their food comes from, how it is prepared, and what else it has come in contact with.

After talking with some friends and their family members who suffer from food allergies , I immediately saw a need that wasn't being met – the ability to quickly and conveniently convey the details and severity of food allergies to those who are preparing it.

Enter the Food Allergy Card, a little peace of mind for food allergy sufferers everywhere! Depending on your level of sensitivity and the foods you need to avoid, all information on this card can be completely customized to fit your specific needs.

How to Use It

Food Allergy Cards are the same size as a typical busines card, so they fit conveniently in your pocket, wallet, or purse. Simply pass them to the server when placing your order and he or she can clip the card directly to your ticket in the kitchen, ensuring (in bold red letters!) that anyone coming in contact with the preparation of your food is well-versed in the details of your allergy and its repercussions.

The card serves a second purpose for those with more severe allergies. In addition to food prep instructions and ingredients to avoid, the card can detail possible symptoms to watch for and provide emergency instructions should you ingest something your body cannot tolerate. The goal is of course that cross contamination issues are avoided altogether, but if a mistake is indeed made, vital info is readily available to those attempting to assist you. This info might include your full name, date of birth, an emergency contact, where in your bag an Epi pen is always located and how to administer it, or simply directions to call 911 immediately if you show any of a list of symptoms.

New Freedom for Allergy Sufferers

In the most minor of cases, the card is simply a convenience factor for those who have sensitivity to certain foods and prefer to avoid them. For others, it may prove to be an essential tool is staying healthy and alive.

Carrying a Food Allergy Card offers a level of security and confidence for those that suffer from food allergies. They provide a whole new level of freedom to dine outside of the home without worry. Severe sufferers no longer need to be nervous to eat out without someone who is educated in their allergy accompanying them. Parents of children with allergies can rest assured to send their child to dine out without their presence, armed with these informational cards.

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Food Allergy Cards will be available in November. Please email me at lizinkdesign@gmail.com if you wish to pre-order yours today!

The specs:

Food Allergy Cards are digitally printed double-sided in full color on glossy 15pt cardstock.

Set of 50. $25

Date and location information have been changed.

For the second year in a row, I've had the pleasure of working with Crete Carrier Corporation on their annual holiday event invitation for employees. Because the company is so large, the easiest way to manage RSVPs and still embrace the formality of sending a traditional paper invitation was to create the product above. Printed with foil accents on heavy cardstock, the invitation folds twice (like a brochure) for bulk mailing purposes. When guests receive the invitation, they simply remove the perforated portion at the bottom, fill it out, and drop it in the mail to be received by the event coordinator.

Whether your business employs 2 people or 2,000 people…think of Liz Ink & Paper for your corporate holiday needs! Create an invitation for an employee event or a holiday card for your customers and clients. Custom holiday greetings are a great way to build upon your brand and send a personalized message this time of year.