How about some Lovebugs?

Hi there... I finally created something to go in these cool little white boxes I bought a year ago.... I made little cute "lovebugs" that fit right into the "matchbox" style box and designed a logo and label for the box. Here's a few photos of the lovebugs. The box measures roughly 3.5" x 2.5" x 1.5" deep, so the Lovebugs are small. Very fun - especially with Valentine's Day coming up.... I'll get them finished and listed on my etsy site soon. (www.sewcuties.etsy.com)

My graphic design background is package design and product logo/branding design, so this project was fun for me. I don't do as many package and product logo designs as I used to, and I miss it! I especially like working on the craft/toy packaging for kids - I did a ton of it in my previous design life. See samples of my design work at creativeshake.com/cathycahill.

Cutie Doodles

So I found a few of my "cutie doodles"; just a few of the drawings that made it to the sewing machine! Here's my long cat, elephant and seahorse as doodles and as final handmade Sew Cuties. Pretty simple drawings - more like little cartoons really - but they do transform into some fun cuteness when they are sewn and stuffed - and I'm a huge fan of cuteness! I usually make a couple prototype cuties until I have it the way I want, then I can use that latest shape as my pattern. Overall, VERY good therapy for me... so I can forget my fall from fame... oh wait, I was never famous! I must be thinking of someone else. Oh well, on with it.... Hope you enjoy this cutie doodle post. At the very least, say "cutie doodle" a few times out loud and fast... it's kinda fun, and surprisingly difficult. Maybe it's because I should be in bed... :-)

Cuties in Progress

Everything is a work in progress, you know? I have so many sketches, some near finished, some just kernels of ideas.... My cuties are always in some state of working progress.... I thought I'd share a photo of some "Spankies" in progress. I refer to most of my cuties with pretty simple names - Big Kittys (I spell it that way on purpose - I like the y) or Weiner dogs... but these lil' guys are kind of half human, half creature type of critter, so that's why I made up the name Spankies for them.... anyhoo, here they are.... And also a start on some of my Elephants...... I just love the fabrics. I'm a huge fan of Kaffe Fassett and Amy Butler fabrics - but who isn't, right? They are so gorgeous! The fabrics are a blast to work with, and inspire me to make more!

My cuties usually start out with a doodle, or small sketch.... I'll tell you more about that later.

Good Morning

Time to get back to work after all the holidays and parties and food.... Thought I'd start off the week with my "Me & My Sew Cuties" photo. A very talented friend named Emily did a photo shoot with me and this is one of the bunch! ha ha Have a great day!

The New Year; A New Blog

It's a new year, so I thought it was about time to start my blog. I've got to say, I'm happy to say hello to a new year... the last few years have been challenging ones in the field of graphic design. I used to do a lot of package design for the craft/toy industry, but lost most of my larger clients to the recession and have had some changes in my freelance studio design life.

This year, I am concentrating on my art and illustration work for kids. I have a line of kids prints (that I can personalize with a child's name) and I have my line of Sew Cuties™ (handmade softies that I create in fabulous fabrics.) I love this style of art and enjoy working on my line very much. I hope to share some of my creations with you and see what you think.

Let's hear it for a new year of art and inspiration and happy times!