Brand + Site Design: Creative At Heart

A little over a month ago I received an email full of exclamation marks and excitement. My friend Kat from Dear Sweetheart Events had an idea for a 2-day conference for creative entrepreneurs to encourage them in their business and build community. She asked me if I would come on board to design the brand and the website, and I quickly jumped on board! 

The past month has been full of soft pastels, hearts, and beautiful calligraphy (the other half of the Creative At Heart team, Taylor from Letters of Grace, was a great help with the logo!). Kat and Taylor's excitement throughout the entire process has made this project a joy, and I'm thrilled with how everything turned out!

This project was a collaboration between all 3 of us, so I thought it would be fun to share the design process from Kat & Taylor's perspective. Here's their take on the branding and website designs for Creative At Heart!

Why did you originally reach out to Elle & Company for design help?

Kat: In the very early stages of developing the conference (as in, 12 hours in!) I knew Lauren would completely understand the vision we were going for. Like Taylor and I, she has a heart for small businesses and building community. We were SO blessed when she offered to sponsor Creative At Heart through the branding and web design, and are IN LOVE with the finished product!!!!

What were your initial design goals?

For the logo: we wanted Lauren to use Taylor's hand-lettering because it's AMAZING!! We knew we wanted a calligraphy logo that was feminine, relaxed, and & fun. Lauren went above and beyond our expectations and we are OBSESSED with both the main logo & secondary logos!

For the website: we wanted something that would fit the goal for the conference - we wanted it to be inviting, easy to navigate, full of organized information & appealing to the eye. Again, Lauren did a wonderful job compiling our information into cohesive pages, while still allowing the overall conference brand to shine through.

What keywords came to mind when you imagined the appearance of your brand and website?

Inviting, Feminine, Relaxed, Fun, Girly... we think Lauren nailed it :)

What was your favorite step in the branding process?

I think our favorite part was finally seeing and revealing the logo to our followers! We were so anxious to see it, because it really is the first step in developing the rest of the brand. When Lauren sent it to us we were both just ecstatic. She created something beautiful and perfect that was better than what we had dreamed of.

Were you surprised by any part of the project?

We were surprised constantly, but in great ways! Every time we checked the website we saw new additions and fun surprises that were just what we were envisioning. From the colors, to the way the text is laid out, we were excited each time and couldn't wait to show it all off.

How was the overall experience? Did we successfully accomplish your design goals for Creative At Heart?

The overall experience was all we had hoped for! Our brand and website are just beautiful. Lauren captured our vision beautifully. We told her we wanted sophisticated, simple, feminine, romantic, inviting... and Lauren made it all of these things and more. We are so excited launch day is finally here!

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Kat and Taylor, thank you for allowing me to play a part in a project that has been so near and dear to both of you! I'm excited to see how Creative At Heart will impact the lives and businesses of the ladies that attend the conference and I can't wait to join you in Staunton this February. Best wishes and happy launch day!

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Home Suite Home - The Kitchen & Eating Nook

We're back with another installment in the Home Suite Home series! Michaela Noelle Designs is helping us put some design touches on our cozy little Suite to make it feel more like home, and we're sharing the transformation with you on our blogs each week. Our hope is that you'll join in, help us make some design decisions, and hopefully be inspired to make the most out of your current space, too!

In case you missed it, here is the story behind our Suite and a look at our living room. 

Today we're taking a look at our kitchen.

This is probably one of the areas that I need the most help with. While I love the tall cabinets, the pretty countertops, and my helpful kitchen carts, the space seems mismatched and pieced together. I've had trouble knowing how to pull in all of the separate pieces without getting rid of anything or putting a big dent in our budget. 

We're always trying to find creative ways to use our space wisely around the Suite, so the kitchen carts come in handy for extra storage. I hide pots, pans and silverware in one, appliances under the other. The kitchen carts also provide more counter space, which is really important since we eat in most nights (I love to cook!). The bookshelf isn't super attractive at the moment, but it's a must-have for storing all of Jake's books from seminary. I would love to find a way to maintain (and even add!) storage in this space while making it a little more cohesive and easy on the eyes. 

We also have a little eating nook with a kitchen table that doubles as a workspace for my design work and Jake's studies. It's looking a little lonesome and out of place at the moment, so I would love to find a way to make more sense of that space, too. 

In terms of design, I'm hoping that we can brighten things up a little bit and put some personal touches on our kitchen. Thankfully Michaela is coming to my rescue! She's come up with some creative solutions for this space and she's sharing them on her blog today. Head on over to check out what she has up her sleeve and vote on which option you like best!

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Are you excited to keep up with this transformation? Be sure to follow along with us!

Michaela Noelle Designs

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Elle & Company

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What I Pray For (and new Library additions!)

"Never underestimate the power of prayer." That's the response I'm guaranteed to get from my best friend Jenny when I'm at a loss over what to do in a situation. I don't dare utter the words, "I guess I'll just pray about it," around her anymore. "Just pray about it? Sweet friend, prayer isn't a last resort."

Prayer should be our first response in every situation. It exercises our trust in God, deepens our relationship with Him, and helps us recognize our need for Him. Prayer is essential to our faith.

But if I'm honest, I'm not the best at following through with my prayers. There are several times throughout my day where a friend asks me to keep them in prayer or I offer to pray for a loved one and in all honesty, I forget. Or sometimes I get overwhelmed at the sheer number of prayer requests that I don't even know where to begin. So last winter I created a helpful little prayer calendar to help me keep up with the petitions of others. Each day I pray for a different category - family, church, salvation, healing, thanksgiving, missions, and a catch-all, "other". I also left a section for praises, because sometimes we get so caught up in our own wants and needs that we forget to praise Him for the countless blessings He has poured out on us! This sheet seems so simple, but it's made a big difference in my prayer life. 

Today I added this helpful printable to the Library in the hope that your prayer life will benefit from it, too.

A couple months ago I noticed that I left one section off of my prayer calendar: myself. The Dean of Women at our seminary wrote a blog post on what she prays for herself each day, and I loved the idea of making a list of my daily needs, things that I need God's help with on a regular basis. So I made one more printable to record the things that I pray for myself. I added that to the Library today, too. 

Here's a look at some of the things on my list:

1. Rid me of myself.

Oh, how often I need to be reminded that there is nothing good in me. My only boast is Jesus.

"And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lost it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it."  Luke 9:23-24

"But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world."  Galatians 6:14

2. Renew my mind.

It's easy to get caught up in the things of this world. I need God to renew my mind and help me focus on the things of Him; the things that are true, honorable, just, pure, and lovely.

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."  Romans 12:2

"Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."  Philippians 4:8

3. Give me peace.

I'm learning that the root of all my worry is doubt. Worrying over finances = doubt that God will provide. Worrying over the future = doubt that God has good plans for me. Peace comes from putting full faith and trust in Him.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:6-7

4. Remind me of who I am compared to who You are. 

So often I'm fooled into thinking that I'm at the center of my world. The truth is that all of creation is centered around God, and He just so happened to choose to gift me with grace. That humbling truth puts everything in its right perspective.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."  Ephesians 2:8-9

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."  Isaiah 55:8-9

5. Be my delight.

I want to be fully satisfied in Christ and delight in Him. When I'm tempted to believe that I can find satisfaction in the things of this world, I need to be reminded that nothing will satisfy my soul like the love of Jesus.

"But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."  John 4:14

"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."  Psalm 16:11

6. Teach me to love.

It's one thing to act like I love others and another thing entirely to genuinely love them and sacrifice my comforts for their gain. That's the Gospel in a nutshell - sacrificial love - and I can't truly love others without knowing the love of Christ. Although I can't see God, His character is on display when I earnestly love other people.

"Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us."  1 John 4:11

7. Give me a heart of obedience.

That saying, "It's better to beg for forgiveness than to ask for permission" is not God-honoring. Our Father has good plans for us, He wants and knows what's best for us, and He pours out blessings on us when we are obedient. The more I say "yes" to God, the more I see these truths firsthand.

"And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams."  1 Samuel 15:22

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."  Jeremiah 29:11

8. Protect me and guard my heart.

Satan knows my weak spots very well and he doesn't hold back in trying to defeat me. I am in constant need of God's protection and strength. 

"But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard against the evil one."  2 Thessalonians 3:3

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."  Psalm 46:1

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Both of these prayer printables are now in the Library! Log in to access both design files if you're already a monthly subscriber or...

Now it's your turn. How do you stay on top of your prayers and petitions? What are some things you pray for yourself on a daily basis?

Monday's Letters

Dear Mr. Hooker, what kind of cat loves belly rubs, licks you when she's happy, and joins you on walks around the neighborhood? Ours. That friendly, starving cat that we couldn't find a home for has provided so much entertainment over the past 2 months. I sure am glad she adopted us. 

Dear winter boots, I've been waiting for cool fall weather to dig you out of the closet, and last weekend gave me the perfect opportunity. I threw you over a pair of jeans with my favorite chambray top and I thought I looked fairly stylish... until I walked into evening service at our church and was greeted with a friendly "Howdy, partner!" I tried.

Dear Logan, thanks so much for featuring me on your Women in the Kingdom series last week! It was a joy to share a funny story about Jake, discuss how I incorporate my faith into Elle & Company, and even talk about what God has taught me through my greatest struggle. I love the heart and mission behind your new blog, Grace to be Free, and I'm honored to be a part of it!

Dear Jake, I've been writing these letters almost every Monday for the past year and a half. And although it's been a sweet way to capture little memories throughout our week, it's become more of a chore and less of a joy. I've decided to take a little break from posting them to the blog and keep them just between the two of us instead. The best things in life don't always have to be shared :)

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Recent Letters

Each Monday I write four letters: two letters to my husband and two random letters to whatever else is on my heart each week. What originally started as a fun way to record events and funny stories pleasantly developed into a weekly habit of practicing thankfulness.

Coffee Date with Gretchen Saffles

Everyone loves a good story. Whether it's a friend recanting a funny moment, a crazy plot in a movie, or a well-written novel, all of us enjoy getting lost in a story that isn't our own. I especially love hearing stories of people I admire and how they got to where they are today. That's what this Friday Coffee Date series is all about, sharing the stories of ladies who are doing significant things so we can learn from them. 

Today's Coffee Date is with Gretchen Saffles, the creator, designer, and blogger behind Life Lived Beautifully. She's also a traveler, a stylist, and the author of A God-Sized Love Story. Gretchen is always making my Instagram feed a little lovelier with photos of her Give Me Jesus Journal and sweet words of wisdom, and her blog is a great resource for encouragement and truth. I'm thrilled to share a little bit of her story with you today! Meet Gretchen. 

What's in your coffee mug this morning?

1-2 cups of coffee from Sweet Aroma Coffee and hazelnut creamer from Trader Joe's! Some days I change it up with a cup of green tea and honey.

What does a day-in-the-life of Gretchen Saffles look like?

I love change and flexibility and my days usually take the shape of an unpredictable schedule! Usually I wake up around 6AM and go straight to the coffee put for my first cup of coffee. Mornings are my favorite time of day and I cherish the moments when the sun is slowly waking up with me. I sit on our green couch and spend time in the Word and then typically go to the gym for an exercise class or on a walk around our neighborhood. My best work hours are in the mornings, so I try to revolve my hardest brain tasks for the first part of my day (including emails, writing, and organizing). I ship packages with lunch, usually with a friend who comes to help, make a quick meal for me and my husband, and then work on new projects in the afternoon from a coffee shop! My husband also has a flexible schedule and we love to take advantage of going to new places, enjoying different coffees (usually a fancy latte in the afternoon), and meeting new people. I often meet with a friend in the afternoon and enjoy time with Greg and friends from church in the evening!

You have a degree in Fashion Merchandising and a passion for helping women dress beautifully. What are some of your fashion staples and go-to shops?

I am passionate about the art of dress and creativity God has given us to adorn our bodies to His glory! Two things you need to know about my fashion style:

1. I rarely buy things full price and love finding staple pieces at different stores?
2. I rarely wear the same outfit combination twice. (I know this sounds crazy, but it is completely possible to do in your own closet and makes your clothes stretch and seem "new")

I am 5'10 and have always had trouble finding jeans that fit well and dresses that are modest for my long legs. I recently had a friend create a slip extender for me to wear underneath dresses that are too short. You can purchase them from Etsy or have a friend who can sew create one for you! It is a favorite piece and the perfect way to add some style to skirts and dresses. Gap is one of my favorite stores to shop for jeans that won't go out of style, fit well, and are comfy and cute! I also love supporting shops that support a cause. Philanthropy has a small online store, and a few stores across the U.S. When you walk into the shop, you can literally feel the presence of the Lord! A part of all purchases goes to support missions and the clothing is gorgeous! There are so many stores that are supporting missions that you can support and wear fashionable clothing. It's a win win in my book. 

You are a light and a role model for so many young women, myself included. One of the biggest struggles for young women today is comparison. How do you guard your heart and steer clear from the comparison trap?

This is the perfect question and a trap that I have fallen into countless times. Satan is sneaky and knows that if he can get us to compare, we will be discontent with the immeasurable blessings God has given us, with how God created us, and with what God is doing through us. Comparison robs us of joy, purpose, hope, and fruitfulness for the Gospel. There have been days that I feel were wasted worrying about little things and what others think of me. Measuring ourselves up or down against others is the opposite of the Gospel that tells us Christ did everything for us and we are complete in Him. Over the years of wrestling with comparison, the Lord has taught me the extreme importance of keeping my eyes on Him. This starts first thing in the morning when I am tempted to look at Instagram before reading the Word. There have been days where I have deleted Instagram from my phone to eliminate falling into the comparison trap. But we will see comparison take place in all shapes and forms - social media, family, friends, possessions, success, talents, personalities.

God calls us to meditate on His Word, to love Him whole-heartedly, and to die to ourself each day. We will never defeat comparison by trying harder, but rather by leaning into the Savior who has defeated it for us and claiming the truth of God's Word. This may mean carrying Scripture memory cards everywhere you go (I have done this so many times!), limiting time on social media (or taking a fast - I highly recommend this), and most importantly spending time in God's presence claiming the truth of Scripture and refocusing on our purpose. The grace of God has set us free from the measuring sticks we often carry. Live in His grace.

Because we all love a love story, how did you and Greg meet? How did he propose?

I love telling this story! Greg is the only person I have ever dated. And we didn't meet until I was 22 years old. In the 7th grade, I committed my heart to the Lord to wait on Him to bring me my future husband. Little did I know, that meant many years of being date-less and boyfriend-less in middle, high school, and college! I graduated from the University of GA with a degree in Fashion Merchandising, but God presented an opportunity for me to intern at a church in Tennessee. It was clear the Lord was leading me there, and I moved with a giant leap of faith to a place I didn't know anyone for the summer.

The ways of God beautifully connected me and Greg and middle school camp. Yes, you read that correctly! I was an intern and he was working in the media department. The first time I met him my heart burned. Literally. I had never felt something like that before and knew there was something so different about him! (and it wasn't just his crystal blue eyes that made my heart burn :) We began to get to know each other as friends that summer and I ended up getting a full-time job at the church. Greg pursued me for 6 months in the sweetest, most God-honoring ways! We began dating in February, were engaged in June, and married in November (all in about nine months!)

Greg is incredibly creative and thoughtful and planned the most beautiful proposal that June! I was visiting family in Texas and he couldn't come because he had to "work." That week, he drove from TN to TX and stayed with a family in my sister's church without me knowing that he was just down the street! HE had cut down trees and set them in cement and created an incredible room in the Chapel of my sister's church where he would propose. My sister had planned on taking "family pictures" at the Chapel of their church and we got dressed and headed over there. When we walked in, Greg was standing there and I was beyond shocked! He led me into the chapel that was filled with mason jars, candles, bulb lights and our favorite worship music playing. He led me to the podium where a Bible was sitting that had my new name on it. He read some verses to me and told me he loved me for the first time! (We had been waiting for this day for so long!) He then read from a travel journal a note that he had written to me and then got down on one knee and proposed! The rest is history and all the glory goes to God for our God-sized love story!

What is something you've been loving lately?

I recently finished "Choosing Gratitude" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss and had my heart rocked by how ungrateful I am everyday and the abundance of blessings God has poured out on us! Anytime I have a free moment, I spend it reading a new book on my Kindle. :) I am also loving my new Advent Calendar from Naptime Diaries! I can't wait to decorate for Christmas!

You have a heart for traveling and seeing the world. Just for fun, which travel destination was your favorite and why? What are some places that are on your bucket list?

My heart literally beats for adventure and traveling the world! One of my favorite places I have been to would be Israel. Words cannot describe how incredible it was to walk where Jesus walked and see the Bible come to life before my eyes! We were also there on a mission trip and were able to lead children to Jesus in Bethlehem. I pray my husband and I can go back there one day!

We have a long bucket list that we are working through. :) A few things that we want to do are bike the country of Holland (you can bike the entire country in one week!), hike Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, and go to Alaska to see the Northern Lights!

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