Being A Little Green Can Save You Green

Being green doesn't mean you can't be creative and go all out with fun details for your wedding day, or special party event. There are some easy substitutions and eco-conscious decisions that can make a significant on our impact on this world. Here I quote the TheGreenBrideGuide.com, "If every couple made just one green choice - that would be 2.5 million green choices a year!" Basically, do what you can, and in the end it will make a difference.

Going green doesn't mean it will break the bank either. I know when you go grocery shopping the organic products due cost more, but in this case for weddings, it can actually save you a buck. It will show you're wedding guests you are very creative and your reception decor can look chic, eclectic and memorable. Here a few visual samples of what I am talking about...

For a Mexican-inspired table setting, collect and recycle Mexican products that you use like cans and hot sauce bottles. They add a lot of character, color and a bit of graphic culture to the table decor above. Same thing for an Italian-themed table setting, keep and collect all the wine bottles after you have downed all the delish wine. :)

Another pointer, rummage thru garage sales, antique stores and sale racks in home good stores to find a mix of unique glasses, bottles, and vases on the cheap vs. buying actual new, full-priced containers. These re-purposed elements can be used as planters & simple arrangements for flowers. To be truly green with your table centerpieces, buy locally grown seasonal flowers! Also, after you're wedding is done, you can re-use these table top elements for your home, too. For example, buy a set of 8 glasses that can double as simple vases for your wedding day, and in turn, it can be a set of drinking glasses afterwards. You just need to wash them, of course. ;)


Find glass pieces all in one color – like clear, all blue, or even in the milky white glass in different sizes and widths. They will look great together and be a nice visual statement for your table decor. And in each vase/container, put a single flower in each, all in the same color, or in a variety as seen above. To learn how to be more green for your wedding day, visit the TheGreenBrideGuide.com.

Design w/Chon: My Travelscape Logo & Identity

My work life lately...
I have been up to a lot of good design projects lately for people that I know, and I am glad to help these people in their future businesses. A big step in starting any new business is your logo. It's a huge thing considering it's one of the first things that individuals will see to represent your business. And let's not forget, a logo design also gives a first impression to the personality of your company, and of course, you want the logo to be inviting.

This first project I am revealing to you today is for my sister-in-law, Nisha, and her new business venture, My Travelscape. She recently just started her new boutique travel agency that focuses on personalization & true customization of vacation packages to suit your lifestyle and taste. She does all the research to the latest trends in travel destinations & cuisine and truly offers top quality service. She'll give you more attention to your travel needs versus your major travel search engines like Expedia and Orbitz. From her own travel experiences, she'll tell you about the best mom & pop pizza shop in Italy that isn't your mainstream restaurant. And she is there with you every step of the way from the time you board the plane to your destination, til when you return, and set foot in your home. Who wouldn't want that from their travel agent?

Business card (front/back):

Now let's get into the design. For her logo, she wanted something fun, definitely not conventional, modern, and of course, something that communicates travel. I presented her with 3 ideas, and this seemed to be the clear winner amongst everyone, and it was my recommendation, too. The word "my" has the handwritten personal touch of her services and the simplified plane icon is cute and memorable. And to accompany it, I created a custom pattern with icons that touches on different points of travel from conventional to the unconventional – plane, a cruise boat/yacht, hot air balloon, and a scooter (on the iPhone case). On the reverse side of the business card, I thought a tag line would help define the business to her audience – "your customized escape to the world". Nisha truly wants to provide her clients with an escape to a world of relaxation & exploration, and away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

All of her materials (business card, stationery & direct mail) are on press right now and should hopefully be done printing in the next week or so. I can't wait to see the final product. Once I get it, I will post the final product for everyone to see. The printed product is always so much better looking.

One great thing about creating a custom pattern, it helps with building up your brand image. As you can see, I applied the design to the iPhone case, and it's being printed as we speak, too!

Custom iPhone Case (back-side):

{Logo & Identity System designed by Chon}

If anyone out there needs a custom designed iPhone for yourself, or your business, email me at designwithchon@gmail.com! Also, if you're interested to explore Nisha's services, you can email her at mytravelscape@gmail.com, or give her a call today at 630.504.3016. Don't bother with her website yet, it's currently being built.

Stay tuned for my next logo design for another start-up business. ;)

Featured Photography: Amelia Lyon

This week's photography eye candy belongs to a Cali girl, Amelia Lyon. She is a wedding, lifestyle, portraiture and music photographer. Her range of work is fresh and fun. On this post, I focused in on her black and white shots since I think they are very strong, and my eyes keep going back to them, because they are just classy. Don't get me wrong, her work in color is great too! To see her full range of work, visit her site and her blog. Enjoy and have a good weekend in the warm temps!

{Images are from AmeliaLyon.com}

Perfect Clutches for Perfect Gifts

I love a good, fun clutch with a bold print. It finishes a clothing ensemble like a piece of jewelry. And I think giving someone a clutch as a gift never gets old. A girl can never have enough handbags. :)


That's why I am sharing with you some of the cutest handmade clutches ever made that would be perfect for your bridal party as gifts, or just to add to your own purse collection. The quality is top notch, the wire framing is strong and classic, and the designs are truly polished and wonderful. And the designer can do custom orders to fit your wedding color palette needs – pick a pattern, selection of a color for the interior lining, and a choice in wire frame (silver, brass or gold).

All these clutches that you see are from Red Ruby Rose on Etsy.com. I have firsthand experience with Rowena, the designer, since I ordered a few custom clutches from her for my wedding. She is sweet and very willing to work with what you are trying to achieve for your special day. She offers quantity discounts for your wedding party and her collection of styles is massive. It has certainly changed since I bought from her a little less than a year ago. Check out her Peacock collection of clutches. They are just gorgeous and to die for.

{Images are from RedRubyRose's Shop on Etsy.com}