New Blog

From here on my tutorials, projects, and inspirational odds and ends will be posted on my new TriSERIFtops Tumblr account. Check it out!

Its Button Time

For years I've wanted a button machine. In college my senior project was to design the identity and merchandise for 3 bands. This meant everything: logos, album covers, t-shirts, stickers, press kits, photography, and you guessed it—buttons! I really thought that was my chance to justify buying a button machine, but at the last minute our design department purchased one since so many students wanted button design to be part of their projects.

Years later, as I participate in more craft shows, I figured this was finally my chance to get one! Now I can make promotional buttons for TriSERIFtops, and sneak in a few nerdy typography ones as well.

Before starting to make my own (well, to be honest I already started experimenting :) ), I wanted to see the variety of creative buttons available on Etsy. I curated the "Buttons!" treasury above, and here are a few of my favorites from the group...

Nesting Doll buttons by xoazuree

Loving Pastels buttons by SoleDeVita

Silhouette Birds buttons by PipingHotPapers

Coffee Bear Latte Art buttons by coffeepurse

Experimenting with Linocut Save the Dates

I've been working on some simple Save the Date samples (using my fictitious couple Leslie and Peter... we've become very close over the last few weeks, ha ha).

Here's my first try at a linocut version, where I wanted the text to be a little rustic-romantic. I'm also loving the paper choices—a version with 90% bamboo/10% cotton, and one with 25% hemp/75% post consumer material. Hemp is featured above, with great flecks in the paper.

So excited to actually be working on a real Save the Date order based on this design, so stay tuned for a final version in the coming weeks!

Wedding Invitation Research

I've really been wanting to get into wedding invitation design. I've done baby shower and a couple other things, but weddings just have so many possibilities! So many themes, different color palettes, paper choices, printing techniques... the list goes on and on.

I have been working on my own samples (not yet ready to post those), and started doing a lot of research. Part of that is just looking through the endless possibilities out there, especially from other handmade artisans!

Here's a peak at some of my research... a Woodland Wedding treasury on Etsy. I love the light, natural colors and earthy textures. Hoping to reflect some of these elements in my own designs eventually.

Looking for custom invitations? Contact me for details: jessie.a.katz@gmail.com

Music Night Poster Design

Check out this poster I designed for Starbucks Music Night.

Every Tuesday

7:00-9:00 pm

Starbucks on Main St, Nyack, NY 10960

If you are in the area, come check it out. Want to play? Email Scott Greenberg at scott.a.greenberg@gmail.com

Custom TOMS for Sale

I finally listed some custom TOMS in my TriSERIFtops Etsy shop!

My personal favorite, the paisley custom TOMS, are now avaialable...

Also available—TOMS customized to reflect your small business logo/business card.

If you make and/or sell clothing, jewelry, accessories, etc; you know the best way to promote is by wearing your product. But what if you make home decorations, paper goods, or sell vintage furniture? These shoes will make a great conversation starter about your business while you are out and about!

The pair pictured below were for Andrew of Sites and Sound Productions, a small live sound/recording studio in NJ.

Checkbox Greeting cards

I've been working on some new greeting cards and invitations. Among these is a collection of checkbox cards—keep a few of these on hand and you will be ready for any last minute occasion! Purchase here.