Meet Designing Mom: Erika G

When I first interviewed my trusted design assistant for her position I asked who her favorite designers were. Her eyes lit up and without hesitation she said "Erika Givens at Gleaux!" She proceeded to tell me how her love of paper was inspired by Erika's print work and gorgeous invitations. Inspired is right... Erika's work is downright amazing. It has a soulful quality to it...layers upon layers, narrative, resonance. If you haven't had the privilege of seeing her work, click here to visit her site. I am so excited to have Erika (Erika G here since we have two!) join us as our newest Designing Mom. Please help me give her a big welcome and read about her work and daily inspirations!

above: wall art Atelier LZC

Hi! My name is Erika Rhein Givens and I am delighted to be joining the Designing Moms blog! Thank you so much for having me! I am a graphic designer running a small design studio called Gleaux (pronounced “glow”) specializing in cards, invitations, maps and anything else deliciously creative. I also run a small zoo. I have three year old twin boys. No need for further explanation!

I was born, raised and currently live in the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area and still find this place to be alight with inspiration at every turn. I love the City by the Bay. But then again, I love most cities, as long as they are noisy, congested, filled with nooks and crannies, over-ridden with signage of every language, simmering with sauces from every region, colorful, layered in flavors and textures, bordered with grubby industrial spaces, checkered with hot spots and neon reminders of every known vice, hi-tech handheld device and travel destination, dimly lit alleyways laced with birdcages, clothes lines, lingering music, wet newsprint, and the sound of distant honking cabbies, common spaces that house bizarre and gritty public art, hushed chess tables, vendors pedaling their eclectic wares.... ... basically very messy, elaborate, grown-up versions of the Sesame Street set!


Cities give me chills. So does the rain. Everything takes on a beautiful, melancholy meaning to me in the rain. Everything begs to be photographed. If I could, I’d wander around whenever it rained, listening to war-era jazz on my iPod and taking pictures. Then rush home when I got waterlogged and cold, to build a fire, get cozy with my fellas and cook something cockle-warming. Architecture inspires me. Especially the new Cathedral of Christ the
Light near Lake Merritt in Oakland. It is the most magnificent structure of wood, glass and metal imaginable. It is all about lighting, macro-imagery, scale, harmony and peace. It not only totally commands your attention visually, but it touches you spiritually as well, whether you are religious or not. A visit is a truly remarkable and humbling experience.


Walking in the redwood forests of the Oakland Hills with my boys inspires me. Luke and Reid have a raw curiosity and energy, turning over leaves, collecting bugs, seeds, pine cones... they (for an all too short period of time!) become these small gentle extensions of nature, speaking softly, treading lightly, like baby deer. I become inspired watching and listening to them. History inspires me. I could just kick myself that I didn’t pay more attention to history in college. I get this overwhelming feeling of nostalgia when seeing or holding something from decades or centuries gone by... like imagining the crumbled fragments of history just under the sidewalks as you walk thru the Barbary Coast in San Francisco... or exploring the forgotten, overgrown military structures still barely marking the Bay's forts and bases from WWII, or flipping thru an old accounting ledger and wondering how handwritten script could be so delicately beautiful and the leather bound covers so plush and soft, or sifting thru old stamps and paper currency in amazement at the micrographics and pen-drawn, feather-fine linear etchings, the worn but still somehow vibrant colors. I sometimes think I was born in the wrong era... but then again, I probably wouldn’t experience half the awe in these details if living amidst it all.


My boys are quite lucky to have their 97 year old great grandma Evelina in their lives. I often send her questionnaires to fill out about her memories living almost a century in San Francisco. Her alert mind and vivid recollections are priceless gifts that inspire me. My life, work and home incorporate bits and pieces of the things I love. Below are a few snapshots... come on in!

above: wall art by Anne Wilson

Giveaway Reminder: Cardstore.com

Just a reminder to enter the February 13 Creative Cardstore.com giveaway (which ends tomorrow). Click here to enter to win you choice of holiday cards!

Giveaway: International Sanctuary

This is a good one for you all, just in time for the week of Thanksgiving. International Sanctuary is an amazing non-profit organization created to help fight human trafficking. I am definitely going to be keeping them in mind for my holiday gift giving this year. Their pieces are all made by survivors and Designing Mom Tori and the organization are offering one lucky winner the chance to win:
Your choice of one bracelet or pair of earrings and three thank you cards.
Pretty special right? To enter: visit their online shop and site here and comment below on your favorite piece of jewelry and card.

This giveaway ends Friday and is open to all Designing Moms and readers alike. Help spread the word about this special organization!

by Designing Mom Tori

International Sanctuary is a non-profit organization that is near and dear to my heart. My good friend from college, Wendy Hicks, co-founded the organization with Stephanie Pollaro to help survivors of human trafficking get a fresh start in life through healing and positive opportunities. One of the best forms of both healing and opportunity is through their "Purchase With Purpose" program. Each survivor is trained in the art of jewelry making, which any crafter knows is a very therapeutic act in and of itself. Once the jewelry is made, it is sold in select stores throughout the US as well as holiday boutiques, home parties, craft shows, and online. I have had the exciting opportunity to sell my handmade greeting cards to benefit the brave survivors in the program. My handmade cards are currently sold through wholesale markets, but iSanctuary has recently added a select number of designs to be sold on their website.


To learn more about International Sanctuary, please visit the iSanctuary website and to browse their collection of jewelry and cards, please visit their online boutique, shopsanctuary.org. (I think their jewelry makes perfect little holiday gifts - they offer such great prices, too!)

Make: Thanksgiving Cards

by Designing Mom Tori
Thanksgiving has always been a favorite holiday of mine because of the emphasis on gratitude, counting your blessings, and spending time around a dinner table with family and friends. The cozy feeling of Autumn and the smell of comforting food always makes for a great holiday as well. We have recently moved out of state - far away from family and life long friends - so this will be our first Thanksgiving in a long time that we won't be spending it in the traditional way. And because our family is so spread out now, I thought it would be the perfect time for my two year old son to start his greeting card design career in order to keep in touch with all of his loved ones throughout the country. Because he is only two, the thought of making multiple "original" cards for everyone seemed a bit daunting. (He is a boy after all - in his "twos" - and would rather play with cars or run in the dirt than make crafts for too long with his mommy.) It was the perfect solution to paint his little hand (he thought it was hilarious), stamp it on white paper, scan it, add a few photoshop touches, and import it to Cardstore.com. We were able to make ten "handmade" Thanksgiving cards in one afternoon. Even if we can't spend Thanksgiving this year with our usual family members, they will know that we are thankful for them.

This is such an easy project to do with your child - I highly recommend it. It's fun, not very messy or time consuming, and the grandparents will love it!

Giveaway Winner: Earthy Beginnings

What a great way to start off the Thanksgiving week. I wanted to announce the lucky winner of Designing Mom Guissell's wonderful tees at Earthy Beginnings.

Congratulations to: BCTripletMom!

Friday Foto: TGIF

This Friday foto is Designing Mom Erika in all of her creative glory at her Delphine Studio.

Have a happy Friday and weekend everyone! We'll see you on Monday.

Giveaway Reminder: Earthy Beginnings

This is just a reminder that the Earthy Beginnings giveaway ends tonight! Click here to put in your comment to win a choice of any two kid tees.

Our Lists: Doe-C-Doe

by Designing Mom Tori


I simply love Gina's photography of Doe-C-Doe . I think her work would be fabulous in a child's room or playroom (she actually has a lot of work that grown ups would like for any room of the house as well) Who can resist her still life portraits of barbie shoes, matchbox cars, and other small toys that have been so loved by children over the years?


Have fun browsing through her Etsy shop and Flickr account . The good news is that she is willing to take custom orders, so If you see anything on Flickr that you want to purchase, just convo her through Etsy and she will make you a print. (Talk about great customer service...)


Be sure to check out her blog as well - she has lots of vintage embroidery patterns and free pdf downloads - I especially love the downloadable vintage children's book illustration tags.

Giveaway: Cardstore.com Holiday Cards

The holidays are just around the corner and this Cardstore.com giveaway will help get your seasons greetings underway.

2 Lucky winners will each receive a 20 card pack of february 13 creative Holiday and New Year Designs from their Cardstore.com collection. Click here to visit their designs and comment on which pack you'd like if you win!

The giveaways ends Wednesday, November 25th and is open to all Designing Moms and readers alike. Happy picking!

above: these are just a few of their favorite
holiday Cardstore.com picks

Our Projects: What's in My Sketchbook

Good morning! Today we get to peer into the whimsical sketchbooks of Designing Mom Liberty. And check back later this afternoon. I'll be posting another great giveaway (hint: think holiday cheer!).
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by Designing Mom Liberty

Here are a few from (1) a book I've written and not published yet! and (2) from a t-shirt design I have and my thoughts getting there.

Make: Ribbon Badge

by Designing Mom "Make" Contributor Dana

I made this #1 ribbon badge for my niece's first birthday....this Make can be created using either a sewing machine or by hand...I'm thinking of making these for with my nieces and nephew's initials and using them on their Christmas presents.

Here's the list of items I used:
cotton fabric (2 different patterns)

felt (I used white wool felt)

ric rac (any color, I used jumbo ric rac in blue)

ribbon or ribbons

air erasable marker

scissors or pinking sheers

circle & number template (optional, templates can be created on your computer and printed out)

stick pins

safety pin for back of ribbon

sewing machine or needle and thread

1. I started by selecting my three different fabrics...two cotton ones and one felt. I chose to use a red & white polka dot fabric for the back, a white wool felt for the middle and a striped fabric for the top.
2. once the fabrics were selected, I figured out how big I wanted to make the bottom circle (the back of the badge). I then traced the biggest circle onto the back of my red and white fabric. I used pinking sheers to cut out my large circle. I then followed this same step for the remaining two smaller circles.
3. after all of the circles were cut out, I added the blue jumbo ric rac to the back of the bottom circle. i first pinned the ric rac onto the back of the circle and then machine sewed the ric rac. I made sure to sew closer to the bottom (or inside) of the ric rac so that the stitches would be hidden by the middle felt layer.


4. after the ric rac was added, I then pinned and sewed the white wool (middle layer) to the top of my red and white circle (bottom layer).


5. I repeated the same step with the top stripe fabric circle (sewn on top of white wool middle layer).

6. after all of the circles were sewn together, the next step was to choose a ribbon or ribbons to hang from the back of my circle stack. I picked the ribbons that I wanted to use and cut two stripes at a desirable length. I placed the two ribbons together making a "v" and then stitched them together at the top. this helped me to keep the ribbons together when placing them on the back of the circle stack. once the ribbons were centered, I pinned them to the back of the circle stack. I used my sewing machine to stitch the ribbons in place. The stitch was a small vertical line at the top of the ribbons. The line was made small so that when I later placed the white felt number on the center of the circles, it would conceal this stitch.



7. after the ribbons were sewn, I used a number template & my disappearing marker to trace a #1 onto my white wool felt. I cut out my #1 using my standard sewing scissors. (tip: if you don't have a letter/number template you can create one on your computer using Word. print out your desired number or letter onto paper and then cut it out. use this paper template to trace onto your desired felt.)

8. after my number was cut out...I then pinned it to the center of my circle badge and sewed around the perimeter of the number.

9. the last step is to add a pin to the back of the badge. I used a coilless safety pin for mine.


10. I pinned the finished badge ribbon to a special bunny that I made for my niece.

Giveaway: Earthy Beginnings

You are all in for a treat this week. We have two giveaways, the first of which is from very talented Designing Mom Guissell and her Earthy Beginnings collection.

To enter, click here to visit Earthy Beginnings and comment back here on which pieces you love the most from her collection. One winner will get to choose any two tees from her Spring and Fall collection!

The giveaways ends this Friday and is open to all Designing Moms and readers alike.
Guissell is also offering 10% off any purchases via her eboutique until December 1. Just use the code DM10 to shop.

A Creative Life: Satees

My intern, Tammy, has an interest in baby/kid products and when I asked her what some of her favorite products are, Satees was top on her list. Naturally, she set out to ask them if they would be willing to share their creative life with us. Read on to find out how this pulchritudinous (how's that for a SAT word?) idea started and click here to purchase their tees!


Tell us a little bit about your background

I'm a graphic designer working in print for various clients from publishing and nonprofits to more corporate graphics. Scott is a copywriter/writer whose background is in direct mail but also writes for numerous sites/blogs on food and popular culture in New York City.

How did SATees begin?

I was working on tshirt and onesie designs as an idea for a side business and Scott suggested the idea of putting SAT words on shirts. I thought the idea of putting them on onesies and little kids' tees was a humorous juxtaposition. Scott came up with the very clever name SATees: Big Words for Little Kids and between the two of us we searched words that we thought would make funny (yet fitting) adjectives for kids and infants. We debated whether to put the definitions on the shirts, but decided that the quizzical looks they would evoke would make it more fun. We kept the font simple and clean (helvetica) like a flash card, but added the bright primary colors and the complimentary color dots over the 'i's and 'j's to make them more kidlike or "puerile."


What's the inspiration behind your work?

Possibly the fact that all four of our teenaged daughters (Scott has two and I have two) have taken, or are about to take, the SATs!

Who are your favorite designers and artists?

Oh, there are so many! I'm a big fan of designers who play with type. Paula Scher from Pentagram, Gail Anderson, Carin Goldberg, Michael Beirut... As far as artists, Tara Donovan comes to mind. James Turrell and his fascinating play with light. Scott is also a fan of many of those that I've mentioned, but also follows a lot of the street artists such as Banksy and Peru Ana Ana Peru, among many others.


What's a typical day-in-your-life at the studio?
For me, it's spent mostly in front of the computer either totally inspired and in the flow, or stuck, inspirationless with a lot of trips to make cups of tea until something hits. Scott travels around the city (NYC) trying different restaurants, photographing food and locations and then back to the computer where he transposes the notes from his moleskin into captivating prose.

Giveaway Winner: Februaryy 13 Creative

Thanks to all who entered to win an art print from the talented moms at F13 Creative!
We'll be doing lots of giveaways now that we're nearing the holidays, so definitely stay tuned for more. In addition: they are offering free shipping on all February 13 Creative Etsy orders that are placed on or before November 24th.

The lucky winner is: Angela Lee
Congrats and please email me at designingmoms@gmail.com so I can get your info!

Friday Fotos: Double Trouble

Designing Mom Aya and I are currently on the hunt for a shared nanny. We've been laughing over the thought of double strollers and all... But I hadn't quite thought of "double trouble" until I saw these adorable little trash can accomplices from Victoria at The City Cradle. Too cute.

Have a Happy Friday and weekend everyone! We'll see you Monday.

Giveaway Reminder: February 13 Creative

Just a reminder to enter February 13 Creative's giveaway for a modern art print! The giveaway ends tonight at midnight so be sure and click here to enter!

Make: Pumpkin "Oatmeal" Gluten-free Cookies

by Designing Mom Mari

Holiday traditions

This is my daughter’s first year, and sidling alongside all of her normal milestones are my own brand new challenges. Like, how the heck to celebrate the holidays? What traditions do we bring from our families, and what new ones would we like to add? Obviously we’ve got a couple years to sort things out before she accuses us of being Scrooges, but I like to be prepared.

The first order of business: the food. It’s such a big part of family traditions. Most celebrations in my family included cake and cookie decorating. In the fall we always hand-sculpted pumpkin shaped pumpkin-oatmeal-chocolate chip cookies. They only tasted right when coated liberally with frosting and chocolate chips, lots of little candies, and licorice.

However, this is a bit of a hurdle for me. I became allergic to dairy, eggs, and gluten about 8 years ago. I’ve only recently been able to add in some gluten-free alternatives without getting sick. So I decided this was the time to solve that very important ritual. The goal? A cookie that is safe for me, but one my family would eat without turning up their noses.

After years and years without these particular flavors (there really is no other substitute), I still knew from my first bite that I had found the right combination.

These cookies taste like childhood.

Pumpkin “Oatmeal” Gluten-free cookies

This recipe borrows from the “oatmeal” cookies recipe in Cooking Free by Carol Fenster, Ph.D. (It’s a great book if you have multiple allergies.)

My (very picky) husband said you wouldn’t know they’re GF/EF/DF. Enjoy!

2 cups brown rice flour

½ cup potato flour (not potato starch)

¼ cup tapioca flour

1 cup brown sugar

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp xantham gum

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

2 tsp cinnamon

½ cup butter or margarine

½ can pumpkin puree

1 cup applesauce

1/4 cup molasses

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 ½ cups GF/DF chocolate chips

1 cup rolled rice flakes (found in natural food stores with the oatmeal)

Preheat oven to 325°.

Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper (or grease).

Combine dry ingredients (flour through cinnamon).

Combine wet ingredients in food processor (butter through vanilla).

Add dry ingredients and rolled rice flakes to the wet ones. Pulse until mixed.

Dough will be fairly stiff.

Stir in chocolate chips.

Drop in large tablespoons onto cookie sheet, flatten with non-stick spatula to 1/2 inch thick.

Bake for 25 – 30 minutes or until edges begin to brown.

Makes around 2 dozen cookies.

Frost with vanilla frosting when cool.

I highly recommend adding chocolate chips or shavings on top as well. (or go full-on in the decoration department!)

Here’s a basic frosting recipe, feel free to use your favorite!

A glaze works well too. You just need the added sweetness.

• 3/4 cup powdered sugar

• 3/4 cup margarine

• 1/8 cup vanilla soy milk

Combine ingredients in a mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, blend until creamy. The consistency of the frosting may vary. Add more sugar, margarine or soy milk as needed.

Shop: Skin

This would've been great for our sketchbook series. From Marisol Rodriguez comes Skin, a truly transformative clothing collection! The line is inspired by origami and is meant for an "extended lifetime."

Shop: Wreaths

Designing Mom Jackie

I'm not much of a traditionalist when it comes to holiday decor. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that Hanukkah decorations are pretty boring compared to all the sparkly Christmas fanfare. Not that I'm a fan of Rudolph or Santa, but I do love the idea of a decorated tree, handmade stockings, and shimmering lights.
The problem is that I feel completely out of my element every December when the winter holidays roll around. We kept things pretty simple when I was growing up. A few menorahs. Some plastic dreidels. End of the story. Now that I have kids and am part of a mixed faith family, I am trying to take things up a notch. I'm striving for something festive, with hints of Christmas and Hanukkah, reworked in a creative, contemporary fashion. A tall order, I know.

First thing on my agenda: wreaths. I've always admired them but never had one. I would really really like to make one this year, if time permits, and I'm thinking of something a little whimsical - made out of paper or buttons or even gum drops. Here are a few inspiring examples that I'm just loving:

1. Faux bois wreath from Knock Knocking

2. Button wreath Shopping Sherpa's flickr pool

3. Faux feather wreath from Kitschy Digitals

4. Felt wreath from Allium Design's etsy shop

5. Paper wreath from Rag & Bone

5. Paper wreath from Haru's etsy shop

Shop: Crochet Goodies

by Designing Mom Liberty
I have a friend from my days in Chicago who is a designing mom of 4 boys. Just looking at her site of crocheted food toys (which are the softest, most fun toys!)... you can see her creativity and marvel at how cleverly she designs all these different foods. We've bought a couple of play coffees from her for our kids and they ALWAYS reach for the crocheted coffee mug over the plastic play ones - because they look so real and feel so soft.

My hubby and I recently bought some cute travel coffee mugs that look like the disposable type... (the search in our house for the perfect travel coffee mug is a whole other story!) But we really do like these funny ones, and our kids think they are clever. For Christmas this year, I'm going to ask Tiffany to make mugs for the kids, so we can all sit down and drink our coffee/pretend-coffee from our non-disposable mugs together. (Oh, and I'm hoping to get some cupcakes into the mix, too!)