Ashley Brooke Designs: A Personal Project

(This pretty piece is hanging directly across from our bed. I love waking up and seeing it every morning!)

Every once in a while I need to do something creative, something that isn't at all similar to what I do all day everyday. Something that gives me fresh perspective on design. I absolutely love what I do and want to do it for the next 80 years of my life, but sometimes I will look at my sketch book and have a complete loss for inspiration... this doesn't happen often but when it does I know I need to take a step back and head to the nearest art supply store! This is my latest piece of what I call Lack-of-inspiration-inspiration-piece, and I'll tell you what it worked like a charm as soon as I finished this design I was filled with new ideas for my clients!


Content and Illustrations ©2010 Ashley Brooke Designs. All Rights Reserved.

Ashley Brooke Designs: A Proper Southern Family!!

Once again Erin over at Blue-Eyed Bride wins the best friend award! She came to me in need of a thank you gift for a friend! I was really excited to work with her on such a fun gift, and can we talk about how perfectly poised is this little family is! I love everything about it: the shades of blue, Jeanett's hair, the sweet pups, her Louie bag.... the whole bit! I hope you enjoy the Rusman Family!!





Content and Illustrations ©2010 Ashley Brooke Designs. All Rights Reserved.

Ashley Brooke Designs:Nosy Questions

Inevitably, you will enter into conversation with someone who is nosy and has no qualms about asking the most inappropriate questions.  Before I was engaged/married I was constantly asked "When are you getting married?" or "Why aren't you engaged yet?"  It was such an odd question!  So here are some responses per Miss Emily Post herself, that can stop nosy conversationalists in their tracks.

When are you going to have children?

-"Who Knows?"

-"That's a pretty big decision, I'd rather not talk about right now"

How old are you?

-"34 and holding"

-"Old enough to know better"

Have you been sick?

-"Actually I feel great"

-"Why do you ask, do I look tired?"

How much did you pay for that?

-"Only what it's worth"

-"Wouldn't you like to know!"

Here are a few stock answers that will work for a variety of nosy questions:

" Why do you ask", "What does that have to do with anything?", "Sorry, I just prefer not to discuss such things"

Content and Illustrations ©2010 Ashley Brooke Designs. All Rights Reserved.

Ashley Brooke Designs: A *Post* Elopement Party!

The blissfully happy newlyweds Samantha and Chad contacted me needing something really special for her post elopement party! I was thrilled to be asked to design something so sweet! Samantha and I worked together on her Elopement Anouncements and was thrilled to work with her again! She was such a joy to work with and I just knew she would be again! Samantha came to me with the idea of wanting a folded card invite with the theme being "Eat, Drink, and Be Married" and to take that idea and run with it! We were both super pleased with the end results! Thank you so much Samantha you are a J-O-Y to work with! Enjoy your party! xoxo- Ashley Brooke





Content and Illustrations ©2010 Ashley Brooke Designs. All Rights Reserved.

Ashley Brooke Designs: Saying No in Conversation

Saying no.  I think everyone can relate to the challenges of turning down an offer, invitation or opportunity.  But it's never as easy as it seems is it?  Sometimes saying no take real fortitude and I know for me, it's something I continue to have to work on.

Part of etiquette and manners is honesty, so if you really want to say no, no is the answer you should give.  But there are some ways to use the word no, in a positive way.

Try accompanying it with a positive comment, like, "No, but thanks for asking me" or "No, but I appreciate you thinking of me."  Don't hem and haw, saying things like, "Well I really shouldn't," when you mean no, because this leaves the door open to further discussion.  If there is an opportunity that you aren't wanting to do now, but may be open to later, make that known.  But don't throw out a "But do call me next year," if you aren't really up for it.

{sourced Emily Post's Etiquette}
Content and Illustrations ©2010 Ashley Brooke Designs. All Rights Reserved.

Ashley Brooke Designs: Another Perfect Dog Portrait!

I seriously cannot get enough of these dog portraits! I was over-joyed when Jessica commissioned me to do this portrait of her dogs! Can we just talk about how cute all three of them are, especially the little one!! :) Thank you Jessica, working with you was a blast!! I hope you've found a special place for this portrait in your home! Enjoy!!




Content and Illustrations ©2010 Ashley Brooke Designs. All Rights Reserved.

Ashley Brooke Designs: What a Good Conversationalist Knows

A good conversationalist knows many things.  Including...

Know when to stop talking: People who talk too much can also be the ones who speak without thinking.  And we all know that this can lead to embarrassing moments.

Keep up with world events: Reading a newspaper or magazine will help you come up with subject matter to discuss with others and you'll be able to relate to other people's discussions.

Avoid Repetitions: Stories told multiple times can be boring.  If you aren't sure about whether or not you've told the story before, ask "Did I tell you about Lucy's latest escapade?"

Don't Whisper: Whispering or talking low to one person, can denote something being kept in secret.

{sourced from Emily Post}
Content and Illustrations ©2010 Ashley Brooke Designs. All Rights Reserved.