I love hot beverages. Coffee and tea stains can always be found on my desk and though coffee is a staple, I do really enjoy a good cup of chai. Real chai. The kind of chai that comes from places like Remedy Cafe in Edmonton – so good. However, I've yet to find a cafe in the Lower Mainland that offers a chai that doesn't consist of a nasty powder, syrup or simple tea bag. Vancouverites – if you know of a good chai bar, please let me know!

So, I decided to make my own concentrate. You'll likely need to hit up a Fruiticana first (as not too many people keep green cardamon pods stocked in their cupboard). I've been experimenting with a few batches, and change it almost every time. Below is a guide, but be sure to play with it a few times until you find the ratios you like. It should keep in the fridge for a week or so, though it likely won't last that long. Enjoy!

Replenishing your business card supply is pretty exciting. You've finally used up the last of your business cards (that you really didn't like anymore) and you get to start fresh. Instead of Tylor and I each having a card, we decided to combine the two, and simplify. Print options can seem overwhelming when deciding what to do, because of course, you want your card to be "the best." We splurged a little on these guys, but my goodness are they beautiful. 32pt thick cardstock, half recycled white and half brown kraft with a neon splash on the edges. I'm a happy girl. 

What do you think?

Hey guys, another good week is coming to an end. Today I felt like building letters, thinking about layers, dimension and perspective. Here's a treat for your desktop or smartphone. Have a wonderful weekend! (download by clicking on the image)

I like the idea of starting fresh. I usually set goals for the new year, even though I rarely follow through. Its fun to dream about where a new year will take you. I've been freelancing for just about a year now, and its been awesome to see the unplanned direction that my work has taken. I'm setting new goals for this year (just because its fun), and some of those include more illustration, more stationery, and mastering that calligraphy pen. 

Cheers to fresh starts. Here's a desktop wallpaper to salute the occasion!

The Indie I Do Wedding Show is approaching fast! Are you going to join us on January 25? We're pretty excited to talk to couples about wedding stationery, design and paper goods!  We have two passes to the show to give away – yep, you won't even have to pay. All we ask is that you show us a little social media love. We'll be randomly choosing a winner on Friday, January 17. To enter, please:

1. Like us on Facebook: fb.com/kenglishcreative 
2. Follow us on Instagram: @klajoy
3. Comment on this blog post or on the Facebook page and tell us why you'd like to attend the show. 

Easy as pie. Good luck!

Get more details about the show at www.indieido.com

We got to work with some pretty amazing people in 2013. One of those includes Christie Esau, co-founder of thisvillage – an organization that works with one village at a time to alleviate poverty. You can read more about them here, and please do!

This past late November, thisvillage ran a campaign to raise money to build wells for the small village of Bandanpally in Andhra Pradesh, India. The wells would finally give these people access to clean water. I can't imagine living without clean water, can you? 

We were privileged to create a campaign graphic for the Start Some Good campaign, which was printed on buttons and distributed to the funders. We also prepared two "thank-you" typography pieces for cards that will go out to thank the funders of the campaign. 

The people of Bandanpally now will have two new wells to provide them with clean water. thisvillage, you are awesome :)

A few days late but... Happy New Year! After a nice get away visiting family in Alberta and a cozy mountain holiday in Nelson I feel refreshed and ready for a big year. There's really something about unplugging from the internet world for a few days. Good for the soul. 

Thanks to everyone for an awesome 2013. It marked the beginning of Kayla English Creative and the beginning of life in British Columbia. I am so looking forward to another year of designing, making and creating for you all! 

This past September we got to be a little part of an awesome project. The Pop Up Wedding Project orchestrated 10 marriages over two days to couples looking for an alternative to the big, expensive, traditonal wedding. The planners coordinated with a number of local Vancouver vendors to produce a breathtaking decorated and styled venue, decadent food and florals, a ready to go officiant, all to be captured by a really talented photographer and videographer – all the couples needed to do was show up (pretty much). 

Tylor and I got crafty and made a wooden banner to be used in photos, and decor. Tylor cut and planned, I sanded and hand painted. We also made some hand lettered cake toppers and tent cards for the food. Here are some photos of the making process.

Now, take some time to soak in some photos of the event gorgeously captured by Sarah Nickerson. Yeah, she knows what she's doing!

Though our contributions were small, we were so honoured to be part of such an exciting and successful event! All the best to the newly married couples, and a massive thanks to the PUWP coordinators All & Sundry and The Nickersons. Bravo!

Its been a while since I did a Fancy Friday post. I'm sorry. But, I'm back at it and have been lettering up a storm. I thought I'd share this piece with you and make it available for you to decorate your computer for Christmas! Tis the season, right?

You can download the "Tis The Season" wallpaper here, or by clicking the image below. Happy Decemburrrrrr!

Last Sunday I was able to join Porchlight Press for a holiday letterpress workshop at their beautiful studio. I've had a keen interest in letterpress printing for quite a few years but have yet to learn the art of the trade, or be on this side of the printing press.

It was a creative afternoon spent designing a piece (holiday card), with our choice of lead and woodblock type. We fit our select type together like a puzzle with wood and metal spacers to create a uniform block, then inked up the presses and hand cranked the card stock through the letterpress to create gorgeous impressions. A big thanks to Sam for his careful instruction and wealth of shared letterpress knowledge. Much appreciated! 

Maybe one day I'll have the space to have a press in my garage and crank out beautiful printed work. Until then, thanks Porchlight Press for such a great afternoon! 

And, count yourself very lucky if you receive one of my letterpress Christmas cards in the mail this season :)