LOTT OF LOVE: A one year old's birthday. We love you Dylan.

As most of you know, this year has been a new experience for the Lotts. On July 22, 2011 our lives were changed in the most blessed way when Dylan James Lott finally arrived. The first child is a definite adjustment - loss of sleep, many dirty diapers, temper tantrums, spit up, you know - the icky stuff, but it's also the coolest sweetest most indescribable thing. We've had so much fun watching this little guy grow month by month. Watching his cool little personality form and witnessing his firsts - giggling, sitting, crawling, talking and finally walking! I can go on and on, but what this post is really about - is the celebration of the one year mark. We had such a great time gathering with close friends and family. It was truly an amazing day.

Being a graphic designer - I really looked forward to planning and decorating the shin-dig. I didn't want it to be over the top or to lose meaning of what the day was all about, BUT I also wanted to put some of my design and craft skills to good use.

Here I wanted to post a few of the items I designed for the big day including the birthday invite, thank you cards, framed art, banners, hats and some additional decor. They really were all pretty simple and fun to make. The theme was Dr. Seuss. I didn't want to go with the classic over done Dr. Seuss using the red blue and black. Don't get me wrong - I love me some Cat and the Hat and Thing One and Thing Two (if you knew me in high school you'll remember my T1&T2 t-shirt. Big Dork.), but I really wanted to go for the Lorax meets "Oh the Places You'll Go" when it came to illustration and color scheme. So this is what I came up with.....

The invitation.
The illustration was created to represent the hills in
Dr. Seuss' "Oh the Places You'll Go"

Front Door Decor.
Printed/Sewn Paper Flags, Framed Art, Etc.

Birthday Hat and High Chair Banner.
I had so much fun with the hat since it was foreign to me.
I'll try and post a better picture later.

This was the front entrance display including a suitcase of
treats for the guests, a billy ball bouquet in ode of the
truffula trees, Dylan's monthly pictures from his first
year on display and Dr. Seuss' "Happy Birthday To You"
for all the guests to sign.