Happy Friday and Happy December, dear readers! Can you believe we are into another month and the last month of the 2017 at that? I am flummoxed as to where the time has gone. Part of that is probably due to having been traveling in Middle Earth (aka New Zealand) for part of the month and the other part is…I’m not exactly sure. But be that as it may, we still have a month of 2017 and that’s a lot of time left to apply our design talents to numerous things.

First, before we get into all the design stuff, I must say that New Zealand is terrific, I have some design examples I’ll be hopefully sharing soon from there, and I can’t wait to travel back. So if anyone ever wants to talk design and libraries in New Zealand, sign me up for a flight back!

Second, because it is a new month you know what that means, amazing Smashing Magazine December Desktop Wallpapers. I am especially fond of all the bird illustrations this month. Such lovely reminders of the holidays (and pretty calming, too, which we need around here with the end of the term next week).

Third, if you want to apply some of your design talents to holiday projects, might I suggest The Postman’s Knock blog for some wonderful inspiration? Especially good if you’ve been practicing calligraphy and you could definitely use some of her wonderful examples as inspiration for creating hand-lettering, too.

Fourth, I have to do a bit of self-promotion and remind you, dear reader, that my book, Easy Graphic Design for Librarians: From Color to Kerning, is available for purchase. Buy a copy for yourself or as a holiday gift for the graphic design-loving librarian in your life.

And finally, I hope you have a wonderful weekend, full of relaxation and whatever makes you jolly and joyful. I’ll be back soon with more news and notes. Allons-y!