Christmas is on it's way // new seasonal prints & fabric

Christmas. It is on it's way. Decorations are already up in New York and when it's up in New York Christmas is on it's way. During the summer we have been working on new winter and christmas themes for surface pattern design, postcard designs and of course a great chunk of the new seasonal prints is also available on fabric now.

For me personally Christmas always has been a bit of a dreadful experience. With family clashes, angry grannies and weird presents I was always happy to return to school after two weeks of family awkwardness. Now that I am older I tend to flee the country around the holidays. But I love the seasonal vibe and decorations. I am always happy to work on new Christmas themes and the romance of the tale. Designing new prints with fun winter themes and Christmas icons. No, I adore making new seasonal work. Hope you enjoy the new christmas designs too.



Of course you can also do some Little Smilemakers Christmas shopping for your friends and family. Have you seen the new prints available via Daily Objects? I have been working with this company for a year now and there are over more than 200 cases available. They company sells iphone cases for also cases for Samsung, HTC, Nexus, just name it. Take a look and see for yourself.

Yoga & Meditation Retreat // Flyers & Posters

For a few years I have been working for a little Yoga studio here in the neighborhood close to The Hagues city center. The studio is run by Diana van Gelder who teaches Hatha Yoga classes and organized Morning Meditations on Saturdays.

My work keeps me working on my computer for quite some hours each day so I love to attend her classes and balance my body and mind. And after a few years of knowing Diana I started doing some work for her. Her studio flyer, beach posters. Right now I am working on a flyer for a little retreat Diana is organizing next year.

I haven't been doing too much graphic work lately. I have been very busy with illustrations and surface pattern design so it is nice to work with image and type again. The retreat is a combination of Yoga classes, meditation and massages and of course a lot of 'me' time to relax and enjoy the food and culture of the Algarve. A great way to relax and take it easy in an amazing area of Portugal. If you would like to know more about her Yoga & Meditation retreat, check her website for more information about dates and prices.

> Happy christmas decoration | pimp your online cards for the holidays

by Maaike Boot

Christmas is the time of the year to dust of and use your good old mailbox! Send out some personalised christmas cards via Kaartje2Go and add some Little Smilemaker Studio xmas illustrations or holiday frames. Enjoy!

> Travel the world and make your work all about travel | Zazzle designer spotlight

I have been working on a few more typography cards for Kaartje2Go. New designs for several occasions. So wish your friend or family a nice holiday trip with this one! Travel the world! A beautiful postcard in polaroid style. With an amazing sun shining over the clouds. A view from the airplane. Showing amazing lens flare.

Also my Zazzle interview is up. You can read all about my work and the travels that inspire me to design. My trips have left me with a big pile of inspiration. Let me know what you think! Read about it on Zazzles blog!

by Maaike Boot