> Little Smilemakers Studio designs | Freshtastic start of a new year | Heimtextil 2014

It is that time of the year again. The holidays already seem ages ago and business is finally blooming like it should, it's not all about reindeers and christmas typography any more. New fresh things are happening. I love this time of the year when trading season starts and I can go on my annual trip to Frankfurt to meet up with clients and go on a "Little Smilemakers" design spotting mission.

This year the season starts with Europe's main textile fair in Frankfurt Messe. A huge fair about everyting-textile. These two days I will be out of the office, hopefully talking to lot's of inspring people and happy clients.

> Merry christmas to you all

Those days before christmas. Shopping presents for friend or family, finishing the last projects of 2013. Busy days. Just two more to go before closing up for christmas. I hope you will all have an amazing holiday filled with love and cheer. Thank you all for your kinds wishes and postcards.

Best of luck to you all,
Maaike Boot

> Wrapping paper for Dutch newspaper | AD Magazine | Party issue

A while ago I was approached by Dutch newspaper art director Karin Goedhart. If I would be interested in making some gift wrapping paper for their anniversary issue. I made a design that can be used during winter. Not so much a special Sinterklaas or Christmas piece. The giftwrap is double sided. One side has strong contrasting shapes and colors, the other one is a more modest composition and color scheme.

I did not realize yet I also had something to celebrate in this same week. Two years of creating Little Smilemakers. So for me this issue is also a bit about my own Little Smilemakers celebration. AD Magazine is available today in Dutch bookstores and news stands.