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18 years ago today, we had just gotten a new cordless phone the night before and was programming it. I turned on the morning news and was shocked. I could not believe what I was seeing. I had watched those towers go up, back in the late 60s and early 70s, driving up to the city to visit my grandparents after having moved to New Jersey. When I turned on the TV and saw what was happening I called my mom and she came right over. My husband watched the TV from the dentist’s chair and came home immediately after. The rest of the day we watched in horror as the events unfolded. We picked up the girls from school, and went to Hebrew that evening at our synagogue, and instead of class, we watched the presidential address and we prayed. We will never forget. #september11 #neverforget #weremember https://www.instagram.com/p/B2R6vIij9U7/?igshid=8g15uit5763f

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Today, September 10th, is World Suicide Prevention Day, and @goodtype’s challenge this week is to letter the phrase, “You make today better” in honor of the day, and in a partnership with @twloha. Mental health awareness and de-stigmatizing it, as well as preventing suicide are all very important to my family and my synagogue community. I have struggled with terrible anxiety and depression and have seen my daughters terribly affected by it, too. So, I thought I’d take a little time for a creative re-set and explore this challenge, for my own mental health. Share this message with those in your life who might need to hear it. #youmaketodaybetter #goodtypetuesday • • • #strengthinletters #handlettering #procreatelettering #mentalhealthawareness #womenofillustration #procreateapp #goodtype #worldsuicidepreventionday #typography #typematters #handdrawn #ipadart #typespire #thedailytype #typetopia #destigmatizementalillness https://www.instagram.com/p/B2QELnvj_9P/?igshid=19dhdi2ls74au

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The last design I’m sharing today is a First Communion invitation for @greenvelope, and it’s a pretty frame of florals and swirls, surrounding a little of my hand-lettering. It comes in a whole spectrum of colors—swipe to see them all. Have a favorite? Today’s posts have all been a part of Greenvelope’s Cultural and Religious Milestones challenge. I’ve got another bat mitzvah design, too, but didn’t get to Quinceañera this time around. #gvmilestones2019 • ****TO ALL OF MY FRIENDS OUT THERE, and those with businesses or organizations, it occurs to me that you may not know about Greenvelope. Check them out—they are the nicest bunch of people to work with! They have stunning, fully customizable, digital designs available for personal and business needs, with a gorgeous user interface, no ads, AND they donate a percentage of every sale to Mountains to Sound, a non-profit organization that maintains forests. And, you KNOW how important that is! So, invite your guests with elegant invitations or send their lovely cards, designed by me and a bunch of my very talented friends, and do a little social action at the same time! Their invitations include links to external sites, photos, surveys, messaging, music, advanced guest list management, and more! You can find Greenvelope through a link in my profile. Finally, if you don’t see something that fits your needs, let me know—I may be able to design something for you and upload it to their site for you to use. :-) • • • #greenvelope #digitalinvitation #goodfortheplanet #electronicinvitations #communioninvitation #christianstationery #stationerydesigner #eventplanning #greenvelopedesigner #stationeryaddict #eventplanners #partyplanner #businessinvitation #digitalstationery https://www.instagram.com/p/B1zpXi7j4OI/?igshid=1bya23s2h1wv3

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I promised more designs, and here’s another—this time a bat mitzvah suite. A monogram is framed by a brushy, hand-drawn Torah icon, and is on a banded background of bright, fluid colors—sure to please any 13-year-old girl. Again, this one is available in invitations, save the dates (swipe to see the photo design) and thank you notes, all in a variety of colorways. And, this environmentally friendly design is also available @greenvelope. • • • #gvmilestones2019 #batmitzvah #barmitzvah #mitzvahinvitations #barmitzvahinvitations #stationerydesigner #barmitzvahideas #batmitzvahstationery #batmitzvahideas #mitzvahideas #partyplanner #eventplanning #jewish #judaica #jewishteens #digitalinvitation #greenvelopedesigner https://www.instagram.com/p/B1y_tE0jpLN/?igshid=4v3fu830dq2d

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B’nai mitzvah invitations are the latest work I’ve been creating, and this design is titled Mosaic Torah Scroll. It exclusively found on @greenvelope, and is an environmentally friendly, digital/paperless invitation in a complete suite (invitation, save the date and thank you note) available in four colors. Swipe to see them all. The back side has room for more information. Since the type is all customizable, it can be used for either bar or bat mitzvah. I’ll have a few more designs to share later today! #gvmilestones2019 • • • #batmitzvah #barmitzvah #mitzvahinvitations #barmitzvahinvitations #stationerydesigner #barmitzvahideas #mitzvahideas #partyplanner #eventplanning #jewish #judaica #jewishteens #digitalinvitation #greenvelopedesigner https://www.instagram.com/p/B1ynSDSD66T/?igshid=sdrrkfregsir

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I’ve been bouncing around between a variety of stationery and art projects the last few weeks. These are some of my submissions to @Minted’s save the date challenge. It would be great to see a few make it into the line, but the competition is fierce. See any here that you think might make it? I’ve also been working on all types of party invitations, bar and bat mitzvah invitations, and art for kids—for the Minted x PotteryBarn Kids challenge. I’ll try to share some of those a little later. Right now—back to work! #savethedatecards #savethedate #mintedartist #minted #wedding #stationerydesigner #mintedweddings #letteringartist #handlettering #weddingstationerydesign https://www.instagram.com/p/B1tmCqYDNzi/?igshid=pigjab8r6gw4

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A post shared by Laura Bolter | Licensed Lettering Artist & Illustrator (@laurabolter)

From discussions with friends I know that I’m not the only creative night owl. It seems to be a very common trait among us. I stayed up late last night—well, uh, this morning, until around 5 am—and then slept for a couple of hours. But, sometimes you just need to go where the creative energy takes you. Big deadline today required lots of uninterrupted work. I think I’ll be paying for it—maybe not today, but certainly this week. I’m hoping some big mugs of coffee, a little vitamin C, and a pop of pink on my desk will help ease the pain. Are you a night owl? • Made with a sumi brush and carbon black #hydruswatercolor on #canson #watercolor paper. • #nightowl #allnighter #allnightlong #creativeenergy #watercolorlettering #brushlettering #illpayforitlater #deadlineday #callmecrazy #showyourwork #designerlife #doitfortheprocess https://www.instagram.com/p/B1osWzMjegx/?igshid=1e3xr7whqia6t

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This was shot right before sunset, but you’d never know it. Two big, new soft box lights arrived today, and they illuminate my workspace beautifully, which will make shooting videos any time of the day so much easier. Now if I could only find a way to add more hours to the day to get ALL of the work done. • Made with #PentelAquash and #HydrusWatercolor and #EcolineWatercolor liquid watercolors on #Canson 140 # cold press watercolor paper. • #lettherebelight #handlettering #brushlettering #letteringvideo #watercolorlettering #watercolor #doitfortheprocess #itsasbrightasthesun https://www.instagram.com/p/B1iJRcljFO8/?igshid=mkq5rup57cxu

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This was shot right before sunset, but you’d never know it. Two big, new soft box lights arrived today, and they illuminate my workspace beautifully, which will make shooting videos any time of the day so much easier. Now if I could only find a way to add more hours to the day to get ALL of the work done. • Made with #PentelAquash and #HydrusWatercolor and #EcolineWatercolor liquid watercolors on #Canson 140# cold press watercolor paper. • #lettherebelight #handlettering #brushlettering #letteringvideo #watercolorlettering #watercolor #doitfortheprocess #itsasbrightasthesun https://www.instagram.com/p/B1iIZrejJ73/?igshid=1t8of7q3zscip

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Best. Concert. Ever. I'm so glad I finally got to see them with my girls. #coldplay #coldplaykansascity #dreamcometrue

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Sample days are the best—when a project I worked on arrives in the form of the finished product. I've got 10 lettering designs in the 2018 @pageadaycal. What fun project to be a part of, and to be in the company of so many talented designers. #humbledagain #humbled #sampleday #sampledaysarethebest #pageaday #pageadaycalendar #2018 #lettering #letteringartist #handlettering #ipadlettering #ipadpro #applepencil #procreate #procreatelettering

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Day 6 for the @creativemarket #instafeedmakeover: list things that make you, you. This was a difficult one for me—it took a lot of introspection and discussion with my family. That’s why I’m posting until so late. Maybe indecisive should be one of the things? My husband says I’m sensitive and complex. I do over think things, feel emotions deeply & worry. But, I won’t let those things define me. My pick for 3 things that make me me are: - 1. Jewish. I didn’t want to use religion, but it is a really big part of who I am. Even as a young girl, though we weren’t very observant, I felt Jewish to the core. As an adult being more observant, I love the rituals and find comfort in them, especially during difficult and joyous times. My Judaism shapes how I raised my daughters, how I live my life and how I view the world. A number of years ago I applied to exhibit at the Jewish Arts Festival here in KC because I thought it would be a cool thing to do. The problem was I had no art, but was accepted anyway. In a few short months I got to work painting, something I had never done. I painted up a storm of Jewish themed pieces. And, this very introverted person had a blast talking about my work all day long and selling paintings. I continued to paint and did more festivals around the region—Boulder, St. Louis, and Chicago. So much work and so much fun. - 2. Mac Geek. When Macs first came to the company where I was working 30 years ago, I was hooked. Working on them was optional then, and I took every opportunity to use them in my work. When I started my freelance career 26 years ago, on March 25, 1991, I bought my first Mac, a IIsi. It had 5 mgs of ram and an 8 mg hard drive. I remember driving home with the box in my back seat feeling crazy excited. 26 years later, I’ve lost count of the Mac desktops and laptops I’ve owned, and the iPods, iPhones and iPads. I’ve loved all of my gorgeous Apple products. - 3. Lifelong learning, creative workaholic. Nuff said. - Today’s post was created with more images from Summer Floral Bundle by Floral Deco. You can grab 15% of this or other social media templates using the link in my profile. - Share with me what makes you, you.

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Day 4 of @CreativeMarket’s #InstafeedMakeover: What or who is your biggest inspo? Without a doubt the uber-talented, dynamo, designers in these pics are the biggest inspiration in my life. Slide to see them all. - I lost a big client who stopped using freelance in 2011, and decided to submit my first design to a @Minted challenge. I had no idea how much my life would change—in the best of all possible ways. Though it took months to find a groove, I kept at it, working hard to improve my work and finally earned a first Editor’s Pick, and eventually even 1st place wins. - I began to form connections during this time with people who “get” me, who do the same kind of creative work I do, often at home, working in a solitary environment. From all types of backgrounds, and from all parts of the globe, I found my designer soul mates. And, though we are competitors, we all lift each other up and cheer each other on. - The tightly knit community of designers share resources, constructive critique, emotional support and more. We all push each other to grow in our work. Many of us chat every day, share personal, as well as professional, celebrations and challenges. - I am an introvert and have social anxieties that I’ve shared here, before. So the thought of meeting people in person was super scary—it pushed all of my anxiety buttons. But, after having connected for years through the online community, it was incredibly emotional to meet these people in person. For a long time my family thought it was funny that I had all of these “virtual” friends, but in my heart I knew that it was true. Meeting face-to-face confirmed that. I will always be grateful to these gifted designers who’ve changed my life. - Today I’m using the beautiful images from Summer Floral Bundle by Floral Deco. There are many more excellent templates to be found in the new social media subcategory. I have a discount code link in my profile for 15% off any one social media template purchase! . . . #communityovercompetition #minties #inspiration #friends #heroes #minteddesigners #friendspiration #risingtidesociety #gratitude #stationerydesigner #handlettered #lettering #ipadlettering #procreatelettering

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It was a quick one and messy lettering practice today. I like the quote. Back to work—passion. #work #passion #stress #pentelaquashbrush #hydruswatercolors . . . . . #lettering #handlettering #typography #script #brushlettering #brushscript #handlettered #modernlettering #typedesign #letteringtimelapse #calligraphyvideo #handletteringvideo #letteringvideo #lettering #letteringart #sayitpretty #brushpen #scriptlettering #flourish #brushstrokes #thatsdarling #pursuepretty

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Welcome to all of my new followers. Whether you found me through @Minted, @CreativeMarket, or someplace else, I’m honored that you’ve chosen to follow my creative journey. I’m a lettering artist, stationery designer, illustrator and font creator with many years of experience in the Kansas City area. I’ve worked in greeting cards and stationery most of my career, while being married to a finance guy, who encourages and supports me and cheers me on—and does my taxes. 😉 My cheering section also includes my two grown daughters and a son-in-law who share their delight in my achievements. And, I’m the grandmother to the most amazing little girl who turns two later this month. She’s changed my life in all of the best possible ways. I hope you’ll continue to follow along as my never-ending journey continues—I’m always trying to learn new things. On Monday of next week, I’ve got a 10 day project starting, and you can learn more about me, as well as learning about some great social media resources. Slide over to see the creation of this watercolor lettering. Thanks and welcome. #welcome . . . . . #pentelaquashbrush #hydruswatercolors #lettering #handlettering #typography #calligraphy #script #brushlettering #brushscript #handlettered #moderncalligraphy #modernscript #modernlettering #typedesign #letteringtimelapse #watercolor #calligraphyvideo #handletteringvideo #letteringvideo #letteringartist #stationerydesigner #fontcreator

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A post shared by Laura Bolter | Licensed Lettering Artist & Illustrator (@laurabolter)

So much work to do here. I'm still cranking out holiday designs. But, I’ve also got a couple of fun social media projects coming up over the next two weeks and I’m working hard to get it all done. Watch for it over the next couple of weeks... #cantwait #soexcited . . . #creativeentrepreneur #calledtobecreative #makersgonnamake #femaleentrepreneur #letteringartist #stationerydesigner #fontcreator #lettering #handlettering #typography #calligraphy #script #brushlettering #brushscript #handlettered #moderncalligraphy #modernscript #modernlettering #typedesign #letteringtimelapse #calligraphyvideo #handletteringvideo #letteringvideo #timelapse #letteringchallenge

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A post shared by Laura Bolter | Licensed Lettering Artist & Illustrator (@laurabolter)

Sung to the tune of "Anticipation." 🎶Yeah, its keepin' me from working... on the long list of projects on my to do list. #procrastination #pentelaquash #hydruswatercolors . . . . . #Lettering #handlettering #typography #calligraphy #script #brushlettering #brushpen #brushscript #handlettered #moderncalligraphy #modernscript #modernlettering #flourish #typedesign #brushstrokes #letsstartlettering #learncalligraphy #letteringtimelapse #calligraphyvideo #handletteringvideo #letteringvideo #timelapse