marigold wins an addy

The American Advertising Federation of Cleveland (AAF) honored Marigold with a 2009 ADDY Award, for “The Magic of Marigold” holiday gift. The ADDY Awards honor the work produced each year by the most creative local advertising agencies, across a number of categories, including print, broadcast and interactive advertising and sales promotion efforts.

The concept—the magic of marigold—is wrapped around the beautiful, handmade paper that contains marigold seeds and petals which can be planted. The first page contains the holiday message along with the recipe for successful planting of the "magical seeds." The twig pencil is perfect and added the final touch to the gift. The notepads were mailed within a simple brown kraft envelope sealed with a marigold sticker. Loose marigold petals cushioned the sharp pencil within the envelope.

I truly enjoyed designing this holiday gift for my clients even though I did obsess about it for months [just ask my family and friends]. I was under tremendous pressure because I felt it had to be better than last year's "Wishing you a Marigold Christmas" note cards which also won an Addy [now do you understand my obsession]. It isn't easy designing something for yourself to give to your clients. I have wonderful clients and it was important to give them something special and unique. I also wanted to make it practical... when the notepad is empty, they can plant the cover which contains marigold seeds and enjoy the magic of marigold all year long!

Always remember, there is a little bit of magic inside each of us just waiting to bloom. All you have to do is believe!

Hmm... now what am I going to design this year?!