Free Desktop Wallpaper Download

April 5, 2016 Machelle Kolbo

I am always on the hunt for cute desktop backgrounds and iPhone lock screens. It is a bigger bonus if they are encouraging, or inspirational. I spend a lot of time at my computer or with my phone, and I'm sure the same is true for some of you! So, I took one our most popular prints and made it into a desktop background or iPhone lock screen.

I'm hoping to bring you new free desktop and iPhone backgrounds every month (we will see what happens)! Up first is 'You are so Loved'. I know this is an easy truth to forget. So pop this background on your computer or phone as a constant reminder that you are so loved! I know I need to be reminded of this on occasion and thought there might be others in need of this reminder as well. Download instructions for each background are below.

DESKTOP // MOBILE

To Download Free April Wallpapers:

Click on the photo above - this will open a new window with the background
Right click and "Save As" to save on a computer. For mobile click image and save to phone.
Set as your desktop or iPhone background.
Enjoy!

The original 'You are so Loved' print can be found in the Machelle Kolbo Design Studio Etsy Shop. Enjoy!

These images are available for personal use on your phone or computer. Please don't steal them, try and sell them, or put them on your own products. Thank You!

The Story Behind the "Welcome Home My Love" Print

March 15, 2016 Machelle Kolbo

Welcome Home My Love // 8x10 Print // available at mkolbodesignstudio.etsy.com

One of my goals for Machelle Kolbo Design Studio is to love and encourage people. Whether you read the blog, follow on Instagram, or stumble upon my Etsy shop, I want you in some small way to be encouraged. Many of the products I added this year were created with intentionality and have special meaning, or a fun story attached. So, today I will share with you the story behind our "Welcome Home My Love" Print.

First, a little back story about me and my husband. When we were dating Alex, and I would frequently leave post - it notes hidden for each other with a funny message or encouragement. Leaving notes for each other was always something we did, and on occasion we still do.

About a year into our marriage, I left on a trip or was gone for a couple days (I can't remember exactly what it was). When I returned home I found a note (pictured below) taped to the door lovingly drawn and lettered by my sweet husband.

Since then, the note has been hanging in our kitchen where we both can see it. It is usually one of the first things I see when I walk in the door ( after greeting our golden retriever - of course). What I love about this note is how it welcomes and loves me. I'm always reminded of the love that lives in our home.

So, when I was dreaming up a new line of prints for my Etsy shop I knew I wanted to bring Alex's handiwork to everyone. My vision is that this print can hang in your entry way, mudroom, or somewhere that will welcome your guests and family as soon as they step in the door. That way - even if you welcoming them home is less than awesome (let's be real it happens sometimes) this print can convey how you truly feel.

My hope is that this print can love and encourage you, and whoever sees it when they enter your home. It is a small way to set the tone for how people are received, and welcomed.

Interested in the "Welcome Home My Love" Print? Great! Click the button below.

Take me to the Print

Stay tuned for more stories of the inspiration behind our prints + products.

Kolbo Alphabet Challenge G-L

August 25, 2015 Machelle Kolbo

Our alphabet is actually almost finished, but I wanted to share more of the letters on here in case you haven't been following along on Instagram!

So, if you haven't been following along, the #KolboAlphabetChallenge is something that Alex (my husband) and I decided to do for fun and to challenge ourselves. We also invited others to join in! So if you look through the hashtag on Instagram there will be letters by many different creative individuals! So fun!

Below you will find letters G-L that Alex and I created/made/drew. Enjoy!

Kolbo Alphabet Challenge A-F

April 8, 2015 Machelle Kolbo

Do you ever get stuck and wonder how you could challenge yourself creatively? Hopefully I'm not the only one! My husband Alex and I both love being creative and we are both creative in different ways. I wanted to do something that would challenge us do stretch our creative muscles and have some fun along the way.

So, the #KolboAlphabetChallenge was born. If you have been following along on Instagram, you will already know what I'm talking about. Over the course of the next couple of months we will be posting every letter of the alphabet created in different ways. We generally post these letters 2-3 times per week. Alex has been creating his letters out of arranged objects and materials. I have been trying out different styles of lettering and typography.

For me this has become a wonderful creative exercise. When I find myself stuck on a project, or needing a break I will sketch out letters. My alphabet has been focused on lettering and typography. I love looking at other typography, lettering, and drop caps for inspiration. I create multiple sketches for each letter and push myself to try styles outside of my typical comfort zone. We are only a couple letters in but I already can see how this fun idea is pushing and growing me as a designer! As you can see below there is lots of sketching before I get to the final design.

We welcome you to join us on this alphabet challenge, and put your own creative spin on it! When you post your letters please use the tag #kolboalphabetchallenge on Instagram or Facebook. If you want to see the letters we are posting follow us on instagram - @machellekolbo & @alexkolbo

Below is our alphabet so far! I'm so excited to see it when we have all the letters complete!