Christmas Wishes

The last Christmas order has been printed, cut, folded and shipped to all my wonderful InkSpot Workshop customers - I just can't thank you enough! This was my first holiday season and keeping up with orders got a little harried for a few weeks. I was afraid my own personal cards would not get out in time (pictured above) but somehow they did. Perhaps I will offer photo cards next year? These were printed on 70# white linen card stock and the texture really made the photo look amazing. Photographer Lynn Crow, took these pictures of my son for us while vacationing at Nana's on Panama City Beach, Florida.

I was flattered when my neighbor asked me to make their family card. I just love how the picture colors coordinate with the little bird tree. This handsome older brother was my son's very fist friend. They actually met while in the womb;)

Now that things have calmed down quite a bit, I'm looking forward to spending every moment soaking up my soon to be 3 year old son's funny little self. He is obsessed with his new word "poop" and has found new and unique ways to work it into just about every sentence or song he can. I guess this is what happens when newly poopie trained? In fact he's even come up with a new version of Jingle Bells, and it goes something like this... "Jingle Poop, Jingle Poop" ... I'll let your imagination figure out the rest.

Merry Christmas and the Happiest New Year Everyone!

iCANDY - Aluminum Tree Edition

I have a little confession to make...... I secretly covet Aluminum Trees! How can that be, you ask? Especially when I refuse to own an artificial tree, EVER - because I love how they smell. It's a bit of a conundrum for me but there is just something about all that pretty shiny silver and how the ornaments seem to stand out in contrast.

This week's iCANDY is all about the Aluminum Tree, compliments of Flickr's group actually called Aluminum Trees. Here are a few of my favorites.

Directions: For optimum viewing pleasure, click on collage

How about these super cool Aluminum Martini Glasses from Target? What a great way to coordinate your party, match your drink ware to your Christmas tree:)

ENJOY!

Fantastic Find

Finally in STOCK! I've been waiting just over 2 months for this to arrive. Thank you Amazon.com for delivering my fresh, new copy of Craft Inc, written by Meg Mateo Ilasco. To read the book's introduction from the author's website click here.

This book is widely known as the bible of all books to help you turn your craft or "creative hobby into a business." It's written in a modern way and covers everything from production and pricing plans, protecting your work, to writing your mission statement and business plan and of course that's just the tip of the iceberg. There's even a section titled "Internet Resources" which lists helpful links to craft fairs, outsourcing, trade shows and government resources just to name a few.

My favorite part of the book is the interviews she starts each new chapter with. Lotta Jansdotter shares her story of how she came to the realization she needed to outsource production of her goods in order to grow. Julie Elliott of In Fiore describes how she left her full time job to pursue her passion for aromatherapy and started the first business to introduce oils and balms into the luxury market. Then the infamous Jonathan Adler, who explains how important it is to have a meaningful mission statement and "manifesto".

WARNING: You must not read this book without a notebook, pen and highlighter. It's definitely going to be your favorite reference book for your new business.

Best of luck and wishes to all you craftsters.

iCANDY - 20th Edition

Viewing Instructions: Click on collage for best results

I am so pleased to bring you this week's iCANDY because it really defines the whole reason I wanted to start this feature in the first place. Not only are these simply amazing hand crafted pieces of art, the pictures are phenomenal and I just get lost gazing at them.

First up are these simply adorable crocheted flower appliques from Annie Design. Wouldn't they just look cute along the edges of a cardigan? Then we have this wildy fun furniture from Dust Furniture. I love the modern lines, this table would look great in my house. Liz Smith, the designer behind Made In Lowell has just about the most beautiful felted jewelry I've ever seen. In fact I had never even heard of felted jewelry until I discovered Etsy. There is just something about these fuzzy little gems so I placed them on my letter to Santa.

Enjoy!

it's beginning to TASTE a lot like CHRISTMAS

It's that time of year again and my kitchen really got a workout this past weekend. Nothing says "I appreciate you" more than some home baked goods to share with your friends and family over the holidays. Of course the packaging has to be equally cute {in my InkSpot Workshop opinion}

I made up a batch of Peppermint Cloud Brownies, Chocolate Dipped Pretzels and my favorite Caramel, Pecan, Pretzel Turtles. Keep reading for more recipes...

Thanks to my mom I discovered these tasty gems! So easy to assemble. Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F, place the assembled turtles in the oven for 4 minutes (no more, no less) remove and gently press down on pecan half until the little caramel heads and legs appear. I stress "gently" because I made a mess out of my first batch.

BEFORE

AFTER

Who doesn't love a candy coated, chocolate dipped pretzel stick? Just make sure to melt your chocolate (any kind is fine, I used semi sweet Ghiardelli squares) over a double boiler to keep it nice and melty. Coat pretzel stick with melted chocolate, then roll into your favorite nuts, sprinkles, mini marshmellows or colored sugar.

Official Taste Tester!

It's all about the packaging!!! I found these most adorable and tall mugs at Walmart, they're super sturdy too.

Got these adorable mini Chinese takeout cartons from Target

Here's what everyone got specially delivered to their doorstep

A little something for my son's classmates at the school's Christmas Party

What are you baking this year? Feel free to post your favorite recipes right here.

I LOVE LA........

The LA Times Holiday Guide that is! Another Saturday morning, another surprise waiting for me in my inbox, sent by Google Alerts. My 2009 Limited Edition Desk calendars got a shout-out in this article published today, along with some other Etsy friends of mine. The pages shown are from Cecily Ink's calender, don't you just love all her vibrant colors?

Thank You LA TIMES!

iCANDY - 19th edition

Oh this is a looooong overdue post from a most fabulous trade I did last month with the lovely Lisa of Ellembee. This is the shirt that started it all and because I love it and Ellembee so much, I've decided to dedicate this week's iCANDY entirely to her, which as you can see was not hard to do.

For the record, that is not ME in the shirt but Lisa herself. This is not only a great fitting shirt but don't you just love that hand printed design? It reminds me of some of my favorite stationery designs. What is it with me lately and stationery matching t-shirts? I get tons of compliments every time I wear it, it's in the laundry right now or else I would have posted a picture of me in it. OK, no I wouldn't have because she looks way better.

DIRECTIONS: For full viewing pleasure, click on iCANDY collage

From the great white North I'd like to introduce you to Michigan's finest hand printer of t-shirts, Lisa Boesch, the creative brain child (and hot bod) behind Ellembee. Her shop has something in it for everyone and I'm especially loving these onesies for the little tykes. The designs are classic and simple and range from botanicals to every one's favorite chandeliers. I just can't wait to see what she dreams up next. Just hope it's not stationery, or I might have to close up shop:)

How about this little number? She drew it herself. I love it because it reminds me of these Holiday Fun cards in my shop.

Enjoy! and as always, if you have some iCANDY you'd like to see featured right here, simply leave a post or send me an email inkspotworkshop@hotmail.com

Have a great weekend!

BIG, BIG, BIG CONTEST!

How does winning over $750 worth of Etsy prizes sound? Uh huh, that's what I thought. The lovely Emily of Busy Mom Blog, has put together a Wallapallooza of a bloggy giveaway. She wanted to promote mom blogs and mommy small businesses and she's really done a great job achieving this goal. Click here for full details and how to enter this contest.

The contest is open to both bloggers and non-bloggers so the playing field is level. There are dozens of Etsy sellers just like yours truly who have offered up free goodies to fatten the prize pot. There will be 2 winners and the loot divided equally. HURRY, contest ends Saturday, December 6th at 9:00 pm.

Talkin' About...

Look what I just received in my inbox! What a pleasant surprise. Each week Poppytalk puts out an e-newsletter, choc filled with all sorts of info about independent artists and even some DIY projects. My little Holiday Fun tags made this week's issue. For the full read, click here.

Poppytalk also recently published this incredible list called "101 Reasons To Buy Handmade" Yours truly offered up reasons 31-35. What are your reasons for buying handmade?

Speaking of surprises....it's our first snow here in Atlanta! Surprising because this is a rare site. It's also 37 degrees out so the snow is melting as fast as it hits the ground, but still looks pretty falling. Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio makes me miss a White Christmas.

A Little Something For BFFs

There's a new Etsy shop on the map called Fire Daughter Clothing. Samya, the brainchild and designer behind this fun line of T-Shirts for girls of all ages, really has a knack for keeping the designs hip and retro.

I was first introduced to Fire Daughter T-Shirts by my own BFF who happens to be neighbors with Samya. Last June when my gal pals and I took our 40th birthday party trip, we all received these awesome "Peace, Love, Girlfriends" shirts. It really is unlike any other T-shirt I own, really soft and stretchy! Don't you just love the little rhinestones? They are now for sale in Samya's shop, just click here.

I was so inspired by this simple, fun, girly design that I just had to make them into note cards.


How fun is this shirt? Perfect for the new mommy or as a little treat for yourself

Be sure to visit Fire Daughter Clothing to see her complete line of adorable kid's T-Shirts with equally cute bling.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Directions: Click on collage for best viewing results.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! InkSpot Workshop is proud to bring you this adorable collage of hand crafted, fellow Etsy sellers - with an emphasis on Turkey Day.

Long after the smell of pumpkin pie has faded from the house, you can keep the memory alive with these perfectly clean soybean candles from Bliss Candles. I love soap that looks and smells good enough to eat, lay your eyes on this bubbly treat from Lily Bay Soap. Keep all your Thanksgiving recipes in place with this fun paperweight courtesy of Paper Flowers. I just can't keep my eyes off of these boldly painted acorns from Sew Sew Suck Ur Toe. Wouldn't they make cute place card holders somehow? or little favors for your guests? On a diet this Thanksgiving? Here's a little fat free drumstick, crocheted by Yummy Pancake. Love to have your ears nibbled on? How about these yummy teasers from G.Nee Works?

Have a wonderful day filled with too much turkey, sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie and hugs and kisses from your family and friends.

Behind The Scenes

Getting requests to do custom work is so much fun, plus it helps keep my creative juices flowing. Not only do I get a complete kick out of designing something from start to finish, I am constantly amazed when someone requests to have one of my designs used in a completely different manner than originally intended. For example, I offer a puzzle piece kid's personalized note card set. Imagine my surprise when a young bride asked to have it made into her wedding invitation? Ironically, the red and green colors worked perfectly for a December wedding. It was a stretch, but I made it work. My fingers were raw from cutting, folding and gluing 100 handmade envelopes.

Back in September, I received a custom request from the talented Amy of the Paisley Pineapple to do a circus theme for her son's first birthday. She wanted something modern and not too baby, just the type of challenge I thrive upon. It was from this project my Custom Party Packs were hatched. I love the idea of a party "theme" and having all the printed pieces coordinate but not be too "matchy" really gives off a nice unified, clean appearance. Here's what we came up with for Maddox's first birthday.

Here were the party tags in action last weekend. Aren't these just about the cutest goodie bags you have ever seen? I think Amy should do party planning as her 2nd Etsy shop:)

Thanks for sharing these pictures with us. Hope Maddox enjoyed his very first birthday!

Since the circus, I've also received requests to do a girls' Tiny Dancer theme

and of course a little boy's 2nd birthday request to be all Construction

I love to see my work used in the real world. If you have a shot of your InkSpot Workshop paper goodie in action, please pass it along and I will gladly give you a plug right here in Custom Corner.

InkSpot Workshop Sightings

I'm so happy to announce the latest curated marketplace from Poppy Talk has launched. Recognize the gallery above? It is a Holiday and gift themed preview which just launched on Monday, be sure to check it out there are so many talented hand crafted artists with absolutely amazing items all in one place. I have found a few new favorites. You will be sure to find something for everyone on your list.

I'm so thrilled and encouraged by all of the positive press my new Holiday 2008 line has been getting. Not only have I had a few blog mentions, but 2 of my items shown above ( Vroom Note Card Set and Note Card Gift Box) were featured in Etsy's Card, Ribbon and Wrap, Holiday Gift Guide.

Thanks everyone! for your continued support of InkSpot Workshop. I so look forward to bringing forth even more fun paper goodies to make you smile, throughout 2009!!!!

iCANDY- 17th Edition

DIRECTIONS: For best results, click on iCANDY collage

I'm BACK! Sorry for neglecting my blog this past week. I had to go to Phoenix and attend my {day job} National Sales Meeting and as one can imagine - I'm exhausted and if that weren't bad enough, I'm sick too.

Being sick has helped me to pick this week's iCANDY featured Etsy artists. I was looking for "comfort" pictures and these really fit the bill. First up is Fire Daughter Designs, a new Etsy seller. She makes some of the cutest t-shirts for tots and adults alike. In the mood for some felted cherry blossom hair pins? From Germany we have Thymbyl Designs, every accessory in her shop features serious attention to the tiniest of details. Then we have these mohair beauties from Kindred Knits. Never have I seen such romantic knitted wraps and even better pictures!

Enjoy! As always, if you have some iCANDY, I'd love to see it!! Just send me a post here or an email to inkspotworkshop@hotmail.com

My New Helper

Life just got a little easier with some help from my new Tonic Studios guillotine paper trimmer, purchased at the new Paper Source here in Atlanta. Now you know, each and every piece of paper you buy from InkSpot Workshop is lovingly cut by yours truly. I'm not sure how I ever lived without this practical piece of equipment? Would you believe I used a little rotary trimmer up until now? At $49.00 this was a steal! Although I still can only cut 2 pieces of heavy card stock at a time, it's better than what I had before.



Do you have a piece of equipment that helps make your day just a bit easier that you'd like to share? Or a better paper cutter? I'm all ears:)

Beehive Co-Op

Just wanted to let those of you in the Atlanta area know you can now find the InkSpot Workshop line at the Beehive Co-op in Buckhead. This little boutique is based upon an innovative concept which showcases local hand crafted talent. There is also a Beehive Co-op located in New York City and one opening in Cincinnati. They also have an online shop. Don't worry, you can still buy my products online at my Etsy shop;)

My little piece of real estate

Stop in when in the area!

Sexy Mama

I live on the best, I mean GREATEST street in all of Atlanta. What makes it such a fantastic place to live and raise a family? My neighbors! This past Sunday we had a surprise baby shower for the original Sexy Mama, who is going to have her second child and can you guess by all the pink whether it's a boy or girl?


All of us took a role in the shindig and of course I volunteered to make the invitations and get the cake. Looking for more of a modern theme, as opposed to booties and baby lambs I came up with a fun, mod pink, green and brown invite for the shindig and have called it the Sexy Mama baby shower invite. Also whipped up a set of coordinating Notes For Baby-To-Be.

How about a matching cake? Can you believe this? Trust me when I tell you it tastes as great as it looks! It was a 4 layer almond cake with rich chocolate ganache and I'm around 10 pounds heavier than I started on Sunday. All I did was send a picture of the invite to my favorite Etsy baker Sugar Dreams Bakery and voila! this is what she came up with, true talent.

The Original SEXY MAMA! Surprised and the SEXY PAPA in the background

Keeping true to the whole Etsy/handmade theme I got this adorable sparrow bib and burp cloth set from the Paisley Pineapple. The backside is the softest terry cloth I have ever seen.

Stealing a kiss from my favorite little guy.

Oh, and did I mention even my headband is from Etsy, check out Easy Edges Studio for the most comfortable headbands ever!!