Feel Better, Yo.

I just stumbled upon this lovely Feel Less Sick Card from my fellow NewNewer. What a better way to say Get Well Soon. I did a little search to see what else is out there. It seems there are many ways to say Get Better!
These made me giggle.
Get Whale Soon Card

W is for WELL Card

Take one of these Card

Get Well Synonym Card

Have your Cake and Eat it too!

It's been a wedding centric week! My good friends Christina and Jon are getting married Saturday and it's been a bustle of preparation. I've put off printing their Thank you Cards until 3 days before their wedding. Nothing like waiting til the last minute! Anyway, they are done and look very lovely. Since they have so many left over RSVP envelopes, I made the cards to fit those. I like to use every last scrap. Of course, buying extra envelopes are never a waste, you can find so many fun things to go inside.

Since I had the Sangria ink on the press and I need a card to give to my friends, I printed my new "Congratulations for having your cake and eating it too" card. I like it. I would like to see it in other colors too. Wedding cake is one of my most favorite things about weddings. I used to cater weddings in College. Even if we got stiffed a tip, I would be happy if I got a piece of cake. Especially, if it was a Cake by Carol. I don't know what that lady puts in her confectionery creations, but it's delightful. I tracked her down for our wedding cake and was estactic that she could make it for us. It tasted exactly how I remembered. Coury and I ate so much cake on our 1 year anniversary that we were nearly sick. It's so good!

I've been a sobby kind of mess this week. In addition to the continual rain, I've been writing my toast for Saturday. I can't get through the first 3 lines without crying. I don't want to take out the good stuff though. My mom is bringing rescue remedy to the wedding to help fight the tears. I asked my husband to get out our wedding tape the other night so I could listen to the toasts. I was a blubbering fool and ended up watching the whole thing. It brings back such good feelings. I'm so excited for my friends to go through the same high this weekend. As far as the toast, I will attempt to not look Christina or my mom in the eyes while I'm talking and maybe I'll get through it OK.

I've listed the new card on my Etsy Store. Weddings make me happy! It's been really lovely working on their save the dates, invitations, and Thank you's. I'm a little sad that it's over. But on to the next one! Have some cake, folks.

New Cards on Etsy

My ETSY Site

Check em out, yo!

It can't Rain all the Time

In all my enthusiasm for my first non-Williamsburg bar Fair, I didn't even think it would rain. I was exhilarated with the idea that so many people come to Hester Street Fair. Some of my friends haven't made it there because they've heard the lines have been so long. I was fantasizing about unmentionable numbers in my head.. actually thinking that I might sell out of some of my cards. I heard the forecast Saturday night. Day of Clouds with scattered thunderstorms. I was thankful that i spent the weekend encasing each card and bookmark into cellophane sleeves. Since the forecast is usually wrong, I still had illusions of great sales and good fun aside from the weather. I could barely sleep Saturday night in anticipation for the day. I set my alarm for 6:30 am, but since I woke up every hour looking at the clock, I just got up and showered at 6. It was wet, but not too bad of a morning. Luckily, I was babysitting my friend's car this week so I decided to take it. I packed the car and made the 8 minute drive to the lower east side. Everything seemed easy and nice. I was the first person to arrive and had my pick of tables. I was set to share a space with Louise, but since they had so many cancellations, we were able to set up in 2. Set up went great! There was a nice breeze in the air and only a few sprinkles here and there. Most people were walking in, heading straight for the food and bustling home to enjoy their lobster rolls and risotto balls. Then, a freakin monsoon happened. and then we recovered and then it happened again. Lots of people packed up after the first storm. I thought, I payed for this and I'm going to hold out for a sale. I'm a tough cookie. It will clear up after this one. Many people stopped and looked and said kind words, but no one was in the mood for shopping and I don't blame them. I thought at one point that I would have loved to crawl up in a blanket and take a cat nap under the table. I was nearly delirious with such little sleep.




I tried to stay positive and many good things came of the day. I love the Hester Street Fair! They play pretty cool tunes all day. They have amazing food, (I had the Lobster Risotto Ball for $3) a Ping Pong table, huge port a pots with running water, and really great and diverse vendors. I met a few more folks from TheNewNew Etsy team which was awesome. Also, sharing with Louise was really great. She came up with the Monsoon Market name. There was definitely a camaraderie between the vendors. We were sharing towels and plastic to cover our wares. Neighboring vendors were helping push water out of tents. It was really great to see in a place like New York, this small community inside a large city. I hope I get to go back. I'm a little sad that I haven't been involved in it all summer.

I was also really excited about how my booth came together! The chip rack turned card display turned out pretty great. I love all my new cards. In my printing excitement on Friday, I realized I forgot to print my logo on the bookmarks. I'll have to go back and un-sleeve and print those, but it's a minor mistake. My next show is not until September 11th at Brooklyn Indie Mart, so I have plenty of time.

As the song goes, It won't rain all the time. The sky won't fall forever. And though the night seems long, your tears won't fall forever. I have to have some Vending Karma coming my way, right? Create on, my friends. And send lots of positive thoughts my way come the 11th.

Black is the New Purple

I was so excited to print my new cards, that I came straight home Friday and got to it. I went with one color (black) and ran with it. I really like the way they came out. I need to order a new black. This is a carbon black from the second batch of ink I bought, so I have to use a fixative too. I enjoy the range of light and dark ink. It was changing so quickly, possibly because I had a fan pointed directly on me to prevent heat stroke. I think it was drying quicker than usual. This is the start of my Midwest and New York cards.

Today has been a mix of working and relaxing. I realized the cellophane sleeves I bought last night were too small so I had to go into the city this morning to exchange them. After that, Coury and I went to the gym and spent the afternoon sleeving most of my cards. I bought 300 regular sleeves and I'm almost out. I think I have over 500 cards. I found a potato chip rack on my way home the other night. I picked it up for my display. I spray painted that and a cheapo utility shelf brown so they match my baskets. I made a base for the revolving rack with a Duck Tape roll. I'm excited to see how it all comes together tomorrow. I have bribed my husband to help me get it all to Hester street.

After Spray painting, we allotted time to do Laundry. I was so proud of our multitasking. We got pedicures next to the Laundromat while our clothes were drying. This is Coury's second pedicure and only my third, but I think we might be junkies now.

My belly is full of Sushi and for the rest of the evening, I'm packaging cards and adding ribbons to bookmarks. Might squeeze in a movie while doing so.

Anyway, ta da. I'm thrilled. I hope to sell some of my new creations tomorrow!

Create on, my friends! It feels so good :)

Hester Street Preparation

I've been really excited to be a Vendor at Hester Street. If you can, stop by on Sunday 8/22.

Having your Cake and Eating it too

I didn't make it to the gym this evening, but I was still mucho productive. I came straight home and started drawing in Illustrator. I was on a roll and finished most of the cards I want on the next polymer plate purchase. I think I usually start working too late. I am determined to get to bed earlier this week. My brain was still functioning at 6 when I began... or maybe it was the blueberries. I think I'll repeat both more often!

I can't wait to print these! I'm ordering the plate tonight. It also has business cards and a logo to print on cards and bags for the upcoming fairs.

Creating these made me even more homesick for the Midwest. I have a condition called "the grass is always greener". I understand the concept and acknowledge I have a problem... it's just so hard to know what you are going to want down the road. Why can't we have everything? Sometimes I feel greedy just wanting a little more. I have happiness. Tonight, my husband brought me something even better than cake. Left over Blue Stove Peach pie and ice cream. Overall, it was a delicious day! Cards coming soon!

Trees are Us.

I finally got around to drawing this tree card. Trying to think of other text that would work with the Tree as well. It makes be think of a lot of things. It could be the apple trees behind my grandmother's house. The apples weren't that good to eat, but they made the best pies. It could be my favorite Ivy covered Brooklyn tree just down the block from our apartment. The sunlight always seems to hit it just right. I try, unsuccessfully, to capture it's beauty in photos. It could be a Buckeye tree for all the Ohio Buckeye fans in my life. I remember collecting Buckeyes every Fall, always meaning to do some fun craft with them until they rotted and we had to throw them away. Maybe it's the tree in my sister's front yard that we just hung a swing on for my nephew's enjoyment. So many smiles! It could be a tree from any one's childhood. Care free days with no responsibilities. Don't we all miss them.

Suggestions are very welcome!

Cupcakes Make People Happy!

This little treasury was fun to do. I love me some cupcakes. Coury told me that the Italian Ice Place down the street sells Ice Cream Cupcakes and I can't get them out of my head. We had out of town guests this weekend that brought lots of yummy goodies so we couldn't bring ourselves to buy another sweet. I have to have one soon! Give me a reason.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c68a54112378eef6d03d819/cupcakes-make-people-happy

City Scape in question

I may have gotten a little carried away. I like the original drawing best. More cartoonish the better? thoughts?

Recycle what?

I was finally able to spend some time in Illustrator this weekend. After cleaning our apartment for our guests this week, I collapsed in my desk chair long enough to make one of the cards I've been hoping to draw.

It's not much, but it's a start. Hello, little new card! Hopefully, more will follow soon. I'm excited to print new cards for the fast approaching Craft Fairs.

Create on, my friends! It makes you smile :)

Whirlwind Trip and Ideas

It's been a whirlwind week! I flew home to Ohio for my nephew's 1st birthday and found a lot of creativity along the way. I knew it was going to be a whirlwind trip. I flew into Akron, rented a car and stayed with my sister Thursday night, made the 2 plus hour drive to my parents Friday for my great Aunt's 90th birthday party, enjoyed some quality time with my parents and older sister, and then trekked back north to Joel's first birthday.. all while driving the KIA Soul. (Hamster mobile, I like to call it) As per usual, I was delayed at LaQuardia airport for a few hours before the traveling even began. I've learned to remain calm and use it as some much needed private time. I had been running non-stop the week before, so a little forced alone time was welcomed. This is where the ideas came to life. I got out my airline itinerary, my car confirmation, Map quest directions to and from my sister's house and realized I had plenty of clean white paper to draw on. I've been so computer centric lately. I tend to forget how much better ideas pour out when using pen and paper first.

I've been thinking a lot about Brooklyn and Midwestern/Small town cards. I always feel emotional and sentimental when heading back to Ohio. I love where I grew up. I used to cry tears of joy when the plane started it's decent and familiar ground came into sight. I've been so fortunate that I've been able to go back as much as I do. I know so many people that moved to the city to escape their hometowns, but also love where they grew up and their loved ones that remain there. Aren't cards supposed to evoke emotion? I'm trying to pass on my feelings of fondness when missing a place or a person. I tried to think of the imagery that provoked those emotions in me. I was so caffeinated that I continued to draw throughout the flight.

What was really great about the trip, other than spending lots of time with my amazing family, was that I talked to every group about my card ideas. I received a ton of feedback and more ideas! I have to research quilting too. A family friend gave me lots of quilting quotes that would make great cards.

I nearly crashed my hamster mobile when attempting to take pictures of corn silos and an old gas station a few miles from my hometown. I never really noticed it before. It's amazing what you see when you really look and when you are by yourself. I can't wait to see how these ideas transition into cards. Now, onto digitizing my doodles! Spread ideas, they have a way of coming back to you :)

hyc Creative packaging

How important is packaging? I've been thinking of getting some small bags printed with my logo. I'm also considering getting a few shirts made. At least enough for me to wear to Craft Shows. And maybe some tote bags to hand out. Thoughts?