BlogSpot: October 2012

I've Created A Monster: Etsy.

So... about a week ago I set up an account on Esty. I think I've created a monster. I love making cards for my mom... The Nature's Call Card Project is definitely a challenge I'm up for, but creatively, I feel a little stagnant. My mom wants a certain look, but what I love to make are cards that have a vintage, retro, or chic feel. So I can juggle both right? Phew we will see :)

Truth be known, I wasn't ready to start this store. My inventory is something to laugh at. But I thought me setting up the store will keep my creative juices flowing and it will definitely keep me on the up and up about posting here on my blog.

I will deem this monster of a project as

The Esty Project

http://tartspaperdesigns.blogspot.com/p/the-etsy-project.html

This link is if you would like to see what I got for sell on Etsy, but you will stay here within my blog.

Should you want to venture out and check out my store...

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TartsPaperDesigns

A big thank you in advance if you do sneak a peek!

Cards for Sell! Thanks Mom!

After my mom and I visited Sue at her antique shop to drop of her newly crafted sign. I got to thinking, maybe I should start to do something like that. Rent out a spot for my cards. I unfortunately don't have the inventory for it. But ultimately, it is something I think I could reasonably strive for.

I live in Healdsburg, Ca. We cater to many people who visit our little town of just over 10,000 people. First an up most - the wine-o's, which I'm one of them, after all my full time gig is an accountant at a winery. I only moonlight as a paper crafter. Secondly is eateries and artisan shops. Thirdly I would have to say is our antique stores. I could start hitting the pavement so to speak and see if there were vendors willing for me to pay a monthly fee to have my cards in their store.

My mom, being the angel she is... said "Why start there? I get foot traffic in my store, you can have a little turn table of cards to sell in my place."

Granted my mom doesn't own a antique store... and you are going to laugh when I say she owns... a RV supply store (pause, giving time for laughter) - she does get a reasonable amount of foot traffic and it is just the thing to get my feet wet. Plus it gives something for the ladies to look at when their husbands are debating over which brake controller or toilet chemicals they want to get. Not saying that men wouldn't look at them too.... it is statistically speaking... well... just saying.

My mom's store is rustically decorated with all things outdoors and travel related. Funny metal signs boasting fishing skills and eating at roadkill cafes. So what better direction to focus my designs with cards that a theme of nature. These cards will only feature plants, flowers, animals, and travel.

I will deem this as my first entrepreneurial project:
Nature Call's Cards Project

http://tartspaperdesigns.blogspot.com/p/cards.html

I will post all cards that I will put in my mom's store and will let you know if I sold them!

Wish me luck!

Hi hon... Got a challenge for you...

My mom called me at work with Sue, wife of my dad's best friend, giggling in the background. Larry and Sue are like second parents to me. I have known them my whole life. My mom says "Hi hon, got a challenge for you. Would you be willing to make a sign for Sue, using your Cricut machine?"

My mouth dropped (I thought to myself, my first paid project)... I instantly exclaimed "Duh, yes!". Sue is an avid seamstress. She makes beautiful aprons, doll clothing, quilts, baby clothes... you name it. She needed a sign to put in an antique store where she rents a portion of it to sell.

My mom passed her the phone and I got the specs. Her only concern was it needed to be large and say "Andrea's Collections"... I told her I could get a frame that would be 12" x 36". She said that would be perfect - and that was it. No color preference, no guidance.

Now you would think that would be a creator's dream. Well at first it was, and then it got a little daunting the the design department. I just felt I had so much riding on it. Not money wise, more so pride and wanting her so be thrilled with it.

After several crumpled piece of paper thrown in the corner of my office, screw the garbage can. I thought to myself go simple. I made her sign like an old fashioned quilt.

SHE LOVED IT!!!

Sorry, I'm a Slacker...

Hi There. Wow, how do I begin... well it has been a busy year.

While I'm a total slacker on the blogging side, I have absolutely NOT lost my love for card making... in fact my love has grown to the point where it might not be recognized as love as more of an obsession.

Don't worry I won't be marrying any one my tools or my gorgeous paper packs (beside in California, Polygamy is illegal and I think that terms only applies to men - whatever, double standards). I have kept my promise of taking pictures of every card I have ever made throughout the year.

So while I seek forgiveness... please find me a suitable penance, for I have sinned. Please enjoy what I have created through the year for friends and family.

HALLOWEEN 2011