On my desk...

...But not for long!

Getting back from a big break is usually the pits. Laundry, unpacking, going through mail, and adjusting to boring "REAL LIFE." This time, I got to get busy filling orders, and let me just tell you...It is good to be back. Thanks to so many of you for patiently waiting for your orders. I really didn't think that I would get any orders while I was gone. But, 35 packages and 67 orders later, I guess I was wrong.

This stack would have taken me like 73 hours to fill 7 months ago when this all started. Not only was I working in a crammed corner of my bedroom (shhhhh...don't tell any one that) but I was just getting used to all the ????

?What shipping materials are best?
?Return address labels?
?How should I pack multiple items together so they are safe?
?Where is the tape!
?How many sharpees can I go through in a week?
?Am I out of cello sleeves already?
?The post office closes in 13 minutes. Can I make it?

Wow. I still consider myself in the 'start-up' stage, but those days were the REAL startup days. Yikes! I have learned a lot about shipping and packing since then! It still is time away from drawing or creating, but I love to see all my prints making new homes somewhere else.

So thanks to all of you who made orders while I was gone. They have been sent on their way, and I can officially start getting artsy again. Ahhh...yes. My sketchpad and I have a date:)

TIME.OUT.

Ok. It's official. I am going on vacation. Not just any vacation. Hawaii. 2 weeks. No email. No computer. Husband's orders.

My husband's family is cramming all together in a 2 week vacation on the beach. I am more than ecstatic. My mother's side of the family has lived in Hawaii since the early 30's. So my roots are deep there. But this is a first for my husband's side, and I can't wait!

But this translates into a few things:

Shop will be closed June 10th -June 23rd.

This is the longest break I have ever taken.
(In my 7 month career on ETSY).

But it is much needed.

Sometimes I wish I was like these dear artists who have a lot more time on their hands to make make make. But then I pinch myself and realize that my time is filled with diapers, dressups, tantrums, tickles, messes, lullabies and kisses and I wouldn't have it any other way! My time to be creative is limited to a couple hours a week (which is not enough for my art brain that doesn't ever shut off!). But though I wish I had creative time everyday, I would be wishing my truest joy away: being a mom.

Everyone needs breaks from the go-go-go of real life. Charging the battery is key. Being truly alive is everything. Breathing and listening is vital to any scheduled day.

So, folks. There are just a few more days to order before I leave for two weeks. If you have been itching to get something, my last day at the post office is on Monday June 9th.

Oh, and a lot of you have been dying to see my studio...well, I drew a picture of it for you above. Isn't it cute?? My bike is parked on the side and you can borrow it while I am gone. Just bring it back.

Support in the Studio.

There are so many components to running a small business from home, and I am the first to say that I have not done this alone. I need to pay tribute to so many of you who have helped me and supported me this far!


My husband for believing in me and being patient with me when I choose to say up all night on a project. And for just being the most incredible husband on the planet.


My parents for supporting my ideas and always paying special interest. (sorry Dad, Carol and John...I coulnd't find a quick picture of you!!!)


My wonderful cousin Liz who has been my new "hired help" the past two months and can do just about anything!

My sisters in law Robyn and Megan for being my on-the-spot babysitter when I find my self in a mini-crisis and Ann for being an AMAZING financial advisor!


My dear new-found-friend Kelly for all her incredible advice and wisdom

My online friend Jaime for her support and advice about the details of running an art business

And to all of you who have offered up words of encouragement and support along the way!

This list could go on and on. I am just so grateful for all the help I have received! I could definately not do this on my own!

And that brings me to my next item of discussion:

PRICING MY ART

I am raising my prices starting in March. This has been a really hard decision for me, since I aime at making my art work affordable for all. I really "poo-poo" all the children's art work that is incredibly overpriced and seems to sell to the "elite" few who can afford hundreds of dollars in art for their children. But I also feel, that under priced art work isn't in any one's interest either. With needing more hired help these past couple months, and with the value of the materials that I use in the art making process, I am raising my prices just a bit to compensate. The challenge comes with placing a value on my work, and I have struggled over this one. But I feel that now is the time and I hope that you can support me on this one.

I mention this to you, because I want to give you a chance to buy before the weekend is out and my prices go up $5 per print. My prices will remain the same until Sunday March 2nd.

Once again, thank you to all of you who continue to offer so much support and encouragement! I just am a very lucky gal!

My kids come FIRST...

...first class that is!

Running a business while running after children is always an exciting adventure! The other evening I was tending to Ian, and Kenneth was in the kitchen. Addie came up to me wanting to play with Ian, and this is what I found. "DO NOT BEND" right in the corner of her mouth. I instantly searched all over her body for any more tatoos, but didn't find any! Going into my office though, I found a few bubbled mailers completely covered in "DO NOT BEND" stamps. "I was doing my work, Mama." She is such a little mommy.

The irony in this is that Addie doesn't really bend! Two days ago, she claimed that she had a papercut on her finger. (I still don't know if she really cut herself, or if it is pretend). I put a bandaide on her finger and that was that. Well, after a hand washing, the bandaide began to peel. She needed another bandaide to keep it "stuck." After a bath, both started peeling, so she needed another. (For whatever reason, that evening wasn't one to fight her on this). Well...I am really not kidding when I say this...we haven't added any more bandaides since, but going on TWO DAYS now, she has had her left hand clinched in a fist to keep them from coming off!!! Last night I woke up at 2 am and went into her room to make sure her hand was relaxed. (I was too tired to think of taking it off while she slept!) We have tried all the little games to get her to open her hand, but to no avail. We even went out to play in the snow yesterday, and she wouldn't wear a glove because her hand was in a fist. She has ALWAYS been my stubborn and determined one. Addie was my colicky baby...the one that could only sleep in my arms while bouncing and when her head was in a certain position in the crook of my elbow. Oh, some days I wish I had the mental energy to have blogged then!

On Ian's side of the table, we had a big first yesterday!!! Ian went to the potty...kind of. He kept getting out of the bath tub, telling me he had to go potty. Well, after the 4th time of my slippery seal covered in bubble bath sitting on the porta-potty, he went....but because he is a boy, I realized maybe sitting on the potty isn't the best choice! He ended up spraying all over the floor and all over me! Oh we had a good laugh...and a good celebration. It may have been messy,but Firsts are Firsts!!

Speaking of firsts, Horray for all of you who took part in my first "BUY TWO GET ONE FREE" deal! So fun! I will be sure to do more of those! But I am going to stock the SHOP with some more goodies first!

Opinions PLEASE!

OK. So, I am needing another stream of advice.

I am starting to sell wholesale, and most stores want my prints to come framed. ( I am still weary about this...with glass and everything).

BUT: I need you tell me which ones you like best...if any at all. I am most likely going to create my own design based on what I have used before. These are the THREE that I have used so far and really like.

What do you think:

1) IKEA RIBBA frame Dark wood.


2) White with a little ornamentation. Better for the girl prints, maybe not so great for the boys.


3) Simple. Wide. White.


4) None of the above.

5) All of the above.

(didn't you always LOVE multiple choice?)

I am taking a VOTE...so even if I have no idea who you are, throw out your opinion.

What do YOU think?