Blog — "shop"

It's been a long process, but they're finally here-- a brand new set of cards has arrived! I'm especially excited about this group because most of them have gone into new territory, which is both terrifying and satisfying at the same time. You may have noticed that I've been going for bigger and bolder designs, filling the card with an image or design as much as possible. Many of these new cards take that to the next level with designs that push white backgrounds to the side and have a full on color explosion.

I like these cards, and I feel comfortable in the designs as if I've finally found my groove. I feel as though I'm getting somewhere with my work, so you'll likely see similar cards to come in the future. They're a departure from what I've designed in the past, and that's the terrifying part. It's scary to change things up so drastically because you never know how people will react. However, so far, through the little glimpses I've shared of this new release, the feedback has been positive.

Part of the shift comes with other aspects of change within my business. This year, I finally found a local printer that was a good fit for my business (after a two year search!), so I started outsourcing many of my print jobs. This has freed up so much time for me to get back to the creative aspects of my business. In addition, it has provided more flexibility in design leaving me with new possibilities and opportunities that I didn't have before. These cards are a direct result.

To celebrate the launch, I'll soon be having an exclusive sale. You can sign up for my newsletter to get in on the details which will be going out on Wednesday. What do you think about the new line? Which are your favorites?

 

As I brainstormed to add new products to my line (yes, there are MORE new products eventually coming), I thought about how I wanted to make this year's calendar. In the past year, I've been fine-tuning my daily routine, and I'm finally at the point where I feel like I usually have my groove figured out. Part of that routine includes intense planning and preparation.

I use a rather dynamic daily planner to map out each and every day before I go to bed, but I was lacking a way to prepare for the full week ahead. I searched high and low for a printable that I could use on the fly in order to prep for the week, but couldn't find quite what I needed. I tend to chunk my week based on various larger focus areas-- design days, errand days, production days, accounting and paperwork days, etc. Then I block out time to complete daily tasks such as email, filling orders, or updating social media. After using a couple weekly printable planners that just weren't quite what I needed, I came up with my own design that could either accompany my daily planner or work on it's own for those who are less obsessive about planning and list making as I am.

This planning note pad has 50 sheets of offset printed paper. When the week has ended, you rip off the top sheet and start fresh. It has been printed on 8.5"x11" paper, so if you need to look back on the previous week (as I often do) you can hole punch it and pop into a binder for reference. There are lots of check boxes for tasks throughout the week, a space to jot down notes, and a weekend list. While working on the final design, I used a printed prototype of the calendar for several weeks, and it passed the test!

I've spoken on the blog before in this post about trying to outsource my products and just not feeling 100% happy with the work someone else did. However, for these notepad planners, I had to take that leap of faith. After gathering samples upon samples, I was able to settle with a printer here in the US that did an outstanding job. I'm impressed with the quality of the paper, the beautifully saturated colors, and outstanding print quality. The final product is something that I can truly feel proud of offering to you all.

The planner is now available both here on the website and in my Etsy shop. I have plans to launch other such products in the near future that will help you stay organized on a weekly basis, so stay tuned for that!

In addition, I'm currently working on a new card line that will soon be available. It's something that I've been having so much fun working on as it's been a bit of collaboration with my husband (maybe I can some day convince him to join me in my endeavors) and focuses on truly honest life moments with plenty of hilarity involved. You may have seen a peek or two over on Instagram if you're following me there.

What do you think of this year's calendar? Are you working on any new products or business endeavors? I'd love to see what you've all been up to!

P.S. Baltimore locals!! If you're in town this weekend, stop by HampdenFest on Saturday from 11-7. I'll be vending and I'd love to see you! :)

Just as I'd promised when I introduced 3 new Christmas cards to you all last week, I had a couple more up my sleeve that were a bit sparkly! These last two designs are printed on 120lb felt mark card stock and then pressed with gold foil. And just because you can never have too much gold, I paired them with gold envelopes.

You know when you have a vision of what something will look like? Yup, these cards are just that. I'm so pleased with how they turned out! They feel luxurious, classic, and contemporary all wrapped up in one. You can purchase these cards as single cards, or there is also the option to purchase them at a discount for a set of ten if you'd like to stock up on these for the holidays.

Are you a fan of gold or metallics during the holiday season?

 

There has been something super exciting in the works for about a month now for Row House 14. Some of you have either figured it out or may already know, but for those of you that aren't in the know-- I'm expanding Row House 14 to include letterpress greeting cards and stationery goods!

Learning how to do letterpress printing has been a dream of mine for quite some time. I've always had a love for paper and stationery, but the opportunity was never there. Letterpress printing presses are hard to come by and cost thousands of dollars. I had looked into renting press time from local printers or even attending classes so that I could learn, but that was also out of budget. In lieu of going the letterpress route, I decided to invest in my Kingsley gold foil press-- something that I could use for both paper and pencils, and it would also be compact enough to fit into my tiny 130 square foot studio space.

Meanwhile, I scoured Craigslist and real estate listings like mad, looking for an studio space that would be large enough to some day house a press. No such luck. Until, one day, while looking through listings, I happened upon a studio share opportunity with another woman who just so happened to own the exact printing press that I some day wish to own. And, she wanted to share the press and teach whomever shared her studio how to use the press. After a few back and forth emails and a studio visit, it was clear that the stars had somehow aligned perfectly and the situation was incredibly ideal for both of us.

Last week, I learned how to use the press using vintage wood type, hence the fun remake of my Holy Shit Balls card. I felt that the level of excitement surrounding this event made this card an appropriate enough candidate for my first go at printing. As I prepare for the upcoming holiday, however, I hope to include both a letterpress calendar and some greeting cards.

For now though, I want to have some fun and celebrate. My first letterpress card that you see pictured will be included for free along with any order in my shop or on Etsy. All you have to do is write Holy Shit Balls! in the message box when you check out so I know you'd like a free card, and I'll send one of these bad boys on its way! I'll keep the offer open for as long as I have cards available. In the meantime, stay tuned for some other super sweet letterpress goods coming your way in the future!

It will be hard to beat last year's birthday. It was my 30th birthday, and I got to celebrate it in Byron Bay, Australia. So many people dread turning 30, but I was glad for it to arrive. 30 didn't disappoint. It was one of the best years I've had so far, and I'm looking forward to yet another fantastic year ahead.

I'd love to celebrate with you, so I'm extending a special offer for you all, while I take the day off to enjoy my birthday. The coupon code BIRTHDAY20 can be used here on my website or in my Etsy shop to receive 20% off any order.

Thanks for being part of one of the many reasons 30 was such a great year! Here's to hoping 31 will be even more amazing! :)