vol.25

The buttons are here!

I received them in the mail today, photographed them, and even had time to get them listed. I absolutely love how they turned out. So cute and...well mini. I was worried the text would be too small to read very well. While I admit it certainly doesnt jump out at you... it is still readable. :)




Here is a close up, the black and white is really striking! These would be a great addition to a vision board, or as a little gift for someone in need of a little pick me up. There really is SO many uses.



The shop is also finally stocked back up with "seeds of freedom" buttons. These sold out super fast before, so I tried to stock up a little more on them. :) I am almost done with the postcard listings... just a little more to go on the graphics end. It feels good to be updating the listings for all of them. They really needed it, in my opinion. :) Here is a little peak at the new silhouette postcard/graphics.




ALSO!! This is the last day to qualify for May's Love my customers Drawing. I plan to do another drawing for June, but you will have to wait a whole other month for that drawing... *wink wink*  I am excited to see who wins the "Home is where our story begins" print! Stay tuned Monday June 2nd for the winner to be announced. :) Of course I will be contacing you via e-mail as well, so no worries there. I hope everyone is having a great weekend! We plan to go fishing tomorrow, the weather has been absolutely perfect.

the butterflies are free- NEW art!

Here is the first print resulting from my butterfly inspiration. :) I titled it "The Butterflies Are Free" and listed it in the shop a little earlier this morning. I still have 4 other butterflies sketched, that I havent used yet. So, I definitely see more coming. I have such a hard time not making every print into a print set. :) I seem to really be having a hard time holding back on this one....So a matching print may yet still come. I printed this yesterday and put it in on that wall. I love it to pieces. Every time I walk by its like a breath of fresh air.
 


I have been considering doing another silhouette print, I have the perfect quote to use. Plus I really need something to go in that bottom oval frame. I ended up hanging the other silhouette print "we are shaped by our thoughts" in a large oval ikea frame over by the door. So the matching lady on the bottom left needs replaced now. :) Also since this picture was taken I switched the b with the green photograph of the flower. That way the green isn't all lumped together, its a little more spread out. Well, I am to do a little baby shopping today. Surprisingly, I havent done ANY. But, I am going to look for a couple of newborn outfits that would work for both girl or boy. :) Wish me luck!

check it out!

I am so glad I listed these prints yesterday, "is tomorrows wish" made it to the etsy homepage today. Resulting in at least one sale, a bunch of views and a TON of hearts! I think it blended great with the other etsy items chosen. :)

Its been awhile since I have posted pictures of any interior updates (aside from trins room) Now that Jaydon is back from his trip, we are focusing on getting things done around the house before baby arrives. Not that this is a priority... but he finally installed my ikea booklighting! I purchased them on our way back from Oklahoma at the ikea in salt lake city. They came in a pack of 3... but I am wondering if three is a bit much for the narrow bookcase. I will probably end up taking off the middle light. I am also still unsure about the arrangement on the top shelf. I think it is a but cluttered... and I am brainstorming new ideas already! I really want to incorporate and start collecting vintage house numbers into my living room. Aside from ebay, does anyone have any online resources for these? Also, noticing there really isnt a need for a lamp over there anymore. I am sure I can find a much more needed place for that lamp....

There are so many other projects in the works! I have a design sketched out for our bedroom, but that will have to wait another week. I did finally take a picture of that new light though...

Also getting ready to update this art corner in my living room. See that silhouette print on the very bottom? That was the beginning of the silhouette prints. When I brought them back and listed them into vol.25 they received an update! :) Of course the one on top is new,  and was just recently added. :) The new butterfly picture I spoke of earlier... definitely going into this space!

Well, thats it for now. I have some errands to run, should start thinking about dinner... and straightening up my house before Jaydon comes home. I wouldnt want him thinking I did nothing all day long... ;)

Yet another new print set...

Hello! Its a little late, (again!) but I haven't had a chance to blog about this new print set. I listed them a little earlier today, and keeping with tradition... I am now blogging about it. :) The prints are also listed individually. This is the set I was working on (and finished) before the kitchen series. I suppose I had considered keeping these to myself until after the baby was born. But, I think Lyndsey from Coveiter is right... I need to list them as I finish them. Thanks for the advice Lyndsey! Hopefully a couple weeks after the baby is born I will find time to create at least one new piece. :) However with my luck... I will have a perfect baby who sleeps all the time, and absolutely NO drive or inspiration, OR, I will have a very needy cuddly (awww) baby with no spare time, and a TON of inspiration! :) Really though, I *usually* see the glass half full.

In this new print set, I worked with colors I do not usually use, but I really like how they turned out.
I also listed the 1234 print in the shop. :)



Remember my butterfly inspiration post? Well, I completed my first print today and I will probably list it friday. I am really loving how it turned out. Chocolate and white are the only colors, and it feels so rich and vintage... Heres a sneak peek to hold you over until friday. :)



I also finally have a design idea down for the soon to be's baby announcements! I have them started, but of course finishing them will have to wait. :) As soon as I get something postworthy... I will definitely share.

btw- I really appreciate everyone stopping by and congratulating me on the decor8 feature. I TRULY appreciate each comment. :D It has brought in some new customers, and I am excited for that! Well, I have a couple orders that need printed and packaged... so I will be signing off for the night!

the cherry on top...

Ok! So, its late... and this will be my THIRD post for the day, and I really need to get to bed, but I HAD to post this first. Before heading to bed, I was doing a quick run through of my favorite blogs, and found yet another surprise over at decor8. :) An actual feature in her etsy take five tuesdays column. Yep... ME! Even though I paid for advertising on her blog a few months back, I have dreamed of an actual feature. So, this was like the cherry on top to an absolute perfect sundae of a day.
 

Not only was I thrilled about being recognized by Holly, but I was super excited to hear her own words, describing exactly how I hoped people see vol.25. Carefree, fresh, and evoking images/feelings of childhood. Suuuuper sweet. :)  Well thats my late night post. I am going to try and get some sleep... but I feel so excited and inspired, I fear it will be a late night filled with many many more ideas to come in the next couple weeks. :)

inspiration with wings

 

As I have said before... I generally have several projects or ideas running through my head at one time. One certain project has been on my list of things to do for months now. You can probably guess just what it contains? Yep, butterflies. I have been researching the different species, and am slowly compiling information for a new series. I browsed flickr for some gorgeous photography, and created this mosaic. I thought you may enjoy it as well. I am still not sure exactly where the series will go, I have so many different ways I can push the project, and I really cant seem to decide. Vintage with soft subtle textures, and muted hues... or bright and vivid with eye popping color?  I may end up creating two separate series. Otherwise I may go crazy wondering just how the other would have turned out. A nursery/child themed series is also a must. It seems I have been thinking more about kids themed art, with the addition of our new baby coming soon. :)

 

1. Butterfly, 2. desirous attachment, 3. fly away, 4. Yellow and light blue (HASSELBLAD 500C/M), 5. Can we go out for a dinner?, 6. Butterfly Hearts, 7. "Wooden Wings", 8. iridescent B L U E, 9. the butterfly with the translucent wings, 10. Mariposa 88 - 88 Butterfly, 11. Butterfly Glow, 12. At home a butterfly, 13. I'd be a BUTTERFLY, born in a bower,where ROSES and LILIES and VIOLETS meet., 14. I only ask to be free. The butterflies are free. ~Charles Dickens, 15. Another Glass Wing Butterfly, 16. pumpkin wings


Speaking of nursery/kids themed art I have completed another print, that will also be available in a print set, and probably the first in a new series as well. I havent listed it yet, but it will be available in a rainbow of colors. Insuring it will match any nursery. :) I really should take the time to list it. Sometimes I feel like I should be squirreling away and stockpiling a few new prints for after the baby is born. The shop will most definitely slow down after the new addition arrives, and I hope this does not scare people away. :)

I keep thinking, I will save this print for later... but I always end up listing it! I cant seem to decide if it would be better to make the product available at the earliest convenience or if it would be more important to have new art still listed on a regular basis during a slow time? It seems I am kind of undecided on this issue. What do you think? What would you do?





 





I am going to leave you with these super sweet pictures. I have spent a great part of the day looking back on Trins baby pictures. It is making me anxious to hold a baby in my arms again. Wasnt she just the sweetest little baby? So photogenic, she really loved the camera. I have also been browsing flickr for super cute newborn poses. I am starting on my birth announcements, and am going to include pictures into the announcement. So having ideas beforehand is really a must. :) I need to start addressing envelopes, and stamping them all. I plan to have them professionally printed, so I would love to have everything as done as possible! :) Wish me luck!

discovered "chirp away" on decor8 this morning!

To say I am excited, is somewhat of an understatement. :) I just now found one of my first prints "chirp away" featured in the fresh finds column on decor8's blog. Yay!! This completely made my day... and I will probably be feeding off of the excitement, the rest of the week. :) Here is a screen shot I snapped seconds after spotting myself! :)





also, I am working on two new additions to the i heart kitchen series. I have one completed, and thought I would share a teaser... :) I promise a full image will appear in the next couple of days.

 

I hope everyone had a great weekend! :) Ours was nice, but I was so excited to see my husband home again. I think 3 days is the longest we have been apart, since marrying... we are very fortunate for that. Well, I have a few things planned for today, and I *should* get started on them. The weather is overcast here, so photographing the new postcards will have to wait another day. happy tuesday!

i heart kitchens

Me again!! I really wanted to wait to list/post these until I could get some super cute pictures of these in my kitchen, but since I still have to snag myself some snazzy frames, I decided I had better just list them. :) I adore the colors and freshness of this whole set. Since 4 is hardly enough to fill the walls in my kitchen, I really foresee some new additions to the series. Any ideas? I considered a toaster, definitely need a toaster in there... :) Maybe a vintage stove? They are all available individually in the shop as well.

 

Also, these are cusomizable. If your kitchen is decorated in hot pink... let me know. I can switch the green out with any other color to make them match your decor perfectly. :) The sky's the limit!


I love gaining inspiration from others, so if you have an idea or two... always feel free to let me hear them. You never know what it may develop into. :)

Well, I hope everyone has a nice 3 day weekend planned. My hubby, dad, brother, and brother in law are all heading for the mountains with they're toys. So, us girls are all gathering at my house for the weekend. We plan to do no cooking whatsover.... and a little shopping. I am going to try and find some frames for this new series. Hopefully I will have pictures up of my kitchen soon.

We ordered a new dining table, and it is expected to be in another week from now. It is one we decided on a couple years ago, but couldnt afford at the time. It is currently on clearance, and we were told the price would be going up, after it was taken off clearance. Who knows for sure... but the sale price was enticing enough! I LOVE It to pieces.

It is counter height and when it seats 8 it makes out into a square. Its the dark espresso finish, and I am so excited to get it! Currently we are storing my parents' and while I love that it seats as many as it does... its huge, and the knobs on the tops of the table get caught on my sleeves, pockets anything! :) I have spilled more then one glass of milk because of those chairs. :) I really should have already listed it on craigslist. :) Must add to my list of things to do. :) Anyhow, have a great weekend everyone!! I will be listing the silhouette postcards sometime next week, along with the buttons. So stay tuned. ;)

FREE mini print promo offer!

My mini prints have arrived! With this means some extra goodies for first time vol25 shoppers. Upon checkout, if you let me know how you found vol.25, I PROMISE to include a signed limited edition (of 250) mini print with your order, COMPLETELY FREE. I have a few separate advertising spots active, and would love to be able to keep track of statistics for each one. I really really appreciate you taking the time to share, and to make it easy for you, you can include this information in the message to seller upon checkout. :)

The mini print image itself is sized at  4x6 inches, with the white border, it measures 5.5x8.5. So it really isnt too mini in size. :) It is printed on 15 pt. heavy cardstock. The white border can be trimmed down, to enable it to fit in a 4x6 sized frame.

So there you have it, I am sure these will pay for themselves. It really is nice to know how people stumble across my shop. Especially when you put a chunk a change to more then one blog at a time.

Currently, I am in the june/july bust magazine. I was lucky enough to snag an etsy cooperative ad spot. Although I admit to never reading the magazine, it does seem to have a loyal following. :) Hope everyone has a nice weekend planned! I also just listed that new kitchen art series to the shop, but I will try and designate a separate blog post for those. :) Feel free to let me know if you have any questions!

shop update!

 Its been hard to keep it quiet... but there is a couple new items coming to the shop in the next week. First off, there will be a new button set featuring the ever so popular silhouette prints. I have been wanting to get these ordered for awhile now, and will be happy to add them to the store. I will be sure and post pictures as soon as they are available. I also re-ordered the seeds of freedom button set, they sold out a month ago!

So, if anyone has been wondering where they went.... I promise to finally have some more in stock. There is also some more super exciting news about these little buttons,  I have been dying to share... but haven't wanted to jinx myself. I suppose if I whisper it... maybe it will be ok. Just dont tell anyone yet, ok? *wink* I had a customer order a set of these from me, (the amazing Joyce Schwarz) and she loved them so much she is including them in her book the vision board. Harper Collins will be publishing the book this fall, and my buttons are supposed to be near the front of the book. :) Yay! I am excited at the exposure this will give my little shop. I am always up for that... anyhow I will keep you updated on the whole thing as updates come into me.

 

  The second addition is the silhouette print we are shaped by our thoughts coming as a new postcard! Yet another product I have been wanting to get ordered.... and can finally check off my list! I think I will be redoing my postcard listings. I have updated the packaging since the pictures were taken and the graphics created. The postcards are scheduled to arrive this friday.

I am also just about finished with the pregnancy book I posted about a few months back. :) I actually have it and a matching baby book created. I received the pregnancy book in the mail yesterday. I love it, but for some reason the pages do not bleed all the way to the edge. There is a random white border, I need to find out if it was a mistake on my end, or theirs before I order a large quantity for the shop. I am really anxious to add this before the baby is born, trying to get as much as possible completed. I just received word that the baby book shipped today, I am keeping my fingers crossed that it looks perfect. I will try and post pictures soon. :)

Ok! I think that may be it for the shop updates. In other news, we did get that shelf of Trinitys finished. I need to take some pictures and do a seperate post just for it. I mean, there is quite a story that came along with assembling that mammoth of a wardrobe! :)