vol.25

Wish me luck!

Hello everyone!

I know it has been a looong time since I have posted... I have been soo busy! We went out of town to see my brother and sister in law last weekend. So I have been packing and unpacking, and this weekend we are headed to Olympia WA for a cousin and a really good friend's wedding. :) So, today I will be packing again.

I'll be taking they're wedding pictures. I have tried to prepare myself as well as possible for this wedding, but I still feel a little un-prepared. I know I have some excellent photographers who drop by my blog, and if you could spare ANY tips at all I am always open for advice!

The bride is absolutely beautiful, and her and the groom make the sweetest, cutest couple so I really cant go wrong there. :) She has been super organized and sent me her list of pictures months ago. We are going to make it to the rehearsal so I can get a feel for how the wedding will go, and hopefully I can scout out some great locations! It is in Olympia (the rainy part of Washington) so it will undoubtedly be raining that day (which really stinks) but I am going to try and bring some umbrellas for a couple cute pictures. Any creative ideas for working with the rain? Maybe I should have her bring a cute bright pair of rain boots? We will be taking pictures after the reception, before the pair leaves for their honeymoon... so she wouldnt be as concerned about her dress afterwards.

whew... so yeah thats what I am thinking about lately. Doing quite a bit of online research. fun fun!

In vol25 news, the Valentines cards have been a huge hit! I had a lady from out of the states ask me if it were possible to offer them in a pdf form. I told her that was a great idea. So, I listed them in the shop. For 4.50 you can print as many as you want. :) I recommend using the best of photo quality setting on your printer, and using #80 lb cardstock, preferrably linen textured. Regular white cardstock would work fine as well. :) So, if you have adobe reader installed... you should be just fine with the printing process.

note: I will be making the listing inactive while away, since I will not be able to e-mail the file quickly during that time. It will be back up on sunday though! :)

Oh.. and here is a couple cute pictures I took yesterday. My parents are almost finished with they're house and they had they're first bbq out there yesterday. Us girls met the guys at the house and they took a 2 hour lunch break. The little girls had a blast running around the house. Noah (my sisters boy) and Journey shared a play pen for the first time. It was really cute watching them take each others toys. :) They are only 10 days apart, so we'll see how well they get along in the future!

I thought this picture was sweet as well. Trinity was saying "my journey, and your noah" to Jada.

I was trying to get Jada to pose with Trinity earlier, and it just wasnt happening. She finally decided to strike a pose. I mean really decided. :)

Here are some pictures of mom and dads house.

Tuscany inspired. These were taken with my fish eye lens. Super wide angle. :) The kitchen is off to the right in the back where the pendant lights are.

Anyhow, I have a list of things to do. It is soo much harder packing for two girls then it was one. :) Last weekend I remembered everything for the kids, but left stuff of my own behind! :) Which of course... led to a great shopping opportunity... ;)

If I cant post again before we leave... have a great weekend!

I'm a little late... but here with a winner!

Good morning! :)

So sorry for the delay in announcing this winner, something came up making it impossible to post at midnight. Then the baby had one of "those" nights, and I was grateful when she let me sleep in this morning.

Anyhow, I had Jaydon pick a number between 1 and 19... He picked #6. So, if I counted correctly ( I wish I could number my posts) that would be Nicole who said;

"I really don't recall how I found your blog. It may have been from your Etsy site, as I have you listed as a favorite seller there.

Love the new sketches! They're so cute. I wish I had that kind of talent."

Posted by: Nicole | January 16, 2009 at 05:33 AM

Congrats Nicole! E-mail (vol.25@hotmail.com) me your address and I will get your print out asap!

Thank you everyone for stopping in and lending your invaluable opinions/advice. :) It is really appreciated!! I have a 4 year old wanting breakfast, so I'll try to be back with a more thorough post a little later! :)

Thanks everyone!

Thursdays winner and todays giveaway...

Hello!!

To choose the winner, I had Jaydon (my husband) pick a number, and that number was 13. So, Abigail your the lucky winner! E-mail me (vol.25@hotmail.com) your address and I'll get your owl print headed your way asap! :)

Todays print is "We are shaped by our thoughts" 8x10 on 8.5x11" canvas paper.

Just drop me a comment along with your name, and you'll automatically be entered into the drawing. :) If you feel inclined to share, I would love to hear how you stumbled across my blog.

To everyone that commented: Thank you! Your opinions are invaluable! Several good points were brought up, and has really got me thinking. (yep, me... thinking!! :P) After re-reading my post yesterday morning, I realized I really didn't do a good job at explaining the upcoming baby book project. :) My plans include illustrating a baby book for my friend to be able to fill in. But, I do plan to have some blank picture "blocks" labeled in the book for the future addition of pictures. I think I might try shutterfly for printing. I have another friend who had some books printed from there, and they turned out great! So, it wont really be so much like a scrapbook... but if I want to have full control over the cover, those are my sizing choices. Maybe I should do the book at 12x12 in size, and then re-format it for the smaller 8x8 size. Then I can offer both in the shop? To say I am excited about this project would be an understatement. I was illustrating baby books long before I even got married. :) It was just something I enjoyed doing. To think that I have so many more resources available to me now... makes the whole project seem like it really has no limitations! :) Anyhow, I am rambling and will be heading to bed now... but I wanted to share with you some sketches I did for the baby book....

whatcha think? You cant really see the rhino, but him and the flamingo are my favorites. :)

Goodnight... umm morning! :)

a new giveaway and a winner from yesterday's...

The winner of "love happens" is Brittany D. who said:

"This is too cute for words!!! Thanks for doing such an amazing week of giveaways... fingers crossed =)"

Congrats, and thank you to everyone who commented. :) I always feel bad that only one person is able to win, but....

if you missed out you have a couple more chances still... Today I'll be giving up love who you are in ttv format. The image is sized at 5x5" and the paper itself is 8.5x11."

With this giveaway I need your help/opinion. I have been trying to decide on something, and was hoping that you could comment with your thoughts.

My first question is this: Do you think 12x12" is too large for a baby book? Is 8x8" too small? *I am planning another baby book using a different printing source, (lulu just didnt work for me) and these sizes seem to be the most versatile, however they are not your typical 8.5x11" baby book. What is your honest opinion on the sizing? Also, does anyone have any ideas for themes? I have a close friend expecting in march and I have begun working on a zoo themed baby book. I am really excited to get it finished and printed. :) But I need your help with the sizing! If all goes well I plan to offer them in the shop for sale.

its late, and I am ssoooo tired. I planned to update my shipping back to its normal pricing, but am way too tired to change it tonight. If you havent grabbed a print with the free shipping here is your last chance. :) I'll probably update it after breakfast in the morning... ummm I guess that would be this morning. :)

Well I am off to bed!

Today's giveaway... "Love happens"

Its officially wednesday! Which means its time to begin the giveaways. If your just tuning in, be sure and read monday's post where I give a complete play by play for the next few days. Also if you found your way via 30daysofhandmade... welcome! :)

Anyhow, today you have a chance at winning "Love happens."

Your print will be printed on 8.5x11" canvas paper, and the image itself sized at 8x10". :) To be eligible simply leave a comment. Your name will be randomly drawn, and winners will be announced at 12:00 am the following day. Staying up till 12:00 for the next few nights really wont be hard. :) Once the girls are finally off to bed, I can think of any number of things that keeps me up way past midnight! Fortunately, I am also able to sleep in the following morning. Journey generally sleeps from about 5:00-9:00, and that is so nice!

Anyhow, I am off to do something monumental. Maybe I'll clean out the fridge. ;) Happy commenting!!

Fold and seal Valentines cards

I finally finished the Valentines cards... all 6 designs. :) I listed them in the shop (right here) and I am so happy with how they turned out. I really felt like a kid again working on these. :)

Journey woke up from her nap (did I tell you she has two teeth now!?) a little early, as I type this Trinity just woke up as well, so I am needing to make this a quick post. Please forgive me for cheating and copying and pasting the info from the shop listing:

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Designing these Valentines cards has been a labor of love. They have brought back so many good memories... sitting at the table with a stack of Valentines Cards, picking through each one, and trying to decide which of my classmates should get which card. My parents taught me to be kind to all, so I made sure to never miss a classmate. I kept that in mind when designing these cards, there is a friend valentine for that certain someone you wouldn't want to give a wrong impression to! ;)

Paper: Each valentine is printed on 80 lb royal linen card stock.

Size: These Valentines are sized at 6x2.5". Perfect for folding, and stuffing in those hand decorated mailboxes/lunchboxes.

Designs included: This listing includes 6 designs, take a peek at the last image to see how many of each design you will be receiving.

Additional info: Each valentine has been hand stamped allowing the ideal place for your child (or adult) to address each valentine. This listing also include 24 white self adhesive circle seals. They have been left blank for your child's embellishing. Hearts can be drawn with markers, pencils, or crayons. :)

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Well, I had best be going... Trin is searching the cabinets for her "snack" :) happy early Valentines day!

Oh...and dont forget today is the last day to take advantage of the free shipping on all 8x10 prints! The sale has been a huge success!! Thanks everyone!

a week full of giveaways!

Happy Monday everyone!

I have some pretty exciting news to share with you all. Aside from selling my 600th item (yay yay!!) last night, YOU also have the chance at winning your very own print, and your chances are pretty high, cause there will be not one, not two, not three but FOUR giveaways happening this week. Yep, four. :) I had planned to celebrate my one year etsy-versary (happening this wednesday) by having three giveaways.... but last week Mique from 30 days asked me if I would be willing to host a giveaway for her readers. I am generally always excited to host a giveaway. So, of course I said yes! I will be giving away any 8x10 print of your choice, and you have until wednesday to enter. Simply leave a comment to be eligible. You can enter her giveaway by leaving a comment here.  I have been communicating back and forth with Mique for the past few days and she is a very sweet person. She wrote the kindest most thorough write-up on vol.25 (Thanks Mique!) I am sure you will be adding her blog to your favorites, I know I did! :)  

Wednesday will also kick off a stream of giveaways here on my blog. See... here is a giveaway planner of sorts for you to take a peak at.

If you have your own blog and you would like to share the giveaway with your readers, you are more then welcome to snag the graphic for use on your own website. Here is how things will work:

Wednesday morning 12:01 AM PST will begin wednesday's giveaway for "Love happens."

Thursday Morning at 12:01 AM PST will begin by announcing the winner of Wednesday's giveaway, as well as beginning Thursdays giveaway for "love who you are"

Friday Morning at 12:01 AM PST will begin by announcing the winner of Thursday's giveaway as well as beginning Fridays giveaway for "we are shaped by our thoughts"

Saturday Morning at 12:01 AM PST I will announce Friday's giveaway winner. :)

whew... what a week, and what a year! :) Thanks to everyone who has purchased art from me, or supported my little "hobby" in their own little way. I appreciate it! Looking forward to seeing what 2009 has in store.

Dont forget to enter the giveaway over at 30 days, TODAY! :) Then be sure and come back here wednesday. Best of luck to everyone!

I just cant decide!

Our little Journey is 6 months old and just about sitting up without any help now.

I really dont know who she gets her "ears" from. :) Trin had the same ears that stuck out, so I guess from her big sister... but I have no idea where her big sister gets them from. While I think she is cute with 'em, I am sure she will be releived when she gets in a little more hair. ;)

(In this picture she is "sporting" her new p.j.s from U. Roman and A. Shaela... too cute! I love them)

She does manage to sit up on her own for just a bit before teetering any which direction) So, I am excited about finally leaving the car seat in the car while shopping and letting her sit in the cart. I get so tired of lifting that heavy seat in and out of carts. Not to mention you just about need to be the jolly green giant in order to see OVER the seat while shopping in the store. Fortunately, I haven't plowed over anyone's children, but I must admit I have come very close!

She still seems a little too "fragile" to be sitting in a germ infested hard shopping seat. Which brings me to looking at shopping cart covers. I first seen these when Trin was graduating from the car seat... although she never got one, I did enjoy looking at them. :)

I am personally not one who likes to attract a bunch of attention while shopping, and thank goodness Trinity is growing out of the phase where she says "Hi" to everyone within sight distance. My first thought when seeing this most adorable shopping cart made by Kozy Pal.... was SUPER CUTE! This particular fabric is quite a bit cheaper then some of the other designs in the store. For 45.00 + shipping I can have this Kozy pal headed to my front door. I really do love the fabric, but it seems like it would literally say "STOP, look at me!" Or maybe I am just thinking this out a little too much?

I also like this one, but it is priced 20.00 more... and I believe it has all the same features.

Is it just me or does it seem a little more subtle? Same thing with this picture below. Priced 20.00 more but it seems more subtle?

I really think subtle is good, I dont want to hinder Jaydon from wanting to shop with me. :) I can hear him now... "you want me to push that cart around with this bright pink froofy cart cover on it? Wheres the handlebar anyhow?" I dont know, it might not even bother him, maybe its my dad I am quoting (if you know my dad you know ITS him I am quoting) :)

These all  have an added safety strap, toy loops, and a cup holder, complete with a little mommy bag.

Do any on you ladies use a shopping cart cover? Recommendations?

All cart images are from KozyPal

kids fold and seal valentines cards... sneek peak!

Look what I have been working on... kids valentines day cards, you know the ones you take to school and put in those super cute hand decorated mailboxes? :)

These are 2.5x6" tall. Not sure what the standard size are for the kid themed valentines day cards, but this size seemed to work well.

I ordered seals for these as well, so they can be folded then sealed. I have 4 other designs that I planned to finish, but I am not sure it would be worth my time. I really have no idea if these will sell at all! :) It was fun working on them anyhow. I think Trinity will enjoy picking out which ones to send to who. :)

Hope everyone has some nice plans for the weekend!

p.s. free priority mail shipping is still going on until the 14th! I am 9 orders away from hitting my 600 goal mark! :)

It has been almost a year...

...since vol.25 opened.

Yep, I will be celebrating my 1 year etsy-versary on the 14th! I am a few orders shy of 600, and would love to have made it to that magical number before my first year is marked. So to help sweeten the deal I will be offering free priority mail shipping within the us and free first class mail international for all my international customers. I wouldnt want to leave anyone out! :) The free shipping offer will expire on the 14th, (a week from now) so you have a few days to place your order... but don't procrastinate too long! ;)

I will also be hosting a huge giveaway to say thank you. :) So be sure and check back in on the 14th for more details.

This year really went great, and I never would have imagined that my little "hobby" would turn into what it has. :) I have learned some tips along the way, and I think I will write a post documenting a few of those things. Maybe I can help someone else along the way.

Anyhow... I am going to get started on those valentines day cards I promised. :)