Le Papier Studio

2009-07-09T20:26:00.000-07:00

Do you ever get the need for a vacation after the one you just had? That was me this past week. But I am happy to say that I am all caught up! Pheww!

Every time we go on vacation we start talking about how it would be to live in a different place. The thought of being closer to our families is very tempting. We miss them so much and we want our son to see them more than once a year. Don't take me wrong, we love it here in Chicago...our church and friends are the reason we have made this place our home and feel so blessed. But every now and than, those thoughts pop in and get us thinking about the "what if"!!

Niko had so much fun...soaking up the sun and rolling on the sand. There was sand even in his ears by the time we left.

St Michael has interesting antique shops.

these cousins are the sweetest thing to watch...

Everyone had grown so much since a year ago...and we got to meet sweet Maddie for the first time. She is such a cutie pie!

Blue crabs are a specialty in DE...I didn't eat any just took pictures:)

These were just a few of the many pictures we took. I will be posting more here and there.

We're back...

2009-07-06T13:29:00.000-07:00

these past 10 days we did a lot of:

water splashing, endless siestas, listening to the birds sing, coloring, building and soaking up the sun, crying, laughing out loud, enjoying each other.

We're back into real life mode. That translated into the following:

little guy adjusting to being inside most of the time (sigh*)
catching up with the laundry, housework
prioritizing work that needs to be done over at Le Papier Studio

ahhh...i think i need another vacation to recover from the one we just had. I will be posting pictures in the next couple of days. But now, off to handle life.

See you soon!

Vacation mode

2009-06-23T11:03:00.000-07:00

F.I.N.A.L.Y!!!!!!!!!!
We're heading out tomorrow for a 10 day family vacation. We will be spending time with my in laws in the East Coast and visiting some other places up and down the coast. I am really looking forward to being with my boys and spending some time at the beach. I am also planning on meeting some of my blogger and twitter friends for the first time. It should be fun! I always enjoy meeting the faces behind my favorite blogs.

I don't know how much I will be blogging while away ( my plan is not to!!) but I'm sure I will be stopping by your blogs every now and than.

The shop and website will be open but all orders will be processed when I get back. If you have questions don't hesitate to email me. I know I say I will not do any work while away but I am sure I will find the time to answer questions.

See you all when I get back. Stay cool and enjoy summer (it's finally here!!!)

Featured at Edyta Szyszlo's Blog

2009-06-22T09:22:00.000-07:00

I came across Edyta Szyszlo's work, a talented photographer and fell in love with her style. When asked if she could share a few photography tips for an article I am currently working on for Startup Pricess (more on this later..) she was soo very helpful and kind enough to not only share tips but check out my website and send her comments my way. I just loved that!

This morning Edyta featued my shop on her sweet blog. Check it out and while you're there, check out her amazing work too.

Edyta lives near by and I so bad want to hire her to do a photography session of my family. I also want her to photograph all of my products!!! I was thrilled to find out she recently photographed some of Paper Source products. Check it out...here.

He popped the question!

2009-06-18T17:56:00.000-07:00

He really did! And they are getting married in Italy...This engagement announcement couldn't have been any cuter (if i can say so myself:) Jeff popped the question by the Queensboro Bridge in Brooklyn. How romantic! What I love the most about this couple is that they insisted on having their sweet chiwawa be part of this special moment!!!

Tea + Talk with sweet Melissa

2009-06-18T06:31:00.000-07:00

hello friends!
I was over here yesterday! Come on over and say hello...and get to know me a wee better!

galipette.

2009-06-15T22:27:00.000-07:00

these little lovelies couldn't have come at a better time. After sending off all the orders to their happy homes, I sat and enjoyed a handful of these...little caramels from ....Paris...oh la la!
Galipette is the sweetest, yummiest shop on Etsy!!

Featured on Daily Candy

2009-06-09T07:11:00.000-07:00

There is nothing better than coming home to the sweetest surprise!! This morning my silhouette cufflinks were featured on Daily Candy Everywhere Father's Day Gift Guide. I am tickled pink right now!!! Thank you Daily Candy for making my day!

Home sweet home...

2009-06-08T18:38:00.000-07:00

We're back! We spent a peaceful 3 day weekend in Door County, WI with our good friends from college, Leanne and hubby Brad, Alyssa and hubby Pete...

Egg Harbor, WI

the view from our cabin was out of this world!!!

The moon was full and its reflection above the lake was dreamy...

Now, I need to focus on doing some work. There are orders to be filled, laundry to be done, etc.
How was your weekend?

We're off to the beach!

2009-06-03T17:05:00.000-07:00

We're off the to beach! We'll be spending 3 days with our good friends. Can't wait to share pictures. See you next week...

Happy 4th

2009-05-27T08:39:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrate 4 years of your life sweet Niko! You have been a blessing to your daddy and I and we are so very proud of the little person you have become.

We stopped at the bakery shop today for a special breakfast, just you and I. You couldn't stop talking, telling people everything from, "my mommy and daddy left me for one night on their anniversary day"...to "today is my birthday and I am 4, I will have two birthday cakes..." pretty much anything that could come to mind at that moment and that would get their attention. You were your usual self! I was a bit embarrassed! I don't talk to strangers like you do:)

Keep that innocent soul and the child in you always, no matter how old you become!

May God bless you and grant you many more years!

Love,

Mama

Ps.. You received this card/cartoon from our friend Brad...You liked it sooo!!

That Brad!!!

Featured Artist Stacy Altiery of InkSpot Workshop

2009-05-26T18:46:00.000-07:00

Since I started selling on Etsy not only have I met the most amazing, genuine people with whom I can relate in so many levels, but I have discovered an ongoing source of inspiration. Creativity inspires me so much. I find it coming from discovering a new shop via the Front Page or through the grape vine of the blogging world. It is how I discovered Stacy Altiery, the genious behind InkSpot Workshop. I was instantly smitten by the simplicity of her line, the color combinations and the way she puts everything together. Stacy also keeps a blog where she shares bits from her life and doses of inspiration from her lovely finds.
I can't wait to share this interview with all of you. Take a seat and enjoy!

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Stacy Altiery and I’m the imagination and staff behind InkSpot Workshop (est April, 2008) and Fire Hydrant Press (est December, 2008), both stationery shops on Etsy. The business is run out of my house in Atlanta, GA, which I share with my ever supportive husband, super energetic 3 year old son and our 2 “senior” pound puppies. In addition to running InkSpot Workshop, I am a sales representative for a large medical device manufacturer out of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey. Yes, I have seen the new “Real Housewives of New Jersey” and so far have not seen too many folks around our corporate offices like that.

I have been crafty my entire life. As a kid in the 1970’s I latch hooked many rugs, made tons of Shrinky Dinks and macramaed my fair share of beaded chokers. However, it wasn’t until I got into professional sales that I realized my graphic design potential. I have made many promotional flyers using my company’s logo, of which I’m sure our legal department would take issue with. I then took my new hobby to another level when I designed all of my wedding paper goods, back in 2004. We had a destination wedding in St. John, USVI and I had a specific “look” I wanted and just made everything myself, including invites, menus, agendas, you name it. It was then that the real paper crush began! Of course the birth of my son 3 years ago put my passion for design into a new light and I became even more creative with my productions. Then, a year ago my friend introduced me to Etsy and InkSpot Workshop was born.

I love selling as much as I love to create which is why my side business is such a perfect fit with my day job. I have several different degrees including a Bachelor’s in Business Marketing, and two different Associate’s in Fashion Marketing and Culinary. I love to cook for a creative outlet, but only when there is enough time. I do not enjoy cooking just to “eat” meaning we go to restaurants quite frequently. Time for recipe experimentation usually happens on Sundays; when there is time to cook. What I appear to be saying is that I have ADD!

1. Personalized dog silhouette print

2. Dog Silhouette gift enclosures

3. Woody Personalized note cards set

4. Armadillo note cards set

How do you run a business while being a mother to a young child?

Lots of help! First I must say my husband is an amazing father and very supportive of InkSpot Workshop, which helps tremendously. He also works from our home and is in medical sales too, so he completely understands my work pressures.

Working out of my home for both my full time job and InkSpot Workshop can be a challenge when you have a toddler. Luckily, my office door has locks :) My son goes to preschool 3 days a week and we have a sitter the other 2 days. I really try to do all of my work in the early morning hours and late nights, even keeping the same hours on the weekends so I can be a mommy during the off hours. I have been working with a designer for the launch of my new website in the next several weeks and it has been challenging to find the hours needed to finish this project. This means “mommy time” has been getting sacrificed (:

Do you have a studio/work schedule? What works for you?

Well, I guess you could call it a schedule? I wake up at 5:00 am every morning, including weekends. Sometimes I will allow myself to sleep in on Saturday, depending upon how many orders need to be filled. During the week my son and husband usually wake up around 7-7:30 am, so I get a few hours of peace and quiet in the house. The afternoon is broken up between going on sales calls to see doctors and nurses and making stationery. How’s that for using both sides of your brain? From 5-8:00 pm I am a mommy, and then from 8-10:00 pm I’m back in my workshop taking care of orders. Sadly, my Tues+Thurs (6-7pm) gym schedule has fallen off the chart, so I’ve just recently gotten myself back into Pilates training with an instructor. It is so hard to take time away from your “family time” to do something just for yourself, when you already spend all your time away from them.

Stacy's cool workspace.

Where do you look for inspiration?

The cliché answer is “everywhere” but honestly, I get most of my inspiration from fabric, furniture, wallpaper and even rugs. Sometimes I will see some amazing flowers growing in the wild and make mental notes. My 3 year old son recently inspired me with his never ending rendition of “Old MacDonald Had a Farm”. I came up with a cute set of kid’s note cards featuring a pig, cow and black sheep with their appropriate sounds

How do you separate working on your growing business from spending time with the family? Any tips you would like to share with us?

This is a constant struggle with any working mom and one that I feel guilt about on a daily basis. You never really separate the two worlds, especially when you are passionate about your work which is almost like another child. What I have been doing is trying to make sure that when it’s “mommy time” or “wifey time” or any other time that I’m not in my workshop, I’m living IN the MOMENT. Meaning I’m completely focused on where I am and who I am with, rather than stressing about stationery orders that need to be filled or calls I need to make to my medical customers.

I look at my 3 year old and am so sad that he resembles a little man more than a baby now. I’m afraid of blinking and poof, he’s off to college and I didn’t remember his childhood because mommy was “so busy” working all the time. This fear of mine has fueled my determination for living in the moment, training my brain to focus on the “now” and not what needs to be done. I also no longer stress about finding balance because I came to the realization that the act of “balancing” is a back and forth motion, you are never really still when you are balancing, right? So as long as I am in back and forth motion between my work and my family, I am balancingJ

Lastly, I do not participate in craft shows or fairs, but thoroughly enjoy attending them as a customer. It would be a ton of work for me to print everything in order to fill a booth. Right now I print each order when it comes in so I’m not sitting on a bunch of inventory. Most craft shows are on the weekends and that would be cutting into my family time and I must draw a line somewhere. Not to mention a show allows you to reach only a “finite” number of potential customers. It makes more sense to me to focus all energy on my business as an online format, because the world is my customer, not just the local people who attend a craft fair.

What’s your idea for a perfect day?

The perfect day includes a peacefully quiet morning start with a cup of strong coffee in my favorite mug. Then I realize my early mornings and late nights have paid off because I am all caught up! … And now I get to spend the day with my family, carefree and spontaneously. These days really do happen and I am ever grateful when they do.

Do you keep/have a wish list? What’s on top of the list?

I really don’t keep an actual “wish list” on paper, but naturally have a bunch of “wishes” in my head. The top of that list would include travelling abroad with my husband and son. We constantly toss around ideas for our next trip and lately Switzerland has looked pretty good.

What’s the one thing you can’t live without?

Burt’s Bees beeswax lip balm, in the original flavor, not the fancy new versions. I keep one in my office, bedroom, bathroom, car, and of course cosmetic bag.

What makes you smile?

So many to list, but here are my top 5

1. Listening to my son sing a song. Especially when he thinks he knows the words, it's just hilarious to hear what his little mind comes up with and he tries to interject the word "shark" where ever he can.

2. When my husband does something for me all on his own and I didn't have to ask (nag)

3. Hearing the words "good morning mom" and the pitter patter of little feet. Every morning when my son gets up he knows mommy is in the office. He runs down the stairs and into my office with this super sweet greeting, straight into my arms and followed with a big hug and kiss. Such a great way to start to day.

4. When I get a creative impulse and see the idea on paper for the fist time.

5. Climbing into my bed when it has freshly cleaned sheet that are nice.

Wow, thanks for sharing your tips with us Stacy!

Make sure to check out Stacy's lovely shops:

InkSpot Workshop and Fire Hydrant Press

and don't forget her blog for more insights in her life and business.

To The One I Love

2009-05-23T20:08:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow will be marking 6 years of being married to you.

We met on undergrad school studying architecture. We spent hours working/studying together. I knew you were the ONE the moment I started talking to you. The 8 years I've known you have been the best years of my life. We have been blessed with the most amazing son any parent can have. Here is to many more years together! I love you more than words can say...

Arkitektur - my other love

2009-05-22T11:37:00.000-07:00

I love the fact that I can still do hand drawings every now and than. It's very relaxing for me. Recently I worked on a custom project for a team visiting mainly Germany and a couple of other countries in Europe. I hand drew a series a buildings/scenes(6 in all) they will be visiting and converted them into postcards. The project took hours but the outcome was great.

These are some of them....

Berlinerdom - Berlin, Germany

Brandenburg Gate - Berlin, Germany

Frauenkirche -Dresden , Germany

Charles Bridge - Prague, Czech Republic

If you like to purchase any of them or the whole series, they are up for sale on the shop. I can do any size, from postcards to 8x10 or even 10x16. Just let me know.

Featured Artist - Jaimee Matz McClellan of Modern Classics

2009-05-18T21:44:00.000-07:00

I have enjoyed so very much getting to know all my artist friends and introduce them to you as well. Each one of them inspires me not only in what they do but also how they go about achieving their dream. Each and everyone struggles with the work-family balance and it is that particular challenge I am after. I want to know what you think! This next artist is a dear friend. We have a lot in common but mostly we L.O.V.E paper. Jaimee has a dear online shop and a lovely blog.
So grab a seat and join in as we learn more about Jaimee's love for what she does and her tips on balancing it all.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I am a Mommy, Wife & Artist...loving it all!

Having a photographer for a Father and a Mother who can draw just about anything with the greatest ease, I was lucky enough to inherit a bit of their talents. From a young age, it was almost certain wherever I was, your could find me with a piece of paper and crayon in hand. It was the same as I got older...having grown up just outside of the Big Apple, inspiration was at my fingertips. I remember skipping school to spend all day at the Met not wanting to leave. I later studied Art in college, starting out as a Sculpture Major and graduating with my BFA in Textiles.

How do you run a business while being a mother to a young child?

It can be tough at times but it's working out so far. I do most of my work while my little guy is at Nursery School or late at night after he's asleep. But should something pop up off schedule, he's right by my side making creations of his own.

A mother's love

Do you have a studio/work schedule? What works for you?

Well, I've attempted setting specific studio times but never the less, it goes right out the window after the first day. My family comes first and life just isn't predictable! So, I work around "life's Schedule" instead.

Jaimee's lovely studio

Where do you look for inspiration?
Everything inspires me...other artists, nature, everyday life. It all has an effect on me and what mood my work conveys. My creations are an extension of myself. I think there's no better way to connect with people then to have them find a piece of your art work that speaks to them for whatever reason it may be. I think the most important thing to remember is that if it makes you happy, people will see that.

Elephant baby shower invitations

How do you separate working on your growing business from spending time with the family? Any tips you would like to share with us?

I put my family first but when duty calls, I must admit I have the most supportive husband on the planet. (At least, in my book) He fills in when Mommy's ties up for the moment. During the day, I try to make business errands fun for my son by creating pretend errands list/scavenger lists on his own-he's occupied and enjoying himself at the same time. Although, I don't know how much longer that will last. Visits to the Post Office, on the other hand, are a breeze...lucky for me, there's a bakery next door, so that's never a problem:)
What's your idea for a perfect day?

Hmmm...it would have to start with a trip to the bakery (of course) and a day filled with warm sun, green grass and my two favorite guys!

Do you keep/have a wish list? What's on top of the list?

I don't necessarily have a wish list but if I did, travel would be on the top of it.
Growing up, we were fortunate enough to travel the world with my father on business trips. I learned so much about people, different cultures and art during those trips and I'd love for my son to have the same experience.

What's the one thing you can't live without?

That's easy. My family!

What makes Jaimee smile?

It doesn't take much. I'm generally a happy gal...although, sweet kisses from my son are certain to seal the deal.

Thank you Jaimee for spending some time with us!
Don't forget to check out Jaimee's work here and here...

New product - Silhouette Cufflinks

2009-05-12T18:16:00.000-07:00

I have been so excited about adding this new item in my shop. I got the idea from a client of mine. I think they make a great gift for Father's day. A set of these would make any groomsmen happy!

Pick from silhouettes I already have on file or request your custom silhouette to be drawn.

Doses of Spring

2009-05-07T11:49:00.000-07:00

Today the little guy and I took a walk...

We played at the park..
ate donuts from our favorite bakery..
..and enjoyed the slow morning (God knows how much I need this!!)

What a gorgeous weather we're having today! I hope it lasts!

I already feel rejuvenated. Off to enjoy some cooled treats with Niko. Hope you like these images we took today ( I say 'we' because they were a collaboration of Niko and I - well mostly I but you get the idea:)

Featured Artist - Jan DiCintio of Daisy Janie

2009-05-06T11:56:00.000-07:00

It is with such pleasure I present this next artist to you all. I love her work. She is a talented fabric designer with an eye for beautiful creations. Her Urbana collection makes me smile big!
Jan and I would have been neighbors if she didn't move away from the Midwest!!
Jan has an eye candy of a shop and a sweet blog where she shares her daily inspirations. I heart them both and I urge you to check them out. Also, check out this cool video she filmed and edited. Talk about talents!!

Shall we start? Take a seat and enjoy!

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I have been a working artist for over 10 years, with a focus on fabric and surface design. I’m married to the man of my dreams, which becomes more true with every passing day. We have an 11-year-old son and 2 wild canines. My degree is in Marketing, and it has proven quite useful in running my own business!

How do you run a business while being a mother to young children?

My kiddo is now 11, and the older he gets, the easier it gets b/c I have my day to myself. However, I remember all too well trying to work during naps or preschool mornings – it’s very challenging and hectic! What I find most demanding these days is my need to be “in the moment” when we talk or spend time together. There’s no more setting him up with a toy or tv show while I run off to check email, and telling him, “Mommy has to do something real quick.” For me, the jig is up so I try to make sure he knows he’s the priority when he’s the priority.

Do you have a studio/work schedule? What works for you?

I pretty much rock around the clock when it comes to work, but I do have certain things I prefer to get done at certain times of the day. I tend to blog for Scoutie Girl first thing & last thing in the day, and the afternoons are filled with work for Daisy Janie. I keep a running to-do list, and that is a major help for me – so I can jump right in without have to think! Lists help with keeping my anxiety levels in check, too.

busy, busy bee! I love how colorful her workplace is.

When did you start doing what you do and how did you come about realizing that this is “it”?

Since 2000, I’ve had 3 businesses with an art-selling bent – Daisy Janie is lucky #3! Although the media was different, the focus in each business has always been about covering surfaces with a design: painting it, sewing it or printing it. As my skillset evolved and my interests changed, I would experiment with new ideas. Such was the case in 2005 when I wanted to use fabrics that nobody else was using, and I designed my own! Talk about an eye-opener – that was the “it” moment for sure.

Urbana Collection - a favorite of mine amongst others.

What inspires you?

Original artistry that marries form & function – or ‘beauty & duty’ as I like to call it. I also go bonkers over Broadway-style musicals, particularly anything by Bob Fosse. Both of these are art forms embedded in raw talent and serious passion – they speak volumes to me and send me completely over the edge!!

her artwork looks great on the walls too!!!

How do you separate working of your growing business from spending time with the family? Any tips you would like to share with us?

To separate the two, I’ve designated certain times of the day that are absolutely untouchable for each. Constant perspective checks help a great deal: I remind myself that this time when my son is young will not be returned to me, and I also remind myself that the pressure I feel regarding my business is completely self-induced…it’s a tight rope that can spur magnificence as easily as it can eat you alive.

What’s your idea for a perfect day?

A great workout in the can by 9am, home to relax with the fam and a strooong cup of coffee, little housework or yardwork (for real) until lunchtime, bike ride or hike in the afternoon, yummy dinner & more family time with games and/or one of our fave shows (Dirty Jobs, Good Eats, Mythbusters, Survivorman). As I wrote this, I realized I work so darn much that it’s extremely rare for me to do all of these things in one day – usually just 1 or 2 on the list. Must change that immediately – thanks for that Vana!

Do you keep/have a wish list?

Yes indeedy – for home and for work! At the top would be lots of unfinished projects in our home – too many to count! Next on the wishlist would be magically destashing all the raw mats I no longer need/sell. They take up space in my house and in my head, and I’d like to have them gone from both! (Anyone need 10 yds of 15-gauge clear vinyl?)

What’s the one thing you can’t live without?
My personal holy trinity: lip balm, lotion and Trident.

What makes you smile?
My husband, my son, my dogs, my friends, my family…the standard stuff.

Jan, it is such a pleasure knowing you and seeing you expand your designs all the time. I look forward to seeing what you come up with in the future. Thank you for the glimpse into your life, and work.

Make sure to check Jan's work here and blog here...

I {heart} Chicago Daily Candy!!

2009-05-04T08:41:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to share this with you all. I was contacted by the Emily Fiffer, Chicago editor, DailyCandy, inc. who wanted to interview me for a new editorial on uprising new designers. Emily had found my Custom Silhouette Pillow on Etsy and was so excited to include it on the "Go Ahead, Make her Day" article which aired this morning. I am a big fan of Daily Candy and to be featured on one of their editorial articles, well, it makes me that much happier. Now off, to handle orders...!!

24 hours Giveaway

2009-05-02T07:06:00.001-07:00

Amanda Soule of Soule Mama is holding a weekend giveaway. Two lucky winners will receive one of my 8x10 Falling Leaves print and a 14x14 custom silhouette pillow. If you have never come across Amanda's blog, well you should! She is one talented mama! Giveaway ends tomorrow morning, Sunday at 8 AM. I thought I'd share! Good luck everyone!

Startup Princess Interview

2009-04-29T21:04:00.000-07:00

A couple of months ago I got talking to my dear friend, Sarah Jane about running a business from home while being a mommy to young children. She introduced me to Startup Pricess, a great international network for women entrepreneurs like you and I who like to connect with others in the same position. The website is full of useful resources and inspiring testimonials of other "startup princesses". You should definetely check it out!

I was recently asked to participate in an interview sharing more about starting up my business, my goals and life in general. Go here to read more...

Workspace {updated}

2009-04-28T07:03:00.000-07:00

I never seem to have enough space for all of my business needs. Given the fact we live in a condo, I have to make the most of my space. We actually love living in a small space (it's how I grew up anyways). It makes it all cozy and sweet but when it comes to running a business from home, any extra space I can get to store everything, is greatly appreciated. You might remember this initial post?

Well, over the weekend my smart hubby got me this shelf from IKEA and Voila...

a much better and organized workspace. The shelf is right behind me so no need to run back and forth from our storage/laundry room. Everything is within easy reach...even my sewing machine which I am starting to use more and more these days!! I also ordered a fancy drafting chair, since the one I currently have works ok but it's not very comfortable for spending hours in front of a PC.

Pretty cool!!! Wouldn't you say so?

Featured Artist - Melissa de la Fuente of Acts of Kindness

2009-04-26T21:52:00.000-07:00

Every time I contact a fellow artist with the question "would you like to participate on the Featured Artist series of my blog?" I get a bit anxious to find out if they're up for it. All of them agree, so I don't even know why I have that feeling...But anyhow!

This next artist is one of my favorite people in the bloggostphere and I am so happy I came across her blog. We connected right away like we had known each other for a long long time. That's how I feel when I email back and forth with sweet Melissa, of Acts of Kindness. She creates the most adorable jewerly pieces of which I have a couple of favorites. Her blog, Melissa Loves, is an eye candy and the best source not only for inspiration but for meeting new artists as well. I am adicted to her "tea + talk" series. She has a way with people, which I l.o.v.e!!!

But enough about what I think! Take a seat and let's begin! You'll love her!

1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Hi! Well, let's see....My name is Melissa and I am married to my best friend, Joel.

We have two little girls that I feel incredibly honored and awed to be raising (man, I hope I do right by them!) :)

We live in New Jersey after living in NYC for 14 years. I am originally from southern Florida(way down near the Everglades and the Florida Keys) I actually went to college to be an actor but, once my first daughter was born....I stayed home. Now, I just do a little voice over work on the side. I love and have always loved: dogs, the ocean, climbing trees & jewelry! :)

I guess now that I am a "grown up" I could add tea, going to the movies, great belly laughs with friends, and just enjoying my family to that list.

2. How are you able to do what you love while being a mother to young children?
Well, let me start off by saying that it is so much easier when you have your hubby or partner around to help you out. I couldn't do it so easily without Joel. My friends whose husbands have 9 to 5 jobs or are single parents have it WAY harder for sure.

3. Do you have a studio/work schedule? What works for you?
My desk is RIGHT in the middle of all the action which makes it easier and(sometimes) more frustrating! :) I do try to only work in the morning while they are both at school( my littlest one is only there 3 days a week from 9 to 12) and then whatever I don't get done, I try to finish up before dinner or after they go to bed. It doesn't always work like that however :)

~ above my desk (girl print by www.myfolklover.etsy.com, little log from my friend Nancy's shop www.shopparcel.com, drawing by my hubby, little cat by www. fernanimal.etsy.com

~ In this secretary is where I keep all of my jewelry supplies and packaging.....and a little rotating tribute above of some of the artists I love

~Top shelf: elephant print(www.jaimezollars.etsy.com) girl print(www.myfolklover.etsy.com)

~second shelf: mushroom(wwwTamar Mogendorff.com),Heather Smith Jones piece(behind the little kitty cat pitcher), little owl(www.yellowowlworkshop.com), Bubbo print(www.bubbo.etsy.com)

~third shelf: deer print(www.berkleyillustration.etsy.com) tiny mushroom tag(www.naturalhistorie.etsy.com), flower photograph ( from Ez-www.wrenandchickadee.etsy.com)

~Quote I adore from sweet www.laureldenise.com , little bouse from my friend Marichelle (www.wunderlust.etsy.com)

4. When did you start doing what you do and when did you come about realizing that this is "it"?
This is such an interesting question for me because even though I have loved jewelry my whole life I never really considered that I would be doing this at any point. I thought I would always work as an actor but, when I started getting frustrated at some of the prices of jewelry I saw and loved out there in the mainstream....I thought "I wonder if I could design my own?" And that is really where it began for me, I just took a leap of faith. Oh, and it was only a little over a year ago.....

Andrea Ring, the sweetest most elegant and timeless ring ever. Soon to be mine:)Hope necklace. Two words: love, love.

5. What inspires you?
Oh , wow. What doesn't? A lot of things inspire me, other people, acts of kindness, meaningful and heartfelt stories or phrases. Artists I see on etsy every day. Nature.....(particularly branches and twigs, birds, blossoms, mushrooms, water, ....) Textures like linen and velvet, colors like yellow, green, pink and blue.....oh, and grey! I am still obsessed with grey. I would love to start working color into my designs but, I haven't quite figured out my way with that yet!

6. How do you separate working on your little business from spending time with the family? Any tips you would like to share with us?
I am extremely conscious of not spending all my time on the computer and constantly trying to make a better schedule that works for me and for my family. Recently, I have come up with...."ok, Melis...just get your work done now and then you can goof around on the computer later when they are asleep or at school." So, it isn't much but, it has made me stick to the point a little better and save all the fun stuff for later! :)

7.What's your idea of a perfect day?
Hmm....I would say it would go like this....I wake up late to find my girls asleep, snuggling with me and we are perfectly comfortable. Joel wakes us with breakfast he has made...and then I get to sleep a tiny bit more and then we all gather with some of our best friends and their kids and romp and play in the park and have a picnic. Then later, when everyone is tired, the kids all get to flop and relax at home with a babysitter while all the grownups go out to a wonderful dinner filled with lots and lots of laughter! We come home, the girls are so happy to see us and then we tuck them in for bed, give them kisses, tell them we love them more than anything in this whole world and everyone sleeps over! :)

8. What's your favorite get away location?
You know, growing up my folks had(and still have) a small house on the beach in the keys.....there, on that beach, under some shade, with an awesome book, and a tall glass of something cool to drink.....that was always one of my favorite places to be or to dream about. It still is but, I would have to add....being in the south of France with Joel. We went there on our honeymoon and I would love to go back someday and just ramble about.

9. Do you keep/have a wish list? What's on top of the list, right now?

Do I have a wish list?! Do I have a wish list!?! Do I ever! :) There are so many things I fall in love with on a daily basis and I often think my wish list is my way of storing it away so I don't feel the need to buy it(SOMEtimes) I am really trying to not spend much money these days(like a lot of us) and so my list grows and grows! Here are a few that are on my mind all the time lately....

~anything from Liane's shop Enhabiten

~ this bracelet

~ this necklace

~this mobile

~these bowls

~ this teapot

and I am obsessed with finding the perfect bag with pockets on the front.....don't ask me why. :)

10. Four most favorite blogs?

ooh....it is tempting to say I can't narrow it down to just 4(which is true) but, I am going to try. Creature comforts, Heart Handmade, Bliss, What possessed me, hey susy!, decor8, S.Hoptalk, Mackin Ink (even though it isn't up anymore) design for mankind, simplesong, perfectbound, simple lovely, cup of jo, lou lou & oscar and you lovely Vana~ ! oops! Was that more than 4 ? (heh heh)

11. What's the one thing you can't live without?
Oh, easy....Joel, Elena and Tallulah.

12. What makes Melissa smile?
My girls having fun, Joel doing something silly to make me laugh, everytime someone says something nice about my jewelry or my blog( it really makes my day, every time), tea and a chat with a good friend, Joel saying " our babysitter is coming to watch the girls and we are going out to dinner and a movie!", a beautiful spring day, when my girls are being really loving to each other, a great sense of humor, dogs, my friends, a really thoughtful gesture and everytime I come across some new and wonderful artist on Etsy or elsewhere.

Thank you dear Melissa for taking a moment to share the artist, the mother and wife with us. You truly are a beautiful person!

Check out Melissa's Etsy shop here and her lovely blog here.

What have I been up to...

2009-04-24T21:34:00.001-07:00

Niko was home most of the week so I took some time away from work to just be with him. I love those moments! I adore the age he is in now! I can't get enough of his little personality but boy oh boy how I wish he wouldn't have the temper that he does have some times:) It's a bit challenging for Aaron and I as we try to figure out the best way to discipline yet show him that we love and care for him deeply.

I have been quite busy this week due to a couple of press releases, always a good thing. I have decided to accept a couple of new wholesale opportunities. More on this later...

It's already 80 degrees in Chicago. Spring is finally here it seems. I don't know how much of it will we see before the hot hot summer days arrive...yikes!!!

I'm leaving you with a few images of some of my latest creations...

Custom wedding invitations for a friend of a friend.

Baby shower invitations for the sister of a friend...

Custom Silhouette Lunch bags. This one for my Niko. I have a feeling it will be a big hit :)

Custom Silhouette throw pillows available now in more sizes.

This last one was a custom order. The bride will be giving these custom silhouette pendants to all her girlfriends as a wedding gift. I think they turned out great and it was so much fun working on something like this.

I am looking forward to enjoy my weekend with the boys.

PS: Thank you for all the sweet words about Aaron's interview. He was happy to find out it made such an impression to you all.

The other half

2009-04-21T07:07:00.000-07:00

The Chupps are here today...

Thank you dear Marichelle for the opportunity to see it through my hubby's eyes!