Catching Up is Hard to Do

A bunch of stuff has happened since my last post...all good stuff! The shows were a very positive experience and I'm looking forward to doing more in the future. Poeme is considering adding a third date in early December and, if you didn't read my last post, it's an incredibly wonderful little shop! For the Legendary Run Arts & Crafts Show, I introduced my latest new product...Coffee Cup Cozies! They were a big hit and I'm not surprised. Not only do they help people keep the earth green because they're reusable; they're also machine washable, reversible and adorable. I've got one posted in my ETSY shop if you'd like to see it.

I've also been busy developing different lines for the cozies; some are plain, ones that appeal to men, and embroidered ones. The embroidered ones will be ready early next week and say, "Caution: I'm hot!" How awesome is that! There are a slew of color combinations and you should also be able to find them at The Gift Box in Mt. Lookout.

My last note here is that I stopped by the Archiver's store in Deerfield. They are running a great sale ALL WEEK instead of just Black Friday. I picked up a lot of beautiful paper and embellishments but the big purchase was the Quickutz Epic Six (http://www.quickutz.com/epic/); a die cutting and embossing machine. I've been wanting to explore embossing for my cards and this was such a great deal I couldn't pass it up (especially thanks to the sales associate that helped me spend all my money). I can't wait to get it out of the box and get going. The best part about it is that it uses dies from a couple different manufacturers and the new L Letterpress products work with it too! I know what's on my Christmas list. Check out the review by Paper Crave, one of my favorite bloggers (http://papercrave.com/l-letterpress-tool-review/).

Poeme : A Great Shop

These days we need to be aware of all the great local shops and support them. It would be wonderful if everyone found that special place to frequent and buy a few things. Not only does it encourage our economic growth, it also helps the local economy more than shopping at one of the chains.

One of my favorite shops is Poeme, located on Michigan Avenue right around the corner from the Hyde Park fire station. They carry fabulous paper products including stationary, cards, ribbon, wrapping paper and other gifts. I knew they existed but had never gone in until about a month ago. I was looking for shops that would be interested in carrying my handmade cards. Turns out I knew the owner, Kristen Folzenlogen. She is a talented designer and creates the most beautiful custom invitations.

If you're in town, stop by and tell them you heard about it from Pink Purse Creative. You can also visit them on the web at http://www.poeme-online.com/ and Become a Fan on Facebook at Facebook | Poeme.

It's Show Time!

You know, I only started my greeting card business this past August and it is off to a great start! With the holidays coming upon us sooner than we always think, I am participating in my first shows.

I have to admit, I'm uncertain and stressed to the max! How much stock should I have? Will anyone show up? Will any of my designs sell? Is it worth the time and effort? I certainly hope so. I've never been one to worry and look at the "worst case scenario." I really try to stay positive and upbeat.

My main path of thinking is, "I love my cards so there have to be others out there that love them too!" It's like selling your house. You bought it, right? Because it was a great fit for you, your family (if you have one), your lifestyle, your taste. So it only seems right to think that it would also be a good fit for someone else.

I hope everyone that reads this post will love my cards too and stop by to see me at the shows.

Thursday, November 12  5:00 to 8:00 : : Poeme Trunk Show
Sunday, November 15  noon to 4:00 : : Poeme Trunk Show
Saturday, November 21  noon to 5:00 : : Legendary Run Arts & Crafts Show