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

You really want to know what's inside my purse.

Yes, to start off, my purse really is pink. That's where the name came from since it really stands out and becomes a great conversation starter. I believe these are two important aspects of myself and brand...I want to stand out and have my designs be a conversation starter.

Back to my purse and what's inside. I would say I'm a typical female and carry some pretty standard stuff in my purse.

• my passport - unfortunately, no trips planned in the near future
• OTC allergy meds
• Clinique Raspberry Glace lipstick
• Maybelline Plum Crazy lipstick
• a receipt from Lookout Joe's - from this morning, got myself a mocha
• a blue lighter
• my car key with mini measuring tape keychain
• Ghirardelli Caramel Chocolate
• a pair of earrings (they belong to my sister, Nina)
• the list from this morning orientation class for JSFG
• A Red Robin brochure - Neighborhood Programs
• a room key holder from Hampton Inn, Shelbyville, IN
• half of a Butlers Irish Mint Truffle
• my iPhone
• a blue Sharpie
• a Quaker Chewy chocolate chip granola bar - I know, I love chocolate!
• a sample size tube of Aveda hand relief - best stuff on earth
• 2 tubes of lancome Juicy Tubes (1 Jelly, 1 Smoothie)
• a Delta pack of tissues
• receipt from Red Robin
• a pen
• a mint
• a bottle of almost gone ibuprofen
• 2 packs of cigarettes - I know, I should quit
• my wallet, no cash so don't even think of stealing it

That's all I have in my purse. My initial observation...why so many lipsticks?

Next on the Agenda

I'm going to learn and design my own blog background...probably use it on my Twitter page too (cailin3). Can't be that difficult, right?

In the meantime, I've got the meatloaf in the oven, one kid drinking milk in the kitchen, two kids at a neighbors house and a husband getting his hair cut. With my trip to Grand Rapids last week, I've fallen behind on the card making front. I also still need to send pricing for thank you cards for a potential new customer. How long is too long before you lose the opportunity? Need to contact the lady about the card displays too and I'm suppose to have coffee with a past client. Not sure about the last one since she hasn't confirmed the date and time. I'll just show up at Caribou Coffee in the morning anyway...never one to turn down the chance for a mocha! Y U M ! ! ! !

There are a number of new items I want to add to my ETSY store in the next few months. Custom designed invitations via the Mac for one. I also went in this cute store in G Rap that had painted metal boards and accessories. You mix and match items to create photo boards that hang on the wall. They even showed scrapbooking paper as the background! Now I just have to find someone who can cut the metal sheets for me. Know anyone, leave me a comment. Preferably local to the Cincinnati area.

My neighbor has also asked me about my sewing skills. Of course, I'm pretty good at it. She found these great little dresses for her daughter but doesn't want to pay $80! Can't blame her considering Joss will just grow out of them in a few months.

So keep checking my ETSY shop for some of these new things and if you have any suggestions don't hesitate to leave a comment here. Thanks for reading my blog!

Just Getting Started

Just wanted to write a quick entry to my new blog. Sort of a test to see what this whole blogging deal is about.

I've recently opened a shop on ETSY to showcase and sell my handmade cards. I love designing stuff and with a background in graphic design, thought this would be a fun thing to do. Sharing them with friends, family and the whole entire world is really a thrill!

What you will see on my blog are new designs, ideas and my thoughts on the design industry in general. Thanks for checking out my blog and hope you visit often!

LauraLee Kavanagh

www.pinkpursecreative.etsy.com

Facebook: Handmade Cards by LLK

Twitter: cailin3