Some Things About Me

Here are a few thing about me you don't know.  These were coming out of my head at amazing speed and did not at come out in the order of importance -- God and family and friends should have come out first! So here goes . . . I

Always trying to do better; have something to say about just about everything; love to papercraft; hoping for grandchildren soon; grateful that I am retired; am happy that I have God in my life; am blessed with wonderful family and friends; am trying to live healthier; am an animal lover to a fault; love chocolate to the point of danger; could go on with this list forever!

Do You Etsy?

If you're a crafter, you know what I'm talking about.  If not, then, according to Wiki, Etsy is a social commerce website focused on handmade or vintage items as well as art and craft supplies.

Okay, trust me, the site is way more fun than this definition would have you believe.  It's HUGE!  International, in fact, with over 150 countries participating.  If you want a handmade scarf, there's probably hundreds of shops to choose from.

And it's easy to get to.  No gasoline or traffic involved, no long check out lines, AND you'll be purchasing something handcrafted so you know it's special.  So check out etsy.com, and especially celebrationspaperie.etsy.com.

So do you Etsy?  I'd love to know!

Here's A Thought

Every once in awhile I come across something that worth sharing.  I don't know who wrote this, but I wish I did so I could give them credit.  It's a beautiful thought.

There comes a point in your life when you realize:
Who matters,
Who never did,
Who won't anymore. . .
And who alway will.

So don't worry about people from your past, there's a reason why they didn't make it to your future.

Ladybug Lane and Co.

Time to reveal that I have another shop on Etsy in addition to Celebrations Paperie.  It's called Ladybug Lane and Co. and it's home to notecards and a few greeting cards I've designed.

 Poor Ladybug Lane has definitely taken a backseat to CP and I feel bad about that.  I just had to get the invitation shop up and running.  But now I'm ready to show a little love by showing off some of the great items I have in ladybuglaneandco.etsy.com.

 These images are from GraphicMarket on Etsy and the cards are digitally designed by me.

Blog Envy

 I don't quite remember how I found this blog, but I am sure glad I did!  My blog wants to be just like this when it grows up!  It's by Bonnie Christine and it is beautiful -- the colors, the design, the content, the fonts -- just everything!  I could sit here and write about it or you could actually visit and see for yourself.  Here's the link: http://www.goinghometoroost.com/

Time

Can't believe how much time has gone by since my last post!  I've been busy with stuff -- exactly what, I can't put my finger on.  Just life stuff.  I'm working on another mini message that I'll have out next week.  It will be able to be downloaded just like the other one if I can remember how I did it.  If you missed that one just go to "First Freebie" post from July and you'll get it.

Tomorrow I want to share a blog that I want my blog to be like when it grows up!

Busy, Busy, Busy

Creative juices really got going this afternoon!  What did I have for lunch?  Anyway, it was going in all directions because I did 3 totally different themed invitations. 

They're all available from celebrationspaperie.etsy.com, and on sale until July 22nd (15% off)!

More Hands On

I decided to start putting some fill-in type invitations in my shop for those who want to be a little more "hands on" in the birthday party giving process.  They're 4x6 and go for $4.95 + shipping for a set of 10 (includes envelopes).  Here are the three that I've done so far.

 

See all invitations at celebrationspaperie.etsy.com.  Christmas in July Sale still going on until
July 22nd.  Coupon code CIJ15 gets you 15% off entire purchase!

First Freebie

This is the first in a series of mini-messages I'll be offering as freebies for visitors to my blog.  These are business card size and can be used in a variety of ways.  Just little reminders to special folks that they are special.  Tuck them in lunchboxes, under pillows, in pockets, or anywhere.  Hope you love them!

 

Simply right click on image, copy image, paste image in Word, print.  I recommend printing out on white cardstock.   Use as many times as you want!

Owl Take One of Each

Owls are in!!!  They're everywhere!  Look at these adorable coasters from Caffeinated Papercuts.

They're cute and colorful and on sale for a great price.  In fact everything's a great price at 30% off the entire store!  Very unique Christmas gift, wouldn't you say?

There are lots of other things to choose from, so visit before the sale ends!

CIJ Sale Continues

Continuing with the fantastic CIJ sale on Etsy, take a look at this beautiful drawing by KylieFogartyFineArt.  She has so many wonderful drawings, prints, and even supplies in her shop!  You really need to see for yourself and especially take advantage of the sale she's having:  15% off  of her entire shop!

Shop CIJ on Etsy

Today we CELEBRATE the beginning of Etsy's Annual Christmas in July Sale!  Over the next few days I will be showcasing some of the different participating shops so you can get an idea of what kind of great gift items are waiting for you when you shop on Etsy.

One of the shops is Aurie's Designs -  Her sale is that all in-stock items will be marked-down 15% - July 12th through July 22nd.  These sweet Golden Wedding Wish Tree Tags is just a sampling of the great items she has in her shop: 

                                                                  

You'll also find other tags, journals,greeting cards, albums,bookmarks, and so much more.
Sale is only until July 22nd, so don't let this pass you by!
                           

Christmas in July

Tomorrow is the first day of the big Etsy Christmas in July sale.  Most of the shops participate and are offering a variety of ways to save.  The official dates are July 12-22, but many shops are extending their sale time.  To see the great items great for gift giving (whether to yourself or someone else), check out etsy.com and search "christmas in july".

My sale is 15% entire purchase.  Here are a few of the things I'm offering at celebrationspaperie.etsy.com

 

Have You Had Your "Awwww" Today?

Just took a Benadryl for itchy eyes so bedtime is just around the corner.  Not to diminish the importance of a little "awwww" every once in a while, but this is all I could come up with since I'm under the influence.

 These are from one of my Pinterest Boards.  I think they're awwww worthy!

To Market, To Market

I mentioned the other day that I had started working on a marketing campaign in an effort to jumpstart my business. I purchased a wonderful kit from Jordan Moore called The EtsyKit4.

 It's comprised of 5 main sections: The Etsy Seller's Success Kit, 30 Minute Social Networking Kit, Internet Marketing Kit, Publicity Kit, and Using Twitter as a Marketing Tool. 

  I copied the PDF so I could make notes and then set to work!

I went through each section and noted everything I needed to do in my marketing campaign. I then made a big TO DO list and began work.  I tackled the easiest things first and then worked on the rest.  I'm still working on some of the finer points of my list items, but I can see the light at the end.  It took a lot of work and time to get there, but I have definitely seen more interest and traffic in my shop!

It's not over because there is maintenance to be done, but that's to be expected if you're serious about making your shop a success.

That's about it, but if you have any questions I'll be glad to help you with whatever I can!

Have You Laughed Today?

Well, hope these can get you going!

Best PDF Ever

I've been very busy these past couple of weeks working on my marketing plan for Celebrations Paperie. I purchased a marketing guide from Jordan Moore called the EtsyKit4 and it has been wonderful! She breaks down what to do, when to do it, and how to do it, which makes it extremely easy to follow. It's time consuming, but I have already benefited from it so much. It was $19.95 well spent! In the next few days I'll be sharing just a few tidbits from the PDF. Be sure to check back.

Something Worth Saying

I've always been interested and drawn to inspirational quotes and posters. Well, I've found a treasure chest of them on Pinterest and I'd like to share some that I have from my "SO TRUE" board:

Happy Birthday USA

Please enjoy the beautiful e-card from Jacqui Lawson. The graphics of her animated cards are phenomenal! Click on the picture to open. And as we celebrate the anniversary of our declaration of independence and freedom, let us not forget that freedom is not free. Thanks to all of the service men and women who are doing so much. It is truly the home of the brave!

Just Another Day in the Jungle

I have fallen love with baby jungle animals and went on a design spree with them.  Here is my collection I have so far in my shop.  Perfect when you need to CELEBRATE a birthday or new baby news!

All available at celebrationspaperie.etsy.com