Free Printable DIY Flags for the 4th of July

I love you guys so much that I decided to create 
free printable DIY flags for the 4th of July!
Click on any photo to go to the download page.

      

These can be used for a variety of party favors and crafts.

All you need is a printer, scissors and glue!

I used white cardstock and reduced the image to 75% to make these fun pencil toppers.

This size would also be perfect for straws or sparklers.

     

Reduced to 50% these are the perfect size 

for toothpicks, skewers or cupcake toppers.

They are really easy to put together.

Simply cut the flags, wrap them around the object
you have chosen, and apply school glue. 
I secured them with extra clothespins I had on hand while they were drying.

No need to run out to the store at the last minute and spend a bunch of money

that would be better spent on fireworks and food!

It probably took me 30 minutes to put these together and they dry really quick.

They are definitely easy enough for the kiddos, too!

I also created this patriotic printable for you, too!
It's free, just click on the picture to go to the download page.

Hope you enjoy these fun little flags 
and have a magical 4th of July!

New Mini Print: Sponsored by my Pinterest Addiction

Buy it here

My Etsy Christmas List - No. 27 Mary Kate McDevitt

I need quotes to keep me going on days like this.

I've been staying up an extra 2 hours every night preparing for a craft show.

I just remembered this print from Mary Kate McDevitt:

Buy it here

More on that later. 

For now let's just enjoy the show.

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Buy it here

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I sometimes wish I could put this up digitally where my Etsy store is :)

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I hope I dream about these tonight, and then wake up to them Christmas morning!

Meet the Artist and Giveaway: Kit from trafalgar's square

Hey ya'll, it's time for another giveaway!

Kit over at trafalgar's square has graciously agreed to giveaway 

this adorable print to one lucky winner:

Buy it here

I fell in love with Kit's work the moment I saw this amazing drawing:

Buy it here

I don't know if I could adequately describe that something special I see in Kit's work. 

The characters are magical yet believable, as in the classic Disney fair tales.

Buy it here

The first time I looked through trafalgar's square
 it must have taken me an hour to look at each print.
And that was just the first time!

Buy it here

When it came down to choosing a print to review, I'd narrowed it down to 2, 

the one she's giving away, and this amazing print. 

Buy it here

Both combine my favorites subjects, books and owls! 

All of my children have grown to love reading. 

The oldest begs me every night, "just 5 more minutes Mom?" 

My toddler does the same (in his own little way) when I read to him before nap time. 

And the baby just stares and stares at the pages while his big brother goes on and on about the pictures. 

Buy it here

Here I am going on about me, but that's what a great print does, isn't it? 

It transports you to another time and place, reminds you of the things you hold dear. 

I couldn't think of anything I'd rather put on my wall!

Buy it here

I just know you are dying to get one of your own!

Here are the details:

How to Enter the Giveaway:

1. Follow this blog (Mandatory)

and leave a comment here saying you did.

2. Heart trafalgar's square on Etsy or an item from Kit's shop

and leave a separate comment here about your favorite item(s).


3. Facebook, Blog and/or Tweet about trafalgar's square
and leave a seperate comment here saying you did.

Make sure to bookmark my giveaways page if you haven't already, 
and READ THE FINE PRINT

Fine Print:

Only 3 entries per household please
Giveaway ends October 21st at midnight PST
Winner will be chosen by random.org
Entries will be validated
Winner will be announced here
Winner will have 3 days to contact me, 

after which a new winner will be chosen

Must be 18 years of age or older to enter

P.S. Over the last month I have had to choose a second winner for too many giveaways due to lack of an email response from my winners. If you really want to win, check your SPAM folders often, or better yet 

add moderntypography@aol.com to your address book. Good luck!

Meet the Artist and Giveaway: Linda from Pool Pony

Are ready for ANOTHER giveaway? I thought so!

This time I've teamed up with Pool Pony

who has graciously agreed to offer one lucky winner

1. A set of 3 postcards:

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AND

2. A print:

Buy it here

Don't you just love it? I really love mine :)
Linda sent me this awesome print, 

not even knowing I'm obsessed with owls!

Buy it here

I know you want to see more, so head on over and check out Pool Pony for yourselves.

In the mean time, let's find out more about their shop :) 

Q: Tell us a little about how Pool Pony came to be.

A: Some friends were decorating their new house, and asked me to design some artwork for them. Over a period of weeks I became more and more engrossed in the project, and the drafts mounted up. These pieces formed the beginnings of pool pony.

Q: What three words would you use to describe your style?

A: Mid-century modern inspired

Buy it here

Q: Why Etsy?
A: Etsy is a very accessible way to present your work for sale online to lots of people. It also has a great community feel to it which I enjoy.

Q: Do you have any advice for new sellers?
A: I think it's very important for artists to do what they love, and not try to pander to what they think the market wants. And I also think that good customer service is important - after all, making contact with people and getting their feedback  is a very enjoyable part of selling online.

Buy it here

 Q: Anything new in the works?
A: Heaps! I have lots of unfinished pieces which I'll revise and adjust and fiddle with until I'm happy with them, so I'll be continuing to add new pieces to the shop. I'm also very close to being able to make larger prints which will be very exciting!

Q: Just for fun, what is your favorite treasury you've been included in?
A: I'm always delighted by the number of talented curators there are in the etsy community, but if I have to pick just one, I would choose this recent one.

Buy it here

Not only is Linda giving away some really amazing products, she offering an exclusive discount code, too! 

For a limited time, use the code PONY10 at checkout 

to receive 10% off your entire purchase! 

When you're all done shopping, don't forget to head on back 

to enter to win the lovely postcard set and print.

How to Enter the Giveaway:

1. Follow this blog (Mandatory)

and leave a comment here saying you did.

2. Heart Pool Pony or an item from their shop

and leave a separate comment here about your favorite item(s).

It's that easy!

Oh yeah, and so are all my giveaways, so check them out!

Fine Print:

Only 2 entries per household please
Giveaway ends October 19th at midnight PST
Winner will be chosen by random.org
Entries will be validated
Winner will be announced here
Winner will have 3 days to contact me, 

after which a new winner will be chosen

Must be 18 years of age or older to enter

P.S. Over the last month I have had to choose a second winner for 3 different giveaways due to lack of an email response from my winners. If you really want to win, check your SPAM folders often, or better yet 

add moderntypography@aol.com to your address book. Good luck!

Meet the Artist and Giveaway: RetroMenagerie

ANOTHER giveaway, you ask?

I guess I'm just feeling generous!

Let's hear it for Jaymee, from RetroMenagerie 

who made it all possible!

She has graciously agreed to send one lucky winner this fine print:

Buy it here

Jaymee's work is right up my alley; simple, modern, clean lines. 

Her cool jewel tones and earthy subject matter are definitely in line with the fall trends. 

I've got a prediction of my own: Jaymee's going to be a big hit! 

Here are a couple prints to keep your eye on:

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Love is ALWAYS in the air. And Chevron stripes are all the rage!

Buy it here

Let's get to know my favorite new trend setter:

Q: Tell us about yourself.  

A: My name is Jaymee :) I'm a student majoring in interior architecture and design.  I live in a cozy one bedroom apartment with my amazing boyfriend and adorable pup, Dexter.  In my free time when I'm not doing homework or working on a new print I am at the movies, spending time with my friends and family, or enjoying happy hour at my neighborhood eats. 

Q: Use 3 words to describe yourself/your style.

A: simple, eclectic, earthy

Q: What inspires your art?

A: As of right now nature is my biggest inspiration for the subject of my prints.  The style is inspired by my love of Mid-Century Modern design.

Q: What made you decide to sell art prints on Etsy?

A: It began as a way to help me get through college.  I thought I'd take advantage of my art school education by selling my designs.

Buy it here

Q: You seem to be off to a running start! To what do you attribute your good fortune?

A: I wish I knew!  Its been a huge surprise to me and such an honor that people are buying my prints!  I'm thankful to my friends and family for their support, as well as my fellow teammates from The Treasury Tree who have helped spread the word by featuring me in their beautiful treasuries. 

Q: What is your favorite item in your shop? 

A: Hmm it's hard to choose.  I've invested a lot of my time into each item so I love them all, but if I have to choose just one it has to be my Orange Wildflower print.  I love the simplicity of it.  

Buy it here

Q: What holds the most personal meaning? What is hanging in your own home?  

A: The item that holds the most meaning to me, and the one thats hanging in my own apartment, is my Perpetual Calendar.  I spent a lot of time designing each illustration and it was my first sale!

[Jaymee sent me a copy of her calendar. I really love it, too! It's the perfect size for keeping track of my blog happenings! Calendars make great purchases when you love so many prints from a shop, but can't decide on one. This way, you get 12 "mini" prints. Also, I love it when something is both practical and fun; this creates the perfect excuse to buy something, don't you think?!]

Buy it here

Q: What are your future plans for your shop?

A: Right now I'm designing my 2012 calendar which I hope to have out in a few weeks.  I'm also putting the finishing touches on a few more Halloween prints and a Holiday Collection is in the works.

Yipee, a 2012 calendar! Jaymee, you should take reservations. I bet those are going to sell like crazy!

Ready to find out how to win the fantastical 

Orange and Yellow Sunburst Print? 

Okay, okay, calm down!

How to Enter the Giveaway:

1. Follow this blog (Mandatory)

and leave a comment here saying you did.

2. "Like" RetroMenagerie on Facebook
and leave a separate comment here saying you did.


3. "Heart" an item from RetroMenagerie on Etsy 

and leave a separate comment here saying you did.

Fine Print:

Only 3 entries per household please
1 winner will be chosen September 3rd at midnight PST
Winner will be chosen by random.org
Entries will be validated
Winner will be announced here
Winner will have 3 days to contact me, 

after which a new winner will be chosen

Must be 18 years of age or older to enter 

Thankful Thursdays

I've been thinking about coming up with a regular feature on my blog of this nature. Well, why not start right now! When I got home from work tonight, I was thinking about how thankful I am for so many things. I'm thinkin' every Thursday I'll post a list of Three Things I'm Thankful For. I'd love it if you'd leave a comment doing the same!

1. I am thankful for Thursdays.

Thursdays are usually my last day of work before 3 much needed days off with my family. TGIT! 

2. I am thankful for the wonderful people I've met through Etsy. 

Jessa from littlepearlquilts introduced me to the Etsymom team, which has introduced me to countless individuals. This week I won the Christmas in July EMCA (Etsy Mom Curator Award) for the treasuries I created starring members of the Etsymom team. They've published a blog post about me! In the midst of my daily struggles, these little blessings mean so much to me.

3. I am thankful for God's answer to prayer.

We just found out my sister-in-law is expecting after many earnest prayers. God is good, amen?!

Buy it here

-Melanie

Girly Giveaway Sponsor #6: gingiber

I can't wait to see what ya'll have to say about the art from gingiber! I was delighted when Stacie told me she'd send me these:

Buy it here

As a new artist I am completely in awe of the intricacies of Stacies art. Like this one:

Buy it here

 I most likely originally stumbled upon gingiber when searching for owls. Have I already mentioned that I love that each owl "created" has a unique personality? Well, not only did Stacie create one or two, but a whole alphabetful of OOAK owls! 

Buy it here

Here's a little orientation to Stacie 101:

Q:Where did you learn your craft?
A: I am a mix of being self taught and also have a degree in graphic design. 


Q: Who (on Etsy) inspires you?

A:  AshleyG, BlackoutWell, SparklePower

Q: What do you find most challenging about running your shop, and how do you overcome it?
A: The most challenging thing about running a shop is staying positive and focused, even during the slow times. Also, you have to be at least a season a head in your new product design to be ready for busy times like the holiday rush!


Q: What has been your biggest success so far?
A: Biggest success: my 2011 Owl Calendar! I kinda just doodled it up and listed it last year, thinking I would sell 1 or 2, and ended up selling 200+!


Q: What is the last thing you bought yourself on Etsy?
A: I bought 2 AmyMarcella Prints! So beautiful and botanical!


Stacie is offering an exclusive coupon code for my blog readers! Enjoy 10% off a purchase from her shop using the code MODERN10 at checkout. 

You can read more about Stacie on her blog or follow her on Facebook. I know I will!

I feel so inspired! Thanks so much for taking the time to do this Stacie! Best of luck with gingiber :)

-Melanie

Newest Giveaway Sponsor #1: Modern Typography

Me again, Melanie from Modern Typography! I love designing custom birth announcements, nursery artwork, family trees and more. This time I am giving away my latest work, a print of an original hand drawn illustration called "Ella Reads."

Buy it here

This is the beginning of a series of drawings inspired by my daughter who always has her nose in a book. Recently she picked up a book I had borrowed from a friend called "Heaven is for Real" and it just blew my mind that she is already reading books at that level, and she'll just be starting 4th grade!

Drawing has become my newest stress release. I've been a doodler my whole life, but never really sat down and perfected something. I figured it was about time, and I'm so glad I did. There is something very peaceful about a pencil on paper that I just don't get from working on illustrator. To add to it's charm, drawing is also a great way for me to spend time with my daughter and encourage her to use her imagination. She and I came up with this concept together, making it even more special to me.

I'm hoping these new designs will inspire or reaffirm a love for reading. Reading a book is one of the only ways I seem to be able to get my 2 year old to sit still! I love to watch his eyes light up over the pages of the books my eldest child once held dear. I also get a chuckle out of his pronunciation of numbers and letters he's learning. I can't wait to move from board books (with bit corners) to picture books. You wouldn't believe the size of our collection!

That reminds me, I found a shop on Etsy that sells "book mobiles" made with pages of vintage children's books, just lovely. It's called theshophouse. Made me want to get my craft on, and that's hard to do!

I can't wait to introduce you to a few more of my favorite shops over the coming week! Stayed tuned for more on the sellers featured in my latest giveaway! One of my favorite things about these features is the great advice each has for new sellers. The one that has my wheels turning lately is from Sheila from sheilalikestoknit. She said to re-list an item everyday! Ponder that one with me, will you? If I'm going to do that I'm going probably going to have to create a lot of new items! Trust me the ideas are there, but I sure hope I can find the time!

To start I'll be re-listing some of my custom birth announcement art prints as print-your-own birth announcements. This is one of my personal favorites.

Buy it here

Well, this busy bee needs some sleep!

In the mean time find out more about me at :

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Modern-Typography/136504933091612

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ModernTypography?ref=pr_shop_more

Giveaway Sponsor #1: Modern Typography

(That's Me!)

Everyday I will be featuring a seller who has donated items for the New Beginnings Giveaway. First off, I thought I'd let you get to know me! I am giving away my owl mobile nursery print:

Buy it here

I am Melanie, the creator of Modern Typography. I actually started out selling antiques on Etsy, which was a blast. I have a thing for Pyrex, Fire King, melamine and just about anything old made out of glass. My collection of antiques has grown quite large, and with 3 children I just can't keep as much of it out as I'd like to.

Now I am selling custom art prints on Etsy. While pregnant with my newest addition I browsed the pages of Etsy and fell in love with the adorable handiwork of the many talented sellers. One day I decided to start trying my hand at graphic design. So far I have come up with over 15 unique designs. The most popular design in my shop is my custom family tree print.

Buy it here

I love working on family trees. I just finished doing a custom tree with 7 branches, too fun! I can customize the trunk, branches, leaves or add birds, owls, you name it! Add your own quote or verse and make this item really special.

I also really get a kick out of working on custom birth announcements. I enjoy the bright colors and playful graphics. I just  finished designing robots for a new set coming out:

To keep up with the latest on what's happening in my shop follow this blog by using one of the links on the top left. I am also on Facebook. 

As a special treat, Sweetbriers, a gorgeous shop full of handmade crocheted delights has decided to issue 2 special discount codes during our New Beginnings Giveaway. The first buyer to purchase an item from my shop before 7/11 will receive a 50% of coupon code for Sweetbriers shop, the 2nd 45% off! 

Don't forget, all of my sponsors including myself are also having a 10% off sale during the giveaway. Use the coupon code MODERN10 at checkout, expires 7/11. 

Best of luck and happy shopping!

And the winner of our first Giveaway is.....

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: 

Result:

2Powered by RANDOM.ORG

#2: Hannah Adkins from Jackson, Ohio!

Hannah's favorite print is:

Available on Etsy

Didn't win this time around? Don't be sad. Shortly we'll be announcing an even bigger giveaway!

Stay tuned for more details.