Showing posts with label greeting cards. Show all posts
Showing posts with label greeting cards. Show all posts

Friday, June 1, 2012

Meet the Artist and Giveaway: Kimberly from Honizukle

It's Giveaway Time!

Ya'll know I love me some letterpress.
I was SO excited when Kimberly over at Honizukle agreed to sponsor a giveaway!

One lucky winner will receive 2 sets of absolutely gorgeous 
handmade mini letterpress cards from Honizukle!

Mini Letterpress Notecards : Apple - Set of 6
Buy it here

I can't tell you how in love I am with Kimberly's work.
When she showed me her latest collection, I thought it was so beautiful I just had to pin them.

Let me just tell you, the cards are even more beautiful in hand.
The stationery is thick and luxurious. The impressions are rich and precise.
The colors are modern and vibrant. The designs are one-of-a-kind.

Let's learn more about the talented and lovely Kimberly who made this all possible:

Q: Tell us a little about yourself.

A: A little about myself… well, it's hard to describe myself. I'm very driven. Anything creative inspires me and there's nothing artistic that I don't like to do or want to try my hand at. Of course, I have to narrow it down and concentrate on something to be any good at it. I love designing and working on the press. When I'm not working I'm spending time with my apprentice in the making, my two year old son, Jack. We have fun together and he and my husband inspire a lot of my work.



Q: How did you get started doing letterpress?

A: I've always loved stationery. Even before I came to the US. It was something my sister and I used to collect and really enjoy. I don't remember exactly when I first laid eyes on a letterpressed card but once I saw what could be done I knew I had to do it. My husband was kind enough to allow me to invest in my own press and I took an intensive workshop in Brooklyn that really cemented my love for it. 




Letterpress Wedding Invitation - Margaret - Elegant Monogram Motif Yellow Invitation
Buy it here
Q: Do you sell your products anywhere besides Etsy? How does it compare?

A: I don't yet. I've sold through my own site but I'm redoing it at the moment so I've only been selling through Etsy. I will hopefully be in a few shops soon and that's exciting but Etsy is a great marketplace. The kind of people that appreciate handmade are already going to Etsy to find things, so you already have the clients you're looking for. Etsy also puts so much work into their marketing and that's work they do for you. Each listing is like a little ad of your own. I think Etsy is a great place to sell and I don't think I'd ever stop selling there.


Q: What is your most popular item?

A: It's hard to say. I design new items for holidays so there are definite favorites during those times but I'd have to say what I sell the most are personalized sets. There's something great about getting or giving personalized stationery and it shows in the amount of sets I sell.


Q: What inspired your new collection?

A: My new collection is all Spring. I picked a palette I love and went with it. I was also very inspired by the Pearl Lettra stock I had acquired. It has a very creamy feel because of the color and that just made me want to do soft pastels and of course sweet designs. I'd say a lot of it was inspired by Mother's Day and my own mother actually. She loves flowers and used to draw them all the time. We're far away so I think about her a lot, this collection could be a subconscious ode to her too.


Q: Where do you see yourself/your shop in 3 years?

A: In three years I hope to be in stores. I'd really like to enter a store and see my cards on a counter. I know there would be a lot of satisfaction in that. I also hope to acquire another press, specifically a Vandercook. I have big ideas and I'd love to expand into other products and so I'd need a bigger press. I'd keep Charlotte of course but I'd love my studio to grow.



Q: Any advice for new shop owners on Etsy?

A: Stay on top of your Shop Stats. See what's bringing people in. If you have a product that you can tailor (like cards) pay close attention to the key words people are looking for and make a product that fills that need. Make sure to renew listings and to keep making new products to keep your shop fresh.


Q: Just for fun, what is the last thing you bought yourself on Etsy? 
A: The last thing I got from Etsy was the cutest little apron. I saw it and knew it would be perfect for me to print with. Indeed, I've printed with it already and it's fantastic, no more searching for my tools all over the place. :)

ATTENTION SHOPPERS!!! COUPON ALERT!!
Kimberly is offering my readers an exclusive coupon code to Honizukle:
Use MT2012 for 10% off your entire purchase 
(excluding wedding/custom orders).

Thank You Letterpress Greeting Card - Gracias
Buy it here
Are you ready to win some funtabulous stuff from Honizukle?
Thought so :)

How to Enter the Giveaway:

1. Follow this blog (Mandatory)
and leave a comment here saying you did.

2. Add Honizukle to your circle or Favorite Shops on Etsy
and leave a separate comment here saying you did.

3. Leave a comment about your favorite design(s) from Honizukle.

Best of Luck!
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 June 15th 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
Otherwise open to everyone! 

Friday, March 16, 2012

Meet the Artist and Giveaway: Gwyneth from November Print

Did I mention I love stamps?
I love stamps :)

I'd like to introduce you to a wonderful Etsy seller from November Print, Gwyneth.
Gwyneth has agreed to offer one lucky winner 
the item of their choice from November Print!

Whatever shall you choose?!

Just for you clear stamp
Buy it here
Gwyneth made a custom stamp using one of my favorite designs!




There is something extra fun about a custom piece, 
you know there will never be another like it out there.


Gwyneth was SO easy to work with.
She is always quick to respond to messages, and isn't bothered by special requests.
Her item arrived in a timely manner, given the constraints of international shipping.
I couldn't be more happy with the quality of the product.
I highly recommend November Print!

I'll be showing you just a few other unique stamps from November Print
as we get to know the crafter of these fine goods.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself.
A: My name is Gwyneth and I'm from Malaysia. Originally from Sarawak (a state in the island of Borneo) but have since moved to Petaling Jaya, a little suburb in KL. I'm a full time interior designer doing both commercial and residential designs. I love interior design but sometimes the workload and the hours spent at work are just a little crazy. My Etsy shop is like a retreat away from work.



Certified Handmade Clear Polymer Rubber Stamp
Buy it here
Q: How did you get started making stamps?
A: I have always loved rubber stamps since I was little. I love the whole process of dabbing the ink on the stamp and then pressing the stamp onto paper or fabric. It just gives you this rush of excitement every time you stamp it down because you almost always can't be certain how the printed image will look. Especially with clear acrylic blocks, if you accidentally put a little more pressure on one side when stamping, the printed image will be affected. So it requires a little practice at first..well for me at least :)

Q: What is the most popular item in your shop?
A: I think that would be the scallop border stamp.


Round Scallop Border Clear Stamp
Buy it here
Q: Are you working on any new designs?
A: Yes, I'm always working on new designs when I have the time. Even now, I have quite a few new products and stamps sitting there waiting to be listed. I just haven't found the time to list them yet!

Q: From one custom seller to another, how do you feel about doing custom orders? What do you find challenging? How have they helped your shop grow?
A: I think custom orders are great! I love doing custom orders. The only challenge would be time and of course the level of detail in response to the size of the particular design. While they demand a little more time and effort, in the end it is worth it as you and your customers get to know each other better. 


Q: Are you a member of any teams/crafting groups? What have you learned there?
A: I am a member of the marketing team but I am not an active member and havent visited the marketing team page in a long time ..but what I can tell you is that the quality of the pictures of your product is of utmost importance! It's the first point of contact between you and your buyer.



Psalm 7:17 Stamp
Buy it here
Q: Any advice for sellers starting out on Etsy?
A: Hang in there, have patience and pray :) Also try to be active in the teams, forums..etc so at least you make yourself known through those areas. 


Q: Besides Etsy, where else can we connect with you?
A: pinterest.com/gwynjong

Q: Would you like to offer my readers a coupon code?
A: Yes! Just type in the code MT1203 and you are entitled to a 10% discount from now until the end of April. 


Trumpet clear stamp
Buy it here
Aren't you excited?
It's giveaway time again!

How to Enter the Giveaway:

1. Follow this blog (Mandatory)
and leave a comment here saying you did.

2. Add November Print to your circle or Favorite Shops on Etsy
and leave a separate comment here saying you did.

3. Leave a comment about your favorite design(s) from November Print.

Best of Luck!
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 March 26th 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
Otherwise open to everyone! 

Sunday, December 18, 2011

My Etsy Christmas List - No. 7 Lila Ruby King

I first fell in love the cards from Lila Ruby King:

Finchlings Gift Card - Teal
Buy it here
Seedeaters Gift Card - Pumpkin
Buy it here
Singing Birds Gift Card - Pink
Buy it here
Then I saw her amazing printables:

Colour In Collaboration No. 3 - Printable Colour In Pages
Buy it here
Then I found out you can wear her art!

Banksia - Earring Studs
Buy it here
Honeyeater Pin
Buy it here
Or carry it..

Beach Finds Tote Bag
Buy it here
So many inspiring items.

Mini Note Cards - Natural Curiosity
Buy it here
Someday I WILL learn to sew..

Forest Story - Damask Fabric - Half Yard - Black on White
Buy it here
I feel I've only scratched the surface.
Love it all, Lila Ruby King :) 

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

My Etsy Christmas List - No. 11 Pony and Poppy

Can you tell I love linens? 
I can't wait to tell you about this next shop, full of my favorite things:

I want, well, pretty much everything:

The towels...
Linen Tea Towel - White Flowers. Natural Flax. Hand Screen-Printed.
Buy it here
The produce bags....
Farmer's Market Produce Bag. Set of TWO. Three Red Apples. Hand screen-printed and handmade.
Buy it here
The pillows...
Fern Pillow. Purple on Natural Canvas. Screen Print.
Buy it here
The table runners...
Hemstitched Linen Table Runner. Red Snowflake. Christmas Gift Idea. Holiday Table.
Buy it here
The scarves...
Pinwheel Doily. Jersey Scarf. Hand-pulled Screen Print.
Buy it here
The notecards
Pomegranate. Linocut block print.
Buy it here
The napkins....
Cloth Dinner Napkin. Marigold. Set of Four. Hand Screen-Printed.
Buy it here
And a little something for my baby. That's really for me, right?
Trike and Robot. Onesie Bodysuit Set of Two. Hand Screen Printed.
Buy it here
I never get bored of linens.
Thanks for brightening my day Pony & Poppy :)

Sunday, December 11, 2011

My Etsy Christmas List - No. 14 Cuore

A great way to find new shops is to look through your Etsy friends' favorites.
I was just looking through Mari's from Hobbies from the Heart, 
my first real Etsy friend :)

Now I desperately want one of these:

Chewy the Owl Holiday Tree Wool Felt Applique Decorative Ornament
Buy it here

I'm kinda obsessed with owls, and I love Cuore's designs!

Stewart the Gnome Owl Felt Heart Holiday Christmas Note Card with Envelope
Buy it here

krafty :)

Sadie the Owl Applique Canvas Tote Purse Handbag Shoulder bag
Buy it here

I don't just love owls, I can be versatile, just like Cuore!
I like foxes, too.

Grayson the Fox Felt Applique Plush Doll Pillow
Buy it here
With a face like that, who wouldn't love a fox?
Or a raccoon for that matter.

Kyle the Raccoon Wool Felt Applique Plush Doll Pillow
Buy it here

Mari favorited this one:

Yang the Dachshund Dog Vintage Red Tweed Cosmetic Carry all Case Zipper Pouch with Vinyl Applique
Buy one like it here

Brilliant, Cuore.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

And the winner of the Smile Lifestyle Giveaway is.....

My Photo

Ashley, my newest follower and the DEAD LAST to enter.
Crazy, huh?

For those of you who didn't win, go buy yourself something from Smile Lifestyle already!
And don't forget your Christmas cards, too :)

Merry & Brrright
Buy it here


Thanks again, Edmarie and Elmarie.
It was lovely working with you!

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Meet the Artist and Giveaway: Smile Lifestyle

I think you'll find the wait was well worth it
on this long line of giveaways.

Up next is Smile Lifestyle.
One lucky winner will receive one fabulous set of Letterpress Animal Notecards!

Letterpress Animal-Pattern Blank Notecards (Various)
Buy it here
Edmarie and Elmarie sent me a lovely set alongside the giveaway set and I can honestly say
they are even more charming in person than they are in the pictures!
I can't wait to send one off, such unique little messages and creatures.
I think it'd be just the thing to brighten anyone's day :)

If you haven't yet visited Smile Lifestyle, 
be sure to head over and see all of the lovely cards they have to offer. 
I'll be showing you a few as we get to know our sponsor.


Q: Tell us a little about yourself.
A: We are identical twin sisters residing in Aurora, Il, about 25 miles west of Chicago. Art and Design have always been a passion that we've shared. I am more of a fine artist and my sister is a graphic designer. We knew we've always wanted to take our work to the next level. In the Fall of 2010, we finally launched our
first paper goods line that combined our styles.


The Pink Elephant
Buy it here

Q: What's it like working 
together? Who does what as far as the creative process and running the business?
A: Working together is probably the easiest thing that we do. We have a really close relationship. And, in a literal sense, so close that we just live a couple of minutes away from each other. It makes it convenient for us to get together, whether it may be a brainstorming session or a weekend of screen printing. As far as our creative process goes, we basically start off with a brainstorm/intake meeting discussing our next collection. Then, individually, we interpret ideas appropriate to our own style. I design most of our illustrative collections, while my sister designs our patterned collection. We're both very involve in the production after designs
are finalized. In the business side of things, my sister handles most of the paper work and finance, while I manage a lot of the marketing.


HELLO Chantilly Lace Notecard
Buy it here
Q: I love the "punny" greeting cards, they are very unique. How did this idea come about?
A: When we designed our first patterned collection, we didn't know it would become our signature line. We both love pattern and the shapes it creates around white space. It's almost elegant and hypnotizing when you stare at it. Our 'punny' sayings are the added surprise to break that 'hypnosis' and keep you smiling. We're  grateful for the feedback we've been getting from our customers and we'll keep these 'punny' cards coming.

Q: What is your most popular design?

A: The most popular design that we have is one of the Smile Signature line, "Love you like no otter". This card has been our best seller and have been featured on Etsy faves.


OTTER: Love you like no otter
Buy it here
Q: Any new designs in the works?
A: We are super busy preparing our Holiday collection, which we can’t wait to debut in the coming weeks. We will be featuring more hand illustrated designs that are quirky, colorful, and fun. In addition, we also added on to the Smile Signature line.


Late Summer Party Invitations
Buy it here
Q: Tell us a little about the events you are participating coming up soon. Will these be your first shows? 
A: In addition to our Holiday collection, we are also debuting new collections at two big shows. We just finished up The DIY Trunk Show. Up next is the One of A Kind Show in Chicago, which has an Etsy pavilion. It will be held from Dec. 1-4 at the Merchandise Mart. We are ecstatic to take part and can’t wait to showcase the new collections that we have been working on. 



Merry & Brrright
Buy it here
Q: Just for fun, what are your favorite Etsy stores to window shop? 
A: Edmarie- I am a big fan of Clare Elsaesser’s tastes orangey. I think that she’s such a brilliant artist. Her subject matters are just random moments in life, but she captures them in a way that makes them such beautiful moments.


Ready to Shop? I thought so!
The gals at smilelifestyle would like to offer my readers 
an exclusive coupon code. Just enter Modern20 at checkout to receive 20% off your entire holiday purchase of $20 or more.  

How to Enter the Giveaway:

1. Follow this blog (Mandatory)
and leave a comment here saying you did.

and leave a separate comment here saying you did.

and leave a separate comment here saying you do.
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 November 29th 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

Recently I have had to choose a second winner for quite a few 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!