Freebie: PoppyTalk Labels

Earlier this week, PoppyTalk offered up these lovely labels for download. Print on label paper, cut, then stick as you will. Great for file folders, mailing labels or as a book plate. Have fun!

Etsy Round-up: Calling Cards

I've been toying with the idea of adding calling cards to my etsy store for a while now, and plan to have some posted shortly -- stay tuned! In the meantime, check out some of the calling cards currently available on etsy.




Red Poppies card by MichelleBrusegaard
Rebecca Carlotta card by paperandink
Charlotte Mason card by notpourri
Catherine Calling card by PetitePapier

Freebie: Lisa Rupp Calendar

Everywhere I turn, it seems that Lisa Rupp's designs are popping up (Thanks DesignSponge and Design Evolution for the introduction to her work!). This talented designer has a portfolio overflowing with colorful floral patterns that are stunning.

I was even more thrilled to find out about Lisa's monthly freebie! She offers a free 8"x10" downloadable calendar each month (through Lisa's blog or via her Flickr page) Love it!

Download the March calendar here

February is also available here.

Trade it, buy it or sell it: 12 Too Many

Hey Party People! Great new resource for all the hostesses out there -- 12 Too Many is essentially a craigslist specifically for vases, table runners and all of your party planning needs. Trade it, buy it, or sell it.... this is the place to start.

Similar to CL, all listings are free and will stay live on the site for 2 weeks. 12 Too Many also provides for 'featured' listings for $15-- which puts you on the left sidebar for 2 months, increasing visibility. Buyers & sellers are responsible for making the exchange themselves.

The site is still growing, so while they cater to all 50 states in the US, don't fret if you don't see your city listed. Shoot them an email or post a product to put your city on the map :)

Happy hunting!

This or That: New Colors for Diamond Design

I'm working on a custom project -- wedding thank you notes, where the wedding colors are navy blue, light blue, white and fushia. They asked me to incorporate these colors into the Green Diamond pattern. Which fushia accent do you prefer?

1. 2.

Biz Talk: Weathering the Economic Storm

While I prefer to focus on the sunny side of life on this blog, it is hard to ignore what is happening with the economy right now. It seems like we're still not through the thick of it, and it is incredible how the recession has hit all industries. Scary, really!

In speaking with friends this weekend, we agreed that even in chaotic times there are opportunities for success. It is about being smart, minimizing risk and positioning yourself and your business to weather the storm. Below are some practical ideas that we're applying in our personal and business lives:

Be Smart & Make Good Decisions -- Now is not the time to upgrade your cell phone or buy a new car. Be smart about how you spend your money, personally and for your business. In addition, be conservative when taking on new projects or launching new products. Minimize risk as best you can, but don't be afraid to keep moving forward.

Focus on Core Business -- Whether you're an employee or an entrepreneur, now is the time to focus. Know your industry and continue to develop relationships with colleagues, clients and peers. Continue to provide top-notch customer service. Do your best to position yourself as an expert or thought leader within your industry.

Keep Moving Forward -- There are opportunities in a down market, it is just a matter of identifying and pursuing them in a smart way. Even on a shoe-string budget, it is possible to ramp up marketing efforts. Use tools like twitter, blogs and other social networking sites to gain exposure and enhance your brand.

Where are you focusing your business efforts? Do you think there are opportunities in a down-turn? Are you making changes, personally or professionally?

Design Tutorials: Photoshop

David Pierce at makeuseof.com recently published '10 websites to make you a photoshop ninja'. He claims these tutorials will 'get you photoshopping like a champion' :) The quick list is below, but check out his screenshots and description for each of the tutorials here.

1. You Suck at Photoshop
2. Tutorial9
3. PSDTUTS
4. Good-Tutorials
5. The Photoshop Lady
6. Photoshop Tutorials
7. Luxa
8. Photoshop Contest
9. PSHero
10. PSDTop

Etsy Round-up: Buttons

Buttons are popping up everywhere. Who doesn't love their flare?! Look at these fun finds on etsy:



Animals by steppie
Cupcakes by Barrell of Monkeys
Polaroid by Minor Thread
Apples by StudioMIKMIK

Dancin!

Sorry for being MIA .... the day job has had me traveling. Promise to have some new stuff up soon! In the meantime, check out this guy's smooth moves -- 100 days, 100 dances in 100 different spots... hilarious!


BOOMBOX from Ely Kim on Vimeo.

DIY: Valentine's Day Crafts

Sending out baked treats this Valentine's Day? Dress up your packages with this sweet, diy idea from twig & thistle. Easy way to personalize your homemade goodies!

Freebie: Little Brown Pen printable notes

Freebie Alert! One of my favorite etsy shops, Little Brown Pen is offering a free downloadable, print-at-home set through Real Living Magazine. The stationery set includes gift tags, flat notes and folded notes featuring an adorable pinwheel design, all laid out on 8.5 x 11 sheets for easy at-home printing.

p.s. A couple more freebies at Little Brown Pen's Blog -- check the left column

p.p.s. All about the printable stationery right now. Love it.

Love out of the Blue: Katie Blair Designs

Interestingly enough, I first learned about Katie Blair Designs through twitter (follow her here:@katieblair). She recently twitted about her line of mini-notebooks, and I was immediately drawn in. They are adorable, and come in a variety of colors and designs.

She handcrafts these puppies herself, down to the wire binding and lined paper. Each illustration is printed using a Gocco - Japanese tabletop screenprinter.

When ideas strike, you need a place to jot it all down!

This or That: Blue or Green Retro?

Another installment of 'This or That'. Which color combination do you like better? Blue or Green Retro? Vote in the comments, please. Groovy, thanks.

Pistachio Press

Simple. Sweet. Lovely. Letterpress cards from Pistachio Press.

Biz Talk: Customer Service

A couple of days ago, CNNmoney.com reported that the US Postal Service may be cutting back delivery service to 5 days a week due to the 'economic downturn'. When I heard about this, two things crossed my mind:

1. My husband might freak out (he strategically plans his Netflix schedule.)

2. How will this affect my business?

Fewer days means slower delivery and longer wait times for my customers. This, on top of recent postage hikes for expedited & international mail options, presents new challenges for small businesses.

In times like these, it is important to connect with customers and continue to provide top-notch customer service from beginning until the end of a transaction. Below are some ways that I am enhancing customer service & communication with buyers. Some may seem obvious, but I sometimes find that the obvious is the easiest to overlook:

• Acknowledge the sale. Email the customer the same day they place the order. Thank them for their business and confirm any details of the order.
• Manage expectations. Explain the production process and specify all time lines. Be sure to note any irregularities/delays up front, so that the customer knows what to expect.
  
• Communicate regularly. If necessary, provide updates throughout the design/production process. For custom designs, listen to the customer and understand their needs. Ask questions of clarification, but spend most of the time listening.
  
• Be timely. Meet deadlines and be diligent about mailing packages out quickly.
• Focus on details. Produce high quality products. Add a handwritten note with your shipment. Remember that packaging and shipping materials are an extension of your brand, pay attention to them.
  
• Follow-up. Once the product has shipped, let the customer know the package is on the way. If appropriate, ask for feedback on ways to improve products & services. And, most importantly, thank them again for their business.
  

What would you add to this list? What are you doing that customers respond well to?

Sweet Treats: Printable Valentine's Recipe Cards

Valentine's day is quickly approaching folks. And, as one would expect, etsy is overflowing with great gift ideas. One shop in particular caught my attention -- Whimsy & Spice.

While their baked goodies made me drool, I really fell in love with Whimsy & Spice's printable Valentine's Day Recipe Cards (you know me and my paper...). I love this idea. For a few bucks, you can print and assemble thoughtful gifts for all of your loved ones. The Valentine's Day packet includes delectable recipes for ginger sugar cookies, spiced hot chocolate and chocolate mousse. yum.

What do you send for valentine's day? flowers? candy? love notes?