Tag: etsy

Hello, again

~ Bess Paper Goods & Gifts ~ Leave a comment

Happy January, friends! Sorry I’ve been away for so long! Just after New Year’s, we left on a ten-day trip to the Bahamas. It’s a bit of a long story why we ended up there in January, but it was actually really good to have something to look forward to after the holidays.

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I thought I’d get some blogging done while lounging by the pool, but as it turns out the weather was rainy and the orders were pouring in! While I was away, I designed two sets of business cards and started on two wedding orders! Printing plates should be here soon, I can’t wait to share them with you!

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While we were traveling and since we’ve been back home I’ve been on an embroidery kick. It actually started just before Thanksgiving, when I got a wild hair to make embroidered napkins for all 10 of our dinner attendees. be_brave_0488

The typography was so fun to work on that the first two hoops I tackled were type-based, of course! I just love the way calligraphy looks outlined in thread. suddenly_0499

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My latest two projects are my favorites—of course! The cacti hoop above is super cute and reminds me of an amazing hike in Arizona I took a few years ago. It’s also special because it was completely freehand—whereas usually I draw designs on paper first, trace them onto the fabric and stitch over my lines. I love how it turned out!

And then of course there’s this sweet reminder of home. I love it so much I’m keeping this one and offering them for custom order with any state (or country) and city—plus custom colors! home_sweet_state_0504

Watercolor Commissions

~ Bess Paper Goods & Gifts ~ Leave a comment

Each year, a dear friend does a fair amount of her Christmas shopping from my shop. This year was no different, but instead of cards and stationery, she took advantage of one of my new offerings and commissioned several watercolor paintings. Now that the paintings are in the hands of their happy recipients, I can finally share them with you!

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It all started with the radish watercolor I sold last year. Brittney asked if I was planning on more vegetables, and when I said yes, she made a special request for beets! I especially love how the leaves turned out on this one—I made sure to keep the painting very wet and loose so the varying colors I added could flow into each other and dry with the natural variations that make watercolor so great!

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Next up: something new! That’s Deirdre up there, and she loves flamingos, so Brittney asked if I’d be up for doing a little something different, and of course I was! The texture of the feathers was a bit of a challenge, but I feel like I got it just right.

Don’t worry, I’ve saved the best for last (or maybe it’s just my favorite because it’s the one I finished most recently…). For this piece, Brittney sent a few inspiration images, and they were all sketches and drawings, so I decided to go with a different medium. I created an abstract background with blue, purple and green watercolor, then inked the drawing (which I had already sketched in pencil) over the top. I don’t draw much any more, and this reminded me how much I miss it!

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I’d love to do more commissioned work in the future, so if you’re interested in a very special gift, or artwork for yourself, get in touch!

Time to Step Up Your Stationery Game

~ Bess Paper Goods & Gifts ~ Leave a comment

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Guys, I hate to be the one to break it you, but there’s a pair of newborns out in the world totally showing you up in the stationery department. Several months ago, their mama-to-be got in touch about a custom order so she’d have plenty of paper for thank you notes before the babes were born. We chatted about options, I created a few designs… and then the communication stopped. One guess what she was busy doing!

We finalized the design a few weeks later and I printed these beauties in pink and blue ink with a blind emboss ampersand. Paired with snow white envelopes, they are as perfect as those new babies!

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Closing up Shop

~ Bess Paper Goods & Gifts ~ 1 Comment

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The end is near! Today is the very last day to order anything from my etsy shop until after Christmas. By tomorrow evening I’ll be in Wisconsin! I’m so excited to see friends and family and am very much looking forward to a break from the small-business-owner hustle.

I’m so grateful to have been so busy this last month as I always struggle this time of year. I think it simply comes down to seeing less sunlight, but aside from the holidays, November-March are just not my favorite. One evening last week I decided I needed something to re-energize me, so I bought myself a little present: A bundle of a dozen or so fonts and hundreds of decorative elements and illustrations!

I’m so excited about my new toy and actually stayed up late last Friday night working on some new designs (I know, I’m pretty cool). So stay tuned for lots of new digital downloads in the shop soon—including this one, available here—which actually are available while I’m away!

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Gift Guide 2015: Girlfriends

~ Bess Paper Goods & Gifts ~ Leave a comment

I love shopping for my friends—I basically just buy them something I want in their personal style—easy, right? But if you’re feeling like this is the year to pick up something a little different, I’ve got some ideas for you!

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ALL MONOGRAMMED EVERYTHING! Whether it’s your sorority sister or favorite southern belle (I know, total stereotypes, but they do just love monogrammed things!), personalized goodies go a long way this time of year. Less than two weeks left to order stationery, so get in touch soon! Here’s where to find everything: Initial Necklace by Tom Design, Monogram Coaster by 622 press, Stationery Sets by 622 press, Script Stationery by 622 press.

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Then there’s that friend who is always cold. We’ve all got one, we’ve all told her to eat a cheeseburger and all will be well, but since that hasn’t yet happened, you should get her a huge super cozy cowl. I actually wore mine constantly when I worked in an office that kept the AC on well into November in Wisconsin. The unique crochet pattern keeps you warm while staying breathable enough so you don’t get all claustrophobic and hot.

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Making a new house feel like a home can be a challenge. So for a friend that moved this year—especially if it’s a big upgrade from their last place—help cozy up their new spot. Kitchen accessories, artwork and flowers should do the trick! Bonus points if you find out their ideal decorating color scheme. Citrus Coaster set by 622 press, Hand-crocheted dish cloth by 622 press, French 75 original painting by 622 press, Bulb Teapot by Maia Ming Designs, Floral Initial by 622 press.

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And then there’s that friend with the boho style you just can’t seem to nail down. For her, I’ve gathered unique accessories that come with a story. This incredible walnut and brass ring comes all the way from South Africa, courtesy of Zeal Living. It was hand-carved by a local jewelry artist and is sure to become the recipient’s new favorite piece!

I love supporting etsy shop owners—especially those that are just starting out. This gold-rimmed agate pendant and tassle bracelet—which I’ve been lovingly calling a friendship bracelet for grown ups—both come from women-owned shops with less than 20 sales. An order would make their holidays!

Speaking of, an order for one of my new custom floral crowns would make mine! Shown here is the Maxi Crown, but there’s a minimalist version as well (see previous post). They’re only available for custom order at the moment, so get in touch here to order one!