tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24465071008741669772024-03-26T00:17:20.971-07:00sketchy notions chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06904583740408467269noreply@blogger.comBlogger396125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446507100874166977.post-71854870296570898062020-09-22T08:51:00.004-07:002020-09-24T10:39:44.053-07:00Art Studio Confessions: Creating a Stationery Business at Home<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">When I was first starting my business, I had no idea what I was doing. Most days, I still don't feel like I entirely know what I'm doing...but I do feel like I've learned a lot since 2013!<br />
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I first started making greeting cards in 2011 after I came home to California from Italy. This was the early days of <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/sketchynotions/_shop/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> being such a reliable resource for information. This was also pre-Instagram being the end all, be all for advertising and networking. Blogging was at its peak and it was <i><b>wonderful!</b></i> But it was still hard to find resources and other stationery artists willing to divulge their secrets so a lot of things I learned were by trial and error, and also working with a tight budget.<br />
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And so! I wanted to share some of my favorite tools and suppliers I've discovered over the last 9 years of working and growing Sketchy Notions from <a href="http://sketchy-notions.blogspot.com/2016/12/sketchy-notions-then-and-now.html" target="_blank">my first failed market</a> to being carried in over 100 stores between the US and Canada!</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><u>**Please note</u></b>: This is NOT the end all, be all bible list of how to start/run your business! These are just some things I've learned and products and resources that I've grown to love and wish I had known about back in the early days to building Sketchy. A lot of these links are affiliate links too, which means I get a teeny bit of money for sharing. But I only share products and services that I personally love and use :) </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4238V91gZozonq5tZwr03T7hpBxzSnpKWi1H5tkDAOl_owVNkaOvdHH9xr7Jm0KNXzvFefQFH7QPy-moJw55x2TiopkGnziCtmwo0HCNBxkJHDNtSeNIeaF0iBjA_zgeBmzPQE2xaPqEj/s2048/20170424_130411.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Creating a Stationery Business at home" border="0" data-original-height="1533" data-original-width="2048" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4238V91gZozonq5tZwr03T7hpBxzSnpKWi1H5tkDAOl_owVNkaOvdHH9xr7Jm0KNXzvFefQFH7QPy-moJw55x2TiopkGnziCtmwo0HCNBxkJHDNtSeNIeaF0iBjA_zgeBmzPQE2xaPqEj/w645-h484/20170424_130411.jpg" width="645" /></a></div><br /><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><a name='more'></a></span><span><!--more--></span>Printers:</span></u></b></div>At the moment, I personally print the majority of my products. Prints, calendars, postcards and greeting cards are all printed in my tiny studio. I'm now at the point where I need to outsource most of my printing (yay!) but in the beginning, printing at home was the most cost effective way to test out designs without being left with a stockpile of product that wasn't selling. That being said, printing at home can also be more time consuming, and may cause you to lose money (via lost hours that could/should be spent on designing new products) but in the very beginning I think it was a good move for me personally. </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I have TWO printers that I use! My first is a printer/scanner that I've upgraded to the newest model 3 times over the years, the <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LDTRAT0/?ref=exp_sketchynotions_dp_vv_d" target="_blank">Epson XP-960</a></b>. This was my first printer and it's a work horse. While you have to feed the thick paper through the rear slot one sheet at a time, it has great results.<br /><br />My second printer (and now main printer) is the <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0095F5BCS/?ref=exp_sketchynotions_dp_vv_d" target="_blank">Canon Pixma Pro-100</a></b>. A lot of other stationery folks use this printer too and it's a solid choice. The ink can get expensive but it does last for quite a few print runs. It also feeds itself which is nice when I have giant orders. At first I didn't like it's printed results until I started researching better paper options...</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><u><span style="font-size: medium;">Paper:</span></u></b></div>
Full disclosure...I was buying my card stock from Michaels...for years. It was the most affordable option (and still is) and just a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CKY4P0O/?ref=exp_sketchynotions_dp_vv_d" target="_blank">great THICK card stock</a> option. But the combination of this card stock with my Canon printer wasn't giving me the best results. Especially with how much money I invested in that printer, I knew something needed to change.<br />
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After researching different forums, I realized I needed to upgrade to card stock made specifically to go through an ink jet printer. I felt SO stupid I didn't realize this sooner but I'm in love with the results now that I've switched. I'm still looking at other suppliers but I currently use <b><a href="https://www.redrivercatalog.com/" target="_blank">Red River Paper</a></b>. To be honest, their margins can make wholesaling a bit tight (unless you buy 8.5 x 11 sheets and cut/score yourself)...but if you can buy in super bulk or can snag a discount to get the high prices down a little, the printed results are gorgeous and worth it.<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: medium;">Envelopes:</span></u></b></div>
Have I mentioned how much I love Michaels? I also used to buy my kraft envelopes from Michaels! Anytime I had a killer coupon, I'd clear the shelves of their 50 packs of envelopes and giant packs of card stock! I still keep a few packs on hand for emergencies but have since upgraded to a bulk supplier that I love.<br />
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I first met <b><a href="https://www.announcementconverters.com/" target="_blank">Announcement Converters</a></b> at the <a href="http://sketchy-notions.blogspot.com/2018/12/the-national-stationery-show-2018.html" target="_blank">National Stationery Show</a> in 2018. They have a great selection, great bulk prices and are just overall wonderful to work with. I'm still researching their paper selection (there's a LOT to choose from) for cards as well. <a href="https://www.heinrichenvelope.com/" target="_blank">Heinrich Envelope</a> is another company I met at NSS that I've considered buying from as well.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0H9s_TOVVwyro9pZ9-MMhrbye_B7mvx3NpsGtw-6IV4pUVRxOfi5rRUsnPHM4kwBZcy0AQ8w8HVN1SNCEtygWmGhc1kbgwmZFg52uIo7P6pDXd_bcf5xVcIiA2W1J9li6pujxD2QKkckD/s2048/20200411_155602+%25281%2529.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0H9s_TOVVwyro9pZ9-MMhrbye_B7mvx3NpsGtw-6IV4pUVRxOfi5rRUsnPHM4kwBZcy0AQ8w8HVN1SNCEtygWmGhc1kbgwmZFg52uIo7P6pDXd_bcf5xVcIiA2W1J9li6pujxD2QKkckD/w640-h480/20200411_155602+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: medium;">Shipping Supplies:</span></u></b></div>
As a stationer, I have to pack all my cards in individual clear sleeves so they can be sold by me and my wholesalers and still be clean and pretty! I buy my <a href="https://www.clearbags.com/4-5-8-x-5-13-16-no-flap-premium-eco-clear-bags-100-pieces-gc54nf.html" target="_blank">A2 compostable cellophane sleeves</a> from <b><a href="https://www.clearbags.com/" target="_blank">Clear Bags</a></b>! Another contact I met through NSS that I've continued to use and love.<br />
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For my shipping boxes, squishy envelopes and stiff shipping envelopes, I order in bulk from <b><a href="https://www.uline.com/" target="_blank">Uline</a> </b>and Clear Bags.<br />
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In 2019, I also upgraded to the <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002YNVSN4/?ref=exp_sketchynotions_dp_vv_d" target="_blank">Label Writer 4XL</a></b> for printing my postage at home with a basic <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FJFJDGS/?ref=exp_sketchynotions_dp_vv_d" target="_blank">kitchen scale</a> for weighing. I print my postage (at wholesale prices) through <b><a href="https://www.pirateship.com/" target="_blank">Pirate Ship</a></b>, they're the best! I was recommended to these guys by my Post Office guy in Pasadena after I showed up to mail 30 Mother's Day orders...on the last day to mail taxes. I haven't paid for regular postage or stood in a line since!<br />
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For everything else...tape, bubble wrap, assorted boxes...I usually just order through Amazon (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/shop/sketchynotions?listId=1TOAN3A57YRZ8" target="_blank">click here to see my go-to shopping list of supplies</a>).</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;" trbidi="on"><b><u><span style="font-size: medium;">Manufacturers:</span></u></b></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">I'm still working on finding a local printer here in Berkeley for my cards but here are some other companies I've used for other products. I outsource my enamel pins to <a href="https://www.thestudio.com/?matchtype=e&network=g&adcopy=330161827871&adpos=1t1&utm_device=c&utm_campaignID=1587259911&utm_adgroup=62830620627&keywordid=aud-483146196931%3Akwd-435539045&utm_country=US&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=cpc_search&utm_campaign=ppc_brandUS&utm_term=the%20studio&gclid=Cj0KCQiAyKrxBRDHARIsAKCzn8wzrreS-U-WGUOhid_79pQvj8if2B-ixi-lMzCC3MvahDP3oeZnhW0aAlkcEALw_wcB" target="_blank">The Studio</a> and stickers to <a href="https://www.stickermule.com/unlock?ref_id=6670390701&utm_medium=link&utm_source=invite" target="_blank">Sticker Mule</a>. My notepads are made through local print shops in California. </div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">I also used Zazzle for LOTS of things! Packaging stickers, pins, business cards, stamps...they're a really great tool (<a href="https://refer.zazzlereferral.com/cwardart" target="_blank">and you get good discounts!</a>)</div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><b><a href="https://share.society6.com/x/B36Z5k" target="_blank">Society 6</a></b> is another great site for getting things printed/produced! I've had friends wait for a killer sale to order notebooks, totes, mugs or pouches to then try and sell to test if there's any interest within their audience before investing in a giant order with a manufacturer. I'm also just personally addicted to getting <a href="https://society6.com/product/monstera-doodles-mint-green_android-case?curator=sketchynotions" target="_blank">phone cases</a> or <a href="https://society6.com/product/sunflowers3019445_mask?curator=sketchynotions" target="_blank">facemasks</a> with my own artwork on it! It's a great case, but also doubles as advertising. </div>
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="font-size: medium;">Other Business Tools:</span></u></b></div>These are all just good resources for folks getting started or looking for a suggestion on platforms to help run their businesses. I have a post about tips for doing craft markets but I'll work on a bigger break down of tools specifically for doing craft shows too! </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b><a href="https://etsy.me/301sShj" target="_blank">Etsy</a></b>: I have <b><i><a href="http://sketchy-notions.blogspot.com/2020/05/art-studio-confessions-why-i-wont-shop.html" target="_blank">MANY issues with Etsy</a></i></b> but it's hard to deny that it's an affordable and well known platform for new businesses to sell their goods (and hopefully phase out as their business grows)</li><li><b><a href="https://www.shopify.com/" target="_blank">Shopify</a></b>: When you're ready to phase out Etsy, I recommend Shopify. It's a great platform to sell on but you definitely have to work to drive traffic to your shop still. Squarespace is also good but has a steeper learning curve. </li><li> <b>Faire and Bulletin</b>: Both of these are wholesale platforms. If you're already humming along as a business and want to branch into wholesale, research these platforms and give <a href="https://www.prooftoproduct.com/" target="_blank">Proof to Product</a> a listen too! Katie Hunt is such a killer resource! </li><li><b><a href="https://www.weebly.com/" target="_blank">Weebly</a></b>: My personal website is built on Weebly and I LOVE IT. Great templates, drag and drop building and decently priced. </li><li><b><a href="https://www.hover.com/" target="_blank">Hover</a></b>: Before you build the website, you need to buy the domain. I've bought all my domains through Hover and have their email for Sketchy. It's good to have your domain separate from your website host in case you ever want to switch platforms! </li><li><b><a href="https://squareup.com/us/en" target="_blank">Square</a></b>: When you're ready for markets, I recommend the Square swiper! Paypal has their own too but I really like the Square interface.</li><li><a href="https://quickbooks.intuit.com/" target="_blank">Quickbooks</a>: You're going to have to keep track of income and expenses with your business, and Quickbooks is a great tool for that. They're helpful when it comes time to file taxes straight through Turbotax too. </li></ul><div><i>What other business tools and resources have been your favorites, friends?</i></div></div>
Sketchy Notionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938497891652580191noreply@blogger.com85tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446507100874166977.post-45527943757061677162020-07-28T13:40:00.001-07:002020-07-28T14:02:28.411-07:00Coloring for a cause<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hey friends, it's been a *minute* since I last blogged. It feels like the world has blown up and is trying to heal itself with everyone at arm's length.<br />
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Not much has changed around the Sketchy bubble. The daily routine is still working on commissions, printing and packing orders and staying at home snuggling our cat <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/pepperferino/" target="_blank">Pepper</a> as much as possible. Add in more reading and listening podcasts to stay on top of current events and educate myself on how we got here...that about sums up these past <strike>days</strike>...<strike>weeks</strike>...<i>months</i>. </div>
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To try and do some good, I made some more coloring pages. This time the theme is "Black Lives Matter" because, well...<b>they do</b>. Color them and hang in your windows...use them as a talking point to discuss what's happening with your kiddos...blow them up and take them to marches! I'd love to see how you use them so please tag me on <a href="https://instagram.com/sketchynotions" target="_blank">Instagram</a>!</div>
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<a href="https://sketchynotions.com/pages/freebies" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1825" height="781" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqnleKBQEiOhFOhP5IpZGXNNAqq40hkFo1IxUG5k_aEkH5Yk3GnkyhQu_oNY0c-f0_eOV18F92N9ut0JqLHm4PSoJncyyd_wjfuZZSHcrxYKDf7dW9Trro2fWYtexrzmuktLO6dTsKaRIc/w695-h781/sketchy+notions+coloring+pages+black+livers+matter+activism+freebie+%25281%2529.jpg" width="695" /></a></div>
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These are available for free to download on the <a href="https://sketchynotions.com/pages/freebies" target="_blank">Sketchy Notions freebie page</a> or <a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/192K7Dc3YTY0xtUGsTZe8Wn-ouA_KVM4I?usp=sharing" target="_blank">right here at this link</a>. </div>
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If you want to also donate to <a href="https://www.joincampaignzero.org/">Campaign Zero</a>, you can buy these three coloring pages in the <a href="https://sketchynotions.com/products/coloring-pages-black-lives-matter" target="_blank">Sketchy Notions shop</a> instead. About $5+ from every purchase will be donated to Campaign Zero (the extra change is used to cover transaction and listing fees). </div>
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Sketchy Notionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938497891652580191noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446507100874166977.post-46885283064299855792020-05-07T17:43:00.002-07:002020-05-07T17:43:35.292-07:00Art Studio Confessions: Why I Won't Shop On Etsy Anymore<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I used to love Etsy. It has been a consistent source of revenue for Sketchy Notions and a wonderful way to grow my brand and audience over the years.<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi418sykuLKRAs3ARaVFRpCyNbmjkCtHktv2VIok3oaoNfk77D12-N8dEFTf4qmPFxljfIE1C-UPsYqz520C0qZRS7Ok4eMVRTXUtC9iXM9S_B0__Uigqnye94oGVkbiaJgWuQKHPAhEDyR/s1600/20200416_123633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1486" data-original-width="1600" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi418sykuLKRAs3ARaVFRpCyNbmjkCtHktv2VIok3oaoNfk77D12-N8dEFTf4qmPFxljfIE1C-UPsYqz520C0qZRS7Ok4eMVRTXUtC9iXM9S_B0__Uigqnye94oGVkbiaJgWuQKHPAhEDyR/s400/20200416_123633.jpg" title="Sketchy Notions & Pepper!" width="400" /></a></div>
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But over the last few years, Etsy has forgotten their original mission of being a marketplace that supports small makers. </div>
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While I fully understand that Etsy is a business (and now a public company that needs to keep shareholders happy), they've made many moves that feel abusive of their power and the foothold they have in the handmade industry. </div>
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In recent years they've made multiple moves and enforced programs that cripples makers and takes a giant chunk out of our income, leading many makers to close up their Etsy shops for good.</div>
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Click below to read more about how Etsy is hurting its makers, and how you can still support handmade makers and small businesses. </div>
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<b><i>The first nail in the coffin was a 5% transaction fee.</i></b> Originally they were taking less, and it wasn't taken from our shipping fees as well. As a result, some shady sellers were undercharging their items and overcharging on the shipping in order to appear competitive. To discourage that (and as a result, punish the honest sellers), Etsy now takes 5% of each sale, including shipping prices. We also pay listing fees and transaction fees on top of this 5%.</div>
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Why does Etsy feel entitled to 5% of what I have to pay the Post Office to ship my items?</div>
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<b><i>Fast forward to 2019 and the second nail in the coffin... </i></b>Etsy rolled out a new requirement of "free shipping," despite our protests. In order to just show up in search on their platform, sellers have to offer free shipping on orders over $35. Absolute blackmail. </div>
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Etsy seems to have forgotten that makers that sell handmade goods are not Amazon, Target or Walmart. What was Etsy's recommendation? Add the shipping cost into the item cost and say "free shipping." Many of us cannot easily roll in shipping costs into our product prices to cover this "free shipping." Many of us, myself included, are in product niches that have price ceilings. My cards are not bedazzled so I can't justify charging $9 per card and then lie to buyers that it's free shipping...it just doesn't work and feels incredibly dishonest. </div>
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<b><i>And now, the final (?) nail in the coffin</i></b>...the mandatory ad program. Etsy has now decided to advertise for sellers, whether or not we want it. They will pick which items to advertise, and if a potential buyer clicks that ad and purchases from that shop in the next 30 days, Etsy will take 12-15% of that sale. We can't opt out, and we can't see proof of these ads. This percentage is determined by how much you made in 2019...over 10k, you're <i>only</i> charged 12%. Under 10k, they take 15%. </div>
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This means, that many sellers who have items priced over $35 (possibly to try and cover the free shipping they're forced to offer) could lose 20% on an order.</div>
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I've also read instances of sellers being charged this percentage on private listings that never would be been available to be advertised online. Many sellers, who have a better understanding of their audience and products, would rather allocate that 12-15% on their own advertising plans that they've found reliable success from. This new program is incredibly frustrating and feels like outright extortion from a company that claims to support small makers.</div>
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In response to this, I have been forced to raise prices in the Etsy shop to account for potential fees Etsy will deduct from my sales (and hopefully encourage buyers to seek my products elsewhere). I've removed all links and mentions of my Etsy shop from social media and business cards. I am also thinning the shop (no more stickers or custom listings there) and I will only be adding new inventory to the <a href="https://sketchynotions.com/" target="_blank">Sketchy Notions shop</a>. </div>
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<b><i>Why won't I just close up my Etsy shop?</i></b> As much as I want to just throw up a giant middle finger to Etsy and close my shop, Etsy is now a destination shopping site for people looking for items like mine. This is why they feel emboldened to force these programs onto us because they know many of us have no other option to easily access potential buyers. Plus, many shoppers do not realize how poorly Etsy treats its sellers. While I can't easily educate buyers before they buy from my Etsy shop, I'm hoping I can educate them afterwards and lead them to my standalone in the future. </div>
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While I will no longer be shopping on Etsy, that doesn't mean I will stop supporting small makers. And neither should you! If you wish to support a small maker:</div>
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<li><b>Research</b> to see if they have a standalone shop you can purchase from instead of an Etsy shop. This takes very little effort for you to Google them or search for their Instagram account.</li>
<li><b>Avoid </b>clicking any ads that could lead to Etsy taking more money from a small maker. </li>
<li><b>Contact the maker!</b> If their Etsy shop is the only option, try emailing them or DMing them OFF OF ETSY to see if you can purchase from them directly. Etsy sellers are technically not allowed to direct people to complete a transaction off of Etsy if it originated there.</li>
<li><b>Tell your friends and family</b> about these new fees to help spread the word about how much Etsy disregards its sellers in favor of their bottom line</li>
<li><b>Support them elsewhere! </b>Sign up for their newsletters, like their Facebook pages and follow their Instagrams to support them, even without spending any money.</li>
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<i>How do you feel about all these new moves that Etsy has implemented and enforced?</i></div>
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Sketchy Notionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938497891652580191noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446507100874166977.post-73259037259321938302020-04-14T23:04:00.001-07:002020-04-14T23:05:35.286-07:00Free Coloring Pages: Thank You Essential Workers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hey friends. It's hard to believe 4 weeks of quarantine have passed and we don't quite know when it will end.<br />
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While it sucks to have life disrupted, there's lot of folks still working to ensure that what few industries deemed essential are continuing to run as smooth as they can in this crazy time. When my friend Michelle responded to my request for coloring page themes with "a thank you one that we can hang on our front door or in our window," I knew I had to do it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8tovvPMaw5j7_u2n-cRM96CI5HLCNb8RNA4DOAveGqvv9h30Palp6F_gqddHzkFyJFvPkUxfpmfqwaEiQSxh94SS2JTSQHmpuhSq735-_fAtbdsBDiPSUFEhuNF-5SJ9jtMuC-0Fnm_4/s1600/20200414_224122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1199" height="auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8tovvPMaw5j7_u2n-cRM96CI5HLCNb8RNA4DOAveGqvv9h30Palp6F_gqddHzkFyJFvPkUxfpmfqwaEiQSxh94SS2JTSQHmpuhSq735-_fAtbdsBDiPSUFEhuNF-5SJ9jtMuC-0Fnm_4/s640/20200414_224122.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This newest collection of free coloring pages includes three designs that you can print, color and display where ever you know an essential worker that might need a little social distanced hug right now.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBxu1Z_sWJbM_GnfmDsBJslHYBoBzyqwc2sFnfTflt7jNE9BYf2Y5iLhsnCenY3WTVTtkIg8dPtsAStsst7Mmkvi-W4GMrb6lZyF5r7wsFAZmvhiPR18CeFUHDquNGR8c4pjjVBrSXaLJ/s1600/20200414_224051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBxu1Z_sWJbM_GnfmDsBJslHYBoBzyqwc2sFnfTflt7jNE9BYf2Y5iLhsnCenY3WTVTtkIg8dPtsAStsst7Mmkvi-W4GMrb6lZyF5r7wsFAZmvhiPR18CeFUHDquNGR8c4pjjVBrSXaLJ/s640/20200414_224051.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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To get your free "thank you" coloring pages, follow <b><a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Q3g5FyGfn09ir3Vso-rpv9oQOgAT4dFV?usp=sharing" target="_blank">this link here</a></b> or click the photo below! If you use them, I'd LOVE to see where you have them displayed! Be sure to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sketchynotions/" target="_blank">tag me on Instagram @sketchynotions</a><br />
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Need more coloring? Check out the <b><a href="http://sketchy-notions.blogspot.com/2020/03/free-coloring-pages.html" target="_blank">original set of coloring pages here</a></b>.<br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Q3g5FyGfn09ir3Vso-rpv9oQOgAT4dFV?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWxnpaJx-pTXuG0vwOQwcTHsn5_4xLAAizUWulya4g30rye9B3TiCB8LYJotrpzZq9QZdNruU8zgHFHDYSvAU2gK8yaVnSk1qG48mxi_QyA2Omw8Elc1jyfEA_HM8E3_VDChyphenhyphenfA7YJ1Asj/s640/Sketchy+Notions+Coloring+Thank+You+Freebies.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sketchy Notionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938497891652580191noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446507100874166977.post-51116356987173826572020-04-13T21:43:00.001-07:002020-12-02T13:30:44.792-08:00Art Studio Confessions: Making it work in less than 600 square feet<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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One of the biggest challenges I've encountered over the years of growing my business is space.<br />
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Not the lack of sleep. Not the lack of time. Not the lack of help either...but a lack of actual physical space to make my products, store them and ship them. An added challenge over the last two years is doing this while co-habitating with a very patient (albeit messy) boyfriend.<br />
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Prior to moving to Pasadena in the late summer of 2018, I was living at home. As much as I hate to admit that (but still, thank you mom) I didn't lack for space there. I had enough room for a painting desk, an area for packing orders and cutting, shelves to store inventory and a corner of the shop to keep my market supplies. It was <i>heaven</i>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM2vUFEnmCi6rs_5HVyx8a7E8UlNGP6s_CmUhy4oYVUvR6LHQ3reDRRh25A-v1beboPp4tAh-fYPcnKL5MH6nnvwEFcTEwjn0qq_NaWQ3aWPodR06gF9crkF48ZVyxWJ7HT9d3DypzK3oR/s1600/20200319_111854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1445" data-original-width="1600" height="auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM2vUFEnmCi6rs_5HVyx8a7E8UlNGP6s_CmUhy4oYVUvR6LHQ3reDRRh25A-v1beboPp4tAh-fYPcnKL5MH6nnvwEFcTEwjn0qq_NaWQ3aWPodR06gF9crkF48ZVyxWJ7HT9d3DypzK3oR/s640/20200319_111854.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So when my boyfriend and I decided to move in together in Pasadena, I had to face the new challenge of how to run my business in a shared 1 bedroom apartment that was about 800 square feet.<br />
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Now that we've moved to Berkeley, we've downsized even further to around 600 square feet. In a word...yikes. I'll admit, I definitely cried a little out of fear when we first moved in that I wouldn't be able to make it all fit and be able to work....let alone be able to see the floor. But over 7 months in I can happily say the floor is (mostly) clear and the boyfriend doesn't notice most days that there's a stationery business running in the living room, the kitchen and in the loft space above our bed!<br />
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How do I do this in ~600 square feet? Read more below!<br />
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<b>Keep it organized...</b><br />
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Bins and boxes are my best friend. My shipping supplies have their own bins, and all my cards are in organized clear bins as well (currently stored under the bed). One day I'd LOVE to have <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/188447565644761837/" target="_blank">a full wall of shelves</a> with all my cards in their own cardboard bins but right now that's not an option. So <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CQGTGZQ/?cv_ct_id=amzn1.idea.2B137ON6KUYSI&cv_ct_pg=storefront&cv_ct_wn=aip-storefront&ref=exp_cov_sketchynotions_dp_vv_d" target="_blank">clear plastic bins</a> are my best friend.<br />
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Part of the reason why we picked this apartment was for the loft space. The Bay Area isn't exactly know for palatial apartments so this added storage space was a plus. Most of my shipping supplies, ink, paper, envelopes and even my main <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0095F5BCS/?ref=exp_sketchynotions_dp_vv_d" target="_blank">Canon printer</a> are stored up there in a relatively organized chaos. My inventory is kept in their own bins tucked underneath the bed for easy access. I'm also very lucky that my boyfriend travels light and doesn't question that I've bogarted every spare inch of the apartment but it's organized and I can see the floor so we're both happy. And our cat seems to enjoy bouncing around the towers of bins in the loft as her own domain to lord over.<br />
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<b>Work with what you have...</b></div>
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When I lived at home, I constructed a big L-shaped desk from Ikea table tops, legs and cubbies. It was almost <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwoIJxDRu8M" target="_blank">megadesk status</a>. Once I moved to Pasadena, this had to be reconfigured and downsized so as not to take over the living room. Now that we're in an even smaller space, my lovely white desk is in storage and my studio space is now....*drumroll*...the tall kitchen table that the previous renters left behind...and it's still in the kitchen.<br />
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Yes, I have GORGEOUS light and a little nook all to myself when the door is closed. But when I look to my right, there's our cook books and likely a stack of dishes needing to be put away. At one time there was a microwave there too.</div>
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No, it's not ideal. But we've made it work. And I really do love this space. I was disappointed when we first moved because I loved sprawling everything out. Realistically though I can't sprawl in 600 square feet without tripping over my own mess. But I've readjusted how I work and am working with what we have without focusing on what I'm missing. The tiny bar table in the kitchen turned studio table was also very lucky since it was already perfectly sized for the space!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41XwC-wAn3jzrmHOwHjfoAQlL0RU6lLOzZF9KgsY4kpbPfMlp81VFvZYlgHxyQeQVpHnVWkmifETt5aRYA-1tZZSkdaUYddBn-lRdPYYKNJvq3NQzAIP83Z0Q2Oj5R_mx2Qc3-yQ1FvEx/s1600/20200413_175454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41XwC-wAn3jzrmHOwHjfoAQlL0RU6lLOzZF9KgsY4kpbPfMlp81VFvZYlgHxyQeQVpHnVWkmifETt5aRYA-1tZZSkdaUYddBn-lRdPYYKNJvq3NQzAIP83Z0Q2Oj5R_mx2Qc3-yQ1FvEx/s640/20200413_175454.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<b>Clean up as you go...</b><br />
Even in my busiest seasons, I try to clean up while I work or at the very least tidy up before I head to bed. In smaller spaces, little messes feel BIGGER and can build into GIANT messes very quickly. This is another thing my (very sweet and loving) boyfriend seems to be oblivious too, which is great when I'm just too damn tired to break down my shipping boxes.<br />
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Having everything organized from the get go helps with this because I know everything has a specific home to go once I'm done with it.<br />
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<b>Be realistic... </b><br />
To run my business and keep things cost effective, I have to order in bulk...yet ordering in bulk doesn't seem conducive to living in a tiny apartment. As I mentioned earlier, I'd love to have a giant wall of card bins to easily fulfill orders from. But with the space I currently have, using the extra loft to store bulk orders of paper, envelopes and shipping supplies (that saves $$$) is a better use of that space that configuring it for shelves of cards.<br />
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Some of you are probably wondering why I'm not looking into a separate studio space. Of course I'd love one. But I can't afford one in the Bay Area AND still pay our expensive Bay Area rent. Plus my inner introvert really does enjoy being able to stay in my pajamas and drink my coffee while the printer is humming away as I check emails. We were very lucky in finding an adorable apartment with epic lighting walking distance from campus. So I will put aside my ego of not having a dream studio for the time being and focus on the more important stuff...like, running my business.<br />
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<b>Find the silver linings...</b><br />
Full disclosure... I cried in my car after we fully unloaded all our belongings from the Uhaul after moving from Pasadena. EVERYTHING took over the living room and it was overwhelming trying to imagine how we would make it all fit and how I could organize it to make it a functional work space and still a cozy home.<br />
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Now that we're 7 months in, I LOVE our apartment! So much that when my bf brought up moving somewhere larger in the fall I freaked out. More so over the thought of having to pack up a studio and move for the 3rd year in a row, but also because I've really grown to love the light and small little nooks and details this apartment has.<br />
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This kitchen studio will be temporary and will be a fun story one day when we're hopefully living in a space larger than 800 square feet.<br />
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Sketchy Notionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938497891652580191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446507100874166977.post-86433842724659790582020-03-22T09:44:00.001-07:002020-03-28T18:29:04.105-07:00Supporting Artists and Makers During Quarantine<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Throughout this first week of "shelter at home" here in Berkeley, California, I've seen a growing number of artists voicing two things.<br />
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<li>How much these closures are going to hurt their business, both online or their brick and mortars.</li>
<li>How much they want to help everyone else.</li>
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None of us know how long these closures and virus will be effecting our business and I feel it's more important than ever to help spread help (and social distanced hugs) to as many makers and people as possible. So I compiled a master list of a lot of the sales my friends are offering online, as well as the free activities and charities they're promoting in one spot!<br />
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Even if you can't contribute monetarily to your favorite makers, some other ways to help artists, musicians and makers are:<br />
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<li><b>Share their work!</b> On your Instagram stories, on Facebook or just forward their shop, music or work to your friends and fam. </li>
<li><b>Like their posts, and comment! </b>The algorithm is very skewed and dependent upon interactions. A quick heart and note how much you love it goes a long way. </li>
<li><b>Send them an email or DM! </b>I've gotten emails from all over the world from people that have found my books and it means <i>so</i> much to me! Especially when I'm having a crappy day. </li>
<li><b>Sign up for their newsletters!</b> This quarantine won't last forever, which means one day we'll be able to get back out to markets and shows again. Signing up for their newsletter is a great way to stay on top of future events of your favorites! Plus I know personally it's nice to see a new person sign up to my list! </li>
<li><b>Leave them a 5 star review! </b>Have you purchases from them in the past? Review their items to help encourage future shoppers to buy their goods! </li>
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<i>Have a friend or are you offering a discount? </i><b>Comment below and I'll add you to the list! </b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Artists Offering Sales, Kits and/or Donating Proceeds </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">(and just plain good folks that need some love right now):</span></b></div>
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<li><b><a href="https://art-toolkit.com/spring-cleaning-sale/?mc_cid=7eb604712a&mc_eid=ed145a5f72" target="_blank">Art Tool Kit</a></b> | Maria at Expeditionary Art is having a spring cleaning sale on her pocket palettes and travel watercolor supplies! </li>
<li><b><a href="https://banterandbliss.com/" target="_blank">Banter & Bliss Candle Co.</a></b> | Sheena makes some wonderful candles (and some that have our artwork on them!)</li>
<li><b><a href="https://www.jackalopeartfair.com/carekit" target="_blank">Jackalope Arts Fair</a></b> | The gals behind one of my favorite craft markets put together a Social Distancing Care Kit with lots of goodies (including some of my coloring postcards).</li>
<li><b><a href="https://lavandefarm.com/collections/all" target="_blank">Lavande Farms</a></b> | My sweet Texan-turned-Californian friends make the most wonderful lavender products! </li>
<li><b><a href="https://losolivosgeneralstore.com/" target="_blank">Los Olivos General Store</a></b> | My very first wholesale account was with this amazing shop! </li>
<li><b><a href="https://ohmeed.com/" target="_blank">Ohmeed</a></b> | Amal from Ohmeed makes beautiful modern heirlooms and is having a sale AND donating proceeds to Feed San Diego</li>
<li><b><a href="https://www.thepapercraftpantry.com/" target="_blank">The Paper + Craft Pantry</a></b> | Our sweet friend Pei has some amazing stationery in her brick and mortar that she is selling online in Texas! </li>
<li><b><a href="https://shoppaperravenco.com/" target="_blank">Paper Raven Co.</a></b> | Erin has a discount in her shop and every order donates towards planting a tree!</li>
<li><b><a href="https://www.poppyandquail.com/" target="_blank">Poppy & Quail</a></b> | This sweet mother/daughter duo have a sale on their coloring goodies! </li>
<li><b><a href="https://unblushing.com/" target="_blank">Unblushing</a></b> | Julie Ann is such an amazing maker (and new mom) offering free shipping! </li>
<li><b><a href="https://worthwhilepaper.com/" target="_blank">Worthwhile Paper</a> </b>| Kristen has a really wonderful encouragement and connection sale</li>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Free Activities:</span></b></div>
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<li><b><a href="http://sdionbaker.com/" target="_blank">Samantha Dion Baker</a> </b>| Samantha is a talented artist and author has a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B97IuWChX8l/" target="_blank">#drawyourdaykids challenge</a> with prompts that will donate to Feeding America </li>
<li><b><a href="https://www.lettersbyshells.com/" target="_blank">Letters by Shells</a></b> | Shelly is such a lovely and talented calligrapher that has tons to video tutorials, charts and resources for learning calligraphy! </li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.paperwilderness.com/" target="_blank">The Paper Wilderness</a></b> | Jenna has such a fun stationery line and has some free coloring pages available! </li>
<li>I also have a bunch of <b><a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Jz0J3szItwNcB9NgbGy0NWN8jLsbn6_B" target="_blank">free coloring pages right here</a></b>! </li>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Italy Friends:</span></b></div>
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<li><b><a href="https://vanessapeters.com/" target="_blank">Vanessa Peters</a></b> | This sweet friend is an musician raising money with <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/vp-modern-age/vanessa-peters-modern-age?ref=thanks-copy" target="_blank">her Kickstarter</a> to fund her next album recording! </li>
<li><a href="https://www.delbrennajewelry.com/" target="_blank"><b>DelBrenna Jewelry</b></a> | My lovely jewelry making friend in Cortona have a sale AND are giving a sunflower charm with any purchase! </li>
<li><b><a href="https://www.famigliabuccelletti.it/?lang=en" target="_blank">Famiglia Buccelletti</a></b> | Our sweet friends that own the villas we use during retreats have delicious wine (and ship to the states!)</li>
<li><a href="https://lightloveyogaitaly.com/" target="_blank"><b>Love Light Yoga Italy</b></a> | My sweet Italy friend Katie hosts yoga retreats in Italy! </li>
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I'm going to end this post with a cute photo of our new cat, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/pepperferino/" target="_blank">Pepper Ferino</a>, and a peek at one of the newest coloring pages! </div>
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<a href="https://sketchynotions.com/pages/freebies" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1427" height="auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiGjUioYh-VsCB7-ZAu-rhgK3RjnDWj_EAw18S3ik0lV3x9OGRqwVDgcY6xAe9G9Bh-qzjvitzJhvJpl1IUPP-jUcrVDaK9C4FIafqBnMtzk_lL-C12_vfO_5DC7EaJOJA-nWJrNWL5xOX/s640/20200320_152301.jpg" title="Free Coloring Pages by Sketchy Notions" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sketchy Notionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938497891652580191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446507100874166977.post-63599438522127837242020-03-21T11:41:00.000-07:002020-03-21T11:41:00.622-07:00Art Studio Confessions: Surviving (and loving) craft markets<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's been a long journey from my first craft fair back in 2013. A LONG journey with many missteps, sunburns, profitless weekends and disappointing markets.<br />
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I wrote <a href="http://sketchy-notions.blogspot.com/2016/12/sketchy-notions-then-and-now.html" target="_blank">a blog post in 2016</a> about the changes I had made to my booths just over those 3 years. Now it's 2020 and while I'm still tweaking my booth with every market, I more or less have a system now for how I arrange my booth and prep for making every market a success. Or at the very least, enjoyable!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqrMfoqA3gSylP8GXaYA5vS8J3VWEHYFDZr2_G3-3oRRSVBRWddG7-UBH1Y_kHYpNaGxr7m3YN7AW9SRAksgVXdsEQ5FAWH7emULs_nr1dD-E3GobjkAJI4puddQKqXMDQaSf64ucdFCdh/s1600/Sketchy+Notions+San+Jose+Made+2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqrMfoqA3gSylP8GXaYA5vS8J3VWEHYFDZr2_G3-3oRRSVBRWddG7-UBH1Y_kHYpNaGxr7m3YN7AW9SRAksgVXdsEQ5FAWH7emULs_nr1dD-E3GobjkAJI4puddQKqXMDQaSf64ucdFCdh/s640/Sketchy+Notions+San+Jose+Made+2019.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The photo above is from my last Holiday market of 2019 in San Jose and I loved this set up! Compared to the photo below of one of my first markets, my booths have come a long way.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1DE0f1BEIaEzg4BXnSYK39zs8kdH3w7-SXw4AGewTPB5-HsOemmgLcg7wYJg-INEieESgJbSp2k51sDblm02tM9CnejWEg6HQvz3-JZp0Avq2__NpJgqysBLqmxYX4bshxU16-Bczn-E9/s1600/IMG_3393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1DE0f1BEIaEzg4BXnSYK39zs8kdH3w7-SXw4AGewTPB5-HsOemmgLcg7wYJg-INEieESgJbSp2k51sDblm02tM9CnejWEg6HQvz3-JZp0Avq2__NpJgqysBLqmxYX4bshxU16-Bczn-E9/s640/IMG_3393.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have a LONG list of tips I've learned over the years below and a big checklist at the very bottom of the post. If you just want the checklist, <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MFwV4Ur_1oftvty87eHUPyCClGIQ9wBy/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">here's the link</a> to it here but I hope you'll read on for more tips and tricks!<br />
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I also compiled an Amazon list of lots of items I've used over the years so <a href="https://www.amazon.com/shop/sketchynotions?listId=20HEO3ZAATQ3X&ref=cm_sw_em_r_inf_list_own_sketchynotions_dp_yyu4gfcpwVLC7" target="_blank">here's a shortcut for your market prep shopping</a>!<br />
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<a name='more'></a><b>Tip 1: Invest in quality equipment.</b><br />
I'll admit, when I was first starting out, I didn't have a lot of spare money to spend on market supplies. A canopy, weights, tables, chairs, table clothes and display items all add up very quickly! I borrowed from friends and family for quite a few of my first markets (which made for a very eclectic display) until I had enough money to buy my own equipment. Spending a bit more on higher quality items ensured I wouldn't be replacing tables or canopies in just one season. I still use the same folding tables and wagon! So save up to buy the better canopy, the sturdier tables and the more reliable wagon.<br />
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<b>Tip 2: Do your homework.</b><br />
Research your potential market's online presence and even reach out to past vendors to get their opinions. Stalk the market's Instagram and check their tagged photos by previous vendors to find them! I'm very open to people asking about the quality of a market and I find most fellow vendors are just as forthcoming with information about their experiences, both the good and the bad.<br />
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Doing your homework also includes researching your location within the market. If you're doing the market solo...request a spot closer to the restrooms and food. If it's outside, consider which way the sun will pass over you so you're not baking in your booth or melting any perishable products. Plan your booth layout to provide shade for your customers so your booth is inviting on a hot day. And also make sure you plan for neighbors who may have unsightly booths...I always bring my <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BSLQSVO/?ref=exp_sketchynotions_dp_vv_d" target="_blank">booth walls</a> so I can block out the back of my booth and any messes around me. Always check the weather too to see if you should bring <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000YPQPSW/?ref=exp_sketchynotions_dp_vv_d" target="_blank">extra weights</a> to hold your booth down in the wind!<br />
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<b>Tip 3:</b> <b>Don't procrastinate your prep. </b><br />
Oh man, I'm still guilty of this one. These days I can more or less get everything done the week leading up to the market but I will inevitably leave something to the last minute. That said, I try to make sure in the two weeks before a market I have a plan for when I'm going to do things on my checklist (link at the bottom) to get more change, check and restock inventory, and load my car in advance. It's NO fun being up til 2 am the night before a market loading your car in the dark with last minute inventory.<br />
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<b>Tip 4: Learn from every market.</b><br />
Take lots of photos so you can revise your floor plan and display layout for the next time or replicate your display again. Don't be afraid to change things up mid-market either!<br />
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What if you're not selling an item? Take a step back and ask yourself why this might be...is it the demographic of shoppers, or just a bad weather day so turn out is low. Or is there something inherently wrong with your product?<br />
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At a slow market? Study who is walking the aisles...if there's lots of mom's with kids, consider if you have items that they'd want to buying. Put yourself in your shoppers' shoes and see what gaps you could fill in their shopping experience at a future market.<br />
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<b>Tip 5: Come with a good attitude, and keep it through the weekend. </b><br />
I try to make friends with my neighbors, or at the very least get their names. I often do my markets solo and it's helpful to have a person nearby I can ask to keep an eye on stuff while I run to the restroom. Even if the weather sucks or I have bad sales, I sure as hell make sure any potential customers don't know that I'm feeling crappy. You can make small talk about the crappy weather, of course, but no customer wants to feel guilted into buying anything. Your demeanor may effect any other sales they might make in the market so don't screw over your fellow vendors with a bad attitude.<br />
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Part of keeping a good attitude is keeping my expectations in check. At my very first market I sold one card, which wasn't even enough to make my measly $10 booth fee back. It was crushing. While there's nothing wrong with being hopeful, I wasn't being realistic. In hindsight, I should have checked my expectations since it was a cheap market...in a Whole Foods parking lot in Santa Barbara. The demographic of shoppers weren't coming for me, they just passed by on the way to their errands.<br />
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Even though it was a bad market, I still didn't pack up early. A bad market is NOT an excuse to pack up early! It drives me crazy seeing vendors bail early, I always feel we're all in it together, good sales or bad. And bailing early ensures you won't be invited back.<br />
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<i>Have any other tips for surviving and loving markets? </i><b> Leave a comment below! </b><br />
<i>Need a list to get your started for your market prep? </i><b>Click the image below</b> to download my own market checklist!<br />
<i>What should you buy? </i>We have a list of some of our favorite market supplies <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/ideas/amzn1.account.AHF7UI6S6OJOM3A4ZEKQFHQ4BQFA/20HEO3ZAATQ3X?ref=idea_lv_lole_&type=explore" target="_blank">on Amazon right here</a></b>!<br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MFwV4Ur_1oftvty87eHUPyCClGIQ9wBy/view?usp=sharing" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKagfmvxwuT6mXZEbcR5q16h7HVpvWZlbRtGFLr6agzgQ35eu-66smQ50zPehjrrAAMaL0tFMSdkMaslpcJiWeEKwIbVhYtxjhh6rCOXrogzfHDbq8TYhS7FcIWMD8EncOOFie6eNUrAL6/s640/Sketchy+Notions+Craft+Market+Checklist+Freebie.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sketchy Notionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938497891652580191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446507100874166977.post-7587508216240430272020-03-18T10:10:00.003-07:002020-04-14T18:26:26.657-07:00Free Coloring Pages: Indoor Jungle<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hey friends. I was expecting my next blog post would be part of the <a href="http://sketchy-notions.blogspot.com/2019/11/introducing-art-studio-confessions.html" target="_blank">new series</a> I'm working on. I have a few nearly ready to post too. But crazy times call for...coloring!<br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Jz0J3szItwNcB9NgbGy0NWN8jLsbn6_B?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1411" height="auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2lW3eyKfKc-rORZsQ1QZg2xZrHjJ4FBmTwg3KKxTxf_cxsQspLApHLEpNNCdTi_Uu9SDObERHq75P3WvucXvO9TtBz29dlDTJe_CcT8QLtEVtRPMmxG-iI-LSgGSPXcqDFpvtFbB-qn1/s640/20200318_092556.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen my schedule has opened up quite a bit. Italy retreats are postponed, trade shows canceled and craft fairs no longer happening. We've been ordered to "shelter in place" until <strike>April 7th</strike> May 3rd (*gulp*) here in Berkeley. This all means I have a LOT more free time! And I know I'm not the only one...many of my friends (and their littles) are also spending more time at home during these days.<br />
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So I wanted to spread a little colorful fun! I made <strike>4</strike> (<b><i>update!</i></b>) <b>5</b> coloring pages (hoping to make more in the coming days coming weeks too) for you and your littles to color! They're sized for regular paper (8.5" x 11") so you can print them at home on regular paper or even watercolor paper if you want to paint! Click any of the photos of <a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Jz0J3szItwNcB9NgbGy0NWN8jLsbn6_B?usp=sharing" target="_blank">right here to get access to all "Indoor Jungle" coloring pages</a> or you can find all the freebies in one place on the <a href="https://sketchynotions.com/pages/freebies" target="_blank">Sketchy Notions website freebie page</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Jz0J3szItwNcB9NgbGy0NWN8jLsbn6_B?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF0kiSOMB4wxxeKqbxHJvl69ROvI2wraRIOqIbqETEevZwo5zqU803GKrAGDyuxGO60YbKBhtUPaik_1UrL-hxb0s-BRbZzXcCbyOlvC4iehYgG_fiCuK5Z8WP4IRlcsyuy1sD6QdteHz4/s640/Sketchy+Notions+Coloring+Page+Freebies.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you use any of these, I'd LOVE to see the colorful results! Please tag me on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sketchynotions/" target="_blank">@sketchynotions</a></div>
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Sketchy Notionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938497891652580191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446507100874166977.post-84595795770303551552020-01-01T11:59:00.001-08:002020-01-01T11:59:36.707-08:00a free 2020 calendar for you! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Happy New Year, friends!<br />
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2019 was a wild year and 2020 is gearing up to be just as intense. Intense in a good way, I have a lot of fun stuff planned and I'm sure more is bound to come along throughout the year.<br />
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<a href="http://eepurl.com/7wkNz" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1450" height="auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1jjN3JDvelHxUkTo-E3cwzRDmShLQLzikAcS2hpjNYqD-XKbD8hEr9NB-55FvDt-LWZ1IsDYxPU8f2iK7P03qNMdhSpbwu-g9QavQXui1IY4D9uHCDdnPcetaC2zLUjCrtVDJW64oBEjb/s640/20200101_104008.jpg" title="Free 2020 Calendar download" width="640" /></a><span id="goog_1636598003"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1636598004"></span></div>
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In keeping with tradition from last year, I wanted to make another free calendar for all you lovely folks! Instead of asking you to take a survey this year, I'd just love it if you <a href="http://eepurl.com/7wkNz" target="_blank">signed up for the newsletter</a>! This year I'm hoping to release a lot more freebies to newsletter subscribers, as well as share more behind the scenes stuff and tidbits with the folks following along.<br />
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And I'd love for you to join the fun!<br />
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<a href="http://eepurl.com/7wkNz" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzbEf5Z66r4iUg0YOZDDOZI7e_cjj3BU3lR5iEv7d7cQhLFqrOAL6w3wnVJ8_JJTphSwePYbkPToAobkySVjZ4o6qXPrew9W5Gts6oQlCY58bqcR1j2RNDvLun5HFi_HQ9k5HW0GrMPl2/s640/20200101_103512.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://eepurl.com/7wkNz" target="_blank">Click here to sign up for the Sketchy Notions Newsletter</a> and you'll get access to download your free 2020 calendar! I made two sizes for you to print this year, a big 9 x 12 (my favorite) and a regular 8.5 x 11.<br />
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<a href="http://eepurl.com/7wkNz" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuY_3_kAX-X0Hks-M8_vngHH7tzMqnnbxyEJLmW7nPKRNob7UJmkU2lhVCjk-J8PprWrEzlbikZkYGXTjfos8LQZFqRykPP3iJH1f-ZrIUXaVkU-mhFm4yKo_c4aildxLGtPp9y-29PjJ8/s640/Free+2020+Sketchy+Notions+Calendar.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sketchy Notionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938497891652580191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446507100874166977.post-66328229614248976842019-11-25T17:46:00.000-08:002019-11-25T17:46:07.003-08:00Introducing Art Studio Confessions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As part of trying to post more and share some things I've learned over the past 8 years of growing my business, I wanted to start a series of blog/Instagram posts called Art Studio Confessions.<br />
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These posts will share some insights into how my business has evolved and deep dives into how I learned (or am still learning) firsthand how to run a business. These posts will also talk about the ugly stuff that most businesses don't seem to want to address on social media. Working with little space and/or funds. The steps I took that made it a business and not a hobby. Pros and cons of collaborating and business partners. Contracts. All those less fun topics that are incredibly necessary when you want to create a thriving business. I am by no means an expert in any of these areas but I still would like to share the things I've learned over these past years to hopefully help others who are just starting out or maybe just want a peek into how others do it and want to start a conversation.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig5Bdon-stVX-KRUn0lCtScRu0zH_gv2KCVtQ-fJU84h_oTSu9Uc_-Qd1swgvDm5CjBn0itZk7B-o3p20rVw9UpF0_1345_DzBJEJHsIhp9cKJXJB71axk_xlfwEu8akB7pvQAh_qGIlkC/s1600/20191123_141518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig5Bdon-stVX-KRUn0lCtScRu0zH_gv2KCVtQ-fJU84h_oTSu9Uc_-Qd1swgvDm5CjBn0itZk7B-o3p20rVw9UpF0_1345_DzBJEJHsIhp9cKJXJB71axk_xlfwEu8akB7pvQAh_qGIlkC/s640/20191123_141518.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I also want to share some of my sources and favorite supplies for running a stationery business out of your home. For some reason in this industry there seems to be an odd veil of silence over our sources and supplies...as if you need to validate your business/struggle by trying things out that many of us learned many steps ago are inferior. So I will also be sharing my favorite printers, paper, envelope suppliers and more to hopefully help others that are starting their own stationery lines learn from my mistakes and missteps over the years<br />
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I shared <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B5OZL9rAfmj/" target="_blank">my first behind the scenes peek on Instagram at my studio</a> which has everything AND the kitchen sink...because it's in the kitchen. It felt nice to share what I usually crop just out of the frame and be more open about where I'll be working and calling home for a while.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AFe949IgmySRKdMVwZKzcKsWxrH1li9aGIISybG19Ico2JIgfZJ6NZHGBLasK7t-AARTcRr5QwlDOp4C0rPDBalSM-3akGjr3B1q4uW5RcNmpCBBgkJ90zKoXOc_og2XJjstv72hShEV/s1600/20191123_142838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AFe949IgmySRKdMVwZKzcKsWxrH1li9aGIISybG19Ico2JIgfZJ6NZHGBLasK7t-AARTcRr5QwlDOp4C0rPDBalSM-3akGjr3B1q4uW5RcNmpCBBgkJ90zKoXOc_og2XJjstv72hShEV/s640/20191123_142838.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you have suggestions of things you'd like me to discuss or want to share your own confessions, feel free to share with the hashtags:<br />
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/artstudioconfessions/" target="_blank">#artstudioconfessions</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/confessionsfromthemaker/" target="_blank">#confessionsfromthemaker</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/confessionsfromtheartist/" target="_blank">#confessionsfromtheartist</a>.<br />
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Sketchy Notionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938497891652580191noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446507100874166977.post-317002949199229942019-11-05T06:00:00.000-08:002019-11-05T06:00:01.199-08:00Modern Colored Pencil - Book #3!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hello <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1633228142/?cv_ct_id=amzn1.idea.1ZN3Y9RPY5BWA&cv_ct_pg=storefront&cv_ct_wn=aip-storefront&ref=exp_cov_sketchynotions_lv_dp_vv_d" target="_blank">Modern Colored Pencil</a>! Aka...book number 3...whoa. It's really crazy to type that out. I never really thought I'd ever have a <a href="http://sketchy-notions.blogspot.com/2018/03/my-first-real-book.html" target="_blank">book one</a>, let alone be on book number three. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This new one started back in January with another quick turn around. My editor needed all the text and illustrations by June so this spring was a frenzy of finalizing details for my <a href="http://www.wanderfulretreats.com/" target="_blank">Wanderful Retreats</a>, getting stuff ready for my own travels, shipping orders to wholesale accounts and getting this book finished up. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I gotta admit...I really love how this one turned out. I thought I loved the first two but this third one is just so pretty to flip through. I love the content and the illustrations. And since I never really worked with colored pencils before (unless you count watercolor pencils), I pretty got to learn how to use these tools while making the book which was very exciting. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Family book portrait! If you want a peek at some of the supplies I used to make the book, you can shop all <a href="https://www.amazon.com/shop/sketchynotions?listId=1ZN3Y9RPY5BWA" target="_blank">my recommended colored pencil supplies right here on Amazon</a>. And if you snag a copy on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1633228142/?cv_ct_id=amzn1.idea.1ZN3Y9RPY5BWA&cv_ct_pg=storefront&cv_ct_wn=aip-storefront&ref=exp_cov_sketchynotions_lv_dp_vv_d" target="_blank">Amazon</a> or at <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/modern-colored-pencil-chelsea-ward/1134088649?ean=9781633228146" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a>, I'd love it if you could leave a kind review too! </span></div>
Sketchy Notionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938497891652580191noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446507100874166977.post-53429708759108402042019-11-04T14:10:00.001-08:002019-11-04T14:11:18.871-08:00Hello blog...long time no blog...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I've been pretty quiet on here yet again for an extended period of time. I didn't mean to, I honestly meant to try and use this space more during this year. But it's been a busy year. Really busy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Within the last year or so I...</span></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Moved to Pasadena, and then up to Berkeley 2.5 months ago</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Wrote a third book. More on that tomorrow...</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Grew my wholesale account stock list by <a href="https://sketchynotions.com/pages/find-sketchy-notions" target="_blank">A LOT</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hosted my 4th year of Italy retreats solo (finally) and under a new name, <a href="http://www.wanderfulretreats.com/" target="_blank">Wanderful Retreats</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/ottavothetravelingsketchbook/" target="_blank">Filled my 8th sketchbook</a> while traveling Europe (Berlin, Amsterdam, London and Italy) and Africa (Kenya, Zambia) with my bf</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Attended my first market out of state</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Traveled to teach workshops out of state</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I've also got big plans for the coming year too! I already have my 2020 dates for another round of Wanderful Retreats. I've signed up for another stationery trade show, this time in San Francisco. I'm going to finally pull the trigger and make some <a href="https://join.skillshare.com/premium-114/?coupon=igamb1828&partner=Sketchynotions&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=ambassadors-stories&utm_campaign=mktg-ambassadors-stories-sketchynotions" target="_blank">Skill Share videos</a>. And I've got plans to write/illustrate a 4th book solo!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So yeah, it's been busy. I've been pretty overwhelmed at times too which I haven't shared much of because I got busy and forgot about this blog and I've honestly become pretty disenchanted with Instagram. Yes, I love the friends I've made on there. But I LOATHE the gd algorithm. Those first couple years after <a href="http://sketchy-notions.blogspot.com/2015/03/that-one-time-on-instagram.html" target="_blank">the great Instagram follow of 2015</a> were great but to be honest I got a LOT of spam accounts following me. And if you know the Instagram algorithm (who really does though) the more inactive accounts you have following you that aren't actively engaging with your posts, then the less the app will deem your posts worthy of showing up in the feeds of those that legitimately follow you.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As a result I've been sharing less and less online, but sharing more in person at markets and via DMs and emails I get from people. I get a lot of questions about supplies, running my business, writing books, traveling, making stationery, making art and more. And I love answering these questions and I want to answer more. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So my goal for the next year is to start sharing more and being more honest about this whole self employed business thing. How I got started and how it's evolved over the years. How to handle the highs and miserable lows of a business partnership. How to run a business in less than 800 square feet in an apartment you share with a significant other. How I shop and source supplies. And how to sketch and paint and all sorts of fun artsy stuff. </span></span><br />
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I hope you'll follow along. If you have anything in particular you'd like to know about my work, leave a comment so I can hopefully answer your question in a future post! </span></div>
Sketchy Notionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938497891652580191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446507100874166977.post-72601358404896321842019-01-12T08:20:00.000-08:002019-01-12T08:20:35.628-08:00a free 2019 calendar for you! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I posted this on Instagram but can't link to it properly on Pinterest so here's just a quicky post! I made a quick survey at the beginning of January to gauge interest in what products YOU want from Sketchy Notions.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkVgzXC724dlvW8GPo_nQx_FI9ueHepsPzC63qQQCBtMoOJMmVq7unvGN8rY-iR7aKQuGHhK9KpNjOC6Mu-qKMDmRjB7c3dcRVEkTf7PPaw1Y1MX1DDkXtnwE2hlHZXrQhSoo6_uY570E/s1600/sketchy+notions+2019+download+calendar+etsy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkVgzXC724dlvW8GPo_nQx_FI9ueHepsPzC63qQQCBtMoOJMmVq7unvGN8rY-iR7aKQuGHhK9KpNjOC6Mu-qKMDmRjB7c3dcRVEkTf7PPaw1Y1MX1DDkXtnwE2hlHZXrQhSoo6_uY570E/s640/sketchy+notions+2019+download+calendar+etsy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Seeing as most of you that read this blog are the OG Sketchy fans, I wanted to make sure you didn't miss the chance to get the calendar either.<br />
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Just<b><a href="http://bit.ly/2019SketchySurvey" target="_blank"> click this link here to take a quick survey </a></b>and you'll get to download this darling succulent watercolor calendar!<br />
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<a href="http://bit.ly/2019SketchySurvey" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjdCbBeEz5VNxDWb66kK7mqRbn8QDH-y-4R_JWf2-KGBmGHZYKY914Q-IUfHf2FpkYk_UjfikO202ED_KzymtsYSyNzpmfKTB1BZ0btjdo2R_2WtOh_VT_L8oQi4bn7FkUkyQm7B5lQrXk/s640/Sketchy+Notions+free+2019+succulent+calendar+download.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sketchy Notionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938497891652580191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446507100874166977.post-10872917507481843272018-12-24T04:00:00.000-08:002019-12-23T09:43:15.126-08:00the National Stationery Show 2018<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
One of the big accomplishments of 2018 for me was debuting Sketchy Notions at the National Stationery Show in NEW YORK CITY! For those of you not directly tied to the paper world, the National Stationery Show or NSS is a HUGE trade show for all things paper. Retailers come from all over the world to shop for their stores for the following year from their old favorites and also from new folks...like me! Big brands send people to source artists and designs to license from too.<br />
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When researching, I had a hard time finding information from fellow card makers about their experience at NSS so I wanted to do a bit of a breakdown of my time in NY and how I pulled it off!<br />
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FYI - this is a really long post so no hard feelings if you just want to scroll and look at the pictures ;)<br />
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I had been thinking of doing NSS for the past couple years (I first started getting emails from them in 2016) but didn't really think I had the range in my line to pull it off. After some nudging from my boyfriend and mom, I decided to do it. It was a good opportunity to put my line out there and hopefully network with big companies while my overhead was so low.<br />
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To give you an idea of who shows up, here are some of the name badges I saw during my 3.5 days on the floor of the Javits Center: Martha Stewart (not Martha herself, she's got people for that), Bed Bath and Beyond, Anthropologie, Trader Joes, Paper Source, Amazon, World Market, and a ton more. It's very intimidating standing in your little booth hoping these big names stop in, especially when big brands like Rifle Paper Co. and Hallmark are also selling in the same room as you. And there are hundreds of other card shops hoping they also get spotted by these big names too.<br />
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Yikes.<br />
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Setting up a booth at NSS is a completely different animal compared to preparing for a craft fair or market. For a craft fair, I can usually fit everything in the back of my trusty Rav4 - canopy, folding tables, chairs, display racks, and inventory. For NSS, I flew across the country and had to ship decorations or check them in a suitcase. While I didn't have to bring lots of inventory (at NSS, you only take wholesale orders to be shipped when you return home), it was still a LOT of stress trying to figure out how to translate Sketchy Notions into a 7' x 10' booth with just checked luggage.<br />
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Besides having to pay for the booth space (ouch $$$), you then have to figure out your walls, flooring, lighting, and display. And of course get your flight, a place to stay and hopefully still have money left to feed yourself.<br />
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I researched as many options as possible and consulted my NSS Guru, Craig (he's a good friend and showed at NSS years ago before found his current company, <a href="https://lavandefarm.com/" target="_blank">Lavande</a>). Through his advice and copious amounts of research, I ended up making these decisions...<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>I purchased the wall package through Javits! It ended up being the cheapest option and fitted my needs (white walls that were strong enough for nails) and included lighting, labor, electricity and take down. Plus it was a great relief just showing up at the booth with the walls and lights already done! Some East Coast stores opt to drive their own wall displays down but then there's the added stress of having to drive/park a car in NYC. </li>
<li>I also rented two chairs through Javits as well. A lot of booths opt out of having seating but I knew I needed a place to sit during the lulls. </li>
<li>For lodging, I found an awesome Air B&B that was walking distance from Javits because I knew I didn't want to deal with cabs or Ubers while hauling my display luggage to Javits or the stress of navigating New York subways. It was waaaay cheaper than the hotel "deals" through NSS too. The Air B&B allowed me to make breakfast and coffee in the morning too and heat up leftovers for dinner to save money. </li>
<li>The rest of my display stuff I purchased or built myself with the mindset that I will reuse these items for future NSS or trade show visits! Items I purchased include...</li>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HKCXVWU/?ref=exp_sketchynotions_dp_vv_d" target="_blank">Small folding camping table</a> from Amazon to display business cards and hide my supplies underneath</li>
<li>Matching pillows and rug with my succulent design from <a href="https://society6.com/sketchynotions" target="_blank">Society 6</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0767D9Q8V/?ref=idea_lv_dp_ov_d&tag=aiponsite-20&linkCode=ic6&ascsubtag=amzn1.ideas.20HEO3ZAATQ3X" target="_blank">Copper sequin table clothes</a> and plain white table clothes, also from Amazon</li>
<li><a href="https://www.foamtiles.com/" target="_blank">Foam tile flooring</a>! Craig really recommended foam floor to help with the pain of standing all day long and it was probably the 2nd best expense I had after the wall package</li>
<li>A wooden sign for "Sketchy Notions" that I painted turquoise and copper, which I've used at every craft fair since</li>
<li>LOTS of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CQR6KPS/?ref=idea_lv_dp_ov_d&tag=aiponsite-20&linkCode=ic6&ascsubtag=amzn1.ideas.20HEO3ZAATQ3X" target="_blank">mini copper binder clips</a> and copper nails! </li>
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The shelves I cut and painted myself so I could tape them together with foam tape and stick them right on the walls without power tools. Javits is really particular about what tools and stuff you can use, even ladders (if it's something that a union approved construction company can do, they want you to outsource the labor and hire their guys). </div>
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I shipped my foam tiles, small table, table clothes, pillows and rug directly to Javits. It took a little bit to track it down on the day of while I was jet-lagged from my red eye from San Diego (another story for another time) but it was the best option. Everything else (cards, clips, line sheets, business cards, baskets, freebie postcards etc) were in my checked suitcase. And then I just had to fly to New York and pull it all off...by myself. Gulp. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBz2yhFx-MqKR12llla6T9bb50mlXgbae696rFbWCnjalvcamgiujsKRsvFTTlT5SI8AzGmAmxQrCxohTMGGFQKHv24ORKxI4vinjiwXDZxYloMcOIiAMx2kA3qISOIiioDB72vioprlJd/s1600/sketchy+notions+national+stationery+show+NSS+2018+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBz2yhFx-MqKR12llla6T9bb50mlXgbae696rFbWCnjalvcamgiujsKRsvFTTlT5SI8AzGmAmxQrCxohTMGGFQKHv24ORKxI4vinjiwXDZxYloMcOIiAMx2kA3qISOIiioDB72vioprlJd/s640/sketchy+notions+national+stationery+show+NSS+2018+%25281%2529.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The blank slate booth when I first got to Javits!</td></tr>
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Luckily I had some awesome booth neighbors in my aisle to keep me sane during the week, including my new friend Amal from <a href="https://ohmeed.com/" target="_blank">Ohmeed</a> (formerly Studio Fig), <a href="https://www.myinfiniteagenda.com/" target="_blank">My Infinite Agenda</a>, <a href="http://www.ingeneius.net/" target="_blank">Ingeneius</a> and <a href="http://www.paperwilderness.com/" target="_blank">the Paper Wilderness</a>. I also got so meet some amazing folks behind brands that I've followed for years, including Afsaneh from <a href="https://joojoopaper.com/" target="_blank">Joo Joo Paper</a>! Plus being able to walk through the displays from brands like Rifle Paper Co. and One Canoe Two was pretty damn inspiring.<br />
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I had heard from Craig and a few other folks that you shouldn't count on the walls being perfectly square or straight so hanging narrow shelves for the cards to sit on wasn't going to be an easy option. Instead I opted for small copper nails with small copper binder clips to hang each card, postcard set, print or calendar. It took a while to get them all measured and straight but it looked awesome and clean up was really fast! I even took over the downstairs hallway at my mom's house to tape up the cards and see if I had enough selection and if they'd even all fit!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGW34iib1hOm4XSzXhS6Wiesd9nlywlcj3I3WSIbIKoLrKDvnwo9fwz_5QQ7x5OIZOGifJUHyZlLitV42xLBZ_s-EBBin5B9MlvgmiaV9tKiCV-z9X721kqKft9oFJOoeD5EE4UUhZp051/s1600/sketchy+notions+national+stationery+show+NSS+2018+%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGW34iib1hOm4XSzXhS6Wiesd9nlywlcj3I3WSIbIKoLrKDvnwo9fwz_5QQ7x5OIZOGifJUHyZlLitV42xLBZ_s-EBBin5B9MlvgmiaV9tKiCV-z9X721kqKft9oFJOoeD5EE4UUhZp051/s640/sketchy+notions+national+stationery+show+NSS+2018+%25282%2529.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Overall, NSS was an amazing experience. I had a LOT of help getting ready for it (hi mom). But pulling it off solo kinda put in perspective just how much I can do on my own with this little business. I got a few new wholesale accounts, got some contacts with big companies that will hopefully pan out and came back with a lot of knowledge for the next time I go to New York for NSS. </div>
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While I won't being going to NSS in 2019 (they moved it up from May to the first week of February...ew, cold) I'm planning on some bigger markets out of state! I'm hoping to really grow my collection next year too with more variety of products and new designs so when I do get back to NSS I'll be ready with even more goodies! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzMO37eDdgSngdNkqc2pqwCiDum_-EfP7TFMLlglbqirP8KKV7flV8srHoLX8XDVypOIqPzEwkmsa7PcBrFpZvBXqa8Xf0xKLhlXEb7IUbAsernfksx10yjqr9I4CgC-Y8d6bqUq4SoIqG/s1600/sketchy+notions+national+stationery+show+NSS+2018+%25283%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzMO37eDdgSngdNkqc2pqwCiDum_-EfP7TFMLlglbqirP8KKV7flV8srHoLX8XDVypOIqPzEwkmsa7PcBrFpZvBXqa8Xf0xKLhlXEb7IUbAsernfksx10yjqr9I4CgC-Y8d6bqUq4SoIqG/s640/sketchy+notions+national+stationery+show+NSS+2018+%25283%2529.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Well, that's my NSS story! If you're thinking of attending I would definitely encourage you to do it BUT with a lot of planning ahead of time. It's a very stressful and expensive endeavor! Being the procrastinator that I am, I did leave a lot to the last minute and still pulled it off but it wasn't without lots of sleepless nights and stressed out days. If you have any questions, feel free to send them my way too! </div>
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Sketchy Notionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938497891652580191noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446507100874166977.post-84893755139438566942018-12-23T10:35:00.001-08:002018-12-23T16:45:39.196-08:00Wanderful Retreats - the next Italy adventure! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I think it's pretty common knowledge at this point that I'm addicted to Italy. So addicted that I try to find ways to get back to Italy every year. This past summer after we wrapped our 3rd year of art retreats (and added Lucca to the itinerary!) I got to show my family around Italy for the first time! This was the first time my mom and littlest sister had ever been to Italy and the first time for me and my Italian step-dad to show them all of our favorite corners of this gorgeous and chaotic country.<br />
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As much as I love Italy and sketching across it, I may love sharing Italy with others even more. All these restaurants and historical facts, quiet churches and picturesque alleys, perfect vantage points for photos and sketches. I've gathered a lot of them over the years and I really LOVE sharing these tips with other people and getting them just as addicted to Italy as I am.<br />
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While we may have wrapped up the last summer of Bellissima Art Retreats, this certainly won't be my last summer of showing folks around Italy.<br />
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Next summer will be my <a href="http://sketchy-notions.blogspot.com/2009/11/here-goes-nothing-here-comes-everything.html" target="_blank">10th anniversary</a> of first traveling to Italy, and it will be my first that lead a group across Tuscany (back to my hometown) with my new business - <b><a href="http://www.wanderfulretreats.com/" target="_blank">Wanderful Retreats</a></b>!<br />
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I'll be heading back to the first town that sealed my love for this country and leading a small group to some of my favorite towns, restaurants, gelato shops, churches, alleys and more. There will be sketching, cooking, wine tasting, exploring, sunflower field hopping and art-filled adventures! I'm a little excited if you couldn't tell.<br />
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If you want to know more about the retreats, <a href="http://www.wanderfulretreats.com/" target="_blank">pop over to the new website</a>! Or if you just want a fix of pretty Italy photos, you can <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wanderfulretreats/" target="_blank">follow us on Instagram</a> too! More than anything, I'd love it if you could share this fun news with your mom, aunts, cousins, best friends and sisters. Or just come yourself! Especially if your resolution is to travel more, why not come travel with me through Italy to learn to sketch and see all my favorite spots!<br />
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Sketchy Notionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938497891652580191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446507100874166977.post-2309332250016682002018-11-05T08:56:00.000-08:002018-11-05T08:56:34.307-08:00Your Year in Art - book #2! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi all!<br />
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Another post...within a matter of weeks...it's a miracle! But in all seriousness, I do feel badly neglecting this little corner of the interwebs. This blog was the only "Sketchy" thing I had for a long time. Back before I ever owned the domain, had an Etsy shop with that moniker or made this a business. The Sketchy Notions blog is the oldest bit of Sketchy I have.<br />
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And now, there's a new addition to the Sketchy fam...<b>my 2nd BOOK!</b> I already shared about my 1st real published book, <a href="http://sketchy-notions.blogspot.com/2018/03/my-first-real-book.html" target="_blank">Modern Drawing</a>, which published in June. Earlier this year in January (the day before my 30th birthday), I got an email from my publisher, Quarto, asking if I'd be interested in writing another book! The answer of course (after lots of running around the house squealing) was a resounding HELL YES.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC09t0-XctIFNS_d1RzOA_BHKoDzYS5RR6OfpxVBZ623qkRUECoINsdpsm5rwBmUGMWzQtkNfxHGJ41JXhFZe1lmrMY7X6bjYZQjIHUlYoCRh0isCSUo2TmCzaFB3UKvC8ZTVaPxWwtXtc/s1600/your+year+in+art+final+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="382" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC09t0-XctIFNS_d1RzOA_BHKoDzYS5RR6OfpxVBZ623qkRUECoINsdpsm5rwBmUGMWzQtkNfxHGJ41JXhFZe1lmrMY7X6bjYZQjIHUlYoCRh0isCSUo2TmCzaFB3UKvC8ZTVaPxWwtXtc/s400/your+year+in+art+final+cover.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
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This also meant I would have to write book number 2 while preparing to attend the National Stationery Show in New York City for my first time...and preparing for the 3rd summer of Italy retreats...AND, at the last minute, fly down to San Diego to film my workshop collaboration with <a href="https://thecraftersbox.com/2018-07_featured-maker/" target="_blank">The Crafter's Box!</a> May and June were insane to say the least.<br />
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BUT! With all the late nights and panicked deadline days, I got it all turned in. A week or so ago, I got my first physical copy of my 2nd book and it's adorable.<br />
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<a href="https://www.quartoknows.com/books/9781633226494/Your-Year-in-Art.html" target="_blank">Your Year in Art</a> is a book designed to help you overcome blank page anxiety and artists' block! There's a prompt for every week of the year to keep you creating and making all year long! It's so colorful and fun inside and I'm in LOVE with how it turned out!<br />
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I've been sharing more peeks inside the book over on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BpP1bGOgCJr/" target="_blank">Instagram lately</a> but I also wanted to share some of the pre-order details over here too. Pre-orders of the book are crucial for the first week of a book launch. All pre-orders count towards the 1st week totals which then helps the book show up more prominently in searches on Amazon, which can then lead to more orders! More orders = happy publisher = even happier Chelsea!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1tAhPfKVICYJlfq9t2_fW9cr1cIynhb_49M-TpZ_t8dbkF67TH65ogu6-ixYqpEqblWL424MnPu3vvZ0Ut3Wz_Z4qU-oEwQER8n3ea6DQ9_h8NCbYRf-di7ztnkD4wSF99T8VHrBY3TT/s1600/20181022_123015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1199" height="auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1tAhPfKVICYJlfq9t2_fW9cr1cIynhb_49M-TpZ_t8dbkF67TH65ogu6-ixYqpEqblWL424MnPu3vvZ0Ut3Wz_Z4qU-oEwQER8n3ea6DQ9_h8NCbYRf-di7ztnkD4wSF99T8VHrBY3TT/s640/20181022_123015.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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You can find the book on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1633226492/creativepubco-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and at <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/your-year-in-art-chelsea-ward/1128113542;jsessionid=AEBC526B9146F28A4D4DCE6A82BD4A6E.prodny_store02-atgap03?ean=9781633226494" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> now! If you pre-order, be sure to send me your receipt and I'll send you the 2019 Coloring Calendar download! You'll also be entered into giveaways of signed books, original art and some art packs! YAY!<br />
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Take a peek at the book below and I'd love it if you considered ordering up a copy of <a href="https://www.quartoknows.com/books/9781633226494/Your-Year-in-Art.html" target="_blank">Your Year in Art</a>. It would make a great gift this Holiday season!<br />
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Sketchy Notionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938497891652580191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446507100874166977.post-72758026050740144722018-10-27T14:58:00.002-07:002018-10-27T14:58:38.937-07:00Etsy Swap 2018!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Yet again, long time no blog. There's so many things to catch you all up on and I will have to get to that another day!<br />
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Today, I'm excited to share some goodies I was sent by the lovely Amy from <a href="https://alovedlifeblog.com/" target="_blank">A Loved Life</a>! I've been following Amy for a few years now and actually participated in her last Etsy Swap a few years ago too!<br />
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Amy organized the swap AND she ended up being paired with me! I was paired with the sweet <a href="https://ruthannecrews.com/" target="_blank">Ruthanne Crews</a> so hopefully she liked her goodies too!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhD5nSKz0SWR4ZREJgrIbzaSkKezXIzbgsBJt16vmaF1s7qJwfS03ysyQoD2Wx8cXMVnRAh2g2ovr_LTf80ItNiTfcHDB6CJYYBndE_TcOj5u9FxHC19jBWYrP-4M2mzFWqYlc1gU7GRT/s1600/20181027_144303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1419" height="auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhD5nSKz0SWR4ZREJgrIbzaSkKezXIzbgsBJt16vmaF1s7qJwfS03ysyQoD2Wx8cXMVnRAh2g2ovr_LTf80ItNiTfcHDB6CJYYBndE_TcOj5u9FxHC19jBWYrP-4M2mzFWqYlc1gU7GRT/s640/20181027_144303.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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On to the fun part! Amy sent me such thoughtful goodies, everything from cat stickers from one of my favorite shops <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/CactusClub" target="_blank">Cactus Club</a>, to a gorgeous porcelain grapefruit bowl from <a href="https://www.heirloomhomeandstudio.com/" target="_blank">Heirloom Studio</a>. I will of course be eating my grapefruits out of my grapefruit bowl just for the sake of doing it.<br />
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There was also a lovely assortment of teach and a bath fizz bar, which I'm sure will come in handy as the Holiday season kicks into high gear! Thank you so much Amy! You can see more of the goodies people mailed each other for the <a href="https://alovedlifeblog.com/2018/10/etsy-swap-the-reveal/" target="_blank">2018 Etsy Swap</a> over on Amy's blog.<br />
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There's so much more to update you and I'll do my best to get another post over here soon. Another book that's releasing soon, a whole new collection of paper goods, a new art retreat company...A LOT!<br />
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If you want to get an idea of what's going on immediately, pop on over to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sketchynotions/" target="_blank">the Sketchy Notions Instagram</a> and my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chelseanotions/" target="_blank">personal Instagram</a> to get a peek. </div>
Sketchy Notionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938497891652580191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446507100874166977.post-58593649933940787482018-03-06T22:13:00.000-08:002018-03-06T22:13:13.043-08:00my first REAL BOOK!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hi all (if there's still anyone out there that follows this little blog). It's been a while...quite a while!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Things have been busy to say the least. And things are only going to get busier. If you don't follow me on <a href="http://instagram.com/sketchynotions" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, (which, honestly, is the only thing I post on these days) then you've missed a lot.</span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivkS_5DmpG26xjp35AJBQVVFIaH8TuA3KVAKoy_RIN-x1DLQxc0lQE6fBI0wECsooav2cYm8MWe0MK-PhtwuH1DLifNEpJ_McZyVwUQ09KWGBqAWUvibi_CmCgZxLd3mW12wQ0A3KDncoX/s1600/Modern+Drawing+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="375" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivkS_5DmpG26xjp35AJBQVVFIaH8TuA3KVAKoy_RIN-x1DLQxc0lQE6fBI0wECsooav2cYm8MWe0MK-PhtwuH1DLifNEpJ_McZyVwUQ09KWGBqAWUvibi_CmCgZxLd3mW12wQ0A3KDncoX/s400/Modern+Drawing+cover.jpg" width="300" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Besides our second round of <a href="http://www.bellissimaartretreats.com/" target="_blank">Bellissima Art Retreats</a>, the highlight of 2017 was writing my FIRST BOOK! A real book...not a print a few copies or a one-of-a-kind book...a real to be published and in bookstores/on Amazon BOOK! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">See that cover to the right? <b>THAT'S MY BOOK! </b>It's still pretty surreal seeing it and knowing that it will be in actual stores and online in less than 3 months. <b><i>WOW!</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So...the full story...around last May, I was contacted by the sweet folks over at Quarto Publishing asking if I'd like to write a book on modern drawing techniques. It was right when I was getting ready to leave for Italy so I was a little pre-occupied and ended up emailing them in between retreats to get more information and ultimately say YES. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What followed was a whirlwind 4 months of drawing, writing, editing, submitting, revising and losing a fair amount of sleep. Modern Drawing is more than just a book on drawing...there's my tips and tricks, how to turn an ink drawing into a painting, adding color, sketching on the road and with drawing challenges. Plants, animals, people, buildings...I swear, there's SO MUCH drawing instruction in this one book! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm happy to share that after those few crazy months by book, <a href="https://www.quartoknows.com/books/9781633224926/Modern-Drawing.html" target="_blank">Modern Drawing</a>, is coming out on June 5th! You can pre-order it on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1633224929/creativepubco-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/1633224929/creativepubco-20" target="_blank">Amazon UK</a> and <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/modern-drawing-chelsea-ward/1127933118?ean=9781633224926" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> now! It's pretty crazy that I can freakin' type in MY NAME on Amazon and MY BOOK comes up. Yeah...a little crazy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And...since crazy seems to be the reoccurring theme of my year, I'm actually in the midst of writing a 2nd book right now! Back in January, the day before my 30th birthday, I got yet another email from the lovely Quarto folks asking if I would write another book...<a href="https://www.quartoknows.com/books/9781633226494/Your-Year-in-Art.html" target="_blank">Your Year of Art</a>! This book will be completely different. It's a book to help combat artist's block and blank page anxiety so it's filled with 52 prompts, one for each week of the year, to keep you creating and drawing all year long. It's so crazy to be back in this process again already, in the midst of getting ready for my first year attending the National Stationery Show in May. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Yeah...it's a little crazy around the art bubble these days. I'm still doing my best to keep up posting on <a href="http://instagram.com/sketchynotions" target="_blank">Instagram</a> so that's the best way to stay on top of news with the books. I will try to post over here more often in the land of no algorithms (I'm looking at you, Instagram...). </span></div>
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Sketchy Notionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938497891652580191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446507100874166977.post-69737818164331961942017-07-11T09:52:00.001-07:002017-07-12T15:13:42.300-07:00bits & pieces...over the past few months...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Ciao everyone! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So...I must admit, it's been quite awhile since I last posted on this here blog. Spring was a bit of a frenzy between getting the Spring Collection launched, trying out some new markets, finishing up the school year, Spring wedding MANIA, another year of I Madonnari AND getting prepped for our 2nd year of <a href="http://www.bellissimaartretreats.com/" target="_blank">Bellissima Art Retreats</a> in Italy! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To say things were hectic is an understatement. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But, now I'm back in the bubble and rested after some down time cruising through Italy with some friends and family at the end of our 2nd retreat. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I've got some secret projects I'm currently working on (more on that as soon as I'm able to share) and new Holiday designs are in the works too! I'm slowly collecting photos from some recent weddings as well and hopefully I'll get my newest sketchbook Sesto photographed soon. Until then, here's a quick catch up on some highlights you might have missed (if you follow along on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sketchynotions/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, you've already seen most of this!).</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyNts5qboxdDknKkWZvmX9ouaLl8q_NFEMXVOkaoxkOuFDy4nnyoWkUK7Rso9HOe_bom3FKGK4FucZ03xMcPXzRm_8HO-untxjoY07HNcgnXalWlWQwsn5rTBAzBBDG8rSw3dF3TEJ030i/s1600/20170707_040039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyNts5qboxdDknKkWZvmX9ouaLl8q_NFEMXVOkaoxkOuFDy4nnyoWkUK7Rso9HOe_bom3FKGK4FucZ03xMcPXzRm_8HO-untxjoY07HNcgnXalWlWQwsn5rTBAzBBDG8rSw3dF3TEJ030i/s640/20170707_040039.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I spent my last few days in Italy this summer sketching across Rome! Hot and sweaty and oh so much fun! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggEvWIa25mRGs8ZFW6hCrzActud8gJcjZx2yBclwjr3uOq_TVH5W0VOvWaoeSBVyrsHULcZf9wcTFKtaA0BO-qgTbIp2RPa2eVcFfjgPd12b7UfZrzGTtviblv9egt-2HpJFlFLiuBe2Oo/s1600/20170630_225451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggEvWIa25mRGs8ZFW6hCrzActud8gJcjZx2yBclwjr3uOq_TVH5W0VOvWaoeSBVyrsHULcZf9wcTFKtaA0BO-qgTbIp2RPa2eVcFfjgPd12b7UfZrzGTtviblv9egt-2HpJFlFLiuBe2Oo/s640/20170630_225451.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I also was able to make a quick trip somewhere new -- VERONA!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9X4UNBofzCUEKXNclYdZE6wDngqNtus26EyrXn9alXua6MddfDBi0eckh_ly4dUvd0SeSCpC0ksDtLTWSKAuLeRBAS8Hw-xhWl-aNe2LE-ovTUq5mhoZUUea4TfeJ38jkg9LUAMY1098/s1600/20170602_180133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9X4UNBofzCUEKXNclYdZE6wDngqNtus26EyrXn9alXua6MddfDBi0eckh_ly4dUvd0SeSCpC0ksDtLTWSKAuLeRBAS8Hw-xhWl-aNe2LE-ovTUq5mhoZUUea4TfeJ38jkg9LUAMY1098/s640/20170602_180133.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My last wedding right before I left. This guestbook was a floral beast!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWzW1dJdORw5rMuzr7QVzpL255DSFukLh7FCsRAyc7r2Cg_b55A_xvjXphOLawCUO9Y1QQdXs1aA20TJuzYRpre8PvT17LYWV4uPA6KvFUNVsJFuILSSZBm0zclng-tEuIxlH-_o8WFtvy/s1600/20170529_205133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWzW1dJdORw5rMuzr7QVzpL255DSFukLh7FCsRAyc7r2Cg_b55A_xvjXphOLawCUO9Y1QQdXs1aA20TJuzYRpre8PvT17LYWV4uPA6KvFUNVsJFuILSSZBm0zclng-tEuIxlH-_o8WFtvy/s640/20170529_205133.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 2017 I Madonnari piece of Burano, Italy! I'll share more about this monster soon. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHf9F3PTZeFaOZa917xqDhi6T0KURuz0yGDL_b1xDyH89iYSXpp49Gio1gLimh3wHTCIYsXpxAlR87tO1fsrpzfQ1HExYkfkdSIX-epjBtTxPMNYlnGZdNAFeGJhhIENfR7wkYWsH9PdPS/s1600/20170523_134842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1198" height="auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHf9F3PTZeFaOZa917xqDhi6T0KURuz0yGDL_b1xDyH89iYSXpp49Gio1gLimh3wHTCIYsXpxAlR87tO1fsrpzfQ1HExYkfkdSIX-epjBtTxPMNYlnGZdNAFeGJhhIENfR7wkYWsH9PdPS/s640/20170523_134842.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chalk by Chels has been staying VERY busy lately!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJKoIch2CMsJ6xAT_yxtL8QALd5B4zZeNISJUPO16_ZgYS4Tycd9Vt2Fm8rx_BoSaXPCMv9cTLvq0vpiPN04kBEPVDxI2FpDMv14oXwvsOa7bSa1lTYMG3XZe_DQujjAyBlkFvnnBj4Dq/s1600/20170515_133156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1599" height="auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJKoIch2CMsJ6xAT_yxtL8QALd5B4zZeNISJUPO16_ZgYS4Tycd9Vt2Fm8rx_BoSaXPCMv9cTLvq0vpiPN04kBEPVDxI2FpDMv14oXwvsOa7bSa1lTYMG3XZe_DQujjAyBlkFvnnBj4Dq/s640/20170515_133156.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">VERY busy! These are from another friend's wedding back in May. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRFI76icoJMrSkr4Kag3pCTCi70JVuM9PSkWHfEBVk7uIYz2QGA57HmYMBjpF6l3W__fvHhMADGNE1wOCJu1FInhYAFkXZIJ93-N887i8DjjLqeKv_kVd6xJrOnFdnTDRRk2eltgg5L0tT/s1600/20170430_072955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1199" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRFI76icoJMrSkr4Kag3pCTCi70JVuM9PSkWHfEBVk7uIYz2QGA57HmYMBjpF6l3W__fvHhMADGNE1wOCJu1FInhYAFkXZIJ93-N887i8DjjLqeKv_kVd6xJrOnFdnTDRRk2eltgg5L0tT/s640/20170430_072955.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I tried out the Jackalope market in Pasadena this spring too, and brought the little sis-tern along to help! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN0HXigq07aR2py3NMH-ld46suRnuWT3YBWhaZnwDWak9q4J8VEtVCrf-5vKUEAtRNm0CfRbutLtehas1sCDdthX5vBQOhH5JOe8If8AUeqq1mwVS7ilEPUUPBS9Mu2ey8pTB1oyclwOzC/s1600/20170331_131643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN0HXigq07aR2py3NMH-ld46suRnuWT3YBWhaZnwDWak9q4J8VEtVCrf-5vKUEAtRNm0CfRbutLtehas1sCDdthX5vBQOhH5JOe8If8AUeqq1mwVS7ilEPUUPBS9Mu2ey8pTB1oyclwOzC/s640/20170331_131643.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mural paining with a local elementary school with Arts Outreach! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBG-Du5wuBJw7sWmvoPMDMSVf2AhtUG4NnfWCMlQHFfc2gkcYt8vevbN7-SFA64zDyFU_UjyF8vApzeqUOW729eNZEPydd0E6zDyZZxeglLRh2GIfC4IX5XBzeIs2-S5kr0wN8r9jpHrYg/s1600/20170307_164748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1315" height="auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBG-Du5wuBJw7sWmvoPMDMSVf2AhtUG4NnfWCMlQHFfc2gkcYt8vevbN7-SFA64zDyFU_UjyF8vApzeqUOW729eNZEPydd0E6zDyZZxeglLRh2GIfC4IX5XBzeIs2-S5kr0wN8r9jpHrYg/s640/20170307_164748.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was a dream wedding -- GEODE SLICE PLACE CARDS!! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJsJw-2VvTi2ZXI_li0OXijBefL0R52c5YdwEHFWSorB6Z9_j__qIReTNoaiNmBXYz6iD5I-Zvq35FOUz6gATmlNNx9J7Y91DTpIKiTUS5dLMdm53zclGsqck8ZE4mhmgktzjWQkLk8UbR/s1600/20170228_091906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1467" height="auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJsJw-2VvTi2ZXI_li0OXijBefL0R52c5YdwEHFWSorB6Z9_j__qIReTNoaiNmBXYz6iD5I-Zvq35FOUz6gATmlNNx9J7Y91DTpIKiTUS5dLMdm53zclGsqck8ZE4mhmgktzjWQkLk8UbR/s640/20170228_091906.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some logo work for a new tasting room in Los Olivos! </td></tr>
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Sketchy Notionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938497891652580191noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446507100874166977.post-84124197768539655682017-02-26T15:51:00.000-08:002017-02-26T15:51:40.090-08:00Winter Celtic "Sláinte" Photoshoot<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A few weeks ago, one of my favorite local photographers, <a href="http://rebeccariveraweddings.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Rebecca Rivera</a>, and one of my favorite coordinators, Maria from <a href="http://www.wunderlandco.co/" target="_blank">Wunderland Co.</a>, decided to get together and create another beautiful photoshoot. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Last year, they collaborated on the stunning Cinco de Mayo "</span><a href="http://sketchy-notions.blogspot.com/2016/05/tequila-tapas-photoshoot.html" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;" target="_blank">Tequila and Tapas</a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">" themed shoot, so this one was bound to be just as gorgeous. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The results were incredible, I'm still in awe of how it all came together. For this round, I was able to make a guestbook (which is <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/497952130/winter-celtic-slainte-wedding-guest-book?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank">over in the Etsy shop!</a>), mirror chalk signs, favor tags and some floral cameo mirrors. The little floral cameos were my favorite detail of everything I got to make! I'll probably keep them painted until I have to repurpose them for another wedding!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">They shot the whole thing up at Knapp's Castle up above Santa Barbara, which is a magical location! Everything just came together so perfectly. AH! Here are the other lovely ladies that were involved with bringing this whole day together:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Photography: <a href="http://rebeccariveraweddings.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Rebecca Rivera Weddings</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Curation/Styling & Design: <a href="http://www.wunderlandco.co/" target="_blank">Wunderland Co. </a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Vintage Rentals: <a href="http://www.blivingstore.com/" target="_blank">B. Living</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Cake: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sass_catering/" target="_blank">Sass Catering</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Florals: <a href="http://terrabellaflorals.com/" target="_blank">Terra Bella Event Florals</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hair/Make-Up: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/juliechristy_hm/" target="_blank">Julie Christy Hair & Make-Up</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Wedding Dress: <a href="https://www.dreamersandlovers.com/" target="_blank">Dreamers and Lovers</a></span><br />
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Sketchy Notionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938497891652580191noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446507100874166977.post-19093584498137377122017-01-14T09:14:00.000-08:002019-11-04T14:04:13.526-08:00Bellissima Art Retreats 2017<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Happy New Year everyone! Well, I guess that phrase is a couple weeks old now. Seeing as we are two weeks into 2017. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I've been getting back into the swing of things, after taking a nice long break from commissions and thinking about work. Which typically means now that blogging is the on the burner farthest back, in a whole other damn house. I'll try to be better this year! I can't make any promises, but I'll try. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I know quite a few of you already know about the newest business venture but I wanted to do a little post about what's coming this year! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Last summer, my business partner and I set out to host <b><a href="http://sketchy-notions.blogspot.com/2016/07/our-first-bellissima-art-retreat.html" target="_blank">our first art retreat</a></b> in Florence, Italy! It was amazing and so exciting that something we had chatted about over coffee less than a year prior actually came to fruition! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And so <b><a href="http://www.bellissimaartretreats.com/" target="_blank">Bellissima Art Retreats</a></b> was born! We're officially a business (paperwork filed and all, woot!) and we've got big plans for this year. We are plotting some Southern California weekend art retreats but our biggest goal this year is share Italy and creating art in Tuscany with more people. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So this summer, we're going even bigger! We will be holding <b>2</b> one week long retreats back in my favorite Tuscan town...Castiglion Fiorentino! We will be staying in an updated farmhouse tucked back in the Val di Chio just outside of town. The farmhouse is owned by the <a href="http://villas.famigliabuccelletti.it/" target="_blank">Buccelletti family</a>, who I've been friends with since I first traveled to CFno years ago. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Fun story: my friend Michele Bucculletti met his wife, Renee, when she was studying at the study abroad center. I was working there at the time and got to watch the magic of that town bring another couple together and then I got to make their <a href="http://www.chelseawardart.com/michele--reneeacutes-wedding-album.html" target="_blank">wedding album</a> a few years later!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Renee has been helping us coordinate and get all the amazing activities for the summer lined up! We will be having cooking classes, walking tours of the towns, day trips to Assisi and Cortona (the same Cortona from Under the Tuscan Sun), transportation to and from everything and so much more. Our villa is surrounded by stunning views of olive groves and vineyards that we get to paint every day. Did I mention it also has a pool? Yeah...to say we're excited about this coming June is an understatement. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We've already had some amazing folks reserve their spots for next summer, and I'd love it if some of you guys could come along! Bring your mom along for a mother daughter trip! Or just your sisters, sorority or genetic! Grab a couple of your favorite besties for a summer of reminiscing about that time you studied abroad together. Surprise your girlfriend with an excuse for her to invest in that "one day I'll paint in Italy" dream. Or simply just do it as a gift to yourself because...why the hell not? </span></div>
Sketchy Notionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938497891652580191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446507100874166977.post-29464293101912032772016-12-17T17:57:00.000-08:002016-12-17T17:57:04.709-08:00favorite fellow card makers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Way back on this blog, I used to do a weekly segment called "<a href="http://sketchy-notions.blogspot.com/search/label/friday%20features" target="_blank">Friday Feature</a>" where I would highlight one of my favorite makers, artists and even musicians. I loved being able to reach out to some of my favorite makers and spread the word about some amazing folks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The feature died off a while back, around the time I started having less time to devote to blogging. But with the rise of Instagram, I've been so easily connected to SO many artists and makers! It's no surprise that I tend to follow similarly minded artists that are into plants, illustrations and card making. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And so I wanted to bring back a little "Mini Feature" (not on a Friday, oops) about some of my favorite card makers. There are SO MANY amazing ladies out there making cards. Seriously, just scroll through my list of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sketchynotions/" target="_blank">Instagram accounts</a> I'm following, they're kinda amazing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here are four ladies that I particularly admire. All four are incredibly talented, amazingly generous and genuinely wonderful women. Two are gals that I actually included on <a href="http://sketchy-notions.blogspot.com/2012/06/friday-features-favorite-etsy-shops.html" target="_blank">Friday Features</a><i> years ago</i> and two are new favorites I've been connected to through Instagram! I hope you enjoy their work as much as I do, and hopefully feel inclined to support their work as well! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Katharine Watson:</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Katharine has some of my absolute favorite card designs out there! I've been in love with printmaking since college so I have a soft spot of anyone that uses block printing in their work. Her designs are stunning and I love seeing her line grow and change every year. Prints, cards, textiles, calendars...everything is gorgeous and has so much time and work invested in it. She even delved into combining her block carvings and ceramics this year!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ShopKatharineWatson" target="_blank">Shop Katharine Watson</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/katharine_watson/" target="_blank">@katharine_watson</a></b><span id="goog_1921309252"></span><span id="goog_1921309253"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u><b>Erin McManness / Paper Raven Co.</b>:</u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I could go on and on about Erin's work. She's just incredible. I think I stumbled onto her blog when I was in Italy years ago and I've just loved watching her work evolve and her business grow. Her illustrations and letter work continue to one of my favorites out there. Plus, how cute is this little notepad?! Everything she makes is incredible! And she's such a lovely person too! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><a href="https://paper-raven-co.myshopify.com/" target="_blank">Shop Paper Raven Co.</a> / <a href="http://paperraven.co/">@paperraven.co</a></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u>Laura Uy / Art and Soul Creative Co.:</u></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjADDgNN3WdTayfpsfqJiKmEis7g-qh7mxZKq4_H8mjLRoaYUBie12RetvOzhz3YYLxclKxxVYflprEnV3zEuGhQuQ7rk0Yy3sgERBzw0HyvSMhzVfIzZBuvR0ZaLDwElL4TtKy_H228cVF/s1600/sketchy+notions+blog+favorite+card+makers+katherine+watson+erin+mcmanness+paper+raven+co+laura+uy+art+and+soul+creative+co+juliet+meeks+design+succulent+cards+block+printed+%25285%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjADDgNN3WdTayfpsfqJiKmEis7g-qh7mxZKq4_H8mjLRoaYUBie12RetvOzhz3YYLxclKxxVYflprEnV3zEuGhQuQ7rk0Yy3sgERBzw0HyvSMhzVfIzZBuvR0ZaLDwElL4TtKy_H228cVF/s640/sketchy+notions+blog+favorite+card+makers+katherine+watson+erin+mcmanness+paper+raven+co+laura+uy+art+and+soul+creative+co+juliet+meeks+design+succulent+cards+block+printed+%25285%2529.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I've followed Laura on Instagram for a while now, and her account is always so cheerful and fun! On top of adorable pun cards, Laura now has a new line of designs made from paper collages. I bought the Fiddle Leaf Fig for myself and Laura was so sweet to include a print of her Fiddle Leaf Fig watercolor too! I love everything she posts, especially her coloring book designs too! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><a href="http://artandsoulcreativeco.com/" target="_blank">Shop Art + Soul Creative Co.</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/artandsoulcreativeco/" target="_blank">@artandsoulcreativeco</a></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u>Juliet Meeks Design:</u></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHB0_WDcJ91CXoKb-cC27HWMm0K0yxOAd0MQRGe_ODg-wDq5ydo8jq9KxkO24eieTYYp0QkT7Lhdf9ZrHGGSjOGlfUQRlDVnQZKP2jya5l5FQOferq0xbEfOQesU8FeHJj0_pAzL3F7elY/s1600/sketchy+notions+blog+favorite+card+makers+juliet+meeks+design+succulent+cards+block+printed+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHB0_WDcJ91CXoKb-cC27HWMm0K0yxOAd0MQRGe_ODg-wDq5ydo8jq9KxkO24eieTYYp0QkT7Lhdf9ZrHGGSjOGlfUQRlDVnQZKP2jya5l5FQOferq0xbEfOQesU8FeHJj0_pAzL3F7elY/s640/sketchy+notions+blog+favorite+card+makers+juliet+meeks+design+succulent+cards+block+printed+%25283%2529.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Juliet is one of my newest favorite card makers and Instagramers. I absolutely LOVE her floral patterns with the black backgrounds! I think it's so unique to see that combination (especially since I'm such an addict to white backgrounds). Another thing I love is how she incorporates her watercolor patterns and designs into textiles and wrapping paper, they're stunning! She's also such a sweet heart with an inspiring Instagram as well. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://shop.julietmeeks.com/" target="_blank">Shop Juliet Meeks Design</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/julietmeeksdesign/" target="_blank">@julietmeeksdesign</a></span></div>
Sketchy Notionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938497891652580191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446507100874166977.post-88886934307169390362016-12-13T21:53:00.001-08:002016-12-13T21:53:35.354-08:00Sketchy Notions, then and now<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This past weekend, I had my last big market of the year. It was the most expensive market I've ever applied for and also the most successful market I've <i>ever</i> had. I first started selling at markets over 3 years ago, and it's kinda crazy to look back and see how far my products and booth has come. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Below is a photo my friend Kelly took of me and my booth on Saturday after we got everything set up for the <a href="http://www.renegadecraft.com/" target="_blank">Renegade Craft Fair</a> in Los Angeles! Last year was my first time at this show, and it didn't go too well at all last year. I still ended up applying for it this season since it was such great exposure and fun to meet all my favorite makers in person. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My location at Renegade this year was much better, even though the spot was a little strange and lumpy. In the end, it actually worked to my advantage and turned into my most profitable market ever. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMwTOVm3s2QqAqs7E1npgG3bFpm1pVxeTHYrjpe8Ao16gtOrOKBga-fE7Abku99KWyePGmEO2tZ3VJ2YdSLmUgSz12j0Ih4swIDDc5ARlxB2JpBimidqiRG-XIDz27vjBIe_u-scBXlXu9/s1600/15002369_10154221803994195_3497691146725218379_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMwTOVm3s2QqAqs7E1npgG3bFpm1pVxeTHYrjpe8Ao16gtOrOKBga-fE7Abku99KWyePGmEO2tZ3VJ2YdSLmUgSz12j0Ih4swIDDc5ARlxB2JpBimidqiRG-XIDz27vjBIe_u-scBXlXu9/s640/15002369_10154221803994195_3497691146725218379_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The photo above is from my market down at <a href="http://www.rollinggreensnursery.com/" target="_blank">Rolling Greens Nursery</a> in LA. This was a really fun market since they invited me to come and it was a beautifully curated market. So many warm fuzzies. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here are a few photos from one of <a href="https://sketchy-notions.blogspot.com/2013/05/to-market.html" target="_blank">my first markets ever</a>, that didn't go quite as planned. Albeit I was doing some pretty cheap markets back then so a bad day of sales really wasn't all that bad considering. I've had some pretty awful markets over the years so it's really amazing that this year has been the first year of consistently killer markets! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There are some little bits and pieces that have still carried over to my current booth displays but I love how clean and fresh my booth feels now compared to 3 years ago! I've changed and updated and tweaked my displays so many times, I've lost count. SO much has changed with my booth, particularly the size. There's no way I could go back to just one table, my inventory has grown too much! Plus one of my friend's made me the amazing wooden card racks in the top photos, which were a game changer for my booth. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Over all, I'm really proud of how far Sketchy has come. I love where it was, I love where it is, and I'm excited to see where it will be this time next year. </span></div>
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Sketchy Notionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938497891652580191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446507100874166977.post-64206356577211435632016-12-04T08:30:00.001-08:002016-12-04T08:30:36.434-08:00Kelly's Embroidered Navy Wedding Guestbook<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hi blog...long time not talk. This year has flown by, which unfortunately included any free time to sit and post an update over here. I just finished up a local Holiday market yesterday and now I'm gearing up for Renegade in LA this next weekend! The home stretch! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I've been making a lot of new things, including <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SketchyNotions?section_id=20560088" target="_blank">temporary tattoos</a>, lots of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SketchyNotions?ref=hdr_shop_menu&section_id=11436571" target="_blank">calendars</a> and quite a few <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SketchyNotions?section_id=11455120" target="_blank">traveling sketchbooks</a>. In the midst of stocking the shop, I've also had some really amazing commissions pass through the bubble. There's one that I CAN'T WAIT to share! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And there's this gorgeous book I made for one of my favorite people that got married in October! I just got my hands on some of the photos, which were taken by another favorite, <a href="http://rebeccariveraweddings.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Rebecca Rivera</a>. How gorgeous are these photos?!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I'm seriously in love with this guestbook. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On the cover, we did an all over navy watercolor wash. For their names, I painted them in silver ink and outlined them in mint embroidery. Inside we went with a watercolor floral frame on each page so guests had their own space to write inside. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I posted a <b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BLg43bhBjiq/" target="_blank">video on Instagram</a></b> after I finished it up where you can see all the pages inside. Hooray for clip on phone tripods!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Okay, time to get to that lengthy to do list. If you're in the Los Angeles area, I'd love to see you next weekend at Grand Park! I'll be in booth 43 with all the Sketchy goodies (and even some Cursive Cursing...)</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BLg43bhBjiq/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Still having craftbacks to this wedding guestbook I made a few weeks ago. I hand painted and embroidered the cover first. Then every page inside had a printed watercolor frame of the brides flowers. One big beautiful beast! If you have a friend, besties, fiance, sister, cousin or mom looking for a custom one-of-a-kind guestbook for their special day, send them my way! I have a few openings left for late fall and winter guestbooks and photo albums.#soloverly</a></div>
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A video posted by 👻SKETCHYNOTIONS by Chelsea (@sketchynotions) on <time datetime="2016-10-13T18:54:11+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Oct 13, 2016 at 11:54am PDT</time></div>
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Sketchy Notionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938497891652580191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446507100874166977.post-84161238786871534422016-09-21T13:14:00.000-07:002016-09-25T20:11:02.416-07:00Tracey's Expanding Indigo Wedding Guestbook<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This big, blue, beautiful beast was such a challenge but I love the outcome of it SO very much. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Tracey needed a big, dip-dyed indigo book to use as a guestbook for her wedding. They were planning on having their guests add Polaroid photos to it from the ceremony and therefore needed a book that could expand as the pages were filled with photos. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We also dip-dyed the edges of the pages which was a GORGEOUS effect. Blue ombre covers, blue spine and just a touch of blue inside. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I also incorporated some vintage Mother-of-Pearl buttons that belonged to my Grandma. Something blue and something old all in one spot! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtb7RK3xWjod-Xej5PESVrFCiuyPzs6f_jXKzCqr8xAbSVB0tvbGyppagCA697G8oXdPc-rqLbxq9BQO1YkE0n5YG4qCAIf7bTJnXwrd1sXZkEDrhKgOUL199LhNFIrCQs8zfmnu5cWsIK/s1600/tracey_indigo_wedding_guestbook_3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtb7RK3xWjod-Xej5PESVrFCiuyPzs6f_jXKzCqr8xAbSVB0tvbGyppagCA697G8oXdPc-rqLbxq9BQO1YkE0n5YG4qCAIf7bTJnXwrd1sXZkEDrhKgOUL199LhNFIrCQs8zfmnu5cWsIK/s640/tracey_indigo_wedding_guestbook_3.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1DN-IZGR61FU_3QJk73uewMdEx6NJfvRFo2E-6F9db3-UtNZIeh2uNBeF6hOOFvs4nTzUKV3ARi1jYVfwewarFvFCexwnbdkuZQgMEQPcMFw-xK6jWdRQf3qxVvzjy7BLKgCNOV9I-q0/s1600/tracey_indigo_wedding_guestbook_4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1DN-IZGR61FU_3QJk73uewMdEx6NJfvRFo2E-6F9db3-UtNZIeh2uNBeF6hOOFvs4nTzUKV3ARi1jYVfwewarFvFCexwnbdkuZQgMEQPcMFw-xK6jWdRQf3qxVvzjy7BLKgCNOV9I-q0/s640/tracey_indigo_wedding_guestbook_4.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6HjTcp36SaaTPT1ytouf0d-rd9KkO_1Qu8WlqIYqmc10bMQWW4l8Twne6ljk8EKCe5pdM9bkzS6ZQs7nenj86tFhH97XXqwKWQiCwlxfgXgvKuhdoCamI0pZtXIXHWJhiFaAWC4C-jH5/s1600/tracey_indigo_wedding_guestbook_5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6HjTcp36SaaTPT1ytouf0d-rd9KkO_1Qu8WlqIYqmc10bMQWW4l8Twne6ljk8EKCe5pdM9bkzS6ZQs7nenj86tFhH97XXqwKWQiCwlxfgXgvKuhdoCamI0pZtXIXHWJhiFaAWC4C-jH5/s640/tracey_indigo_wedding_guestbook_5.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipMfxeoF4pdQ-g4wDFizEc5Xbu2F593awGd3HNS2z-cqV6g5glUsgOOhG1z0QbJCPsUFyAET2XWd5-JQGyxrHCaW9klyRIMCXHbXu44pV6-JT-QbjSwsPAJOTiwpYGbKAGZRYLLZD3-9nt/s1600/tracey_indigo_wedding_guestbook_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipMfxeoF4pdQ-g4wDFizEc5Xbu2F593awGd3HNS2z-cqV6g5glUsgOOhG1z0QbJCPsUFyAET2XWd5-JQGyxrHCaW9klyRIMCXHbXu44pV6-JT-QbjSwsPAJOTiwpYGbKAGZRYLLZD3-9nt/s640/tracey_indigo_wedding_guestbook_2.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It's been a LONG time (about 8 years when I was taking my first Bookbinding class in college) since I last did a concertina binding, or an expanding spine. I was such a challenge but it was a nice change from my usual coptic stitch. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was pretty enamored with the final product too. When it was all done, I couldn't help just flipping through it and playing with the expanding spine. It was such a departure from my usual wedding guestbook commissions and stepping back from it when it was all done was just such a nice, satisfying feeling. </span></div>
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Sketchy Notionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938497891652580191noreply@blogger.com1