Lots of Changes

Finally! I feel like I can breath again (when it comes to my blog). I've been wanting to give it a little make-over for some time now, and I've finally got around to doing it. I was beginning to notice that so many changes were happening in my life, including my look. I didn't even look like the same girl (in my old blog image) and I also felt like my over aesthetic as a designer was changing as well--so I felt that I needed to reflect that in all other areas of my social media sites. Well back to my new look! My short hair grew out and I was starting to fall in love with the ombre hair look--especially since it's summer, and I decided to get my hair done. It's been so long since I've my hair this light. I think the last time I had hair this bright was in high school (in high school I had hair color in almost every single color--the worst one being green, hehe). I also starting working out everyday and eating clean. I was getting so tired of being overweight and unhealthy--so that's also another aspect that has changed, in my life. I definitely feel so much happier, clear headed, and healthier since I made the decision to really take care of myself.

I was beginning to wonder if that may have been one (of the many) reasons why my blog took a back seat--there were so many changes going on in my life and I wasn't sure were my blog was headed. I think when I originally started this blog I wanted it to be a mix of food posts', posting about fun DIYs, my handmade items for sale, etc. but somewhere down the road I feel like it mostly became a blog about me making cards--at least that's how it felt to me. I think now I'd like to make it more about posting anything that I want, haha. The way it was in the beginning.

One other change in my life was the growth of my small business. When I first started my business I never thought I could actually turn it into a full time job. I guess I thought it would be nice if it did turn into something "real" but to me it seemed like a dream. Now it's real I'm so thrilled to be doing this full time and perhaps also getting a little freaked out, at the same time, because now I need make sure I really take care of it (not like I wasn't already taking care of it) but maybe what I'm trying to say is that I need to finally come up with actual branding for my company. Branding was something I always had on hold, I think because I never thought I would get this far. Below is an image of what I like to call the beginning stages of branding...I found a font I like that I feel represents my work--clean, fun, and professional.

 If you follow me on Instagram you may already know that I'm going to be selling made in the USA rubber wooden mounting stamps that I designed, and below is a sample of the first set that will be coming out soon--in my shop. Also, if you follow me on Instragram (@unifyhandmade) you'll notice I've been making lots of new items but you haven't seen them in my shop yet. That's mainly because I'm gathering a collection of items to release all on the same day. I feel that's more of the legit way to go, hehe, rather than my old approach of just uploading new things one by one when ever I felt like it. I would like to make these stamps for shop owners, and the occasional stamper; for stance, someone helping out with the party decorations for a wedding, or a baby shower. That's actually how I developed my love for stamps and papercrafting. I was in charge of a baby shower and I went to Michaels one day looking for bumble bee stamps for the 'Bumble Bee' baby shower theme I'd planned. After that party--I was so sad because I wanted to make more bumble bee tags, and favors but there wasn't a need for me to do them anymore; and, I decided to create an Etsy shop selling handmade tags, toppers, etc. because I loved making and designing them so much. Now Unify has taken off and I couldn't be happier. I'm literally busy from morning to night, working on orders, answering emails, posting on all my social media sites, packaging, taking pictures, listing products, driving to the post office, coming up with new ideas--it's endless. But I'm so happy doing it!

I've also got a new line of bridal cards coming out along with all the other new products--and I love them so much. I'm really obsessed with watercoloring right now and it's definitely coming out in my work, hehe.

I'd like to take the time now to ask if you there is anything you'd like to see me posting about? Whether it's about being a shop owner, what camera I use; or, any other questions you might have for me. I'd be happy to create a post and answer any questions you all might have. I would definitely like to post more about how I've changed my eating habits, and everyday things that are going on--what do you think? Let me know in the comments!

Work and New ideas

I thought it would be fun to take a few snap shots around the office, of things I’m working on as well as things that are “in the works”. I’ve been coming up with new ideas in between making and sending out orders on a daily basis—and it’s so much fun. I’m such a lucky gal to be able to do what I love, full time. I enjoy working on orders so much because I know that each little card or decoration will make someone really happy; and, that makes me happy! I’ve been thinking of lots of new things to add to my shop that will take my small business to the next level. I was beginning to get a little bit bored of making the same things over and over, and my remedy for that situation was to begin making new things that would get me exciting again. So far I’ve thought about making more wedding items—but I’m starting off small. By that I mean I’m not going to jump right into making invitations. Instead I’m going to create ‘Save the dates’ first and go from there. I’m also thinking about offering envelope printing in my shop as well. I’ve got such beautiful fonts and I know that, for a bride, handwriting invitations can be a bit of a pain. So I tested out the thick A2 envelopes that I purchased from Paper Source and they came out great. I was so happy with the results but I still need to work out a few kinks because sometimes when I’m printing on envelopes my printer tends to smear ink on them—I should probably contact the manufacturer about that.

I’ve also wanted to incorporate my new found love for watercoloring into my shop. So I also tested out printing on watercolor paper. What I did was apply the watercolor onto the paper first, then once it completely dried I printed the sentiment on it using my Canon printer—and again I loved the end result.

Here I have two little banners I made using a printer and the new Lawn Fawn banner dies. I think these are so cute and I’m going to try making these banners is more colors (cardstock). I can’t wait to add these to my shop—and of course I’ll be taking better pictures of them for my shop, hehe.

I’ve also been trying to get into drawing, here and there. I used to love drawing when I was younger and I was actually really great at it but I kind of lost it and now that I’m getting more into printed designs I’d like to get back into doodling. I love doing this when I’m a bit stressed out too because I don’t really expect much to come of it I just have fun creating little designs and then just set them aside.

The last images are just a few snap shots I took while I was working. I figure if I don’t have time to do tutorials or make cards I should at least share what’s going on in my office. While owning a small business can be stressful at times it’s also rewarding so many ways that the stress is nothing compared to how doing what I love makes me so happy. Well, I hope you enjoyed this little post and feel free to leave me a comment. Till next time, friends!