Taylor Made designs

Taylor Made Book

I recently sold three Taylor Books. yippeee. This one I finished this week and actually took photos of. The other two I totally forgot to take photos of. I think I was just happy that I sold some:) It's been really quiet lately. Not a lot of sales at all. How's everyone else doing? Are you selling stuff ? Are people buying? I'd love to hear what people think. I know you all are out there – I see my stats :) So tell me, how is this recession affecting you?

Print Gocco – Custom Ribbon

Just thought I'd show some ribbon that I finished this weekend using my Gocco printer. The type came out so crisp and was easy to print this time around.  A lot of time it takes quite a bit of practice to get the ink to lie down on the ribbon nicely. Sorry, the photo of the ribbon isn't the best. I took it late at night.

I know I'm going to get emails asking about this :) So here is the 411:
Nicole will get around 80 tags from this spool of ribbon. In addition to the spool, I cut up and sent her my practice ribbon – which was around 25 tags. So, for those doing the math... that's about .33 cents per tag. Not bad for a custom silkscreen tag :) For those interested, either email me, download my order form located on the right hand side of my blog, or visit my Etsy store for information about ordering ribbon.

I'm sure you've heard the news... but Riso, the owner of the Print Gocco has stopped making supplies. It's getting harder and harder to find supplies for my Gocco baby. I have 2 boxes plus of bulbs, and 9 screens left. I plan to stockpile supplies in the next few weeks. Anyone know of a good supplier? If you do, please let me know! I'll be your best friend :)

Science Museum

We had a terrific time at the Museum of Science. The kids are getting older and I think, getting a lot more out of the trips. They are much more adventurous and willing to try things they wouldn't before. We wanted to bring them to the planetarium, but the tickets were sold out for the time we wanted. Next time I will plan ahead and buy them in advance. I think the planetarium will blow their little minds :)

Well, it's back to school tomorrow. I wish we had a few more days of vacation. A week off just doesn't seem long enough. Does it? I have some custom silkscreen ribbon to package up, a Taylor Book to make, a custom TAG-it order to fill, and prepare for the week of school. So much for a relaxing Sunday!

Have a Heart

We've been on vacation this week. yipeee! The kids had their very first sleep over. They stayed at my sister Renée's place. Well, I should really say that Willilam had his first sleep over, as Davis chickened out and insisted on coming home with me. On the way home in the car she told me, "mummy, I would sleep over if you did too." awww, break my heart. She's only four and still my baby girl. 

Remember how I didn't know what to send in for William's Valentine's party at school? Jen over at Our Daily Big Top had a great idea. Send in cheese and crackers, but cut the cheese with a heart shaped cookie cutter. So that is what I did. They came out adorable and William said the kids loved it. I used the cutter on some brownies too. Those did not go to school, much to the happiness of my family!

Despite coughs + runny noses {yes, we've all been battling a cold} tomorrow we are off to the Museum of Science. Happy day!

Valentine's Gift Tags

Today Davis is celebrating Valentine's Day at school – so out came the red tutu :) She wore this for Christmas and looked so cute. Since the school frowns upon non-healthy treats, I decided not to make or send in homemade valentines. We went to Target and l let the kids buy valentine's for their friends. I picked up daffodils for the teachers and made sweet little tags for them. I did make homemade lollipops and candies for the kids... but they will get them on Saturday. William celebrates tomorrow. His teacher said if we want to send in a special and healthy snack I can... but I'm stuck as to what I should send in. Any ideas?

Valentine's Day Party

What's not to love about Valentine's Day? Candy, cake, parties + love :) This weekend we went to a Valentine's Day party. {I posted the invited I designed about a week or so ago} The kids had a good time trying to hit the heart decorations we had hanging from the ceiling. I made some cuppie cakes for the event. Naturally they had to be pink :) They tasted quite yummy. This week I need to put together some valentines for the kids. What do you get for your kids or loved ones? Candy? Toys? I'd love to hear.

My Favorite Artist

One of my first jobs when I graduated from college was as a graphic designer for the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. My boss was the curator of their fabulous american art collection. She was fantastic. The best boss I have ever had. She brought be to all these fabulous art openings+ galleries and introduced me to some amazing, upcoming Boston artists. She convinced me not to be afraid of spending money on artwork. She bought art that "spoke" to her and encouraged me to do the same.

Well, it's been many years, and I continue to buy artwork that "speaks" to me. I have a lot of wonderful pieces at my house and many pieces still not framed. [many times, framing costs more than the artwork!} But there is one new artist that I just adore – who speaks to my heart. That would be my Davis. She is so prolific. Everyday she comes home with some new masterpiece. I just framed three pieces for my studio. Look at the colours, the composition. Fantastic. I really hope she continues to paint and draw as she gets older. Because, I think she is really good!

Oh, Davis hates that photo of her with hair in her face. She told me to "trash it."But I find it too cute. Happy weekend everyone. It's going to be in the 50's this weekend. See, Spring is coming.

Appreciated.

At least once a month I do some pro bono design work for an organization, charity, school, friend, or for an acquaintance. I volunteer weekly at both my kids school. Every month I bake and set up coffee hour at our church. I honestly enjoy helping other people and every now and then, I might get a "hey, thanks for your help" which is good enough for me.

Well, imagine my surprise when Winston Flowers showed up at our door yesterday with the most beautiful orchid plant ever! The women at Davis's school sent them to me for all the help I do for the school. How sweet is that? Sometimes, it's just nice to know that you're appreciated, and if it is expressed via a beautiful orchid, well... even sweeter.

Enjoy.

This photo of Davis captures my mood so perfectly. It's nice to sit back and enjoy the world around you.

On my walk this morning, the air felt different. It felt, dare I say, like Spring was coming. Temperatures were in the 30's. Ice was melting. The air smelt like dirt. It made me smile.

Now, all over the news they are predicting another four inches of snow for tomorrow... but I'm not going to let that dampen my day. Nope. Not at all. Because last night, at 5:00pm, it was still light out. Spring... it's coming regardless of how much darn snow falls :)