Taylor Made designs

What I learned this week

I got this idea from Jen over at Our Daily Big Top. Every week she does a post on what she has learned that week. And, without fail, her list always makes me smile + makes me think.  So thank you Jen for the inspiration :)

Enjoy each day
These are my last few weeks to have Davis with me in the afternoon for like, the next 18 years! So I am trying to enjoy every minute I have with her. We had lunch in the city the other day, and as we were sitting outside enjoying our meal + each other, Davis looked at me, smiled and exclaimed, "mum, it's like we're on a date! I just love you." Then she leaned over to kiss me. Everyone around us just went, "ohhh, she is too sweet!" and you know what, she is.

Sometimes we get what we ask for.
I have a friend, who wanted badly for something to happen. She put things in motion, worked hard to make it happen and guess what? It happened. Now, all she is doing is complaining about it. So I guess that old adage is true... be careful of what you ask for, because, you might just get it.

Our library really rocks
I love that from the comfort of my home, I can go online, look up books, requests books + have them waiting for me at the library. I've been doing this for well over a year, but just started doing it for the kid's books. Saves me all sorts of time.

Sometimes it's not me, it you
A lot of times I receive calls from women looking for Cindy Taylor Oates, of Taylor Made design. Cindy makes quilts and has published a lot of books. The women are normally looking for a pattern, wanting to buy Cindy's book, or looking for advice. I always call the women back to tell them they reached the wrong number. Usually the women thank me for taking the time to call them back to let them know.

Today I got one of the those phone calls. I called the woman back, in Seattle. And you know what? She got all sassy with me! I explained to her that she had reached Taylor Made designs, but we are a design studio specializing in graphic design – and that it sounds like she is looking for Cindy Taylor Oates. Blah blah blah. Well, she told me "she was put out. She needs help. Why can't I help her? Why am I calling her if I can't help? Who is she suppose to call to help her?" And on and on and on.

Seriously. I had to tell her i was sorry, I thought I would just let her know that she had the wrong number and good luck to her. "Good luck? Is that what you have for me? I don't need luck, I need someone to help me out!"

I have to remind myself, "it's her with the problem, not me". I don't want someone like that to jade me. You know, to let someone like that put me off on being nice. She's just one person having a really lousy day.

Things will get better
To be perfectly honest, I've been having a real lousy year. No that's not right. I've been having a terrible, horrible, never in a million years did I think life could be this bad, kind of year. But I know it can't last. So I'm trying to keep my chin up, and pray, that things will get better. 

Great Baby Gift for New Mums – mitetees!

I want to have another baby just so I can order one of these clever onesies!  Seriously... is this not the cutest baby gift ever?

Actually, short-sleeve t-shirts are available for toddlers up to 6 years of age.
Whew. No need to have a baby :) 

Anyway, good thing there is another baby boom going on, because now I can do the next best thing... order some for my friends and be the superstar gift giver :) Cause you know... everyone wants to be known for giving the best gifts. Give one of these, and tadaa, you are a rockstar. That is exactly how Cindy, the owner of MiteTees started this business. She made these onesies for her sister. Gave them to her at her baby shower and everyone "oohhh + awwwed" and wanted her to make one for them. Love stories like that.

I met Cindy last fall while we were both doing a house party. I had seen her onesies in a local store and just loved the whole concept. Oh, and the way she packages them up? Adorable. 

Cindy + I  meet up on Friday mornings for coffee and to just chat about our businesses and stuff. It's so good to have someone else to run ideas by and to provide feedback on stuff. Plus, she's funny :) Her significant other, Paul, is a comedian. So she keeps me laughing.

The onesies are really reasonably priced. They sell for $24.00 and she has a promotion going on right now. Save $4.00.  Tons of different designs. Really, go check out her website. Such great ideas.

A customized baby gift for $20.00? Can you say, a w e s o m e.

Need some ideas? I've got 'em. Perfect Teacher Gifts :)

I know. I am tooting my own horn here, but honestly, this is what's been keeping me busy the last few weeks. Bookplates + notecards for teachers, kids, and friends. I didn't realize how popular these would be. I think both products are priced right and are pretty darn sweet. Boy, I really am tooting my horn huh :)

So get your orders in today. The end of the year is almost here! For my kids June 15th + 18th are the last days of school. You can either contact me via my email address, kat at taylormadedesigns dot com or visit my etsy shoppe.

Here are a few answers to some questions I have already received: Here's the 411. 

Turn Around Time
It's usually a week turn around time, even for custom illustrations. I ship USPS, first class. Depending on where you are, that takes around 3-4 days delivery. Canada, it's longer!

Custom Illustrations
Yes, your order can be  "Taylor Made". I am offering all the illustrations on my ABC print for both the bookplates + the notecards. I also have available: a horse, a crab, flipflops, a purse and a few additional illustrations that I will put in my etsy shoppe. I can create a custo, taylor made illustration for an additional $4.00. Really now, how cool is that? A " Caramel Frappuccino® blended coffee at Starbucks cost more than that!

Email me with questions or requests. Thanks again for all your support!

Bookplates! Perfect for your kids + teacher gifts!

 The end of the school year is quickly approaching! I can't believe a whole school year has past. Time is just flying, no? Time to think about teacher gifts, graduation gifts etc.

My Taylor Made design party the other night went really well. One of my best sellers were these new bookplates I created. As with all my products, I originally made these for Will + Davis. They are always bringing books to school and sharing. We have lost our fair share of books, so I decided it would be pretty smart to create some bookplates to put in their books. Only took me a few years to do it! Well, a couple of parents saw them and asked if I would make some for their children. And tadaa... a new product.

They are available using my ABC illustrations + basically any other illustration you would like. Of course,  I take "taylor made" orders - so a few people the other night asked for a tennis racket and flipflops.  I'll take photos of those and show you how they turned out. (hint, they came out really cute!) They come in a custom made black box. A really delightful gift for anyone!

They will be available in my Etsy store, or if you want, just contact me directly via my email. kat at taylormadedesigns dot com. I can design anything (well, within reason) for you. They are 30 labels for $12.00. A bargain if I do say so myself!

A Trip to Brookstone Labs

Black Labrador Retriever puppies – are they not the cutest?

On Saturday we went and visited Brookstone Labs in Kingston. Sue is the owner. She is also a good friend of my cousin. When Koty was sick, Sue acted as our emotional therapist. She offered us great advice and really helped us gain some much need perspective when ours was so cloudy!

William + Davis had a blast and it was so much fun playing with the puppies. Neal was nervous that I was going to want to take one home with us... I mean, that is how we ended up with Koty. A spur of the moment decision...but you know what? I didn't. I absolutely loved picking up the puppies, playing with them, and seeing all of her beautiful dogs. But that was enough for me. Right now, I am not ready. Plus, I do not think Montana would be ok with it! The poor thing has been all out of sorts. I could not do that to him. And honestly,  I can't imagine getting another puppy. I am not as weepy as I was a few weeks ago... and I don't break out in tears when I talk about Koty. But I will still get teary eyed sometimes when I talk about her to friends.

I told William + Davis that in a couple of years when they are older we'll get a new puppy. Which they were fine with. And I would not have to look very far for a perfect place to go. Really, If you are looking for a reputable breeder, look no further. Sue's dogs are top-notch and just beautiful! woof.