Series 5, Post 4: Pen-Pals and Snail Mail

By Sara E Thompto

Throughout July and August our bi-monthly series has been all about stationery; how we create it, why we create it, and the best places (on etsy) to purchase it. But, once you have all of these stationery products... what should you do with them?

Start writing people of course!

Many people have had a pen-pal at some point in life. A friend, relative, or maybe even a student in another city or country, assigned to you by a grade-school teacher. But, how do you find pen-pals now that you’re older? 

Here are just a few websites that I use and have had some success with...

Post Crossing
www.PostCrossing.com

How it Works: The basic gist goes - you get randomly assigned a person to send a postcard. With that assignment comes a registration code. You then send that person a postcard and include the registration number somewhere on the card. Once the person receives your postcard and has registered it, someone will be assigned to send you a postcard in return. You can work your way up to being able to send multiple postcards at a time.

Although the main point of Post Crossing is to connect with people from around the world via postcard, you can also choose to receive letters in envelopes. You can even list that you're open to being pen-pals, outside of the one-time exchange of a postcard.

The Positive: I have been using Post Crossing since 2010 and have yet to have a bad experience with this website. I have sent postcards all over the world and have received them from dozens of countries as well, which I have loved. I've had letters and continued with a pen-pal exchange as well. It's also extremely interesting to see all of the postcards from around the world and experience the different cultures in such an easy way.

The Negative: My only complaints are sometimes it can be a bit boring if you receive a bunch from the same country because postcards tend to be similar and the website seems to offer no way of blocking this from happening. Also, not everyone is open to a continuous pen-pal exchange so it's not the site to go to if that's the main thing you're looking for in a snail-mail exchange. Most prefer the one-time postcard registration.

Inter Pals: Pen-pals

www.interpals.net

How it Works: With Interpals you set up a profile, which is very similar to Facebook's "about" section. They also ask languages you speak and what countries you're interested in meeting pen-pals through, along with what gender and age group you prefer. From there you can message people privately or comment on their message board (very much like a facebook wall) to make the initial contact. 

Some people just want to be continue to talk via messaging or email. However, most are there for traditional snail-mail. You choose when you feel comfortable giving out your address, and go from there!

The Positive: I currently have three solid pen-pals using this website - one in Germany, one in Australia, and one here in the USA (Michigan). I love sharing letters with them and I would not have met them if not for Interpals. I also love that you can choose the age group, countries you're most interested in, and block people and countries you're not interested in. The versatility of this websites options probably make it my favorite of the ones listed here.

The Negative: The first night I joined Interpals I was discouraged because it felt more like a dating site than a pen-pal site. I was getting hit on by men who definitely were not interested in writing letters back and forth. I am very happily married and the attention was unwanted. Clearly this is not what I was looking for in a pen-pal website. Then an awesome person messaged me (who I am now pen-pals with) and I told her my issues with the site. She gave me some tips on how to eliminate those unwanted messages. I started blocking countries where the worst offenders came from, narrowed down my age group settings, made it even more obvious I was married by changing my profile picture, and wrote in my profile that I only wanted messages from people interested in snail mail. Now I only have a positive experience with the website.

Pen Pal World

www.penpalworld.com

How it Works: Pen Pal World is very similar to Interpals. You set up an account, set up a profile, and start the search for a pen-pal. Message anyone you feel would be a good fit, or write on their message board (wall).

The Positive: This website is incredibly easy to use and looks prettier than Interpals. It also has great tools to narrow your search and you can block countries or people as needed.

The Negative: I have yet to gain a solid pen-pal via Pen Pal World. I admit, I disabled my site for a while but am now giving it a second chance because I've seen people mentioning it more and more in the pen-pal and snail mail world. I've had some good interactions, but none that have lead to being pen-pals, yet. The reason I'm still including this on my list is because I feel it's still a good site, especially based off of reviews. Just maybe it's not for me.

But, knowing where to get a pen-pal and actually getting a pen-pal are two very different things. Especially if you’re like me and sort of timid. Here are some tips for getting a pen-pal and keeping a pen-pal:

• Be yourself and don't be afraid to message someone you find interesting. After all, you're both on a website for pen-pals so you already have one thing in common!
• Make sure you're actually writing back. I've fond that a more timely response tends to get you a better conversation.
• Remember what you wrote. Repeating yourself over and over again is not only boring for your pen-pal, it's boring for yourself. Keep a notebook with topics you wrote about in your last letter. Or even consider just running your letters through a copier before sending them out. Whatever works to keep the letter fresh in your mind.
• Ask questions! Too many people just want to talk about themselves, but without questions, a conversation is hard to maintain. Let alone one that is chopped up into waiting periods (aka: waiting for the postal service to deliver your letter, sometimes to the other side of the world. Than waiting for the reply).
• Remember things about your pen-pal. If they mentioned they had an important trip or event coming up, remember to ask them about it. If they mention a family member or friend, ask about that person from time to time. If they brought something up in a snail mail letter, it usually means it's something they like to talk about.
  
  

Lastly, sometimes people have reservations about giving out their address online. This is completely understandable; there are some creeps in this world. But, not a single site I posted above has your address out and about for just anyone to see.

Here are some basic tips about how to stay safe:

• Report of block any person who seems like they're not on the website for the intention of the website - gaining pen-pals. No one wants to put up with a creeper when there are so many awesome people to meet!
• Use a PO Box if one is available to you.
• If you are under 18 perhaps it would be best talking to a parent about this first. They can help you make sure you’re not giving your information out to anyone you shouldn’t be giving it too.
• And most importantly, if you are feeling any sort of uncomfortableness with someone, do not give them your address. It's as simple as that!

If you have any snail mail tips, tricks or websites you use that I didn’t mention above, please leave them in a comment below!

Book vs. Movie: The Giver

By Sara E Thompto

*Some very minor spoilers may be present in the movie portion of this review if you have never read The Giver.

When I was in seventh grade my English class was assigned The Giver by Lois Lowry and I wasn't thrilled to read it. 

First off, I hated being assigned to read something I didn't want to read, and second, I wasn't a huge fan of dystopian story lines. But, I read it anyway because that is what you're supposed to do when assigned a book in school.

I'm glad I did too because it has stuck with me ever sense as one of my favorite childhood books.   

The Book

The Giver portrays a future world that has given up on individuality and has morphed into a world of sameness.

The world is literally black and white. People are all the same skin color, boys all have one hair style and girls all have the same hair style. Clothes do not vary from person to person. No one is an individual - every person and every thing is the same.

There are also no physical relationships, and there are no career decisions or educational decisions. Each person is assigned a career path, a spouse and two children - one boy and one girl.

On the other hand, there is also no violence and the world is at peace.

But the question becomes, at what expense is this peaceful existence?  What has been giving up? No one knows or understands, because it is not in their mind to know or understand. That is, not until Jonas, a boy of 12, is given the career as The Receiver of Memories.

There is always one receiver - one person who knows the worlds history who can help guide the society from making bad decisions that might lead them into a fitful world again.

But what about the beauty that was lost? What of the joy and love?

These are all questions Jonas not only asks himself but asks The Giver, the person who was previously The Receive.

Although this is a young adult book, I believe the message to be quite powerful. Especially to those who are young adults. The message of individuality, love and culture is a strong message for young people to learn. With the good, comes the bad. But is it worth giving up the good to get rid of the bad?

These types of questions arise in The Giver and I strongly recommend reading this book if you've never done so before.

The Movie

When the movie was announced I wasn't sure what to think. Successful adaptations are rare. This one was no different - it definitely did not follow the book to a T but it was decent representation.

I'll start with my issues first though:

First off, in the book Jonas is a 12 year old boy. In the movie he is written as an 18 year old adult. I think this change made an interesting plot as far as the movie is concerned, but it also changed the entire feel of the story line.

The book is more innocent - to give a 12 year old child the pain of the entire world is a heart wrenching concept to grasp. No person wants to be the one to ruin a child's innocence, let alone spoil their innocence from zero pain to all of the pain the world holds.

Changing Joanas from 12 to 18 lessens that blow in my mind. In our society, an 18 year old is much more likely to know of many of the worlds pains. I understand Jonas doesn't, because he doesn't live in our world, but the age change did make a huge difference in my empathy for the character.

The other issue I had with the movie was how the mother (Katie Holmes) treated Jonas. In the book the mother and father were always nurturing, it seemed. Or, as nurturing as parents could be who lived in that world. It's what made the lies and lack of trust heartbreaking. However, in the movie, Jonas's mother was cold, and followed the rules to a T, which made her not as likable. It's one of the main points of the movie I was extremely disappointed about.

The only other plot change I found more startling was the role of the community leader, acted by Meryl Steep. She seemed blood thirsty and evil, something that was never portrayed in the book. And she definitely seemed to know more of the world than someone in the community should know, other than the Receiver. Her character was a villain which was not needed.

On the other end, there are quite a few things I loved about the movie. I enjoyed all of the acting. And, even though I had some hesitation about the casting of Jeff Bridges as The Giver, I thought the casting was completely well done.

I also loved how they kept the beginning in black and white (true to the book) and had color develop as Jonas began to learn of color. The visual was a nice change of pace and the development visually interesting to see.

Lastly and surprisingly, I love the additive of a love interest for Jonas. I mean, sure, in the book Jonas has an interest in Fiona. But the movie takes it further and a genuine love story develops. When I saw this love interest in the previews I was definitely worried. But, I think it played out well on screen and was written in a way that didn't detract from the main plot points I admire in the book (unlike the changes I mentioned above, which did detract).

Overall I would recommend seeing this movie, however I wouldn't watch it thinking you're going to see a film depicting a beloved childhood book.

If you watch it for what it is: a futuristic dystopian movie, than I think it's worth seeing.

Robin Williams & Inspiration

By Kristin Bivens

"We don't read and write poetry because it's cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for. To quote from Whitman, "O me! O life!…of the questions of these recurring; of the endless trains of the the faithless…of cities filled with the foolish; what good amid these, O me, O life?" Answer. That you are here-that life exists, and identity; that the powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse. That the powerful play *goes on* and you may contribute a verse. What will your verse be?" - Dead Poet's Society

With the recent passing of Robin Williams, it seemed appropriate to remind ourselves of this fantastic quote from his character, John Keating, in Dead Poet's Society.

What can make you feel more alive than words and art? That's exactly how we feel at Shiny Happy People Publishing.

I remember hearing this quote for the first time when I watched the movie years back. It resonated with me because those "noble pursuits" he mentioned were so not my gig. I like the passionate route. More often than not, it seems that artists get a bad rap, that their professions won't get them anywhere, that maybe they're just flailing along, waiting for their big break. But, one thing is always forgotten--their passion. It may take them forever, and it may never happen, but they have passion and they are following it until the end.

I think this falls perfectly into what Sara and I are trying to do with Shiny Happy People Publishing. We're following our own artistic talent and dreams. That's our verse.

We're bringing words to the world, one way or another, because words are life sustaining.

So, thanks Robin Williams, for giving us a quote that within it has all the inspiration we need to continue the play.

Photo courtesy of dlisted.com

Series 5, Post 3: Great Places to Look for the Best Stationery!

By Sara Thompto & Kristin Bivens

In the world of paper products it can sometimes be hard to find just the right type of stationery. Although there are those “gem” stores out there, carrying beautiful paper products, it seems the average traditional brick and mortar retail store carries enough to appease birthdays, thank you notes to grandma, and special occasions but not much else.

It can really be a challenge sometimes to find cute patterns or designs that are original and fresh. So, where do those people who write letters regularly, have pen pals, send postcards just for fun, or have dozens of family members and friends to send cards to each year, get their stationery?

Online stores of course! This is why online store communities such as Etsy.com are such a huge success.

Etsy has thousands upon thousands of stores filled with unique products where stationery designers display their work. They offer paper products galore and the designs tend to be more unique. Sometimes though, it can be daunting sorting through the site to find that special product that you just have to buy.

We took the time to go through numerous Etsy stationery and paper product stores and compiled a list here of what we feel is a good selection of the unique stationery products available to you on Etsy.

Have fun browsing - we sure did!

1. Courtney Oquist

Artist Courtney Oquist creates cute patterns and imagery through painting. In her bio you can tell she has a big passion for painting when she says “I recommend everyone paint!” Her products are reproduced images of her artwork (mostly abstract nature scenes and geometric patterns), and as far as stationery is concerned, her shop offers greeting cards and postcards.

www.etsy.com/shop/courtneyoquist

2. Castle on the Hill

If you love vintage-y, kitschy design, this is the shop for you. Full of postcards with an old book page and a picture of a classy lady on the front, these designs will provide a touch kitsch to any note you want to send. One of their designs even includes wedding invitations, which are complete with a bride and groom on the front of an old book page. Castle on the Hill also sells prints and paintings. This shop is truly full of unique designs.

www.etsy.com/shop/CastleOnTheHill

3. Earth to Girl

This shop says it best with their tagline when they say “Silly, odd, cute and bizarre illustrated creations.” You’ll find everything from robots to adorable baby deer on her colorful stationery products, which include postcards, greeting cards, and stationery paper sets. Most of her designs are hand drawings with a ton of color. Perfect to brighten anyone’s day!

www.etsy.com/shop/earthtogirl

4. Ladybug Press

In her shops biography owner Angela Stewart says  “I fell in love with letterpress long ago,” and her love of letterpress shows in her beautiful work. Her designs are simple and sophisticated, yet charming and surprising at times. As far as stationery is concerned Ladybug Press offers greeting cards, notecard sets, and she even offers custom work.

www.etsy.com/shop/ladybugpress

5. Pemberley Pond

Are you a Jane Austen fan? If so, Pemberley Pond is probably the store for you! Sisters Lalla and Luisa Lodetti started their shop theme based off of the romantic and witty writings of Jane Austen. When it comes to stationery products, postcards are what you’ll find. The illustrations and writing are so cute you’ll need to buy two of each - one to send to a special someone, and one to keep for yourself!

www.etsy.com/shop/PemberleyPond

6. Sudachan

If you’re a dog lover, you’ll want to take a look at the inventive dachshund designs, created by Cindy Masunda for the shop Sudachan. Inspired by her own two dachshunds, Frodo and Sam (cutest names ever!), her designs are adorably unique and you’ll surely fall in love with her greeting cards, pads of paper, and other dachshund products!

www.etsy.com/shop/sudachan

7. She Can Lift a Horse

This shop sells Gilmore Girl postcards. How can you find a better shop than that? The rest of the shop owner’s designs are funky and original, including “Kitten Aid” recipe cards, that quite literally have a cat sitting in a mixer. The designs are just a tad edgy, which makes them a little less traditional, but oh so cute.

www.etsy.com/shop/shecanliftahorse

8. Rainy Day Colors

“Handmade paper goods” is what best describes Rainy Day Colors because that’s exactly what the shop offers. You’ll find greeting cards and notebooks here, most with a craft brown base, and paper cutout designs in cute, bright, colorful shapes and designs. Because they aren’t a traditional printed card they have a truly different vibe than you’ll find at most stores!

www.etsy.com/shop/RainyDayColors

9. Note•ify

Notecards are the main stationery product that Note•ify offers, and the off-beat, city themed designs are quite impressive.  In her bio shop owner Samantha Barsky explains she was not only inspired by the city in which she lives, but also by places she’s traveled and by vintage photos as well. Her creative process of taking a photograph and manipulating it makes it a wonderfully unique experience you’ll want to check out!

www.etsy.com/shop/noteify

10. Shiny Happy People Publishing

You didn’t think we could make a list of Etsy shops worthy of checking out, without plugging our own shop in here as well, did you? Our Etsy shop has a small sampling of our work based off of what we currently have printed and ready to ship out. Postcards, notecards, letter paper, and baby shower invites currently populate our Etsy store. As always, you can view our full catalog at www.ShinyHappyPeoplePublishing.com, or if you want to order something we already have on hand go to our Etsy link below!

www.etsy.com/shop/ShinyHappyPeoplePub

*Although some of these Etsy stores may have products in retail stores somewhere throughout the country, we’ve listed them on the blog anyway, in case they’re not in a store near you.

When I Have Nothing to Read... II

By Sara E Thompto

Everyone has their favorite reads - the ones they devour over and over again throughout the years. Especially when they need a solid book after reading something not-so-solid, or when they simply don't know what else to read. 

A few weeks ago Bivie blogged about her "repeat books" or books she enjoys reading over and over again. Well, today I’m going to share with you a few of mine…

Sarah Dessen Novels

Although I've reread all of her books a dozen times, I have three favorite Sarah Dessen novels I’ve turned back to more so than others. The Truth about Forever is a personal favorite, as is Just Listen, and This Lullaby.

Although each of her books have their own twists and turns, the simple math of a Sarah Dessen book is pretty much always the same: family drama + self identity/awareness issues + boy troubles = a really good, well written, easy read. They’re my go to books when I want something quick and pleasant. I know the formula of her work and it’s a comfort to curl up with one of her novels, especially after reading a book I didn’t particularly enjoy. Her books are always just plain good, and The Truth about Forever, Just Listen, and This Lullaby are the best.

The Fountainhead by Ayan Rand

Honestly, I’m not sure it’s the storyline that makes this book worth reading… but the way Rand writers her characters is absolutely brilliant.

The fountainhead follows Howard Roark through decades of his life as he follows his passion for architecture. He will not bend to the will of others. He will not work for anyone he feels is lesser than him. He has an aesthetic and he sticks to it. No questions. End of story. That is Howard Roark.  But that doesn’t mean it’s simple. He goes for periods of time without work, he’s wrongfully sued and must fight everyone, every step of the way to make a name for himself.

Then there is Dominique Francon, (lightly put - Howard Roark's love interest) who could quite possibly be the best written character ever. Dominique Francon makes Ayan Rands long drawn out speeches worth the read, and is the reason why The Fountainhead is a book I re-read often.

The Harry Potter Series

I have easily read each of the Harry Potter books a dozen times each.

Like many, I started reading the Harry Potter series at a young age. I think I started reading the books when the 3rd book was released, and the 4th was being talked about in the news. So, around 2000. Harry Potter was 11, I was around 12. It just worked. I was so excited. I was one of the kids who pre-ordered the book… and then carried it around with me until I was done reading. Which was never long because I stayed up almost all night, skipped meals, and didn’t really do much of anything until every last page of the newest book was consumed.

The best part of the series is I felt like the books kind of grew up, as I grew up. The books start out child-like. There is nothing too harsh about them. No cussing. Harry finds out he is a wizard. You know the base of the story, which is the villain, Voldemort, is a bad guy who did a ton of awful things (to put it very mildly). Harry, as a wee little baby, put a stop to Voldemort. From the start, no one really knows how or why. Many mysteries are set up straight from the beginning book. But, in the grand scheme of the series, the first couple books aren’t overly emotional.

From there, the series kind of propels forward. The characters grow up. A few solid swear words are thrown into the mix. Angsty teen behavior happens. Romances take place. The series grows more dark as Voldemort rises to power once again.  

Trust me when I write this -- the series is brilliant. J.K. Rollings intertwines events from book to book. People who are casually mentioned in one book have greater importance in another. Events, items, and places that are discussed for only a sentence, become greatly significant in later installments. Again, I’ll say it (and mean it) - the Harry Potter series is brilliant. I turn back to this series quite often. Especially to the seventh book, which I feel wraps up the series well.

White Oleander by Janet Fitch

This book, quite simply, is dark and twisty, which I like from time to time.

From main character Astrid’s point of view we learn the story of a complicated mother/daughter relationship twisted by murder and control, even after the mother is sentenced to prison. Astrid faces years of abuse and neglect going from one foster home to another. Each time Astrid is able to start to cope with the life she now leads, or even thrive, her mother seems to be able to find a way to rip it out from under her.

In the end White Oleander is a coming of age story about learning to let go in order to know how to move forward.

The book is beautifully written and author Janet Fitch paints an intricate story, laced with beautiful descriptions of art, and the emotions and bond formed through art, which is the main concept that bonds mother and daughter in this novel.

I was once told by someone that a good book is easy to spot because it is well worn.
As you can tell by this photo, I feel these books are definitely worth reading. 

Although there are many books I would recommend - these are my go-to "loves." If you haven't read these books, I strongly suggest going out and picking up a copy next time you're looking for a good read!

Do you have a book you always go back to read over and over again? Leave the name in the comments. Suggestions are always welcome!

Series 5, Post 2: How I Design Stationery, Why I Design Stationery

By Kristin Bivens

Several weeks back, when Sara proposed this series, I was concerned I'd have nothing to say on my own design method.

Because, quite honestly, I don't really think I have a design method.

Sara asked, "Don't you have some sort of standard or aesthetic you strive for?"

But I couldn't think of any.

Since we've started SHPP, I typically just sit down at my Macbook and stare at the screen, play around with tools until inspiration strikes. I may have a certain feeling I'd like to try for in the design, but the idea usually just hits me like a ton of bricks. I put out a lot of crap in the meantime, simply because I don't have much direction. There are moments when one design is my limit for the day and there are other moments when I can't stop. Among all of those designs, there is typically a "diamond" that makes me feel accomplished, as if maybe I'm a real artist or something like that.

Here's one of my first designs from the Shiny Happy People Collection, and it is still one of my favorites. I had absolutely no idea how my program even worked when I started designing this. And chances are, I could never recreate that background if I tried. But maybe that is a good thing?

I do tend to have a "style" in my designs, but I represent my own personal tastes in my art work. I tend to not think of others. For me, designing and creating is an expression of myself, more of a personal need to create and put myself on the page. It is my contribution to the world. My designs probably have more of a niche market because of my personal taste, but I just can't design something I don't like. Let someone else design that.

In my creativity and design, I tend to end up with kitschy, "undesigned" designs. Meaning that I like my stuff to be slightly "off." For example, my drawn "color your own" postcards. I'm not a great drawer, but that is what makes these postcards fun!

My favorite designs so far, have been my writing stationery designs. I've always been a huge fan of paper, just regular old paper, since I was a child. I've been having fun creating my own paper designs and even printing them off in my own office. Here's a few stationery designs that I've been working on.

Throughout the process, I feel as though my paper stationery designs are my best work, the most fun work for me. Not only that, but I'm figuring out more about how the program I use works, which is allowing me to get funkier with my designs. Hope you like what you see when you see a design by me! I'll keep them coming. I just can't promise what they're going to look like. But you'll see me somewhere on the page. 

Series 5, Post 1: How I Design Stationery, Why I Design Stationery

By Sara E Thompto

I love paper products - journals, postcards, note pads, note cards, and just good solid letter paper; stationery is one of my favorite things to purchase. And, this past year it has become one of my most favorite things to create as well.

It started with some apple postcards for the Niles, MI apple festival. I work with the adobe creative suite and curved lines have always been an issue for me in Illustrator. Well, I made an apple, and I was pumped. An apple! A curvy red apple. I was (am still) proud of that apple. So I went design crazy and came up with a whole set of apple themed postcards. They were cute, simple, and somewhat kitschy. I loved them. Unfortunately, I was one of the only ones, because only a few actually sold.

"You are the Apple of my Eye" Postcard

Oh well. They were cute anyway.

Then the holiday season began and I started thinking about holiday cards. This time I studied trending color schemes and thought of what other people might like verse my own taste. I turned out five simple, colorful, cute designs. These sold much better! Not brilliant, but better. As I mailed packs of holiday cards out to purchasers, I knew I was hooked on designing stationery. I wanted to create more. I loved the feeling of designing something and sharing it with others in a physical and usable form.

"Happy Holidays" Postcard

Bivie and I discussed it, for all of five seconds because she loves stationery too, and we decided to add stationery to our publishing business we were working on developing.

From there the designs kind of exploded out of me.

I love to create and the ideas are always flowing. Most of the time I’ll be working my day job and an idea will hit me. I’ll quickly jot it down and when I get home from work, I’ll get right back to work and make it happen.

Front: "I sent this Postcard to let you know I'm not dead.."
Back: Unless something catastrophic happend since I posted this.
[In which case I'm sorry for my bad taste in postcards]."

Othertimes it takes a bit more. I’ll have an idea, but I’m not sure how to execute the idea yet. These type of designs are my favorite; the ones where I push my boundaries, learn new ways to handle design tools, or even explore different mediums.

Most recently I wanted to create a piece where birds were intermingling and reacting to splashes of ink. It was loosely inspired by the visual effects in The Huntsman, mixed with the pattern crushed berries made on my moms driveway. I could picture the image in my head but with my current skill level I couldn't create it from scratch with Illustrator or Photoshop. So, for the first time ever I used India Ink with a  paint brush.

With the blank sheet of paper before me, I was actually nervous. It was new, I had never used the medium before. Hell, I didn't even have experience hand drawing birds, let alone with ink and brush. My wife was sitting across from me, drawing her own drawing, and hackling me for being afraid to put brush to paper. It was just the push I needed. In the end I had fun playing with the ink, and enjoyed seeing how it interacted with the paper, and water too.

The drawing ended up turning out well. At least as well as I had hoped it would.

"Birds Flying" Notecards

This type of design is an achievement, if for no other reason than I didn't let the fact that I had no experience intimidate me out of doing it.

I like to take my time to make sure I’m confidant the design is strong. Part of that is knowing when to move forward and when to step back.

Since last fall (almost a year now) I have been trying to create buildings and famous structures.

Well… I’m not that good at trying to recreate architecture. In fact, I’ve deleted more files and crumpled more pieces of paper trying to form this idea, than any other idea. Sure, I could buy the graphic, but where is the fun in that?

Finally one weekend I decided maybe I just needed to put more time into it. With six graphics to create, I dove into the design once more. Five hours later, I had an Eiffel Tower graphic.

Five hours. One graphic.

Maybe I’m being hard on myself, but I feel like it should have taken me two or less. Not to mention I still have five other structures left to design. But, that was the first time I actually created an architectural structure, which is why, after thinking about it some more, I’m perfectly fine with it taking me five hours to create only one element of a design.

It’s fun for me to challenge myself with ideas. It’s one of the reasons I’m so passionate when I talk about them with other people.

I like clean lines, I like designs that aren’t cluttered with unnecessary elements, and I try for basic color combinations or colors that vibrate off each other. Those are the basic elements of my designs. I definitely break from my mold and try new techniques but my clean, simple, colorful esthetic is usually what I aim to achieve.

With almost a year under my belt and dozens of designs, it’s hard to believe that my push toward stationery started because I was proud of an apple. But, I’ve learned it wasn’t so much the apple as much as it was achieving something I didn’t think I could do.

"Birch Trees" - Notecard

I’m excited to continue designing stationery and hope you enjoy seeing the finished products!