Free Desktop Calendar July 2010

Hello Everybody.

I Was In The Mood For A Bit Of Love-Spreading, Hope You Enjoy This Free Desktop Calendar.

Have A Lovely Day.

x



Click On The Pic To Get To The Big Version Or Get It Here.

Etsy MeetUp

So, I am a bit behind on posting this, but I didn't wanna leave it unmentioned since it really was a fun occasion.

Last Thursday a not so little group of crafters and artists (that already sell or plan on selling on Etsy) met up in the uber-lovely Patisserie and Café Herr Max in Hamburg.

The event was held by two thirds of the german Etsy team in Berlin, Matt and Marie, who welcomed every new arriver warmly to the group and invited them to order whatever they wanted (how lovable is that?).

It is on events like this I realize again and again: All the great chances and connections the Internet made possible are one thing (and something I love and am grateful for) but nothing beats actually meeting cool and inspiring people in person.

That's a redundant truth, I guess, but it's good to be reminded of it once in a while:)

Matt and Marie talked about the beginnings of Etsy and the current developments regarding the international aspect, like having the possibility to have prices declared in Euros instead of US-Dollars.
For the most part we all exchanged experiences, got to know each other a bit enjoyed delicious cakes and coffee and had a lot of fun.

There really always is a special athmosphere in the air, when a lot of creative people meet up, it was lovely:)

I somehow forgot to take pictures, so I am gonna lend this one Matt made.



© MATT STINCHCOMB 2010

Can you spot me?

You can find more pictures and info about the MeetUp on the German Etsy Blog (in german apparently;))

I hope you're all having a good day, did you have any fun MeetUps recently?

Working On...

well, several things, all the time;)
But in particular I am working on making it possible to offer custom portraits and how to do that. Thinking about the details right now & I will keep you in the loop.

Everyone have a lovely Monday!

x
Sarah

Easter Card::Spring Flourish

Fancy a notable Easter Card this year? You're in luck, lovelies, I got just the right thing for you:)

Giveaway: LoveLy Mini Cards (2 Sets Of 3 Cards)

I am giving away two sets of super-limited LoveLy Mini Cards, to participate you:
· simply need to be a fan of my Facebook Page
and
· attend the Giveaway Event.

Ain't that a cakewalk?






The two winners can chose their set from these three versions:

LoveLy Mini Cards, No. 1 - Set Of 3 - Limited Edition of 11

LoveLy Mini Cards, No. 2 - Set Of 3 - Limited Edition of 11

LoveLy Mini Cards, No. 3 - Set Of 3 - Limited Edition of 11

By Monday, March 15 at 2 pm (CET) I am gonna chose two fans with the help of a random number generator, which will then have the opportunity to decide on which set they'd like to receive:)

If you're not a fan yet, I welcome you dearly to make this event the changing point.


x

Sarah

First Mini Guide :: How To Buy Illustrated Paper Goods Online

Heya Good Folks!

I was thinking about how this blog could give you, esteemed reader, some additional value and decided to start with this mini-guide on buying illustrated paper goods, this particular post will focus on doing that online.

It would be delightful if you could let me know in the comments whether you consider this post helpful or not.

VENUES

For the sake of keeping this guide somewhat focused I will concentrate on 3 online venues for now. All of them provide a mentionable stationery and paper goods section & vary in little details regarding their concept, all of them are definitely worth checking out.




etsy.com
Check "paper goods" and its sub category "stationery".

Etsy is probably most people's "go-to" venue online when wanting to purchase handmade wares directly from artists and designers. It's a community marketplace rooted in the concept "Buy, Sell, and Live Handmade".
Etsy has some rules for sellers regarding what can be sold.
Items must be handmade items, vintage goods or crafting supplies (designed by the seller files under "handmade" here). Resellers are not allowed.

When you not yet know the shop or artist you wanna buy from but wanna browse, for example, for stationery, Etsy provides the most diversified and detailed list of sub categories. Nevertheless you're still up for an overwhelmingly high number of offers and shops.

If you're not in the mood to go treasure hunting yourself by wading through the seas of possibilities, you could consider keeping an eye on some renowned design blogs, that will always have Etsy sellers in their features(links are posted at the end).

Some Specifics:

·You need to create an account to buy items on Etsy and for contacting sellers.
·You can leave visible feedback for your transactions (and can accordingly check the feedback for the shop you consider purchasing from).
·You can "heart" items to bookmark them.




directory.bigcartel.com
Search for "paper goods" or "stationery".

Big Cartel isn't a community marketplace like Etsy, the creators Indie Labs rather provide small businesses with the technical possibility to set up their own & individually adjustable online store. Big Cartel is described to be made "for artists", since there are no requirements for sellers to be fulfilled as there are on Etsy, you might wanna check the specifics that might be important to you: is the product handmade, are you buying directly from the artist etc.

Some Specifics:

·Anyone can shop in an online store set up with Big Cartel: You don't need to create an account to make a purchase or contact the seller.





supermarkethq.com
Check the category "paper + prints".

Supermarket offers a curated collection of design products, so you can be quite sure about a certain quality standard of the items that do get featured. And you don't have to deal with an overwhelming abundance of content. But naturally that also means someone else made a pre-selection for you.

Some Specifics:

·You need to create an account to buy items on Supermarket and for contacting sellers.
·You can comment on items.


AIMING FOR THE GOOD STUFF

Obviously the design and style of what you're looking for will be a very individual and personal choice, so I can't really give you an advice on that apart from:

Go for what takes your fancy, makes you swoon or snigger or smile happily, or for what you deem extraordinary & beautiful. You are looking for something that feels "You".

Apropos: Following current trends by the book is way overrated, not exactly creative and trends are a timed phenomena by definition.

But there are some check list points that will make it easier for you to decide on a satisfying purchase:


:Pictures:

With online shopping product pictures are key, make sure they tell you all you need or want to see. Is there a shot that focuses on details? Are you provided a glimpse on every relevant side of the product?

You should also check that there IS an actual picture of the product and not just a screenshot of a design file: A screenshot won't give you an appropriate impression of what the printed artwork or design looks like.

One thing about color: Color perception differs not only from person to person, also most computer screens work with different settings. You should be okay with slight nuance deviations of the printed product compared to what you see on your screen.


:Paper:

For a rather premium look and feel to your stationery I'd recommend going for:

> at least 90 g/m2 ( 24 lb. bond, 60 lb. text) for writing/note paper
> at least 250 g/m2 (140 lb. index) for postcards, greeting cards, business cards

Personally I'd always opt for a matte or semi-matte finish to a print or a matte texture of the paper: Details accentuated with a glossy finish can be a delicious combination but "all-over super-glossy" is NOT an upscale look.


:Seller's Savvy:

Whether the seller is considerate enough to list it all in the product description or you have to inquire him or her about it:

The seller should be willing and able to provide you with all the desired technical facts of the potentially to be purchased product in question:

The exact measurements, paper weight, paper texture, printing technique, limited edition or not, maybe shipping options etc.


UNDECIDED?

Most illustrators that sell their own wares online will offer small items like postcards in their range. Naturally these will be very affordable and shipping won't cost you much either:
Ordering one of these is the best way for you to find out whether the illustrator in question and his wares are fulfilling, or better vet, exceeding your expectations. Nothing will beat having the actual printed product in your own hands, feel the texture, eyeing the details of the illustration.

Print is a haptic medium, no online research, no matter how thoroughly executed, can replace the touch of your finger tips.



I hope this little guide is a help for some of you, let me know in the comments, I'd love to hear your feedback!

Here are the links to some of the most renowned design blogs:

Design Sponge
(check artwork, paper,windows and walls)

Decor8
(check artncraft,stationery,walls,etsy)

Oh So Beautiful Paper
(check categories(under "Archives"))



Have Fun:)

Wishlist :: Alphabet Bags

Recession

Seeing that they've been widely covered in all the usual suspects mags already (check their press section) this may be old news, but I happen to have stumbled over Alphabet Bags just now.

Ampersand

How awesome are these?. You can order single letter bags in Natural, Black or Diamante (yumm).

A-Z Natural

A-Z Diamante

The Recession bag is part of the Typographic collection which also features this pretty baby:

Alphabet

The Natural ones are my favorite I love the straight "printed" look they have, the distressed details of the Alphabet print are extra lovely.



The people behind Alphabet Bags are Lucas Lepola and Hayley Thwaites. They also run another gorgeous business that focusses on printed goods called Keep Calm Gallery.

So much more to discover there...

What do you think, have a favorite bag?

(All pictures posted here are copyrighted to Alphabet Bags.)