The Paper Pod

A whole week in one day

Fri, 25 May 2012 15:53:58 -0400

I have no good excuse for not blogging this week. I just didn’t feel like it I guess. I had more pressing matters like facebook creeping and adding pins to pinterest. I wasn’t a total waste of space, I did crank out invites for this dude’s upcoming first birthday. Plus a few impromptu dinner dates with the hubs, where we found this precious typo.

What would I have blogged about this week if all that stuff didn’t get in my way? Well of course a new shop listing. This cute birthday card to be exact.

I think my Wordless Wednesday would have been this fabulous photo. It’s hard to believe my cousin is graduating high school. Can it really be almost 18 years ago that I held her in my arms for the first time and fell in love? She’s like a little sister to me. Up until my brother was born she was the sibling I always wanted.

I have a recipe I want to share, but I’ll post that next week. I’ve only been trying to blog about it since um lent. Someday, right?

And of course today would be Fashion Friday. I have this neon yellow belt and really no clue what to wear it with. I paired it with the brightest dress shirt I own, although it’s really not all that bright but I made it work. A little pop of neon is good for any outfit, right?

Dress shirt: Old Navy. Skirt: Gap. Belt: Forever21. Shoes: Payless. Necklace: Avon (circa 1987).

How have you guys been this week? Good I hope. Worked hard and totally ready for the 3 day weekend ahead?

Get Bold.

Fri, 18 May 2012 16:22:55 -0400

Navy and orange is not a color combo you’d see me in very often, if ever. But earlier this spring (yes this photo is from March as well)- this crazy duo was pretty popular and somehow I just happened to have items in my closet to make it work for me.

Don’t mind my smirk. I’m really not sure what that was about. I’m going to blame it on the sun that was shining in my eyes. I know I know, just put the shades on Jen. That would have been a simple solution!

Cardi, Sunnies & Belt: Old Navy. Tank: Vickis. Skirt: NY & Co. Shoes & Bracelets: Forever21. Necklace: Hamdmade.

Cup o’ Hello listed today!

Thu, 17 May 2012 16:47:17 -0400

Cup o’ Hello listed today!

May 16, 2012

Wed, 16 May 2012 13:59:00 -0400

May 16, 2012

Perfect for a rainy day

Fri, 11 May 2012 08:44:00 -0400

I wore this outfit I think back in March. It was rainy and dreary-nothing a bright top and cardi couldn’t fix!

Cardi: Forever21. Shirt: A gift. Tank: Express. Jeans: Bitten by Sarah Jessica Parker. Shoes: Target. Necklace: Custom made.

Top 5 Spotlight: HollyCraft Originals

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:02:07 -0400

Name: HollyCraft Originals

Web: www.hollycraftoriginals.com

About the shop: Handmade fabric appliques and more.

What’s your story, how did you get started?

I love anything arts and crafts. I always have found ways to make it part of my life. I started wanting to find ways to make some extra money so that I could be a stay at home mom. I started out making hats and cards. Then one day I was looking through some scrapbooking embellishments when I came across some fabric flowers that were so cute…and so expensive. I thought to myself, I can do that. So I tried. Of course with my own spin…the fact that they would be handmade and eco friendly. And now it is mostly what I do…handmade fabric appliques. I try my best to use fabric scraps and upcycled denim and corduroy.

What’s your muse?

I love looking at scrapbooking and quilting magazines. They get me thinking about new things to create.

What are your favorite materials when creating?

fabric,denim, embroidery thread, and BUTTONS!!!

What are your goals?

I just want to be able to keep up with my orders and still be able to take time to create new designs! That is what I enjoy the most.

Any advice to share?

Keep on plugging away till you find that little niche that people are looking for. It took me a couple years to find out what I was good at and what people will buy.

Want to be featured as a Top 5 Spotlight? Fill out the simple form for crafters or bloggers. Or email me at lillypeadesigns@gmail.com!

May 9, 2012

Wed, 09 May 2012 10:02:00 -0400

May 9, 2012

New Mr and Mrs listed today!

Tue, 08 May 2012 14:42:34 -0400

New Mr and Mrs listed today!

Paging Motivation..

Mon, 07 May 2012 15:17:33 -0400

Alright, so I know I said LAST month I’d get back to blogging and I what, had three posts- and two of them didn’t even include words. Truth to be told, as of lately if I don’t have to do something it hasn’t been a priority. My chore list is mighty long and my laundry pile is scary tall. I had big plans to get back on track come May 1^st, at least over here on Paper Pod and Etsy. I planned a post for each day. And here I am 6 days later just finally getting around to writing up a post.

My motivation is shot guys. This happens when the weather turns warm. If you look at my track record of blogging during the warmer months over the last three years, you’ll notice I play a lot of hooky. The sun beckons my name-yesterday was a prime example! Now if you work a 9-5 Monday through Friday and live in Ohio you may notice a cruel pattern Mother Nature likes to play- it’s sunny and beautiful all week and then rains on the weekend. So when I woke up to see not a cloud in the sky with a high temperature of 82 I didn’t even consider looking at my to do list. Instead we went out for breakfast, drove up to a greenery, took the dogs to the spa, got some ice cream, laid out, went to the mall and took the dogs on a long walk. It was a glorious Sunday.

But when you fall down, you have two choices- lay there or get back up. It’s a new month, a new week and a new day- so let’s see if I can get things rolling again. Before I venture into my May goals let’s see what I accomplished for my April ones:

Get back on the bloggin’ train: well clearly this was a fail.
Wrap up 85^th sorority celebration: done! And the weekend was a ton of fun and a great success!
Spend a weekend locked in my studio: done! Surprisingly I made myself do this one :)
Complete wedding invitations: done! And they are beautiful. After the wedding I’ll be sure to post a picture of them.
Yoga 1-2x a week: done! Although I may not have been blogging or doing my housework I still have managed to work out almost every day of the work week with one day dedicated to yoga.

Overall I am happy that I met most of my goals for last month. Four out of five is pretty good! For this month I want to put a little bit more emphases on completing not just want I need to get done but what I want to get done too:

More blog posts. I know I have readers- I’m sure they miss me :)
Get back to listing once a week. Because I do have lots of cute designs waiting to be showcased on the world wide web.
Finish tags for Miss Ellie.
Complete graduation invitations for my cousin.
Keep up with housework. In January I set a daily household task to complete- that worked well so maybe I need to reinstate it!
Get back to using My Fitness Pal. I’ve been a real slacker in that category too.

So, how have you guys been the last month? Anything you’re seriously slacking on or is it just me?

April 25, 2012

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 09:15:42 -0400

April 25, 2012

April 4, 2012

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 19:54:59 -0400

April 4, 2012

Hello, April

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 15:02:00 -0400

The days are longer, the weather is warmer and I’m really not going to complain that old man winter came and left without a blizzard this year. I really can’t believe it’s already spring, but I’ll take it! A new month means new goals to achieve. Hopefully I do better at them then last month.. let’s take a look at last month:

Complete the final updates for the kitchen (paint, rewire lights, install backsplash). Check! It’s nice to finally say we have another completely finished room in the house. Thanks to Young House Love we were able to knock the backsplash out in just one weekend. Which is pretty impressive for us!(this picture was taken in process)
Run 20 miles with a few runs being 5 (+) miles. Fail! I’m not even sure I ran 3 miles last month.
Complete two custom invitation/banner orders due this month. Check! But then again, I always make sure I complete my custom orders- it would be bad biz if I didn’t!
Of course, a new listing each week! Fail! The only reason this didn’t happen is because I’ve yet to take pictures of my new designs. Which is absolutely absurd, the sun is out until after 7pm. I guess I’m just lazy after work!
And find a race to participate, but that it seems to be impossible with my travel schedule.. Fail! Well not completely, I did find a race that fit into my schedule however I did not sign up for it. More about this later…

Now, what to accomplish in April:

First and foremost I need to get back on the bloggin’ train. My posts have been scattered and inconsistent lately. I suppose that’s what happens when I spend almost 50% of the month out of town! I finally understand why other blogs have guest bloggers!
Later this month is a big weekend celebration for my sorority’s 85^th Celebration- I have some loose ends to finish for the fundraising events that will take place. A big portion of this month will be focused on that.
Spend a weekend locked in my studio because I really need to restock my inventory.
Complete the wedding invitations that are due on May 1^st.
Yoga 1-2x a week.

Not a long list, but everything to accomplish is time consuming. Besides the yoga, but I like having a fitness goal to try to tackle!

Anything exciting planned for your April?

March 28, 2012

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 16:18:10 -0400

March 28, 2012

MIA

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:03:10 -0400

I really did have a schedule of postings I wanted to do while I was on vacation but sometimes the best thought out plans fall through. I hope to be back up and running by next week, if I can get pictures edited and ready. My evenings right now are spent working away in the studio fulfilling orders. I have a lot of big orders to get done over the next week and even more to get done next month! But here’s what I’ve been up too..

Headed to Venice, FL. Enjoyed bagel sandwiches with this view:

Spent a few days in Orlando:

I spent lots of QT with Amers:

Did a little shopping:

Got dolled up to watch the hubs accept another award:

Watched some fireworks:

Hit up my favorite paper store and got supplies stocked up:

Watched the crazy downtown Cleveland St. Pat’s madness:

Enjoyed yummy dinners on the patio:

What have you been up to?

True Love Stories Wedding Greeting is new to the shop!

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 09:00:05 -0400

True Love Stories Wedding Greeting is new to the shop!

Top 5 Spotlight: Honey from the Bee

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 03:00:06 -0400

Name: Honey from the Bee

Web: http://www.honeyfromthebee.com

About the shop: I sell handmade Artisan jewelry

What’s your story, how did you get started?

It all began in the rainy northwest town of Vancouver. My husband was traveling during the week and my days and evenings with the dogs were just not enough stimulation. I had always been a needle worker. The bead store in town was advertising this class where you covered a bottle with beaded netting. I think it was just a ruse to get me in the store, because once I saw the bins and walls covered in different shapes, colors and textures of beads I was a goner. A beader was born!

Fast forward a couple years and finding myself creating more jewelry than I could giveaway or wear I could see a life outside my cubicle at art shows. The internet selling followed a year or so later and that’s where I am today.

What’s your muse?

It’s absolutely true that you can find inspiration anywhere. Nature for sure is a muse as I spend a lot of time in it, but I also find inspiration in other cultures through traveling and my books. I read a lot, love going to museums, and sometimes create just from color combinations that give me that “this is so right” feeling.

I know my muse is with me when the world around me disappears for a time and I have only the focus of finding the right beads, method and process to create my next piece of artisan jewelry.

Maybe it’s because I think too much, but I often create stories or attach memories to my statement necklaces. I know that the person who purchases one of my jewelry pieces brings their own memories and stories, but that’s what makes me the happiest! When someone says you created this necklace just for me, because this happened in my life or I love all things orange.. whatever the reason that makes them feel connected… that is the greatest feeling in the world to a creator of handmade goods.

What are your favorite materials when creating?

I love semi-precious stones, because each one is different and gives energy to a jewelry piece whether earrings, a bracelet, brooch or necklace. Found objects and vintage parts bring their history with them and often find they will help me find the other beads and materials in my stash that are needed to tell their story or a new story for the next chapter in their lives.

I use a ton of different methods and processes in my artisan jewelry and continue to add to my repertoire. Not only do I like exploring and learning new things, I feel that gives me the freedom to create that piece in my head the way it was intended. I don’t think I really have a favorite method. I probably go through stages of using one method more than others, but not for long.

What are your goals?

My goals in the next year include simplifying my social networking time, because I want more time to dream and create. I enjoy blogging and meeting people via that avenue, because I feel there’s more honesty or maybe more real interaction than some other routes.

Changes in my personal life have curtailed my participating in most physical shows, but I’m always open to meeting folks and bringing my black bag for face-to-face meetings at coffee shops or wherever. I actually miss part of that connection by selling online, but in exchange I get to reach out to other places in the U.S. as well as overseas. That’s been a lot of fun.

Any advice to share?

I’m in a different time and place than many others in our country. I’ve had a few traditional careers through the high tech era and am now able to do what I love and create the jewelry I love.

To sell online you have to be persistent, patient, particular and popular. And what I mean by the latter is that you can’t just post your work and expect the crowds to come. You have to sell yourself and network. I’m not the best marketer, but I know that’s what is needed. I figure I’ll just be the first three P’s and eventually, hopefully, the Popular will follow.

Want to be featured as a Top 5 Spotlight? Fill out the simple form for crafters or bloggers. Or email me at lillypeadesigns@gmail.com!

Today, 6pm-midnight. Learn how to market your crafty business...

Sat, 10 Mar 2012 10:00:05 -0500

Today, 6pm-midnight. Learn how to market your crafty business and die cuts while you check out 25 amazing artisian vendors! Check out the Facebook page for complete details!

March 7, 2012

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 12:18:06 -0500

March 7, 2012

March Goals: Routine

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 12:54:28 -0500

Ah, it’s already 6 days into the month.. Guess it’s time to post some goals! But let’s see how I did in February!

Finish the gym makeover- check! I just sent off some DIY prints to be made for picture frames but the gym is looking sweet!
Complete 1^st year photo book- check!
Run 20 miles- I got 17 in. Would have reached that twenty if it wasn’t for the unreliable directions!
Take on fABruary- I did about half of it. Probably shouldn’t have decided to do it before I went to bed each night. I’d either fall asleep and forget, or have a cocktail and forget. Whoops!
Complete Feb custom orders- check!
One new listing a week- check!
Consider adding a “races” tab to the top..- I think maybe once I get a few more races/recaps up on the blog I will revisit this idea.

What a busy short month!

I don’t have a lot of items I want to accomplish for March because I’m out of town about half the month. Three little getaways planned- Venice/Orlando, Cleveland and Louisville. I can’t wait!

I want my focus to be keeping up with my daily routines in hopes to avoid housework from piling up. My calendar is exploding with daily notes- from blog postings, to outfits, to house chores. Even if it’s scary to look at I sorta love it!

I do have a few major tasks I want to accomplish though:

Complete the final updates for the kitchen (paint, rewire lights, install backsplash)
Run 20 miles with a few runs being 5 (+) miles
Complete two custom invitation/banner orders due this month.
Of course, a new listing each week!
And find a race to participate, but that it seems to be impossible with my travel schedule..

What goals are you setting this month?

Deepest Sympathy listed today!

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 12:22:27 -0500

Deepest Sympathy listed today!