Printing Mania - Monkey Mind Style

I've got the printing bug and couldn't be happier!

I am really getting this whole printing thing down. So many ideas, just need more hours in the day. It's been a true family affair. My super fab mom trims and sews each towel. My sweet hubby is my right hand man when it comes to ink and squeegee. Some good tunes and a couple of beers and we become Monkey Mind's Dynamic-Duo. My daughter even gets in there to pull a print on an extra t-shirt or two.

Keep a look out for new stuff coming this summer.
New printed products on Etsy!

Owl Mania Has Arrived!

Or maybe it never left...

And Etsy is full of them. Brooches, plushies, prints, pocket mirrors, you name it, they've got it. Even, macrame! It makes me think I should have more owl decor. However, my daughter already beat me to the punch with her owl themed bathroom. She'd say, I just stole her idea. But I love those little woodland creatures. They are just too cute. I need to get on it and try my hand at some more owl illustrations. Maybe even an owl calendar for 2013...fun! The possibilities are endless.

These are some of my Etsy favorites.
1. Owl Locket Necklace by Polarity
2. Creamy Owl on Moss Green Linen - Pillow Cover by Sweetnature Designs
3. Giant Plush Owl, Herman by Sleepy King
4. Retro Bike Poster Owl by Orange Optimist
5. Pygmy Cactus Print by Bee Things

Life is short so...

Everyday you are faced with choices. My advice, don't hold yourself back! Make those "it's going to be hard" choices, make those "not so fun" choices, and make those "I'll feel better if I do" choices. Choose to turn things around. Starting with today!

This is the year for great things to come. Not only do I believe it... I will do what ever it takes to achieve it! I will be fit (waking up early for a run or gym workout). No more excuses! My business will grow and my creativity right along with it (giving each day 150% and then some). I will spend fun time with my family and friends (making time for swimming, picnics, bike rides, camping, etc.). I will find motivation and inspiration to keep me charged and focused (filtering out the bad and hunting down the good). I know it sounds cliché... but you get one shot at this life, so make the most of it!

It's never too late... to be the person you want to be!

This morning I woke up tired and sluggish. I know... we all have those days but, I pushed through and started my day out at the gym. Happy with myself but still feeling sluggish. So with a cup of coffee in hand I watched a recorded episode of "Biggest Loser". So inspirational and made me reflect on what I've done and how I've changed my life and my career. So today, I just wanted to take the opportunity to send a friendly reminder to all feeling a little sluggish in life, love or career...

It's never too late! 
Enjoy this lovely description from Cornflower Blue Studio:
It's never too late to be the person you want, travel to your dream destination, land that job, find love, make amends, change careers, be yourself, or be HAPPY! It's true, and I'm living proof! Just when you think you can't do what you want or be the person you want to be, you need to remind yourself that it's never too late. You just have to do it.

Original Mixed Media It's Never Too Late by Cornflower Blue Studio

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to all!

It has been a wonderful Etsy holiday season. I am grateful for all the holiday sales I've had. I truly hope everyone enjoys their cards and calendars. Well, it's time for this busy bee to take a break. Our holiday guests arrive today and I am ready to turn off and unplug for a solid week. Now it's time to indulge in some decadent holiday cookies and spiked eggnog... YUM! Happy Holidays!

2011 Sprinkled with Fun!

2011 Calendar - Sprinkled with Fun

Calling all cupcake lovers... this one's for you!
You know, I don't really have a sweet tooth but I'm a sucker for a really good cupcake! Who can resist all that yummy frosting. And you know I'm talking about bakery style, fresh gourmet cupcakes! A big no no... to box store cupcakes! No thank you! As a foodie... I thought I'd have a little fun with some cute cupcake sayings and decided to turn it into a calendar. Giving each month their own unique personality. It makes me laugh. Hope you get a chuckle out of it too! My two favorite... May and June.

Wabi-Sabi - The beauty of imperfection!

Burnt Sienna Wabi Sabi Buttons by Glazed Over

Wabi-Sabi (Japanese concept) - A way of living that focuses on finding beauty within the imperfections of life and accepting peacefully the natural cycle of growth and decay.

I love this concept! This past summer I went on the hunt for some display items for my table for an art festival. I took a trip to local thrifts stores and found some amazing pieces. All with the character, style, color and charm I was looking for. You can really get lost in all the items and the stories they tell, like a chipped ceramic cookie jar or a splintered wooden goose or even a tattered story book. I will definitely be back just to browse... so many treasures to be discovered! Challenge yourself to get out and look around you... what do you see? Find your "wabi-sabi"!

Sure... why not Fluffy too!

Doggie Halloween Costumes provided by Etsy

Halloween Costumes For Your Pets
Now that Halloween is just around the corner... there are all kinds of cool creations popping up on Etsy. And who can resist looking at a cute dog in a costume. Here are some of my favorite picks! If one of these cuties came barking at my door, I'd surely have a treat for them. My dogs aren't as cooperative when it comes to costumes. Years back, I tried with some reindeer antlers... let's just say I got the evil eye and I'm sure something got chewed up as a payback. So today, I share these sweeties that deserve the spotlight for taking one for the team and taking a cute photo! All these photos make me smile and chuckle a little! Enjoy!

These awesome dog costumes can be found on Etsy.com.
1) Pirate hat for dogs or cats by lenapavia
2) Pet Hat - Rabbit by xmoonbloom
3) Handmade Original Ladybug costume for dogs or cats by hatz4brats
4) Doggie Dorothy Costume by NeedfulThingsofSalem
5) Wonder Women Pet Costume by ilickyou

Beware... I See Dead People!

New Etsy Treasury - I See Dead People

Etsy Treasury Time! 
It's been too long since I created my last Etsy treasury... so this morning I wanted to get into the Halloween spirit. As always, it's pretty easy to find so many great creative pieces. The hard part is picking just the right one to put in the treasury. I really like this one... I think it has Etsy front page potential! Come see all these freaky and festive finds here: I See Dead People!

The Perfect Gift...

Elegant Personalized Note Cards - 6 Pack

Personalized Note Cards!
It's funny, I used to struggle with what to give all my friends and family for birthdays, weddings, baby showers and holidays. Seriously, how many candles, picture frames and bath and body works can you give. Well now, I always have the perfect gift! I put together a small sampling of greeting cards and then... the personalized note cards. It has been a big hit! It's fun at parties too, because they always get passed around. I love that no one else has a gift like mine. It's special and unique... especially when I make a new design with that person in mind. And bonus, I can use the designs in my shop. This is a design I just did for a girlfriend of mine. Hope she enjoys using them!

The Power of A Positive Community!

Love What You Do Notebook by Honeydesignbooks

A Great Resource For Entrepreneurs... Etsy Forums
I try to make it part of my daily routine to get in the Etsy forums and see what new ideas, advice or tips are being passed around. I stumbled across "Best Marketing Tip" and decided to check it out. Etsy is not only a place to sell but such a supportive community for entrepreneurs. I am always impressed with the  positive energy and the willingness to share valuable information just for the sake of helping another. I thought I'd share a few of the tips... which I think are more important than some marketing tips you might find in a business text book or publication.

Blackburgbelle's tip:
Be authentic. Be yourself. Let your personality shine through in your products, blog posts, press releases, tweets, product descriptions, and all other marketing efforts.

YourUniqueKreation's tip:
Let your passion drive your business...it will shine through as genuine. People like that.
And practically, include a few business cards in every order...word of mouth is still the best! 

TheHickoryTree's tip:
My best marketing tip. Keep your eyes and ears open to new ideas and trends. One of my buyers had a suggestion about something she wanted me to make. It turned out to be one of my best sellers.

Want more? Find four pages of great advice here "Best Marketing Tip"

Maybe A Cupcake Will Help?

I love being featured in Etsy treasuries... the curators always have such creative ideas. This one is full of sweet creations. I've come full circle on cupcakes. I mostly have a salty tooth but have to say, sometimes there is nothing like a gourmet cupcake to make you feel better. Plus, they are cute and oh so yummy! Come take a look at all these wonderful shops! Cupcake Treasury - Maybe A cupcake Will Help

Halloween Invites - Too much fun!

Grab some attention with a modern invitation!

Enjoy matching cupcake toppers!

It turns out I have really been enjoying getting ready for the Halloween season. It's actually exciting to  be ready ahead of time. Hope I can keep my momentum when it's time to get ready for Christmas in October. I have a couple more ideas for some fun vampire invitations and a new witch card. And new to me, cupcake toppers... who knew I would be so drawn to these. So I am giving it a go with my new invitations, we'll see how they do. Stay tuned for more paper Halloween goodies!!

Friday Treasury Feature

I love Paris in the Fall.
Come take a look at all these lovelies in this Etsy treasury. Thank you retrospectphoto for putting it together. I am feeling the need to make another treasury myself... just need to find the time.

Have You Treated Yourself Lately?

theshagbag creative packaging

Jade cuff bracelet Asian floral blossoms, handmade jade jewelry by theshagbag on Etsy

Beautiful blue translucent Asian floral earrings, handmade jewelry by theshagbag on Etsy

I just did! Can't wait to get my earrings in the mail. 
I have been working around the clock... not only on my Etsy shop but with tons of custom freelance design and to throw in the mix, new school clothes shopping and summer vacation with my little one. The house has suffered a little... oh well. Can't do everything and never planned too. I guess what I am trying to say is, don't forget to treat yourself right every now and then. Now that I work for myself... I need to remember the praises, accolades, and bonuses need to come from... me. As my own boss, I wish I let myself slack a little or take that three hour martini lunch or call in sick and then go to the movies.

So short story long, take care of yourself. Your joy and positive energy will spread to the people around you and so on. I can't wait to get my special package from theshagbag! Take a peak at this amazing Etsy shop... so many lovelies. It's hard just to pick one item.

Friday Favorites - Back To School!

Think outside the lunch box this year!
You wait so long for summer vacation... and puff, it's over! We had a fun-filled summer full of bike rides, picnics, movies, and tons of swimming! School starts next week. So it's time for new clothes, new backpack and of course the signature lunch bag/box that all the kids see you with. How many Hannah Montana's and Hello Kitty's can you take... this got me thinking... when I want to find something cool and unique where do I shop... that's right Etsy! Send your sweeties off to school in style this year! I fell in love with these snack sacs and lunch tag... so fun!

Lime Mao-Mao the Cat Lunch Bag/Box Tag by WeiOpenSecret
Hedgehog Meadow Eco Friendly Reusable Handmade Sandwich Bag by sacksavers
Gnoming Around Gnome Ecofriendly Reusable Snack Bag by sacksavers

Laughter Is The Best Medicine

Humor is infectious. The sound of roaring laughter is far more contagious than any cough, sniffle, or sneeze. When laughter is shared, it binds people together and increases happiness. Humor and laughter strengthen your immune system, boost your energy, diminish pain, and protect you from the damaging effects of stress. Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free, and easy to use.

"A day without laughter is a day wasted." - Charlie Chaplin
Laugh Print by Monkey Mind Design

Wednesday wish - Don't be a wiener!

Since it's summer and all... I guess I have wieners on the brain. I put together this Etsy treasury to have a little fun with all the hot dog and wieners finds. My new party invitations are at the top, not really sure where the inspiration came from for this one but it was fun, sometimes that's all that matters. Enjoy! Come see all the great shops behind the work here http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c3d2e25f9688eef9aa24226/dont-be-a-wiener?index=0

Oh and don't forget... Don't be a wiener!

Wednesday wish - Gratitude!

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. I just wanted to spread some thanks. I am so extremely grateful for my success and for the people that have crossed my path and given me support. I count my blessings daily to be able to follow my dream. Enjoy this beautiful piece (pink lace heart bowl) by dgordon.

Wednesday Wish - Create with paint...

"I have a reverence for living and the brief time we have on earth, so keep in mind that every day is a beautiful gift - be an active participant in it...." - Quote by NAY

Today, I started my day with a cup of coffee and some internet inspiration. What better place than Etsy. So I typed in my search "happy" and discovered this great artist NAY! I immediately fell in love with his work. So simple yet so powerful and very creative. I love when a message is to the point! Take a tour of all his amazing work... I'm sure you will leave inspired!

NayArts - Word Art Paintings by NAY