Monday, July 27, 2009
Summertime and the living is easy
Just a photopost. Matt is on vacay and we intend to get some summer fun in this week :)
Saturday, July 25, 2009
The 400th item was just purchased from the paper*cakes shop! :)
To celebrate my 400th sale I'm offering 50% off any purchases over $50! :) Only 4 codes available - "400thsalebration"
Eeee!!! :) I am so excited! Thank you all so much for being fans of my work :) biggest x's and o's!
Eeee!!! :) I am so excited! Thank you all so much for being fans of my work :) biggest x's and o's!
My genius plan...
So, I have been really struggling the past couple of months to keep up with my growing business and my growing child at the same time. After this week, I will be officially switching to "the night shift". My plan is to work from 9-2am on crafting, listing, and packing and processing orders - then have a nap when Jude naps during the day. I will be able to get my internet obligations taken care of during the daytime hours - and I really like staying up late and also napping - so I think this just might solve my problem! Here's hoping anyways :)
I am so happy and so grateful to be busy like I am so early into this venture... but it has definitely been a challenge to balance family and Paper*Cakes. Thank you all for being so patient with me as my little business grows and changes.
Anyways, I also have some photos to share! I was given a disk of photos taken at my wedding by a good family friend and I was soooo excited to see them! He got some really *amazing* detail shots. It really gave me a better perspective of what the wedding was like from the point of view of the guests.
Jude is camping with family tonight, so Matt and I are going to relax at home and watch Coraline in 3-d on our flat screen! I am going on a crafty marathon tonight - the plan is to make 100+ items. I really need more etsy stock and more stock for the flea market and I need to take advantage of a Saturday to get it done! Hope you all have a lovely evening!
xo
I am so happy and so grateful to be busy like I am so early into this venture... but it has definitely been a challenge to balance family and Paper*Cakes. Thank you all for being so patient with me as my little business grows and changes.
Anyways, I also have some photos to share! I was given a disk of photos taken at my wedding by a good family friend and I was soooo excited to see them! He got some really *amazing* detail shots. It really gave me a better perspective of what the wedding was like from the point of view of the guests.
Jude is camping with family tonight, so Matt and I are going to relax at home and watch Coraline in 3-d on our flat screen! I am going on a crafty marathon tonight - the plan is to make 100+ items. I really need more etsy stock and more stock for the flea market and I need to take advantage of a Saturday to get it done! Hope you all have a lovely evening!
xo
Thursday, July 23, 2009
New Accessories
Hey there! Just a quick post about the new accessories that were listed in the shop yesterday - a few rings and some bobby pin sets! Check them out! :) xo
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
De-Junk your home and make fast cash!
I'm sure we all have that closet that is scary to open.. you know the one - items shoved inside so tightly that when you even touch the doorknob everything bursts out?? I am here to save you! Here are some tried and true (by me anyways!) ways to clear out your house and make some extra cash. Who doesn't want a little bit of extra spending money these days? It feels really rewarding to turn your old junk into money you could use on something fun for the summer!
1. Set a date for a garage sale, or rent a table at a local flea market. If you set a date, you have something to prepare for and you can't put it off! Many of us think this is too much work and end up putting it off as a "someday" project while living with the annoying clutter!
2. Look into advertising if you are having a yard sale. Most people advertise in the Saturday paper, but garage sales can also be found on Facebook, local classified websites, and more. Google to see what you can find in your area! Newspaper ads usually cost about $20, and online advertising is often free. Don't forget to tell your friends, family, and neighbors. Post signs around your neighborhood, and use arrows and balloons to attract attention and guide people to your home.
3. You don't a yard or a garage! Many cities have flea markets that rent tables. You can also get creative and even use your parking spot if that's all you have. Use folding tables, boxes, rugs, towels, blankets, and more to display items. If you live in an apartment building, check with your building manager and see if you can have a garage sale on the lawn or in the parking lot. Why not make it a community effort and try to get your whole building involved?
4. Try to get those around you involved. It's fun to have company! Being around others working on the same project helps me stay motivated and think of ideas. Plus it's always nice to have someone to cover bathroom breaks, handle busy crowds, and help with setup and take down. Make it a neighborhood or family event!
5. Go through your home and start packing items into bags and bins. I recently did this and I got rid of a whole bunch of baby stuff, lots of clothing that no longer fit from all 3 of us, household goods, things I no longer needed, etc. You never know who wants that thing you think is ugly - chances are someone will pay a few bucks for it! Go through each room and sort out your things little by little. If it isn't a keepsake and you haven't used it for 6 months, get rid of it. Remember that you will be able to buy some new items or replacement items with the cash you make!
6. Don't forget about Ebay, Half.com, Craiglist, Online Classifieds, Facebook Marketplace, Freecycle, and Kijiji! You could have a virtual garage sale, just take pictures of your items and post them online and see who is interested! I sold a lot of bigger ticket baby items like this :) local pickup is easy.
Using these tips I made $600 from the old goods in my home over a 3 week period :) What can YOU make? Good luck!
1. Set a date for a garage sale, or rent a table at a local flea market. If you set a date, you have something to prepare for and you can't put it off! Many of us think this is too much work and end up putting it off as a "someday" project while living with the annoying clutter!
2. Look into advertising if you are having a yard sale. Most people advertise in the Saturday paper, but garage sales can also be found on Facebook, local classified websites, and more. Google to see what you can find in your area! Newspaper ads usually cost about $20, and online advertising is often free. Don't forget to tell your friends, family, and neighbors. Post signs around your neighborhood, and use arrows and balloons to attract attention and guide people to your home.
3. You don't a yard or a garage! Many cities have flea markets that rent tables. You can also get creative and even use your parking spot if that's all you have. Use folding tables, boxes, rugs, towels, blankets, and more to display items. If you live in an apartment building, check with your building manager and see if you can have a garage sale on the lawn or in the parking lot. Why not make it a community effort and try to get your whole building involved?
4. Try to get those around you involved. It's fun to have company! Being around others working on the same project helps me stay motivated and think of ideas. Plus it's always nice to have someone to cover bathroom breaks, handle busy crowds, and help with setup and take down. Make it a neighborhood or family event!
5. Go through your home and start packing items into bags and bins. I recently did this and I got rid of a whole bunch of baby stuff, lots of clothing that no longer fit from all 3 of us, household goods, things I no longer needed, etc. You never know who wants that thing you think is ugly - chances are someone will pay a few bucks for it! Go through each room and sort out your things little by little. If it isn't a keepsake and you haven't used it for 6 months, get rid of it. Remember that you will be able to buy some new items or replacement items with the cash you make!
6. Don't forget about Ebay, Half.com, Craiglist, Online Classifieds, Facebook Marketplace, Freecycle, and Kijiji! You could have a virtual garage sale, just take pictures of your items and post them online and see who is interested! I sold a lot of bigger ticket baby items like this :) local pickup is easy.
Using these tips I made $600 from the old goods in my home over a 3 week period :) What can YOU make? Good luck!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Happy Monday!
Hello everyone :) I hope you all had awesome weekends! We attended a wedding and I went to the flea market again. Here are a couple of photos from the wedding:
We had a great time and I got to practice taking pictures :) I also did the makeup for the bridal party. I'm glad it's Monday though so I can recover from the weekend/week. Everyone has had the flu here for the last week and now I *hope* we are almost better.
This week is a week for me to stay home and play catch up, shipping lots of orders and new products to be listed. Matt goes on vacay next week!
We had a great time and I got to practice taking pictures :) I also did the makeup for the bridal party. I'm glad it's Monday though so I can recover from the weekend/week. Everyone has had the flu here for the last week and now I *hope* we are almost better.
This week is a week for me to stay home and play catch up, shipping lots of orders and new products to be listed. Matt goes on vacay next week!
Friday, July 17, 2009
A Friday Special
Just for fun and because I love Friday, My best selling item will be 10% off! :)
These eco friendly blooms are made of new and recycled fabrics, cardboard, lace, old clothes, new and found buttons, and of course cuteness :) I hand sew each one and they are all originals! They look so cute on scrapbook pages, hair clips, headbands, journals, collages.. really, anything! I glued one onto a pretty pink vase for my flea market display.
(please note these are made to order and have a 1 week creation time before shipping!)
These eco friendly blooms are made of new and recycled fabrics, cardboard, lace, old clothes, new and found buttons, and of course cuteness :) I hand sew each one and they are all originals! They look so cute on scrapbook pages, hair clips, headbands, journals, collages.. really, anything! I glued one onto a pretty pink vase for my flea market display.
(please note these are made to order and have a 1 week creation time before shipping!)
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Calling all ETSY shop owners! :)
UPDATE: The ads are all sold out! If you wish to recieve a copy of the booklet, I will send you one for $3 - the cost of shipping and handling :)
I am putting together a Paper*Cakes publication/booklet/zine thing to hand out to the customers at my flea market booth, to put in with orders, and to pass around locally.
In this booklet there will be articles on why buying handmade is cool, how to thrift, home decor, what etsy is and how it works, tutorials, interviews, handmade culture, recycling and green living, and ads for individual handmade businesses.
I am looking for etsy shops or blogs who wish to advertise in this publication - it will be launching on Sunday! This issue will be the summer issue and will be handed out for free until the fall. My customers are very informed about Etsy in general and love handmade and vintage.
PEI has a lot of tourist traffic in the summer so this booklet could reach a very wide audience!
125x125 button ads will be a rate of $5
250x250 coupon ads will be $15
Etsy Mini Showcases will be $10
Please contact me at spikernub@hotmail.com if you are interested as this offer is limited and priced very reasonably :) I want to spread the word about handmade but ink and nice paper is a bit spendy so these ads will pay for the printing of the publication.
I am putting together a Paper*Cakes publication/booklet/zine thing to hand out to the customers at my flea market booth, to put in with orders, and to pass around locally.
In this booklet there will be articles on why buying handmade is cool, how to thrift, home decor, what etsy is and how it works, tutorials, interviews, handmade culture, recycling and green living, and ads for individual handmade businesses.
I am looking for etsy shops or blogs who wish to advertise in this publication - it will be launching on Sunday! This issue will be the summer issue and will be handed out for free until the fall. My customers are very informed about Etsy in general and love handmade and vintage.
PEI has a lot of tourist traffic in the summer so this booklet could reach a very wide audience!
125x125 button ads will be a rate of $5
250x250 coupon ads will be $15
Etsy Mini Showcases will be $10
Please contact me at spikernub@hotmail.com if you are interested as this offer is limited and priced very reasonably :) I want to spread the word about handmade but ink and nice paper is a bit spendy so these ads will pay for the printing of the publication.
Why I love Thrifting by Chelsea Ling
I have come to realize as paper*cakes has grown how deep my love of thrifting goes back. As a child I can remember going to various thrift and consignment stores with my mother. I also always loved garage sales. Anyways, here is a list of why I love thrifting. Leave a comment and let me know why YOU love thrifting.
All photos are from my "Thrifted/Fun Finds" photo set on flickr.
1. It's a fun activity. I love to go garage saling on Saturday mornings, armed with a friend or family member and a Tim Horton's coffee. It's fun to see what kind of silly things your friends like or helping someone find a specific thing. It's also fun to go alone and just browse and see what is around... items change so quickly there is always something/one to see.
2. I don't need to buy so many new things. I don't need to pay a lot of money for new things, and the world could probably use a little less "stuff". Don't get me wrong, I buy lots of stuff new, but I still feel proud that I am contributing to recycling by chosing to buy items already out there than newly manufactured ones. Plus, with a little love an ugly item becomes so cute sometimes.
3. I have a shopping addiction, and thrifting is cheap. Thrifting feeds my love of silly things, craft supplies, fashion, and beauty for so little! I can find a treat on any budget. Your $20 goes so much further at a garage sale or thrift shop than it does at even walmart, and if you're in need of a cheap fix you can find a cute silver handbag for $2.
4. I'm snoopy. I like to see people's old stuff. I like to wonder about what they used it for, and why they are getting rid of it. I also like the social aspect of flea market or garage sale shopping :) I have fave vendors that I visit regularily.
5. Thrift stores are often run by non profit organizations, or at least donate some of their proceeds to help out the local community in some way. I like that me buying old junk helps people out, and I like that thrift stores provide jobs for local people, a place for people to drop off unwanted goods, and maybe an opportunity for those in need :)
6. You can find things like kitten plaques, ceramic owl napkin holders, and pink princess dresses with puffy sleeves. Items from time gone by that will never be made again, and one of a kind items too. It's always a thrill when you find this great knick knack or that perfect belt!
7. You can still get coupons, deals, and sales when thrifting. I recently used a $50 off of a $100 purchase at value village, and another local thrift store has a punch card that you collect points on as you spend. Thrift stores are trying to make money just like any store so they will offer you the same consumer deals as big box store.
8. When you go to different places, the thrift stores have different stuff. I want to go to Europe and see what I can find! :) Big dream! I am happy just to check out Value Villages in different cities, and make a point to try and stop at at least one junk-store type of place when travelling.
9. You can find ANYTHING. If you are a "browser" like I am, you like to go into stores and look and see what you can find... that is pretty much the best thing about thrifting - the constant surprise. I find that I always find the best things, and stuff I need when I go in with no plan and just look around :)
10. I love books. I love owning books, and reading books. I am bad at returning library books, so I like to buy them. Used books are way cheaper and always prevalent no matter where you go thrifting. Value Village even has a buy 4 books get a 5th book free - and kids books are $0.99!
All photos are from my "Thrifted/Fun Finds" photo set on flickr.
1. It's a fun activity. I love to go garage saling on Saturday mornings, armed with a friend or family member and a Tim Horton's coffee. It's fun to see what kind of silly things your friends like or helping someone find a specific thing. It's also fun to go alone and just browse and see what is around... items change so quickly there is always something/one to see.
2. I don't need to buy so many new things. I don't need to pay a lot of money for new things, and the world could probably use a little less "stuff". Don't get me wrong, I buy lots of stuff new, but I still feel proud that I am contributing to recycling by chosing to buy items already out there than newly manufactured ones. Plus, with a little love an ugly item becomes so cute sometimes.
3. I have a shopping addiction, and thrifting is cheap. Thrifting feeds my love of silly things, craft supplies, fashion, and beauty for so little! I can find a treat on any budget. Your $20 goes so much further at a garage sale or thrift shop than it does at even walmart, and if you're in need of a cheap fix you can find a cute silver handbag for $2.
4. I'm snoopy. I like to see people's old stuff. I like to wonder about what they used it for, and why they are getting rid of it. I also like the social aspect of flea market or garage sale shopping :) I have fave vendors that I visit regularily.
5. Thrift stores are often run by non profit organizations, or at least donate some of their proceeds to help out the local community in some way. I like that me buying old junk helps people out, and I like that thrift stores provide jobs for local people, a place for people to drop off unwanted goods, and maybe an opportunity for those in need :)
6. You can find things like kitten plaques, ceramic owl napkin holders, and pink princess dresses with puffy sleeves. Items from time gone by that will never be made again, and one of a kind items too. It's always a thrill when you find this great knick knack or that perfect belt!
7. You can still get coupons, deals, and sales when thrifting. I recently used a $50 off of a $100 purchase at value village, and another local thrift store has a punch card that you collect points on as you spend. Thrift stores are trying to make money just like any store so they will offer you the same consumer deals as big box store.
8. When you go to different places, the thrift stores have different stuff. I want to go to Europe and see what I can find! :) Big dream! I am happy just to check out Value Villages in different cities, and make a point to try and stop at at least one junk-store type of place when travelling.
9. You can find ANYTHING. If you are a "browser" like I am, you like to go into stores and look and see what you can find... that is pretty much the best thing about thrifting - the constant surprise. I find that I always find the best things, and stuff I need when I go in with no plan and just look around :)
10. I love books. I love owning books, and reading books. I am bad at returning library books, so I like to buy them. Used books are way cheaper and always prevalent no matter where you go thrifting. Value Village even has a buy 4 books get a 5th book free - and kids books are $0.99!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Paper*Cakes Summer Design Team
Ahhhhhhhhhh! :) I know I know, this is so late! I feel like I have good reason though - I recieved over 200 applications for the paper*cakes design team. I'm so excited that so many of you were interested in partnering with my little company! It was so hard for me to choose and I really encourage those of you not chosen to apply again in the fall.
So, here we go! these four lucky ladies will have a place on the summer design team!
Brenda Weaver
Clair Rigby
Martine Rijnbeek
Teresa Abajo
Andie Carothers
The DT will have a home on the to-be-done Paper*Cakes Craft blog that will be ready to go soon and fully functional by August when the DT makes their debut! Soon you will be able to get to know the Paper*Cakes DT a bit better as bios and photos will be posted soon!
Xo
So, here we go! these four lucky ladies will have a place on the summer design team!
Brenda Weaver
Clair Rigby
Martine Rijnbeek
Teresa Abajo
Andie Carothers
The DT will have a home on the to-be-done Paper*Cakes Craft blog that will be ready to go soon and fully functional by August when the DT makes their debut! Soon you will be able to get to know the Paper*Cakes DT a bit better as bios and photos will be posted soon!
Xo
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