Magic Jelly

You Win Some, You Lose Some...

Packaging design I did last year that, for one reason or another, didn't get to see the light of day. Here's your chance, little illustration, bask in the sunshiny glory of blog exposure!

It's All in the Details

I want to make the Paper Chase a little bit special, so I designed this stamp to print on the back of all the collages I make.

I also uploaded a new batch of photos to the gallery - I've received 20 packages so far!

I'm pretty busy with work at the moment, so making the collages is purely an after hours activity, but I'm slowly getting through them & still happy for any new people to join in!

I've had such an incredible response, I had to devise a little system to keep all the packages in order & make sure I don't mix any up. I'm not what you'd call naturally organised or efficient.

Thank you so much to everyone who's participated so far - I've been totally blown away by how generous & thoughtful people are!

Etsy Shop Update

I've been busy updating my Etsy shop with a few new things. Firstly, I've started listing my range of coasters which I'm selling individually for $6.00, two for $11.00, & four for $20.00. There are a lot more designs still to be listed, but there are four available so far, including the three above.

News travels fast, I just got a Google Alert that my Femme Fatale coaster has been featured on this great design blog Try this at Home. Thanks for the mention!

Aaaaand I've just listed four new pieces in my Benediction series, since the last lot have sold out, called Chloroform, North, Daily Habit & St. Cloud. I've already kept one of my Benediction pieces because I couldn't bear to part with it, & I'm going to have a really hard time waving goodbye to Chloroform - it's a particular favourite. But hey, a sale's a sale - can't complain!

I'll be back again later today to announce my November giveaway.  See you then!

Desperately Seeking Cardboard

Who would ever guess how hard it is to find a good piece of brown kraft cardboard (or pad board, or chipboard, or whatever you want to call it)? I spent months earlier this year phoning paper merchants, tapping out desperate emails, feverishly ripping open posted samples, only to be disappointed time & time again. That Goldilocks gal knew what she was talking about...it had to be just right. By right I mean the right colour (more brownish than grey), the right texture (nice & pulpy, but not too coarse) & the right weight (thick enough to hold the weight of a pocket mirror without bending). Are you bored yet?

Anywaaay...I finally found the right cardboard & we're very happy together. I know the people who buy my merch have absolutely no idea of my relentless search for (& obsession with) cardboard. They don't know how much thought & care goes into designing my packaging - or even that it's hand-printed - but I hope, when they see one of my products propped up on a shop shelf, it calls to them & makes them smile, & maybe even convinces them to spend a little money.

I'll be listing some drink coasters in my Etsy shop next week, & the week after that, some button packs. I'll also be announcing my first monthly giveaway in the next few days - only subscribers to my mailing list are eligible, so don't forget to join!

Why am I never prepared for the holiday season?

Please tell me I'm not the only one who's hopelessly disorganised...

Starting my new blog right at the busiest time of the year isn't what I'd call great timing. I'm itching to get it finished, but there are only so many hours in the day, & most of those I seem to be planted in front of the 'puter lately or bundling up wholesale orders.

I did just upload some button & mirror designs to the Products page I'm working on...including some new ones that I'll list in my Etsy shop as soon as the weather's brighter & I can take some good pics!

I hope you're more organised than I am...

One Thousand

I love a good milestone, & today I reached a doozy - my 1,000th sale on Etsy! I can't believe I've sold so many things! That's a lot of customers, & a lot of parcels, & a lot of work.

I am so grateful for my good fortune & want to give a big thank you to all the wonderful buyers who got me to 1,000. That includes quite a few return customers too - thank you so much! And let's not forget my fellow sellers & artists who've helped me along the way with their generosity & wisdom - & thank you Etsy for being so good to me!

My 1,000th sale was my Sunday Morning print which I think was one of the very first artworks I listed & has sold really well ever since. Thanks to Etsy, it even made an appearance in American Airline's in-flight magazine.

I wanted to do something extra special for my 1,000th sale, so have made up a little gift package for my 1,000th buyer, Stiletto Heights.

In addition to her purchase she will receive the following...

• Sunday Morning 3.5" Pocket Mirror
• Fox & Flowers Gocco Print
• Heart Attack Hand-Printed Greeting Card
• Home Sweet Home 5x7" Print on Canvas Panel
• Li'l Mary 1.25" Keyring
• Li'l Mary 1.25" Button Badge

I hope she likes them!

Thanks again for everyone's support - here's to the next 1,000 sales! :)