Unique Los Angeles and National Stationery Show

Okay, I know I've been really, really, really bad at keeping this updated. Working a full-time job and trying to build a business really takes up a lot of time. Oh yeah, and that sleep thing, too.

Unique LA is this weekend and we're still getting ready. I had planned on printing out all my cards last night, only to find that we'd run out of yellow ink...at 8:45...after Office Depot had closed. So instead I worked on updating our websites in anticipation of the National Stationery Show. We have our catalogs linked to them and wholesale info, as well. Plus I was going to send out my Unique LA email to my mailing list...only to find that I'd left the flash drive with the work on it in my computer. My mind is going.... So tonight is printing out cards, and prints to frame for the show.

There is some good news because we got two copies of Stationery Trends in the mail yesterday, which is THE stationery magazine for the industry, and both Mincing Mockingbird and I had cards featured in the New & Noteworthy section! I had sent them press releases two months ago, so it's heartening to see some of the hard work paying off. It's exciting to see all the cool stationery that's out there, too. I'm going to try to blog about the National Stationery Show, but it will probably wait until I get back so I can post photos along with it.

Speaking of Michelle Caplan....

I'm running out at lunch today to buy this issue of Somerset Studios. Michelle Caplan (who's going to be at Unique LA [see previous post]) is featured on the front page! Plus she has a 10-page spread with an interview inside. Her work is amazing and we actually own two of her pieces already, but I'm hoping she reveals some deep dark art secrets in the interview. Or maybe just where she likes to get a good burger. She's also going to be at the Mission West Spring Art Festival this Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. in South Pasadena.
Maybe I'll stalk her and make her sign my copy.....

All the Cool Kids will be at Unique LA

At least The Mincing Mockingbird and The Frantic Meerkat will be. Plus our friends HannahMade and Michelle Caplan will be sharing a booth. TwoGuitars from Portland is making a huge road trip just to sit at booth 515, too. So if you want to be a cool kid, get down to the California Market Center Saturday, May 2 or Sunday, May 3 and check us out at Booth 910 in Gallery Row. There will be over 250 vendors and it's only $5 to get in with 50% of the profits going toward local charities. If you want to check out all the vendors ahead of time (you know, make a shopping list, Mother's Day IS coming up), check out this is link. Maybe you'll even spot a celebrity....

The Sewing Lounge opens in Burbank!

Did you ever see a fabulous skirt or shirt and say, "I wish I could make that"? Well, now you can. The Sewing Lounge is holding its grand opening this Saturday, April 18, at 3216 Magnolia Blvd. in Burbank. The owner, Jessica Dooley (above), is offering classes in basic sewing, using a serger, appliques, and she even has classes for men and children.

Besides classes, she offers open sewing (rent a machine by the hour), private classes, private parties and a handmade boutique with art from local LA artists. Mincing Mockingbird, Minjae, and I all have items in her store (see images above for Minjae's Amy Winehouse doll, Mincy's bird prints and my framed prints).

The opening is from 5-8 p.m. and Mincy and I are planning on stopping by. Check out The Sewing Lounge website for more info here.

Happy Hedgehog Birthday Card

This was inspired by Eleanor, the albino hedgehog we're currently babysitting. Up until tonight, she just hissed at us, hid in her tube, and let us feed her. Tonight she finally came out while we were eating dinner and wandered around her tub eating and poking her nose under things. Mincy finally picked her up (with a minimum of spines) and let her wander around the floor for a while. She actually let us hold her while she climbed all over our arms sniffing and burrowing. Okay, we don't actually know if she likes cheap wine and stale donuts, but we can only hope.

Bachelorette Party Anyone?

Sorry my posting has been sporadic at best. What with all our house guests in February and March, Mincy and I have delayed a lot of National Stationery Show work that needs to be done NOW! Or actually two weeks ago, which is why I'm not in bed until after midnight every night.

I've finished my catalog design and just have to give it a once over before I send it to the printer tonight. I still have to get the press kits together and we have to figure out what we can stuff into two very large suitcases and what we'll have to ship. We are also awaiting our pinbacks so we can make promo pins to give out at the show.

This is a bachelorette party invitation that I designed to go into a bridal-themed table section that will be at the show.