Sorry for the lack of posts. Yesterday was my birthday and today is me taking a day after my birthday to relax and do nothing. I’m enjoying a piece of homemade cake with lemon buttercream icing (thanks Shayne) and some drinks. I’ll be back tomorrow with photos from my birthday…so far 26 is pretty good.

print via dearcolleen.etsy.com

Last weekend Shayne and I went to the annual arts festival in Lewisburg. I look forward to this every year. I love all of the local vendors and food. We didn’t buy much this year just browsed through some vinyl and ate pizza. It was nice to see some familiar faces. Then the weather turned rainy so we went to a new antique shop in town. I finally found us a set of mid-century nightstands! More on those later.

I’m in love with Volume Twenty Five’s prints. They have the sweetest messages and the illustrations are so well done. They are printed on archival natural white canvas which is great because it’s bendable, so shipping safely is even easier, canvas paper is stronger and more durable then other papers and the depth and color of the finished product is truly amazing, and very crisp! Read below for more about the artist in a excerpt from our interview in 2008.

How did you get your start?

I started selling my artwork in a previous etsy store called SparksFly last August? I had originally opened the store to sell my photography, but I ended up designing packaging for other etsy sellers, and was staying WAY too busy. It was then that I decided to pick up an old passion of mine… drawing. I really had no photoshop experience whatsoever, but knew how to use a pencil. I listed a few finished pieces, and it turned out people were interested, and buying. It was like a dream come true. I decided in January to take the plunge and start fresh with vol25. I feel very fortunate that things have picked up and stayed fairly constant ever since opening. Many people ask what the story is behind the name vol25. In January of 2008 when I opened the doors to my little shop (via etsy.com) I was 25 years old, and vol25 was like opening a new volume in my life, which in turn has created several new chapters for me.

What is the best part of running your own business?

Being able to do 90% of my work at home in my pj’s, with my daughter in my lap.

You create so many wonderful pieces. Where does your inspiration come from?

Thank You! Clothing stores inspire a lot of my color combinations. Lately, quotes have been inspiring an entire drawing. I also have a huge collection of Martha, Real Simple, and Domino Magazines, they inspire me as well. My husband is also a constant source of inspiration, he is always encouraging me to try something new.

You’ve been very successful at selling your designs online, what advice would you give to other designers that are just starting out?

I sure do. Don’t expect the sales to come immediately flowing in… but be optimistic about your work, and believe in its potential. Have a plan mapped out, and definately be prepared to spend a little money advertising. Search blogs that seem to target your audience, and inquire on advertising. Many blogs will host giveaways that bring in a ton of exposure, and you would only be out that one product you donated.

Read my entire interview with Jessica here.

vol25.etsy.com

The Thimbly Things etsy shop is filled with fun photographs of Kristena Derrick’s original artwork, mobiles and hand painted mugs. You can see more of her work at www.thimblythings.com.

thimblythings.etsy.com

Blank Canvas Designs is a two-sister team dedicated to bringing you the most original wall decal designs.

Floral – Bloom II – Wall Decal : $25.00

Kuala Lumpur Skyline – Wall Decal : $25.50

blankcanvasdesigns.etsy.com

I’m off to edit photos and do some measurements for the next shop update. I’ll be back later with some pictures from my weekend. Have a wonderful Monday and let this print by Jen Renninger act as a good little reminder for pleasant days…