Happy Holidays!

I thought this photo was appropriate with the holidays coming up. In my attempts to learn my Canon, I've been taking a few random shots at random times. This photo is my sweet little neice holding a cup of starbucks [actually hot chocolate]. To me, it captures whats important about the holidays [starbucks] - kidding. Family. The people you love. Downtime.

This will likely be my last blog post before the launch of the BRAND SPANKIN’ NEW Goodpaper online stationery boutique and blog. So much to do between now and then! I’m beyond thrilled with what Goodpaper is becoming and cannot wait to share it with all of you. But before I go, a few [EXCITING] things:

GRAND E-NNOUNCEMENT
If you’d like to receive the Grand E-nnouncement of the Goodpaper launch, please enter your email address in the box to the right.

SHOP CLOSING FOR THE HOLIDAYS
My Etsy shop will be closing December 18. It will reopen with the launch of the new site on January 6. Over the holidays, I’ll be traveling home to spend time with my family and working on last minute touches to the new site! I'll be available via email, but it will be spuratic. My new MacBook Air (thanks Santa!) will help with that!

MAKING THINGS HAPPEN INTENSIVE
I was beyond thrilled, yesterday, to find out that I was chosen as a scholarship winner to attend Lara Casey’s Making Things Happen Intensive in Watercolor on December 21. Click here to watch her announcement video from Breckenridge! Goodpaper is on the brink of so much and this is going to be a fantastic way for me to funnel my efforts affectively, strengthen my strategic plan for 2010 and meet some of the best and brightest in the wedding world. I. Am. Stoked. And honored… thanks to Lara Casey and the SW Magazine team for believing in what Goodpaper is all about. I promise to write a detailed and extensive post on what I learn, who I meet and how, I'm sure, Goodpaper is affected by the brilliance bound to be in the room [on the NEW blog!]

A SINCERE THANK YOU
As I wrap up 2009, I can’t believe what has transpired. Goodpaper (formerly known as Emily Ley Paper as you might remember) started as a crazy idea between my husband and I. He is quite the entrepreneurial risk taker and I – the detail oriented, OCD, design-crazy, Southern gal. Together, we put together this business and have watched it grow from something very small into a business that has touched over 100 brides this year alone. Thank you so much for your part in turning my crazy dream into a reality. Thank you for beleiving that Southern style is the way to go, that ettiquette has its place but should truly be your own and that busy-design isnt always better design. Thanks for commenting on my blog. Thanks for frequenting the Etsy shop and for keeping in touch after your big day was over. Thanks for being patient as I worked out the kinks and learn the ropes. Thanks for trusting me with one of the biggest days of your life. Goodpaper is truly a labor of love and the business – and myself – are blessed because of you.

Wishing you joy and happiness during the Holidays and in the year to come!

Cheers (and see you on the other side of this crazy launch!)
Emily