Emily Ley

HALFWAY there, THANKYOUVERYMUCH

2010-09-29T16:45:00.001-04:00

In honor of the mid-point of our first pregnancy, I'm devoting this post to all the working mamas out there. I honestly do not know how you do it. My baby's in my belly and I already get overwhelmed with the combination of the two (especially thanks to perpetual morning sickness that followed me until about 18 weeks - now it's just nausea, but I digress...) The first twenty weeks were not without their dramatic points:

1. After a year of hoping and wishing for Baby Ley, we gave up. (read: my insane 4-week National Stationery Show prep took over my life in May)

2. At the end of May, Bryan and I decided it was time for ELP and ELC to deserve my full attention and I gave notice to my employer.

3. Two days before my last day with said employer, I had a strange craving for Twizzlers on my way home. Thanks to a friends crazy dream that I might be "with-child" I also picked up a little test.

4. A few hours, lots of tears, frantic reading and re-reading of test directions - Bryan and I were officially mommy and daddy to microscopic Baby Ley.

5. Lots of morning sickness, a near-trip to the ER for fluids, constant napping and carb-cravings ensue.

6. 13 weeks: "Congratulations! Baby Ley is almost certainly a GIRL!"

7. 18 weeks: "Congratulations! Baby Ley is ('see this right HERE') most definitely a BOY!"

8. Multiple false positives on multiples tests, a few heart attacks, many mommy-tears later... Baby Ley is healthy, strong and a future NFL-Kicker (He'll play for the Chicago Bears, of course).

9. Here we are... after 12 lbs, many kicks, lots of ketchup (random craving) and gummy bears (not together, of course) - halfway to the day where we'll get to hold our little Boy.

We're 98% sold on a name and do plan to share it before his birthday... stay tuned. Now... there are a few things I could not (CANNOT) live without as an expectant working woman.

My Mossimo Drape Front Sweater (Target). I wear this every day. Not kidding. We keep our home pretty cool, so this is a nice lightweight cardigan. But during those "I swear I'm pregnant, not just chubby" weeks (which JUST NOW have given way to a nice obviously pregnant belly), this made me feel much better. It's very flattering - and a great deal at $20.

Chick Fil A diet lemonade was my lifesaver when I was feeling really sick. It's low in calories and super refreshing - especially given that my sick days were during the PEAK of the summer here in South Florida (July-August).

Essential tanks from Ann Taylor LOFT - they're $5 right now, but I got some for $2! I'm 5 months along and can still wear these. They're very cute under jackets or cardigans. I have 8, I think. I wear these all the time - including to sleep in.

Something about being four months away from being a biz-owning, working mama of a newborn has made me incredibly thrifty - and this website is my favorite for that. At first, I shied away from this for really dumb reasons. I thought "Well, we can afford our grocery bill (etc) so I dont need to take time to cut/carry coupons." Essentially I was saying that my money wasn't important to me and I enjoyed giving it away. WHAT?! There are so many things we want and want to do with B-man (yes, his new nickname) and my being a savvy shopper helps that a lot. This website is fabulous (thanks, Dusty!) I promise to write a longer post for all you savvy, Southern ladies (including working-mama's in my same boat!) about exactly how this is done. Let's just say my last trip to Publix cost $8 with a total savings of $69.

iCal: What would I DO without this program? I use this for everything. It's synched between my iMac, my iPhone and my Macbook Air. iCal allows you to have multiple calendars all on the same calendar (color coded), so I have my personal calendar, work calendar, birthdays, etc all in one. This has been so helpful in getting me on a schedule for ELP, ELC and my growing family. Working for yourself is amazing, but it is HARD. I have to be really disciplined with myself. I schedule everything and try to do a half-way decent job of sticking to it. My ideal day (and you better believe 90% of these things are ACTUALLY on my iCal):

7am: Wake up, breakfast (typically cereal or yogurt w/ granola)

7:30: Gym

8:00: Run any errands for the day (Publix, Post Office, Staples, etc) OR home to clean up the house

8:30/9:00: Home to shower and get ready for the day

10:00ish: Start working - create a to-do list for the day

12:00: Lunch at my desk, still working OR on some days, lunch with a friend or Bryan - always nice to get out :)

12:00-5:00: Working on branding projects, fulfilling wholesale orders, phone-dates with potential ELC clients, shipping fun

5:00: Attempt to put something together for dinner

6:00: B gets home, dinner time

7:00: Wrap up work and spend some q-time with B

I get to enjoy this schedule for 4 more months, then it gets jumbled up and mixed with feedings, play dates, and probably email time at midnight. I know there are a lot of you who've emailed me that you're expecting (or newly expecting!!) and I hope this is helpful.

Baby Center is a great website for information. What to Expect When You're Expecting is a great book too. If you get scared or confused, don't google anything (trust me on this one), it'll only make things worse. Perhaps my favorite pregnancy book is Jenny McCarthy's "Belly Laughs." It. Is. Hilarious. She basically tells it like it is - reading it is like laughing with a girlfriend who's been there done that. Granted, it's a little graphic at points, but a really quick, fun read.

And if any of you pro's out there have any tips for soon-to-be-working-mama's like myself who want to make things happen for their businesses and their families, I hope you'll comment and share your wisdom - I know I'd love some pointers!

OH ME OH MY

2010-09-27T10:42:00.000-04:00

Where on earth have the past three months gone? Things have been busy, crazy, new, exciting, scary - almost too much to put into words. I've been trying to connect with this new idea of becoming a mommy - and not just that, a full-time-business-owning-mommy. Earlier last month I was fortunate to spend a week back home in Pensacola with my family. This photo is a girls' trip to the beach - with my Mom and my best friend, Taylor (who also just HAPPENS to be my little brother's long-time girlfriend). Yes, the girlfriend part happened first - for all who are wondering. It was so nice to unwind and relax - the next few weeks held a bit of craziness.

This is likely my last post in this little blog before the new one launches. This little handmade blog has been great for the past (almost) two years. Two years... holy cow. ELP will be two years old late this December. Two years has gone by very fast. Speaking of two years, Bryan and I will be married for two years in three weeks. Thank God for him. Many don't know this, but we went through a very scary two weeks worrying over sweet Baby Ley thanks to some abnormal test results. It's safe to say they were two of the hardest, scariest two weeks I've ever faced. Bryan, of course, donned his brave face (if only for me) and guided us through it. Late last Friday we got the news that Baby Ley is just fine. He is strong and kicking hard and growing every day (especially this week! I think he may have had a little growth spurt - this belly is getting bigger!) I have so many special posts I cant wait to share when the new blog launches. Alongside that blog, Emily Ley Paper and Emily Ley Creative will be brand new as well. Stay tuned.

MTH2010

2010-09-16T21:23:00.001-04:00

What a whirlwind of a week! I am totally late in posting this as I've been digging out of an ENORMOUS shipment of Emily Ley Paper album orders, holiday album design, Emily Ley Creative branding clients (oh so much to say about these... amazing, inspiring, passionate, artistic people....) and somewhere in the middle - finding out that my sweet baby girl is actually a SWEET BABY BOY! (You better believe I'm already shopping for little bowties!)

Whew! Right now, I am just so so so excited for the winner of the MTH2010 Scholarship! Lara made the announcement today on her blog. I cannot wait to meet everyone on this amazing journey. Let me just tell you that reading all 141 entries (which seemed to DOUBLE overnight at one point) was amazing. The stories that were told in that little comment field were so real, so wholehearted and so sincere.

Hop over to Lara's blog to watch her video and hear some OTHER exciting news! I cannot WAIT until November!

go, go, GO!

2010-08-31T14:36:00.002-04:00

Being a one man show is TOUGH. So rewarding though - to see the direct fruits of your labor. These albums are such a labor of love. They've been delayed a thousand times for a thousand reasons - each I've learned from. The biggest being the TERRIBLE ~~morning~~ all day sickness that hit me as soon as the NSS was over. I have learned SO much about creating these puppies since creating (in a short span of 4 weeks) the lone album I toted with me to NYC. I plan on writing a detailed series of posts with NSS tips (including album building tips) as soon as these albums are out the door. At the end of the day, I will be so proud of them. They ARE shipping next week - as soon as the binders arrive. Hallelujah! I cant wait for these to be in stores. A few photos of the madness here...

iPhone images I forgot I had... me with my lone album on my way to set up for the NSS. Middle: me, getting ready to place loose stationery on the magnetic wall at the English Paper Co booth. Right: The ENORMOUS stack of shipping boxes awaiting albums.

Images from the ELP Everyday Album

More images from the ELP Everyday Album & ELP Wedding Album page stacks - awaiting samples to be adhered to them.

Craziness ensues :) You better believe I have a massage and a date planned for the day these puppies ship.

CASTING CALL!

2010-08-02T16:03:00.001-04:00

I've been busy busy busy designing the ELP Holiday Photo Card Album and am in need of family, couple, children or baby photos to be used as examples throughout. Photos taken by professional photogs will be credited beneath examples. Photos taken by "aspiring" photogs (aka with your handy-dandy point and shoot) are great too. Interested in being part of these albums that will be distributed nationwide? Submit hi-res photos with crediting information to hello@emilyleypaper.com. Photos will be slightly cropped to fit photo areas.

A SOFT INTRO... TO EMILY LEY CREATIVE

2010-07-29T15:34:00.025-04:00

Sneak peak. I'm so excited about this new adventure. ELP is busy wrapping up albums to send out to our retailers across the US... and this little idea has been brewing for a while. The biz is already official, but the site is being programmed now. It was designed by... yours truly. The importance of branding is something I think about daily... hourly. Consistency, quality and personality are key. I've had the pleasure of already working with a handful of business owners and big dreamers to take their ideas, their stories, their personalities - and visually bring them to life.

The process begins with a phone or skype call and a great, in-depth conversation. The end-result? Your visual brand (inspiration board, color palette, logo, business card design, stationery design, even social media integration... the list can go on and on), copy written specifically for you that encompasses the heart upon which your business is based, a CD containing all the digital files you'll need to move forward, even a heavy, matted inspiration board as a reminder of the pieces that brought your brand together. I'm so over-joyed about this new adventure. Emily Ley Creative will officially launch likely in August... but I'm accepting a handful of new clients for the next few weeks.

To gear up for the launch of the ELC site, the ELP site redesign, AND the new ELP blog - I'm offering 15% off ELC branding packages until August 15. Spaces are limited. Interested? Email me for a full packet of info.

BEING A BUSINESS OWNER ISN'T ALWAYS SUPER-FLY-FABULOUS

2010-07-28T14:47:00.007-04:00

Please enjoy the images above. The image on the left is my desk on a typical day - very OCD, very organized, very neat and clean. The image on the right is my desk today - woah. What happened. Please note the Happy Meal cup and Jolly Ranchers. Yea, I'm pregnant.

But today, after sitting in my car outside Staples, slobbering all over my iPhone as I cried to my husband about my terrible, horrible, no-good, very-bad day, I realized... being a business owner isn't always super-fly-fabulous. Sometimes it's hard. Sometimes it involves working with people who are different than you, making difficult decisions and (brace yourselves) dealing with money. And I don't know about you guys, but I prefer not to do those things! I shot a text message to a friend who immediately warmed my day. I came home and put on my favorite music (Watermark). Actually, I stopped and got a Happy Meal first - so that kind of helped too. Oh the joys of pregnancy :)

When I got home, I sat for a minute and thought and said a little prayer. Being a business owner is hard. Working full-time for yourself is hard. I had a couple client phone calls for Emily Ley Creative after that moment and I remembered why I love this so much, despite the hard parts. I'm blessed to work with and be surrounded by some of the most amazing, inspirational, talented and sincere people I've ever known. I get to help brides and other business owners turn their big dreams into something visually and wholeheartedly personal and strong.

But along with all that passion, today I realized in a big way - a business owner has to have the strength of an army and savvy that is keen and refined. I also realized that kind of savvy comes from making some pretty big mistakes: making non-lean business decisions (IE spending money where you don't REALLY need to), trusting that every person you work with has your best interest at heart, not clarifying, being direct, and standing up for your dream/business/project/passion. All that to say, my savvy got a little keener today - a little more refined. And my strength got a little stronger. Embrace mistakes and move forward. Learn from them. "Feel the hurt, let it hurt and move on." Quoting myself there...

Like I said to my friend today - being a business owner isn't always sunshine and happy faces, but it's so worth it in the long run. Kind of like pregnancy :) Speaking of which... where are my jolly ranchers...........

A WHOLE NEW KIND OF BALANCE

2010-07-21T13:11:00.002-04:00

I wanted to title this "How to make things happen when you can't button your jeans." But I decided to refrain. Lately, this blog post has been bubbling up in me and its an interesting one. My entire life, I've always had this insatiable drive to move forward, to take risks, to do it all and be it all. I knew eventually that would include motherhood. I also knew (know) that will be an entirely new ballgame. But no one tells the over-achiever how to keep going when they're pregnant. Probably because most people say "being pregnant is the most beautiful, most special, most exciting time of your entire life." I've heard "I felt sexier, prettier, healthier than ever before when I was pregnant" and "I had more energy, more spark, more motivation than I'd ever known for nine months." I just assumed I'd be in that group, right?

Not yet...

I can definitely relate to the happy part. Its true - I've never been happier, more excited for something, more blessed. I loved Baby Ley when we found out about her/him, but I fell in love with her/him when I saw his/her arms and legs. Funny... :) BUT I've also never been as nauseous and as tired in my entire life. And I can't button my size 4 jeans, so there. Every woman and every pregnancy is different and I'm happy to say (knock on every piece of wood in this room), I think I've turned the second trimester corner. I don't officially enter the second trimester for two more weeks, but after a weekend of not being able to keep food or water down, my doc prescribed me something to keep the sickness at bay. And it worked like a charm.

My first few weeks of running ELP full time haven't been what I'd envisioned. I'd envisioned days of waking up early to work out (finally, something I never had time for before), working relentlessly til sunset - designing with one hand and stirring the pot of home-made spaghetti with the other (right?). Well... for the first nine and a half weeks of my pregnancy, I was barely able to lift my head off the pillow at 8am and unable to keep it off my keyboard by 2pm. It was a battle. Business is great - and the momentum is definitely there - something I am so grateful for. But for an overachiever like me, the inability to cross things off my mile long to-do list is torturous. So, how did I get through it?

Honestly, I had to give in for a little while. I had to really prioritize (the biggest lesson of a Mother, I'm sure). I gave in to my body when it said "Emily, it's time to sleep - Baby Ley needs to rest." And I had to take advantage of the burst of energy I'd get around 10am. I'd work like crazy because I knew the next round of nausea wasn't far away. I didn't push it though. And now, I'm finally feeling like myself and able to get back into my routine - another lesson of being self-employed - learning how to set up a routine for yourself. More on this later.

So to all you Mama's out there who are doing it all and being it all - hats off. I don't know how you do it. And if you have tips, I'd love to hear them. My business is so important to me - as is my growing family. It's a funny balance already. I'm told there's no greater joy in life than being a mother. And for me, right now, there's no greater joy than knowing that little person is growing safe and sound - and getting the rest, the nourishment and love it needs. Thanks to all of you for your sweet words of congrats and encouragement! xo

Emily + Canon = BFFL

2010-07-19T17:44:00.003-04:00

For months now, I've probably thrown my camera at the wall about sixteen times. A few weeks ago, my friends from K&K Photography in Clearwater (just over the bridge from Tampa) came over (with their ADORABLE son Blythe) to help me figure out product photography lighting. They brought some amazing equipment that I plan to purchase in the coming months. But they also walked me through using natural light to photograph my products as well. Here are a few tips I learned.

Natural light is always best. I'd had issues trying to use photography lamp type things and light boxes - bottom line is, they're way too fancy. Overcast weather is perfect for product lighting - especially indoors near a good window. The clouds filter the light so that you don't have sunbeams coming in on your products.

If you don't know how to use your camera (ahem... me) don't be embarrassed to set it on "P" (I think this means "programmed" or something like it). It's the auto setting that decides all the settings for you based on your environment.

Custom white balance is key. Figure out how to use your camera's custom white balance feature. This makes sure that the "white" you're photographing actually turns out white in your images - rather than blue/white or yellow/white.

When in doubt (of Photoshop), use iPhoto. I know, I know - all my photographer friends just cringed. I'm an Illustrator girl myself, so Photoshop intimidates me a bit. Until I learn Photoshop, I'm sticking with iPhoto - and it does a pretty decent/quick job.

Buy a GOOD SLR camera. You don't have to spend thousands of dollars, but invest between $600-$1,000 on your camera and consider buying additional lenses. I have the Canon XSi and three lenses - the standard lense, a 1.8 lense (that gives you the "dreamy" feel - where certain parts of the image are blurry and certain parts are not depending on where you're focusing), and a macrophotography (perfect for stationery designers; this lets you photograph small features like type very easily).

Here's my favorite photo from my mini-shoot today. I took these phot lense os on an antique wooden table near a window with great overcast light (not BRIGHT light, just enough) and used a few cute props for added personality.

MAKING THINGS HAPPEN - PACK YOUR BAGS!

2010-07-16T18:04:00.005-04:00

What a year this has been. On the SAME DAY in June... my husband and I found out we are expecting our first child... and hours later, I got a call from Lara Casey inviting me to join her in Houston, Phoenix, San Francisco and Los Angeles for the next leg of the Making Things Happen tour. Talk about a big day. I'm so excited to continue this journey - I can only imagine what those ten days in November will hold. Yes, I'll be six months pregnant - Baby Ley's first travel adventure!! Read/watch Lara's announcement of the next leg of the Making Things Happen Tour as well!

Life Changing

2010-07-10T14:59:00.001-04:00

The past month has been life changing in ways that I'll never be able to write about. New York and the National Stationery Show were a fantastic success. My husband and I made the decision for me to pursue Emily Ley Paper full time... and one week later, a dream we'd had for over a year came true... we found out that we are going to have a baby.

After a year of specialists, tests, surgery and prayers galore our dreams came true. Baby Ley is eight weeks old and while he/she is making Mommy very nauseous, he/she is already a big part of the Ley family. Its an indescribable feeling - knowing that next February we will have a little family.

This takes my desire to make things happen with ELP to an entirely new level. I cant wait to show my baby that he or she can be anything in the whole wide world - that they can go to college for six years, earn an English Degree and a Masters in Administration then make the crazy decision to follow their heart to pursue their creative passions. They can do and be anything. Though we've kept our fertility journey pretty private, I cant wait to share this journey into motherhood with you all. Looks like ELP will need a baby line soon...

MTH2010 :: Lara's Six Month Check-in

2010-06-14T10:35:00.001-04:00

Lara just tweeted a link to a blog post she wrote introducing MTH2010. I revisited the post and re-did the excercise... wow. Has it really been six months since MTH in Watercolor? This paragraph sticks out to me the most. In seven days, I'll be living my dream full time. Do I feel the fear. OH my goodness... I'm more excited, nervous, anxious, fearful, stoked, and in love with what I do than ever...

Read this from Lara...
Fear. Every "big" thing I've ever accomplished in my life I was terrified of at one point. Fear is the biggest thing preventing you from really making things happen. Right now, you already know the answers. You know not-so-deep down what you have to do. You just have a million excuses and fears as to why you can't get there. My job as a consultant is to hear the fear. I was a personal trainer in Manhattan for several years, during which time I learned more about self-imposed limitations than I care to share. I have heard every excuse for living an unhappy life and the truth of the matter is (and no one likes to hear this)... it's all in your head. Face real facts, not the constant mental chatter that holds you back from living the life of success you deserve. When you simply identify your fear, worlds of possibility open up.

Wow... after walking through that exercise again. Its funny how the same fears creep up every now and then, how my strengths have grown, but are remarkably the same strengths I had in December, how things have shifted a bit now that I will be running ELP full time, how many opportunities I have had since December, and how many times I've fallen on my face along the way - great risk = great reward. The more times I've tried, the more times I've both failed AND gotten it exactly right. Interesting... go here & do this.

OH THIS IS GOOD

2010-06-11T13:12:00.002-04:00

ELP'S SISTER COMPANY. . . A SNEAK PEAK

2010-06-09T19:07:00.011-04:00

Coming soon... a sister company from ELP. Over the past few years, I've really developed a passion for branding. That can be seen through my love for Wedding Crests, graphic design and working with other passionate business owners. Earlier this year, I started exploring my creative talents a little more by taking on a few branding clients. Over the next few weeks here and on the new blog, I'll be sharing a few of our journeys. Branding isn't just about graphic design, its about capturing feeling, emotion, stories, personalities, quirks, humor, passions and dreams. Working with branding clients, for me, is like working with brides. I find that I'm guiding and walking with them through a delicate, enormous, exciting and creative journey.

Tracy Larsen is a photographer. But not just any photographer. She's a photographer who adores children, finds joy in natural light and passion in family. She contacted me looking for a brand that reflected "love, creativity, purity and honesty in [children's] faces, letting kids do what kids do and stepping in to capture that moment, freezing time, life long memories, [strong client] relationships." Tracy's style as a person and a photographer is very natural, minimal and full of life.

The branding process (with the super secret new ELP sister company) includes three steps:

Discussion: We talk about your company, why you got started, why you do what you do, what you love most and least about it. We talk about you, your story, your personality, your passion. This allows me the chance to get to know you - to answer your questions and get to the heart of your brand.
Color Palette & Inspiration Board: We gather any images you may be saving or may have tagged as ones you really identify with. Pairing any of these images with others that may fit the aesthetic we have in mind, I present three inspiration boards to you. These boards, like the one above, are full of captivating photos based on our discussion (as well as photo sources). For Tracy, I started with HER own photos - pulling the character, personalities and color from within. We refine and perfect these until we have a board and palette that are truly representative of your brand and most importantly, of you. (See Tracy's finalized Inspiration Board, Color Palette and Logo above)
Logo development: Next, we begin designing the logo. I'll present you with four options based on our discussion and your inspiration board. We'll refine and perfect these adding colors from your palette and design elements to bring your logo to life.

I'm so excited to watch Tracy's brand grow here and here. She's wildly talented and has a real gift for working with children. It was such a joy to help design the elements of her brand - one that really already existed within her - as a mother and a photographer. Follow Tracy on Twitter and visit her on her site and blog.
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Interested in working with ELP's secret sister company? For now, before the official launch, contact me here and I'll provide all the details you need about this branding process and many other services available.

THE MTH FIRST CLASS

2010-06-09T10:38:00.000-04:00

I just realized... my first day of working full time for ELP will be EXACTLY six months since I attended Making Things Happen in Watercolor. How ironic. It's also the launch date for ELP's sister company... details coming soon...

This morning, I was reading Gina Zeidler's post about how today is ironically her three year anniversary (congrats to M&G!) as well as her last day at her "day job." Tomorrow she begins a whole new life. I am so proud of her.

Monday, I read this post from Lauren Kelly. In Watercolor she had a dream about expanding beyond wedding planning - into serving couples after their "big day" as they embark on the biggest journey of their lives. Lauren has teamed up with amazing people nationwide to start Spark - a holistic retreat for married couples. I am so proud of her.

Last Thursday, as I was minutes away from telling my boss that I'd be leaving my full time job, I caught Christopher Confero on Facebook. He gave me a fabulous little pep-talk. I just adore him. Since MTH, I have witnessed someone with a heart of gold take risks and put himself out there in a way that is almost breaktaking. See here, here and here. I am so proud of him.

Valerie has pulled all of her creativeness under one hat - Southern Fete - and continues to grow her business - not to mention becoming a bride herself. It has been such a joy to watch Valerie grow. She is so kind and supportive - always first with a sweet encouraging tweet right when you need it. I am so proud of her.

While riding in a tiny cab to our hotel in NYC for the National Stationery Show, I got a text message from Lara Casey - whom I admire and respect greatly... "Just wanted to wish you all the best this weekend. I know you will knock their socks off!" How this Superwoman has time to send her encouragement at just the right time, I do not know. I appreciate Lara and Jeff so very much.

It's funny what that one little day did in my life. And I know that though I'm speaking for myself, it meant that much to everyone else in the room as well. There are so many amazing success stories - I'm leaving out tons. But I just wanted to note how much life can change when you break down walls, climb over hurdles and step outside your comfort zone.... when you live and work with passion and purpose.

Thanks to the MTH First Class. I love you ALL and am so proud of how much we've all grown as people and professionals. And our stories are just the first of MANY. Cheers to you all - here's to making BIG things happen during the second half of 2010.

RIGHT WHERE I AM: LIFE IS GOOD.

2010-06-06T23:06:00.002-04:00

My friend Jenna told me the other day... "I'm going to start calling you STELLA because you're about to get your GROOVE back." My husband took this photo of me in our backyard yesterday afternoon. What am I doing? Who knows. But I apparently thought he was pretty funny. I love this photo. It's so me. So casual, so lighthearted, so imperfect. Jeans. Long hair. Not skirt suits. Not stuffy. Life is good. And its only about to get better. More driven, more ambitious, more opportunity, more creative, more authentic. Happy weekend.

A BIG DAY FOR ELP

2010-06-03T16:15:00.003-04:00

And so, it is with all the pride, nervousness and confidence in the world that I share with you all that beginning on June 21, I will be devoting my efforts, my love and my attention to ELP full time. This was a long time coming and something that has been weighing heavily on my heart for months now. I'm leaving a terrific job as a fundraiser for a Women in Leadership program for the 9th largest University in the nation. But I'm leaving this job to pursue my OWN leadership and passions - something I spoke to spectacular women about daily. ELP has reached every goal I've set for it... and then some. I'm sure I'll write a more heartfelt post later - but for now. I'm so proud. Thank you so much for all of your love, your encouragement, your prayers and your support.

PHOTOS FROM THE NSS

2010-05-19T22:03:00.002-04:00

A few photos from the National Stationery Show:

The Emily Ley Paper section of the English Paper Co booth. On the wall is the Social Stationery Collection, in the album and displayed on the shelf is the Wedding Crests (TM) and Classics Collection.

One of my new favorite people, Sophie Askew (also the Art Director for Tiffany & Co), in front of the Askew Design section of the English Paper Co booth. Second photo - ME = NERVOUS on day one. Third photo, the ever-fabulous Christopher Confero and I in front of the English Paper Co booth on Day One.

From left: Bryan, my husband, and I; Sophie Askew and I; Whitney English and I. Words cant sum up the thanks I have to Whitney for her mentoring and endless coaching. English Paper Co is doing some BIG things right now. Keep an eye out and visit their blog here.

ELP'S FIRST NATIONAL STATIONERY SHOW

2010-05-19T10:04:00.002-04:00

I’m going to write a much more in depth blog post very soon, but I can’t delay writing what’s overwhelming me right now. The National Stationery Show was unbelievable. I cant find the words (rare for me) to describe the experience. Just one month prior to the show, I found out I’d be exhibiting. I worked myself into a frenzy but finally made it there. On Day One, I was exhausted, filled with adrenaline, terrified, and excited beyond belief. I told my husband as we had breakfast before the show in our hotel that I was going to go back to sleep because 1) I was scared and 2) I felt like I was going to my first day at a new school and I didn’t know if anyone would like me (AKA my collections).

I remember those moments just a few days ago, and how my husband had to literally WALK me to the show… and I can’t help but laugh. Putting myself out there was scary. But ELP was received in a fantastic and wonderful way. The biggest compliment I received was that my collection “filled a niche in a big way.” Many retailers were looking for 1) a Wedding Collection with a high end appeal and two price points and 2) a Social Stationery Collection that is simple, classic and polished – with a fresh/modern edge.

I got to meet so meet so many amazing bloggers, magazine editors, other designers, the English Paper Co crew (some of my new favorite ppl ever!) among so many others. That, in itself, was a huge blessing. I cant thank Whitney English & English Paper Co enough for their support. ELP’s first National Stationery Show was a great success.

And so beginning this summer, ELP will now be carried in 30+ retail stores nationwide. Stay tuned for two NEW Collections coming soon! The ELP Holiday Collection and the ELP Accessories Collection.

If you’re interested in carrying any of the ELP Collections, please contact me here.

THE WEDDING CRESTS & CLASSICS COLLECTION

2010-05-13T21:15:00.017-04:00

Introducing . . . The Wedding Crest™. Southern ladies have a real “thing” for monograms – we monogram our napkins, our bags, even our clothes. Heck, we’ll monogram our placemats if you let us. Over the past few years, monograms have become increasingly popular as a way to brand a wedding – used the same way you would use a business or event logo. Overall, they’ve brought consistency to invitation suites, favors and gifts – even provided themes to tie décor together.

ELP is taking that theory one step further – introducing the Wedding Crest – a polished, elaborate spin on the everyday-monogram. At the National Stationery Show this weekend, ELP will be debuting our Wedding Crest and Classics Collection – a line featuring 20 Wedding Crests and 4 Classic style invitation suites. The Wedding Crest™ is intricate, clean and very personalized. Using artwork and text, the Wedding Crest ties together your personalities, your love story and your big day. Each Wedding Crest in the collection is available as an invitation, response set, enclosure card, menu, program, place card, thank you note and save the date in letterpress OR flat printed. Some are simple and sweet, others are elaborate and bold.

Stop by the English Paper Co booth if you’re in NYC this weekend to check out the Wedding Crest and Classics Collection (as well as the new Social Stationery collection – complete with flat stationery, imprintables and party invitations). Albums are available for pre-order now (wholesale@emilyleypaper.com for more info). I’ll be debuting the ENTIRE collection including all 20 Wedding Crests here on my blog after the National Stationery Show!

ELP is also offering CUSTOM Wedding Crests for those brides who want something a bit more fitted to their taste, style and story. (emily@emilyleypaper.com for more info).

SEE YOU AT THE NSS!

2010-05-13T18:18:00.001-04:00

This video blog is LONG overdue! Forgive my hair. It happens when you don't sleep for a month :)

ELP ON PAPERCONCIERGE

2010-05-11T10:31:00.001-04:00

In an ever changing, ever growing, extremely saturated stationery industry, I can’t tell you how cool I think this concept is: PaperConcierge is the brain child of Caroline Brant. Caroline owned a retail store called Leap Frog Paper for many years and recently partnered with English Paper Co to pursue PaperConcierge in a big way. The concept behind this business is game-changing. Anyone in the paper-world knows how important it is for customers to have a personal experience. While online-shopping is and continues to be all-the-rage, the personalized experience and any valuable face-to-face time is key. Paper goods are special because you can touch and feel them – unlike an email or a text message. Letterpress, in particular, is a specialty that can really only be appreciated when you hold a letterpress piece and feel the richness of the deep indentations on thick cotton stock (in the case of ELP).

PaperConcierge marries the concept of online shopping, the personalized experience and face-to-face interaction. PC carries the best brands in the stationery industry and empowers its “Concierges” to own their own stationery business “without the overhead.” Concierges purchase a startup kit for only $175 that includes samples, 100 personalized business cards, a personalized website and email address. Concierges then sell directly to clients and let the team behind PC take care of the rest. I’m telling you, this concept EXCITES me. And I’m thrilled that Emily Ley Paper is part of it.

AND PaperConcierges receive 25% off personal orders (HELLO BRIDES! THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU!) Visit PaperConcierge here. Follow Caroline & PaperConcierge on Twitter. Click here for more information on becoming a PaperConcierge. Keep an eye on this company, its bound to make a huge impact on the stationery industry.

WHAT I'VE LEARNED ABOUT MAKING THINGS HAPPEN.

2010-05-10T11:41:00.003-04:00

You all know that the Making Things Happen workshop in Watercolor last December really changed me quite a bit. It gave me a newfound appreciation for my unique brand, helped me dig up the courage to fall pretty hard and connected me with some of the most inspiring, incredible people I’ve ever met.

But since December, SO MUCH HAS HAPPENED. So much. Have I accomplished all of the goals I set for myself? Nope. Have I accomplished things that I didn’t even THINK to add to my list? Yep. A few things I’ve learned that have become INCREDIBLY valuable to me:

Don’t be afraid to fall. And when you do, feel how bad it hurts, learn something, pick yourself up and move on in a BIG way.
Have patience (huh? What’s that?) It is cliché – but Rome was not built in a day. Do your best work and constantly improve your art AND processes.
Make every connection possible – the best way to make things happen. You never know where these connections will lead.
Take opportunities as they come to you. Especially when you are new, it’s so important to put yourself out there. I think about the times I was most afraid to put myself out there – great risk = great reward.
Pay it forward. As you learn, don’t be shy about sharing the lessons you’ve learned with others – even if you’re not an expert yet.
Be authentic. Life’s greatest lesson. Try hard, mess up, experiment, expand your art, broaden your reach – but most importantly BE TRUE TO YOURSELF, to what you like, don’t like, to your personality – the way you work with people, the words you use. Let your brand grow ORGANICALLY from this.

This weekend, I’m putting myself out there in a big way. Am I excited? Holy cow. Am I nervous? You betcha. Will the craziness I’ve taken on the past month pay off? I have no doubt. If you’re in NYC this weekend, stop by the English Paper Co. booth and say hello! I’ll be debuting the Social Stationery and Wedding Crest & Classics collections on the new blog – launching after the National Stationery Show.

National Stationery Show (!!!!!!!!)

2010-05-04T18:25:00.004-04:00

I've been MIA! I KNOW! :) I'm the most overwhelmed, excited, exhausted, PUMPED I think I've ever been - since starting ELP. If you're in NYC in two weeks, come to the NATIONAL STATIONERY SHOW and swing by the English Paper Company booth - there you'll find ME! I'm thrilled and honored to be exhibiting as part of this booth and to be working with this fantastic company. In one month, I've designed and produced my Wedding Collection album, maneuvered a mini-facelift for the website and blog (coming soon) and designed a whole HEAP of a social stationery collection. This announcement deserved a video blog. But just like I havent slept in 2 weeks, I also havent worn makeup in 2 weeks, so there. Here are some photos of my life lately - including swatches, my album mock-up, a glass of wine or five... see you in NY!

OH MY, HANDMADE GOODNESS!

2010-04-19T09:52:00.000-04:00

I am so excited to share that I will be contributing to an amazing new blog - Oh My, Handmade Goodness!

Oh My, Handmade Goodness was started, and is edited, by a business owner I admire in many ways. Sara Tams owns Sarah & Abraham - a great paper studio just full of goodness for children. I'll be joining current contributors - Stacy of Name Your Design, Amanda of Lucky Guppy Marketing, Stacy of Inkspot Workshop, Meg of Olliegraphic, Arianne of Aeolidia, Holly of Holly Mathis Interiors, Heather of Cookie Mondays, Nicole of Honeybunch, Marla of Keeping up with Stella and Lizzie of Lizzie Sorensen Brand Management.

I'm so excited to be part of OMHG - blogs like these are so special and important to entrepreneurs. There's so much to be said for expanding your network and interacting with other business owners through a format like OMHG. Stay tuned for business how-to's, handmade finds and the inspiration to keep you going. Meanwhile, go check it out!

I AM ALIVE! HAPPY TUESDAY.

2010-04-13T15:46:00.006-04:00

HELLOOOOOO BLOG FRIENDS! I am alive. I swear. I have so much blog-goodness stored up in my head that I take one look at my keyboard, shudder and walk away. I. Have. So. Much. Going. On. And it is awesome and just how I like it. Type A anyone?

In this little post you're not getting any ettiquete tips, any pretty photos, any inspirational goodness or any of my thoughts on life. Well maybe a few. Just a big fat HELLO-how-are-you-see-you-soon-update.

Branding Clients. I love you. I have had the joy of working with a handful of branding clients on inspiration boards, color palletes, logo design, packaging concepts, social media pages and stationery design (well of course). It fires me up. It makes my soul happy. Sappy, I know. But I love this side of ELP. Seriously, helping others visualize their passions is pure joy to me. I'll be featuring a few of these on the new blog in May! Interested in big or little help? You know where to find me.

Brides. I love you also. Just completed some GORGEOUS custom letterpress suites - one for a darling bride in Virginia and another for a bride whose groom has the coolest name ever. I will display gorgeous photos for all very soon. More custom work up my sleeve.

ELP Love. So much ELP love! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the ELP love! Featured on Style Me Pretty thanks to the talents of Ashley Baber and Holly Chapple. Featured in Eco Beautiful Weddings thanks to Get Polished Events in NOLA (a city with a special place in my heart!). (Thanks Katie, Val and Emily!) Now part of Lemon Tree Paperie. MORE exciting news to share in this little section - but not quite yet :)

Wholesale. What a beast! And I mean that in a fuzzy, snuggly monkey beast sort of way. New wholesale clients, big wholesale relationship in the works. Album is UNDERWAY (the beast itself).

Website/Blog. Guess what! ELP is getting a mini face-lift. Stay tuned for a couple changes and the new blog in May.

I'm tired just writing this. I need wine. Happy sunny, 80 degree Tampa Tuesday.

ELP ON STYLE ME PRETTY!

2010-04-09T09:25:00.001-04:00

What a day yesterday was! ELP is now up and running on Lemon Tree Paperie AND ELP was included in a feature on Style Me Pretty! A huge thanks to the ever-fabulous Ashley Baber and Holly Chapple for asking me to create placecards, menus and an invitation suite for this shoot. Purple is really making a big comeback this year, so I was really excited to use these tones in the suite I created for them.

The suite features the Ginny Crest found here. Its one of my top three favorites crests that I've designed - really simple and fresh.

Thanks to Style Me Pretty, Ashley and Holly for the great photos and feature yesterday!

ELP ON LEMON TREE PAPERIE

2010-04-08T19:54:00.007-04:00

I've been bursting at the seems to share this news! Earlier this year, Whitney English approached me about carrying the ELP Wedding Collection on Lemon Tree Paperie - an online boutique that carries classic, modern paper goods from amazing brands like Whitney English, Dabney Lee, Lilly Pulitzer. I was STOKED and jumped at the opportunity.

The collection is available in letterpress, of course, but we're offering a flat printed option as well. Soon, the entire ELP Wedding Collection will be available exclusively through select online retailers and boutiques. I'll still take custom wedding orders, but the collection will be wholesale. I cant tell you how excited I am about this new business model. There are some other big announcements in the near future, so stay tuned.

In the meantime, visit Lemon Tree Paperie and follow Lemon Tree Paperie on Twitter!

MUST READ :: LINCHPIN

2010-04-03T17:22:00.003-04:00

Hello! It's been a while. There has been so much going on - and I've been learning so much along the way. I haven't written much because I've been working on a few projects and head first into the book "Linchpin" by Seth Godin. Oh. My.

New favorite book. #1. Ever.

I've been reading it slowly so that I can take each word in. Its a book that resonates within my heart like no other book. The basis of the book is understanding that little voice within you that says "... says who..." or "... why do we do it like this ..." It is a must read. As traditional as I may be, I've always questioned the status quo.

Who says you have to wear a skirt suit to be a powerful woman?
Who says productivity is bound to the hours of 8am to 5 pm?
Who says you should have to go to work every day for the REST of your life doing something that, while wonderful work, may not fire you up - fill the voids within you - give your life a greater purpose.
Who says greatness is ONLY measured in reports and numbers.
Who says I'm not allowed to question these things because "that's how it is" "welcome to life" "everyone feels that way" or "it is what it is."

And that's just it. It ISNT. More and more with the shift in the economy people are questioning these things. And just like faith, in my opinion, we are STRENGTHENED when we question. Our faith strengthens when we question and then reaffirm it. Our love is strengthened when it is tested. And our lives are strengthened and enriched when we step back and say "SAYS WHO."

OH I am so passionate about this. I promise I will write my own book about it one day. Favorite page from Seth's book so far ::

"Do you remember the old American Dream?" It struck a chord with millions of people (in the United States and in the rest of the world, too). Here's how it goes:

Keep your head down.
Follow instructions.
Show up on time.
Work hard.
Suck it up.
... you will be rewarded. As we've seen, that dream is over.

The new American Dream, though, the one that markets around the world are embracing as fast as they can, is this:

Be remarkable.
Be generous.
Create art.
Make judgement calls.
Connect people and ideas.
... and we have no choice but to reward you."

INSPIRATION :: CLEAN, SIMPLE SOUTHERN

2010-03-26T18:00:00.001-04:00

So inspired by simple, clean colors in natural settings. And what's an inspiration board without a little inspiration from one of my favorite authors. Its safe to say most, if not all, of the ELP Wedding Collection was inspired by images like these.

Image Credits (from top left):
NYC kitchen featured on House Beautiful
Spring tablescape from Pottery Barn
Beautiful, classic wedding on Style Me Pretty
Wooden sign designed by Chocolate Butterbean

MORE OPTIONS :: WISH UPON A WEDDING SALE

2010-03-26T11:38:00.000-04:00

I've added sets of 24, 50 or 100 to the Wish Upon a Wedding Personal Stationery sale. Each set comes with personalized notecards and coordinating envelopes (shown above) in kraft, white, chartreuse, fuchsia and pink. Return address is delicately printed across the back flap. Follow this link to be part of this contribution for an amazing cause.

MARSHMALLOWS & WOODPECKERS

2010-03-24T13:34:00.000-04:00

I had the privilege of hearing Ariane de Bonvoisin speak yesterday at the Girl Scouts Women of Distinction luncheon. It was my second time hearing her speak – and she moved me even more yesterday than the first time. Ariane held a top corporate job managing a $500 million venture capital fund at the age of 30. She was making great money and was miserable. So one day, her “inner microphone” said to her “Ariane… get out.” And she did.

She left her high paying, miserable job in search of the “thing” that fired her up. She travelled Europe (she was born in NYC, but is part Belgiun and part English) – and went on to visit all 7 continents. During her adventure, she started to realize how much she was changing – all because of this change she’d made in her life. So she spoke to everyone she met about just that – change. She asked people who had experienced incredible, miraculous changes what the best thing that came out of that change was. And she asked the same question of people who’d lost loved ones. The good and the bad. She compiled the lessons she learned in her book “The First 30 Days.” But two stories she told yesterday really struck a chord with me.

MARSHMALLOWS
A group of five year old students were each given one marshmallow. They were told they could do whatever they wanted to with it. But if they waited five minutes before eating it, they’d receive a second marshmallow. 90% of the kids ate their marshmallow. 5% licked their marshmallow :) and 5% waited with marshmallow in hand for the second marshmallow. The group of kids who didn’t eat their marshmallow received a second one. And that group was tracked for the next 35 years. Without a shadow of a doubt – that group was wildly more successful than the group who ate their marshmallow.

Patience – and the realization that your greatest accomplishment or opportunity – that which you LONG for – could be just five minutes around the corner – can play a huge role not just in your business, but in your life in general. Emily’s greatest life lesson. Perhaps one day I will fully learn this :)

WOODPECKERS
Ariane talked about how woodpeckers choose a tree. And every day they go back to the tree and peck away. Everyone else looks at the woodpecker and says ‘Crazy woodpecker, what are you doing day after day.” But the woodpecker keeps pecking, monotonously and with dedication. One thing’s for sure – their beak hurts every night. Another thing’s for sure… one day, that tree falls. And everyone else says “Look what that woodpecker did.”

The moral here? Never give up. Even when it feels monotonous. Keep pecking. And don’t eat your marshmallow just yet.

PAYING IT FORWARD :: SPECIAL SALE TO BENEFIT WISH UPON A WEDDING

2010-03-21T15:22:00.005-04:00

Philanthropy, and the idea of "paying it forward" is very, very special to me. For many reasons. While enjoying dinner with Lara, Jeff and Sandi in Atlanta for MTH2010, we discussed the passion behind Emily Ley Paper... the reason I do what I do - where this brand came from. Undeniably, the idea of paying it forward was a common thread in the stories I told. I love to teach and share - but most importantly, I have to know that the product I'm producing, the relationships I'm building - there is a deeper meaning behind them all.

So in an effort to pay it forward - to the industry that has welcomed Emily Ley Paper with open arms since the very beginning - I'm offering a special sale :: Boxed Personalized Stationery (each including 100, 50 or 24 notecards paired with coordinating envelopes) are available HERE at a special price. Only 40 available.

30% of the sale price from each set will benefit an organization whose mission is unbelievably important and very special. Following the lead of the Make A Wish Foundation, Wish Upon a Wedding was created to grant the dreams of couples facing terminal illness. Having been a fundraiser for Covenant Hospice, this mission is incredibly dear to me. I've held the hands of those facing the inevitable and witnessed their PURE grace and sheer courage firsthand. To be able to make the dream of the most important day of their lives come true - well... that is a privilege.

Click here to be part of this contribution.
Click here to learn more about Wish Upon a Wedding.

RIGHT WHERE I AM

2010-03-19T17:18:00.003-04:00

Every now and then I'm going to post a quote and a photo of me that catch me right where I am. Have you ever read something that just stopped you in your tracks. My mom sent this to me today. She must have known I needed it.

"Do not wait; the time will never be just right. Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along." - Napoleon Hill

"When you regularly take continuous action toward your most important goals, you activate the Momentum Principle of success. This principle says that although it may take tremendous amounts of energy to overcome inertia and get started initially, it then takes far less energy to keep going."

Moms are the best. Especially mine.

THE COOLEST THING I'VE SEEN ALL DAY

2010-03-19T16:54:00.000-04:00

Hello!? Chocolate covered cheerios? Seriously? My little Southern heart just skipped a beat. See, we put chocolate (and butter) on well... everything. And I'm a serious Cheerios junkie. I eat them every day. Sometimes twice. Only the plain kind. But I may have just found my new favorite. Thanks Oh Joy Eats. Mmmm Mmmm.

RECENT WORK :: BRIDESMAIDS STATIONERY

2010-03-18T22:42:00.002-04:00

Busy week for bridal and bridesmaids stationery ! I'm working on a sale I'm going to be posting here and on the website really soon . . . to help a very special cause. Stay tuned.

RECENT WORK :: LOGO DESIGN & BUSINESS CARDS

2010-03-16T21:48:00.004-04:00

How adorably cute are these business cards (if I may say so myself!) I LOVE it when I get to do design work for friends. I designed a logo and business cards for my DEAR friend Dusty. And let me just say . . . Dusty makes cupcakes. But not only does Dusty make cupcakes, but she makes cupcakes that rival anything you've ever had. She baked the pink pineapple cake that my friend, Amy, surprised me with on my birthday. I wanted to eat the entire thing. Her cupcakes (and cakes) are absolutely delicious and ADORABLE (Dusty, should I mention your pizza too? No seriously people. Just trust me, she's probably the best cook I know. Sorry Mom) Check out her brand new blog (my favorite are the baby bottom cupcakes - how precious!) She's going to be crafting up some cupcakes for my husband, Bryan's, 30th birthday in May. I cant tell you the theme because he reads this - but just know its going to be AWESOME. I promise to share photos.

-

I really love orders like this. I've finally set up two more branding packages in my Etsy shop -

Logo Design & 120 Business Cards
Including unlimited revisions and all final EPS, PDF and JPEG files for you to use however you like + 120 business cards (printed on white heavy, soft textured stock)

Logo Design
Including unlimited revisions and all final EPS, PDF and JPEG files for you to use however you like

If you have questions - shoot me an email at emily@emilyleypaper.com.

INTEGRITY IN BUSINESS

2010-03-14T13:06:00.008-04:00

Integrity is, by far, the most important value to have. Not just personally, but also in business. It encompasses trust, honesty, confidence and authenticity all in one. As you know, providing TOP notch customer service (as in above-and-beyond-customer-service) is vital to your business. Integrity goes hand in hand with that concept.

Decor8 wrote an awesome post yesterday on the fact that "DIY does not mean Duplicate It Yourself." Obviously there are copy-cats out there. People who lack that integrity and will blatantly copy your work. Has it happened to me? Yes. More than once. And not just in the "I'll borrow your designs" type of way - but in the "I'll copy things from you word-for-word" type of way. I could write you a novel about how I feel about this. Its the biggest way to short-change yourself and your clients AND damage your reputation.

But what I want to talk about in this post is something a little less intentional. Sometimes, as a new business owner, new designer, new artist - we find inspiration in the work of others. I ABSOLUTELY find inspiration in the work of other stationers, other wedding industry professionals, other big dreamers. And when you're new, it's very easy to think (or even unconsciously think) "I love how they worded their Terms and Conditions. Its very clear. I'll just borrow this line and that line..." OR to look at another artist's work and think "this is working so well for them, I could borrow this image or that image..."

And this is where integrity, and a commitment to developing your OWN brand, comes into play. Being inspired by the work of others is one thing. But being inspired by the work of others - to create something that fits, feels, or looks just as good (IE: very similar) is another thing.

I've written a lot about how I stumbled upon my own personal style. I knew in my heart what I loved, but I wanted to cater to the audience. So I designed fluffy, frilly, decorative, ornate stationery. Until one day, I decided - I don't like this. I like clean. And simple. And traditionally minimal creations. So I went with it.

Allow yourself to do that. Create, build, design until your fingers want to fall off. Mess up a thousand times so that you can whittle your way down to your OWN personal style. And this doesn't just apply to designing - but to writing your copy, choosing your equipment, etc.

All of this to say - always reach out for help. Ask those you look up to for tips and advice. Always admire the work of others. But if you don't let your OWN personal brand and personal style come out - you'll have nothing to stand on - you'll have no brand. Integrity is the glue that holds your brand, your personality, your customer service, the quality of your work, and your potential - all together.

RECENT WORK :: PERSONAL STATIONERY

2010-03-13T12:20:00.000-05:00

This is my favorite set of stationery in my favorite ink and envelope color pairing. So simple and organic yet so full of personality.

MOMENTUM

2010-03-12T20:36:00.002-05:00

It comes. It goes. You're up. You're down. Momentum is hard to get and keep going. Over the past few months, I've felt crazy momentum at times and NONE at others. Its important to figure out WHY it goes away and HOW to get it back . . .

RECENT WORK :: THERMOGRAPHY

2010-03-12T13:52:00.000-05:00

I'm writing a monstrosity of a blog post thats been on my heart for a while now. In the meantime, I like photos :) This is some of my recent work - all thermography.

SNEAK PEAK :: NEW ELP STUDIO

2010-03-12T13:19:00.000-05:00

A little sneak peak of my completely remodeled studio. Once its all put together and the new blog is live, we'll be showing it all off! Its very simple, classic, natural, DIY, useful and well... pretty.

I love it in here.

BUILDING A BRAND :: A STRONG BUSINESS MODEL

2010-03-09T11:37:00.006-05:00

I originally titled this post “Not every day is going to be the best day ever.” (This picture here… I remember feeling like it was the best day ever. On Pensacola Beach. One of my favorite places on Earth. With one of my favorite people in the world)

My days seem to go from AMAZINGLY-SING-IT-FROM-THE-MOUNTAINTOPS-AWESOME to RIDICULOUSLY-GO-BACK-TO-BED BAD. My lack of patience while making things happen and commitment to continuing the momentum of the first part of the year keep me pushing through the later. I’m learning that the worst place for me to be is stagnant. Working with many different professionals to organize projects and build ELP sometimes presents the challenge of waiting on three things at once – things that take time to perfect. In another post, I mentioned how much attention I pay to the end product rather than the destination. As an stationer, that’s my job – to be wholeheartedly concerned with the end product, the quality and perfection of my finished pieces. It’s also important to pay attention to the journey there. To pay attention to customer service and to thoughtfully answering questions and guiding my brides along the way. That is as big a job (and just as important if you ask me) as the destination (or final pieces) themselves. Not only does a good experience build loyal clients/customers who will 1) come back to work with you again and 2) refer you and your services to others, but it helps your company grow at a good speed.

I’ve never advertised. Not a bit. All of my clients have come to me via Etsy and referral. I love working with each one. I love building trust with them so that they come back to ask me questions about invitation assembly, calligraphy referrals, post-wedding thank you notes and baby announcements. (Yep, had a few of those!) What a joy to walk with each client throughout their journey. Kind of like a photographer (especially my dear photographers) walks with you capturing the special moments throughout your life. My photographers have taken my 1) engagement shots 2) wedding shots 3) business headshots 5) product photos and 5) will [ONE DAY] take maternity and family photos as well. That kind of trust is irreplaceable. I love that relationship and enjoy building it with my clients.

That brings me to my struggle this week. Wholesale vs. retail.

I adore working with my clients. I also enjoy the business of the business – building relationships within the industry, talking with boutiques interested in selling the ELP stationery and wedding collections directly to THEIR customers, marketing my brand. Whitney English encouraged me to exhibit at the National Stationery Show in NYC for this very reason – to build a wholesale base. The wholesale side of the stationery business is much different than the retail. It excites me to no end. But just as I focus 100% of my energy into one thing at a time, I feel a pull in two directions. 100% to two sides is hard. Lara Casey, in my opinion, is a master of multitasking. She manages people, a mirage of businesses and a personal relationship with everyone she comes in contact with. How she does it, I don’t know. One of the four thousand reasons I admire and learn so much from her. I'm learning lately that just as its important to base your personal brand on your heart and soul and WHY you do what you do. Its equally as important to base your business model on those factors as well. Secrets to a strong foundation.

So in hashing out the ELP business model a bit, I’ve decided to make a few small changes to the website (coming later), begin building ELP Wedding Collection albums and continue to build my custom design/branding and custom stationery/invitations clientele. It’s very exciting and there are some things in the works that I cannot wait to share with everyone.

Morale of the story? Hard business decisions are just that = hard. They’re important and big because they can be game changers. But make them and go full steam ahead. Remember how lucky you are to be able to make the hard, big, game changing decisions. Big decisions are opportunities for greatness.

GROWTH AND A NEW PERSPECTIVE

2010-03-05T10:21:00.003-05:00

I’ve been a bad blogger lately. Mostly because I’ve been holding off on a few post ideas until my new blog is ready. (Holy awesomess, cant wait to share the new design AND get to WordPress).

This week was a crazy week. Last weekend we took the plunge and completely redid my studio. I cant even begin to express what that did for me, my brand and my creativity. I now work in a space that is totally ELP. We got rid of every piece of furniture, a few doors, added shelving, bought some antique Craigslist goodness, painted every square inch, added hardwood floors, DIY’d our hearts out AND planned a trip to an awesome local flea market for treasures this weekend. Would you even believe we found a silver pineapple to adorn the letterpress table? Awesomesauce. I know you want to see photos, but you’ll just have to wait! So many exciting posts ready for the new blog.

Wednesday, I had a great conversation with Whitney English about the stationery industry, the inner workings of wholesale relationships and the National Stationery Show. (Photos above are booths at the NSS from Pink Loves Brown and Whitney English). That conversation was fabulous and sent my head a-spinning. ELP continues to change and grow, but I’m feeling very good about some new directions we’re about to head in. More details to come when its all ready to share.

The thought of the National Stationery Show really made me stop and think. I’d planned to exhibit in 2011 – but Whitney said something to me that I think I will always remember... "Just be there. Get out there and have a presence." I spend so much time trying to perfect things (there’s that dang word again…) She encouraged me to take the leap and exhibit at THIS YEAR’S National Stationery Show. I spent the next twelve hours on the phone with the NSS, adding up AMEX and Delta rewards points, rallying my Mom and best friend, Taylor, to get ready for a NYC trip in 10 weeks. And yesterday I found out, the NSS booths I was looking at… are sold out.

Well.

MOVING ON! While it was an incredible idea and something I totally would have made happen – it wasn’t meant to be quite yet. What that whirlwind twelve hours did for me was lit a spark under me to really delve into the world of wholesale. And take an interesting look at my business model and my true goals for Emily Ley Paper. Have I got it all figured out yet? Not quite. But the wheels are spinning and I’ve been fortunate enough to be mentored by some of the best of the best. The benefit of having a brand that I’m proud of and a “mission statement” that never changes – is that I can have something to measure these big ideas and hard-big-picture questions against. Does this fit ELP and my commitment to authenticity and top-notch quality? Is this idea for a refined focus for my collection and an expansion into more options right for a brand dedicated to classic Southern design?

Blogging is like therapy. I figure things out when I write. And right now, after writing and re-reading that last paragraph, I am thankful for a few things:

1) I’m thankful to have mentors who are generous, encouraging and most of all – HONEST.
2) I’m thankful that I dedicated the time, money and HEART to developing a brand representative of ME.
3) I’m thankful that I have a mission statement for ELP – that is never changing – something solid and strong that is the foundation upon which every decision is made.

Food for thought. Happy weekend!

YEAR NO. 27

2010-02-28T18:48:00.004-05:00

This birthday is a big one for me. I remember on my last birthday - sitting and thinking about what year no. 26 may have in store for me - what type of success I would have with my still-fairly-new-business, what lay down the road for our first full year of marriag e, the personal growth that I knew was bound to happen as a result and a part of both.

Looking back now, I really couldn't have even imagined what year no. 26 would turned out to be. Twenty six year old Emily learned the ins and outs of owning a business, dealt with the challenges of balancing fifteen plates in the air at once, discovered a strength and that fueled a sincere passion. I pushed myself outside my comfort zone numerous times. I reached out and connected with people in a real and authentic way. I learned how strong, yet imperfectly flawed I really am. I discovered the foundation of my own personal artistic style. I failed. I fell. I loved wildly. I made things happen. I made amazing friends. I learned how not to shrink to fit in a mold. I learned that I don't. fit. the. mold. And I learned that THAT is okay. And THAT is a story in itself.

This weekend, my parents are visiting us in Tampa to celebrate two birthdays - my Moms and mine. (Yes, I was my mama's birthday present - born at 2am the day after her birthday). My dad loves to pack a ginormous toolbag for a weekend full of restoration and repairs. This weekend was no different. Sprinkled between birthday dinners and lunches and cakes was a full ELP studio overhaul. A full blog post dedicated to this coming soon - but, let me just say - it is absolutely BEAUTIFUL. New hardwood floors, three coats of paint, antique furniture, plenty of inspiration from Pottery Barn/Anthropologie/Apartment Therapy/Design Sponge, multiple trips to multiple decor shops and a few craigslist purchases are all included. Its a clean, creative, classic space and it is VERY ELP. I cannot wait to get back to work in this new space.

Tonight, we're celebrating my birthday with red wine, gourmet cheeses, grapes, bruschetta and my absolute favorite Keebler fudge stick cookies for dessert :) My dad even brought honey graham crackers and peanut butter for our favorite past time together.

On New Years, I always list my tactical goals for the year. But my birthday is different. I have this vision of what 27 year-old Emily will look like this year - genuine, comfortable, passionate, fearless, approachable and real. Having spent the first day of my twenty-seventh year with family, love from friends, good wine, good food, exploring, creating and laughing - I hope the rest of my year is filled with more of the same.

PERSONAL BRANDING

2010-02-22T11:59:00.008-05:00

My life, the past few weeks/months, has been about making things happen. But more than anything lately, it’s been about making it happen. And so, on Friday, at around 3pm, I finally made it happen. I launched a website that I, and a handful of very talented, special people, have poured heart and soul into. Emily Ley Paper's new home isn’t just about a new website for ELP. Ask my rock star designer, Kendra, and she'll tell you the site you see now is ELP 3.0. We changed the overall aesthetic numerous times before my brand really began to take shape. And that happened right about the time I decided to commit myself to being true to my core.

My biggest piece of advice for anyone struggling with branding, with refining their style, with discovering "what they're all about" :: be yourself. Be yourself in your products, in your market segmentation, in your messaging, in your color palette, in your social media interaction. Use your photo. Use your name. Own your personality and run with it. Don’t try and mold your brand around one certain idea or a certain image you have in mind (likely someone else's "image"). For me, I've always been this funny oxymoron of a person. Yes, I'm sweet and Southern, but I'm a fireball of a businesswoman/thinker. Yes, I'm petite and quiet at times, but I have a huge, loud Southern personality. On that same note, while I do laugh at just about everything and find perfection in the details, I truly love organic, simple, clean, color-less, fuss-less design. I love the lack of color more than a bold hue. I love the feel of 100% cotton letterpressed paper more than a whimsical, ornate design. I’ll take mine plain.

So in defining my brand, I initially struggled with the duality of my personality. Until I realized, really by trial and error, that all those different aspects, even the ones I tried to deny and/or push down sometimes made me Emily Ley. When Kendra and I finally put my final brand together, it came from a constant inspiration board that I was continually updating, refining and adding to. Burlap, rich paper, neutral colors, timeless design and Southern, down-home details began to emerge as the key ingredients to Emily Ley Paper (at the time… named something else). And so, my patient designer took those emerging concepts, tones and qualities and shaped them into something I am so proud of and so truly believe in.

Now, as you build your own brand, bring together the images, words, phrases, concepts, theories, colors that represent you. You’ll find the many sides of your personality begin to take shape into something as strong and unique as you are.

-

Interestingly enough, I'd had on my heart for many weeks a desire to help others travel the branding journey that I did/am - to help them pull together and their personal brand and help them design their aesthetic around what they truly love in the form of an inspiration board, color pallete, dynamic logo in various forms, business cards, stationery and packaging, social media and web concepts. Two amazing people walked into my life at just that time. And I'm beginning to take on just a few design/branding clients to help them design their own personal brand - both figuratively and aesthetically. I cant tell you how quickly my heart beats when I think about being involved in this very important part of their journey with them. I've decided to limit myself to four design/branding clients at a time - so that I can devote enough time, energy and thoughtful guidance to each. If you're interested in talking with me about this full package or partial design/branding help, send me a note at emily@emilyleypaper.com.

Introducing . . . EMILY LEY PAPER

2010-02-19T15:17:00.001-05:00

I am beyond excited and unbelievably proud to introduce Emily Ley Paper.

A sincere extension of myself as a Southern gal with an affinity for clean, classic style, Emily Ley Paper is an online stationery boutique featuring letterpress paper goods with sweet, Southern charm. When I began this journey almost 15 months ago, I knew exactly what I wanted to contribute to one of the most important days in a girl's life: unprecedented quality and simple, fresh, feminine style - a timeless invitation that feels more like a gift than a note.

In some ways I feel like my journey has brought me right here, to this moment on February 19, 2010. But I know deep down in the quietest parts of my heart that this is something different - this is where Part II of my journey begins. I hope you enjoy my labor of love. This is just the beginning.

Visit the site here and become a fan on Facebook. Stay tuned for a new blog coming soon.

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T16:13:00.001-05:00

Last night I worked until 6am. I made a huge decision about my wedding collection on Friday night and vowed not to sleep until I accomplished the change (details to come). It's crunch time to get this website launched and I want everything to be just right. I knew I was going to be a terrible, sleepy Valentine. But Bryan woke me up and told me to get dressed (I, of course, reached for the heels) and he said "no, no - put this on" (my favorite fuzzy green sweatshirt of course). He took me to Ella's - a great little spot close to us that we discovered with our friends Joey and McKay. I typically try to eat very healthy, but today - it was a waffle with Nutella and bananas and a Mimosa. Breakfast of champions.

I've been writing and thinking a lot lately about my arch of creativity, pushing myself outside of my comfort zone and the "things" I love to surround myself with... this morning as we had a quiet little brunch to celebrate Valentine's day, I thought... "this is what its all about." I've told you how much I love to build - a family, a home, a business, a brand - but how nice a feeling to know that something is already so whole, yet still growing so much. No building required. Bryan reminded me the other night after my emotional video post how much I have stepped outside of my comfort zone and don't realize it - by starting a business on my own, by moving 7 hours away from my family to be with him in South Florida, by challenging the status quo and reaching for something bigger by sharing my journey with others. He is right.

When my new blog launches, I'm planning a post about how we met, got engaged and became Mr. & Mrs. Ley. It's a great story. Let's just say, I had my eye on Mr. Ley long before we started dating. He's a charmer, what can I say.

So on this Valentines Day, I'm so thankful for the unending support and love from my sweet husband, who surprised me with peanut M&Ms (mmmm I know you want some, Jeff Holt) and a card with pop up hamsters. Yea, that's Bryan. Right now, he's working on our letterpress. It fills my heart up so much to see him so excited about something I also love so much. Today I'm reminded that sometimes, that thing we search for so often - for inspiration, for support, for someone to push and challenge us - is right in front of our noses. So Happy Valentine's Day to my sweet family - whose support is so never ending; to my random and wholehearted husband who always makes me laugh and feel so loved, and to my friends who fill my heart and my days with so much joy.

3 Days in Hotlanta

2010-02-11T19:28:00.002-05:00

My three days in Atlanta were SO much fun. I learned so very much about myself, got a chance to push myself outside my comfort zone and had the opportunity to meet some of the most genuine and inspiring people I've ever met. The people who were at MTH were so real, so authentic and so passionate. Listening to their stories inspired me to share even more of my own.

There's much to be said for writing your story or telling it out loud - it's almost as if you dont truly "own" your story until you share it. I find that as I remain dedicated to my promise of authenticity I learn so much about myself - about what I'm made of and the heart that Emily Ley Paper is built upon. Just like my invitation suites or my design work - my personality is strong, simple and extremely genuine. I've got a post brewing in my head about owning your personal brand. It's going to be a good one.

But for now, a few photos of one of the best weekends I've had in 2010. MTH was amazing and spending time with Lara, Jeff and Sandi was truly awesome. I realized this weekend that I need more creative, passionate, genuine, deep thinking, open people in my life. Because I treasure those friendship so much. On Tuesday, before we left for the airport, Lara, Jeff and I spent some time with Whitney and Jesse from Our Labor of Love. Listening to Whitney and Jesse share their stories (not to mention point out one of the cutest little restaurants I've been to in a long time) was inspiring. They're so original and real. Not to mention crazy talented.

Thanks to everyone at MTH Atlanta for inspiring and moving me. It was a brilliant weekend and stirred up some pretty big things in me. ELP is growing in some interesting ways and there's only so much more to come. The next post on this blog = Introducing Emily Ley Paper.

My Journey

2010-02-10T20:51:00.000-05:00

This weekend was incredible. I learned more than I ever thought possible. Above all else, I pushed myself. I felt the fear. I did it anyways. So here goes . . . you're going to need a blanket and a POT of coffee for this one. 16 minutes.

My Arch of Creativity

2010-02-07T23:44:00.010-05:00

The idea of living within your arch of creativity... Jeff Holt mentioned this idea in Watercolor at MTH. And its been on my mind a bit since then. Really, its been on my mind mostly because my studio needs a huge overhaul, but tonight as I sit in Atlanta and listen to the sound of clicking MAC keys and good music and share insightful conversations with Lara, Jeff and Sandi. I'm reminded that the idea of living within your arch of creativity is about so much more than surrounding yourself with beautiful things. Its about taking a holistic approach to your shaping your environment - and really surrounding yourself with people and things that inspire, empower and challenge you.

I'm in Atlanta for Making Things Happen tomorrow. I'm so honored to be a guest and to be able to share my story. Even more, I'm so honored to be able to hear and witness the stories of others. Its not that being around people who are just like me is comforting. That actually has very little to do with my arch of creativity. Instead, for the next two days, I get to be around people who make me THINK - who are engaging and outside-the-box-thinkers - who are sincere to their core. That. Sincerity. Is so valuable. And something I treasure so much.

I mentioned today that I love my sweet husband so dearly because he will call me out. When I am being ridiculous he will tell me. When he disagrees with me, he will tell me. He is my biggest supporter and fan, but when I need a little push, he's there. I love that "realness". He is a Lover, an Encourager and a Pusher. I'm learning that it is so important to surround yourself with different types of people. Granted, not all people are going to bring the same things to the table - and they shouldn't. This is just the world according to Emily, but I think you need a few of all of these types to not only allow growth but MAKE you grow as well.

The Lover

The Lover is the person who is going to love whatever you do no matter what. Your clay pot may be tipping over on one side and with a giant crack in the other - but the Lover just loves it. "Its artwork," they say. "People pay big money for 'vintage' pieces like this." (Vintage, really?) The Lover is the person to turn to when you need a boost - always good for the soul when you need the positivity, but perhaps not the best when you need an honest opinion.

The Educator

The Educator is the person who makes everything make sense. The person that is constantly learning and continually teaching in a way that is non-threatening - that is thought provoking. Think - professors in college who taught, yet encouraged you to explore your own curiosities and develop your own theories - who, even though they may not agree with your stand, encouraged you to TAKE one.

The Encourager

The Encourager is the person who reminds you the sun will come up again. This person always sees the glass half full and reminds you of your strengths when your weaknesses are all you can spot. The Encourager is great for those times that you need to be reminded why it is you do what you do in the first place. I've had these days and its okay to need this person. Remember to be there for the Encourager when the Encourager needs it in return. Sometimes we all need to be reminded how strong we are.

The Pusher

The Pusher is the person who pushes you to take that next step - to be bigger than you are in that moment. The Pusher sees your strengths but knows you have more left to give. This person sees that you've won a local competition and encourages you to enter a national competition next. The Pusher sees the potential you have and thinks outside the box. By doing so, they inspire you to grow in ways you may not have thought you could.

The Challenger

The Challenger is the person who pushes as hard as they can - sometimes this is consciously and sometimes not. This person may be your friend or colleague or it may be your direct competition. Regardless, this person challenges you directly. They are big and they challenge you to step up and be bigger. This person is great to have around when you need a kick in the pants. This person will fire you up so much that you HAVE to move forward.

Each of these people are important - and each have their special place in your life at the right time. You’ll have people who fall in between these definitions as well - those may even be the best. Overall, it is so important to surround yourself with an arch of creativity - not just with the art on your walls and the color of your paint, but with the people you allow close to you. These are the people who will influence your heart and in the long run - your brand.

I text messaged my husband when I was at dinner with Lara, Jeff and Sandi. I said "I feel so comfortable here” and he said "because you're around people who are like you and inspire you." So true. I grow so much when I surround myself with people who encourage growth within me – who push me to be bigger than I think I can be – who inspire me to think outside my typical realm of thinking – who challenge me to bring my A game every time.

Today I am making a promise to myself to expand my environment/my arch of creativity - beyond just the music I listen to while I work or the color of the walls of my studio - to the people I surround myself with as well - and not just those within my own inner circle, but those I admire and learn from - even at a distance - as well.

Becoming a Blogger

2010-02-03T21:27:00.003-05:00

I've really loved writing my "tips" posts here and here- with step by step tips to "making things happen" and costs associated with each step. When I was first starting ELP, I had to demystify a lot of the mumbo jumbo I found on the internet myself. And even when I figured out HOW to make something happen - I had to figure out how much that process was going to COST me. When my new blog launches (shortly after my website launch next week) I'll unveil a couple of features you'll find here. I've really wanted my voice to come out organically on this blog so I've blogged a little of any and everything. I'm finding my most natural voice comes when I do just that - whatever is happening with me, with ELP, with life in general. But I definitely feel a real pull towards sharing my business journey, my experiences as a business owner (in a relatable "I've been there and I AM THERE" type of way).

So as I've been preparing for my website launch and working on the functionality I'd like my new blog to have, I thought I'd share a few tips on how to stake your claim in the blog world. Granted, this is something I'm right in the middle of - but a few tips nonetheless.

And the best part about this process? It can be FREE if you'd like it! Want to guess how much I spent on THIS blog? $0. (the soon-to-benew blog - not so free - but again, its all your choice!)

Step 1 :: Open a Blog account ($0)

Blogger and WordPress are the two biggest blogging platforms out there. Both offer free accounts, but WordPress has many more capabilities than Blogger. WordPress also offers a Premium Account that includes ad-free blogs, more storage and VideoPress for those really cool video bloggers out there.

Step 2 :: Point your domain to your blog ($0 - 10)

Cost here depends on whether or not you own the domain where you'd like your blog to be found. If you don't own the domain you'd like - purchase it at GoDaddy and point it to your blog. See here for Blogger instructions and here for WordPress. You either need a direct domain "YourGreatBlog.com" or a subdomain like "YourGreatSite.com/blog" - steer away from "YourGreatBlog.blogspot.com" and "YourGreatBlog.wordpress.com" - Thanks Lara & Jeff for pointing this one out!

Step 3a :: Make your blog PRETTY ($0+)

Mk, this can be free or costly. But in the beginning, find a good DIY blog design that you're comfortable with (even something simple... like all white, here). Check out Ellie at Rainy Day Templates ($), Ross at FloSites ($$) and my own designers, Kendra & Amanda at HiDesign ($$) for professionally designed blogs.

Step 3b :: Remove that Ugly Blogger NavBar ($0)

If you're using Blogger, get rid of that ugly Blogger bar at the top. Here's how.

Step 4 :: Make sure the right info is easily accessible ($0)

Make sure your (real) name, photo, email address, Twitter link and website (if you have one) are easily accessible on your blog.

Step 5 :: Add important widgets ($0)

Widgets like the "Etsy Shop" widget, link lists, biography, etc are very important to making your blog as comprehensive as possible. Remember your blog is a brand in itself and should represent you. Also think of adding advertising (coming soon here!) options to your blog as you begin to grow your readership.

Step 6 :: Read Crush It by Gary Vaynerchuck ($10)

Do this. I could talk forever about this book. Oh wait, I did! Follow his exercises. Have an open mind - and be ready to work hard. Gary writes about monetizing social media and exploring your passion as your life's work. A game changer.

Step 7 :: Write down 50 blog topics ($0)

Sounds hard, right? Try it. Sit down with a piece of paper (that coffee and blanket from the last two posts - grab 'em) and write down 50 topics. Even if they're all over the place, write them down. Watch as your themes emerge.

Step 8 :: Write (or RECORD!) ($0)

Write and write often. Use good photos and images (not like this one. I cant think "images" right now... too many product images...!) Connect with other bloggers through Twitter and through THEIR blogs. Bring value as a resource to other people. Explore different types of blogging - through written posts and video blogs. Find what makes you most comfortable.

Step 9 :: Watch your blog grow ($0)

Use Google Analytics to watch your blog's growth. Potential advertisers will want to know the traffic coming to your site. Dont be too crazy about watching this constantly - but watch overall trends in growth and decline. You'll find the obvious - readership grows as you blog often and drops as you have lulls in your posts. Find a happy medium here depending on your topics and goals for your blog.

Step 10 :: Evolve and grow ($0)

Let your voice emerge and develop. You'll find blog topics come naturally and writing them becomes second nature. Be open minded to the shape your blog begins to take. I initially started my blog to share ONLY my thoughts on Southern Lifestyle and weddings I adored. Granted, that will be part of the blog - as they're a deep rooted part of me - but not all of it. Business ownership and the triumphs and tragedies that are found along that road are becoming my passion to write about.

On that note - and this is just "the world according to Emily" - but I'm finding it so important to keep that same open mind with your business. ELP is growing from an online stationery boutique to include custom design services, branding services and this little blog - as a business resource.

Never close a door and take a peak down every side road as you continue your journey.

The World According to Emily :: Finding Focus

2010-02-01T08:42:00.003-05:00

Easier said than done. My entire life, I have been an overachieving, energetic, Type-A. I dream really big and I love to stay really busy – even when that means “burning the candle at both ends.” One of my New Year’s resolutions was to take better care of MYSELF. I put so much energy into my family, my home, my business – that sometimes I forget about me. I like to think that I can live on 4 hours of sleep, Starbucks and cheerios. (I love Cheerios). Lately my life has been riddled with challenges – both personally and professionally. The kinds of challenges that can steal your attention and rattle your focus if you let them.

Even writing this post, I can think of fourteen things I need to be doing right now. I’m reminded of our first exercise at Lara Casey’s Making Things Happen intensive in Watercolor. “Write down everything in your brain right now. Get it out and on paper…”

. . . I’ll be back . . .

I just wrote down 24 things off the top of my head that I should get done today. Oh my. But I do feel somewhat clearer having everything written down and out of my brain space. As the ELP site preparation reaches MAX craziness and prepares for the big reveal in 4 days, I’ve got to find a way to maintain focus, to rid myself of this exhaustion that is slowly creeping up, and to remind myself that there is so little I can actually control. Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days (Psalm 90:14).

The word satisfy is something I so often do not relate to. I am so rarely truly satisfied. Happy? Absolutely. Grateful? All the time. But satisfied/finished/content? Hardly ever. But this little verse tells us to be satisfied. And for me, I am learning to find contentment in the places I’m not so crazily seeking it – but where it already lives. In my faith. In my big, hilarious, loving family. In my friends who sit and listen to me ramble about my journey, bring me hot pink diamond socks and lasagna when I’m under the weather. And in my sweet, sweet, wholehearted husband whose love is so big, so satisfying and so complete.

Photo courtesy of Meg Baisden Photography.

Guide to Trademarks

2010-01-26T00:54:00.003-05:00

Many of you know about the difficult Trademark battle I experienced this year. I've had a couple people email me to ask how to go about the process, so thought I'd put together another "How To" - and this one is VERY important. If you are using a name that does not include your NAME in it (IE: Emily Ley Paper), you must MUST file a trademark application. If you do not, you are basically telling any one who'd like to use your business name - they can have it. Trademarking protects you and your business from copy-cats.

First, let's take a look at the different type of intellectual property protections :: a Copyright, Trademark and Patent. Read this article written by the US Patent and Trademark Office.

Copyright ($35)
This protects music, literature, articles, etc from being re-used without permission from the creator. (IE: The Beatles songs are all copyrighted).

Trademark ($275)
This protects your business name, tag-line, product name, etc from being used by another company (and thereby causing marketplace confusion with the names). Note: It isn't necessary to Trademark your OWN name (IE: Emily Ley Paper) - you innately own the rights to that name because it includes your own personal name.

Patent ($500 - $1,500, sometimes more)
This protects items and products themselves. For instance, you might patent a fancy toothbrush, so no one else can create that toothbrush.
. . . .

Now, for most of you reading this, you're going to be most concerned with the Trademark process. I cant tell you how important it is to spend that $275. In fact, I made the process easier for me by contacting a representative from the USPTO to manage my applications. His name is Jack Briggs and he can be found here :: 888-250-8786 x86 or jb@USTM.us.com

The process is a long and sometimes crazy one, but it's totally worth it. Jack charges $250 + the $275 filing fee to manage your application throughout the lengthy process. He is fantastic and extremely helpful/knowledgeable about the whole process and how to get through the hurdles that might stand in your way. Your application will likely cost you anywhere from $275 - $600 total.
. . . .

Quick Flowchart ::

Research your name.
Search the TESS System for similar marks.
Hire a Trademark Manager (optional) and file your Trademark Application.
Use the TM symbol.
Wait . . .
Publication for contesting in the Official Trademark Gazette.
Conquer any roadblocks.
REGISTRATION!

Step 1:: Research your name ($10)
Do a search through GoDaddy (if you dont already own your domain) and see if YOURBIZNAME.com is available. If that's not available and a similar one isnt available, revisit the naming process. If you find your domain is available, purchase it and any misspelled versions of your domain as well (this will continue to drive traffic to your site even if someone spells your name wrong). Remember to have GoDaddy help you point your "other domains" to your main one.

Step 2 :: Search the TESS System for similar trademarks or pending apps ($0)
Do a basic search through Google and through the USPTO's TESS system to see if your name is available. You'll be provided with a list of names that are similar or exactly like your name. What's most important is that you're not operating in the same industry as these applications. For instance, Sunshine Studios can operate in the photography industry while Sunshine Studios can also operate in the music video business. Dont be discouraged during this step. Just keep going and do your research.

Step 3a :: Optional - Hire a trademark manager ($525)
If you would like to hire a Trademark Manager (and this isn't a necessity - but nice to have someone in your corner), contact Jack or his USPTO office. He'll help you file your application.

Step 3b :: File your trademark application ($275)
If you've chosen to skip Step 3a, begin filling out your Trademark Application here. There are TWO types of trademark applications - a "mark" and a "stylized mark" If you have a logo that uses special fonts and/or colors, you'll want to file a stylized mark. A regular "mark" is one that consists of only letters and numbers - with no specific font or color attached to it.

Also remember industry classification is key - so pay special attention to your application. When you finished and have paid, submit the application. Visit this site frequently to monitor the progression of your application - have your serial number - from your application confirmation handy.

Step 4 :: Use the "TM" symbol now ($0)
Now that you have a pending trademark application, you are entitled to use the "TM" next to your name. The R with a circle around it is reserved for registered trademarks.

Step 5 :: The waiting game ($0)
This part is not fun. The entire Trademark process can take anywhere (if running smoothly) from 6-12 months. Once your application is received by the USPTO, they will mark it pending and tell you to wait 90 days. You can use the serial number they provide you to constantly monitor the progression of your mark, any approvals or any questions/denials. On the 90th day, your application will be assigned to an examining attorney. If they have any questions, they will contact you or your TM manager for clarification or extra information.

Step 6 :: Official Trademark Gazette ($0)
If you make it through this part, you will be given a date for publication in the Official Trademark Gazette. This gazette is published every Tuesday and allows other TM owners to contest your application (if they feel it is too similar to their own). I was told that 1 out of every 2,000 or so is contested at this point. (My experience = case and point. I was contested here and had to hire an Intellectual Property attorney to handle my roadblock.) Your mark will be published here for 60 days. If it is not contested, you will be approved and assigned a date of registration.

Step 7 :: Any roadblocks here? ($0+)
If you can, don't hesitate to work with an Intellectual Property attorney. The cost between $250-$400 per hour - so they can be pricey. But if you are contested and cannot defend your mark yourself, you will likely lose.

Step 8 :: REGISTERED! ($0)
Once your mark is published for 60 days in the Official Trademark Gazette, you will receive notification of final approval and a date of registration. When your mark is official registered, you will be able to use the R/circle with your logo. A trademark registration is valid for 10 years. If you chose to work with a manager, that person will monitor your mark for you and let you know if A) anyone tries to use it and B) help file your update paperwork throughout the 10 years of registration.

BEST of luck to all who will go down this road. It is WORTH it to protect yourself and your name in the future. If anyone has any questions - please let me know or leave a comment below and I'll answer them for everyone to see. I'm no expert but I've definitely educated myself quite a bit about Trademarks in the past year.

After Step 8 comes the fun part - order new business cards, update your website, etc with your new R/circle next to your logo!

Letterpress Adoption

2010-01-24T21:01:00.003-05:00

Just a few days ago, I mentioned in my last video blog how much Bryan and I wanted to find a letterpress. We knew the type we wanted, but finding it was incredibly challenging. Most letterpresses are very, very old - dating back into the 1800s. They're not manufactured anymore, so hunting one down requires a little detective work and a lot of research.

Bryan has always been so incredibly supportive of ELP. He's even been known to help get orders out during peak crunch times. (Think custom wedding programs during LSU/Auburn game). He was always innately part of the ELP team, but will be officially joining me to operate and manage our letterpresses.

Back to the search. We were considering a letterpress in New Jersey and another in North Carolina (they weigh quite a bit and cost a fortune to ship). We'd even discussed flying to these destinations and picking up the presses to drive home to South Florida. Much to our surprise, suddenly a listing was posted on Briar Press from Tampa, Florida (hey neighbor!) I called Bryan. He made the phone call. We drove LITERALLY two miles down the street that we live on... and BAM! we are now the proud owners of not one, but TWO Kelsey Excelsior letterpresses (a 5 x 8 and a 6 x 10). We've spent the better part of our weekend dismantling and cleaning (I now smell of lemon juice and vinegar...mmm...) the presses to get them in prime condition to begin printing ASAP. For now, we plan to keep the larger press and sell the 5 x 8 press once its restored.

We also learned yesterday that our 6 x 10 is a very rare press - one of the oldest of its kind. The counter is stuck at 67,000 impressions - so who knows how many times it's been used.

I'm so excited that Bryan has a piece of ELP all his own - he's babied these presses so much in the few short days we've had them. I have no doubt they'll be working perfectly in the next few days. Letterpress is by far my favorite printing technique. Last year I completed quite a few custom letterpress suites and they're on the top of my favorites list. These photos are of a suite (Italian, hand deckled stock) I recently completed for a beautiful Southern bride getting married next month on a plantation in Mississippi. The new ELP collection will be available in both thermography and letterpress.

Last night we discovered the papers in the top image tucked into the 6 x 10. In this stack was a Yatzee Scorecard, "Trudie's Doodlepad," and "The Rabbit Industry and You." Oh yes, a complete guide to breeding rabbits. And because so many of you asked - yes we did name the presses. The 5 x 8 is Clyde and the 6 x 10 is Thelma (think Bonnie & Clyde meets Thelma & Louise). This ELP adventure has been one of gut instinct and sheer passion - so we thought those names were fitting. We'll update with photos from our restoration this week (including FULL before and after shots).

The World's Cutest Save the Dates

2010-01-22T19:34:00.007-05:00

Prepare yourselves . . .

Aside from my ELP collection, I also specialize in custom pieces. When our good friends Joey and McKay asked me to design their wedding suite, I was so excited (and honored! She has the cutest taste). I DEFINITELY cant take all the credit for these PRECIOUS Save the Dates (seriously do you see the looks on their faces???) - McKay was instrumental in putting the design of the piece together. McKay and Joey are getting married in April in Tallahassee at a great outdoor venue called Goodwood Museum & Gardens. McKay is very Anthropology and has such great ideas (speaking of which, I'm going to have to post the world's cutest apron she made me for my birthday last year!!). I cant wait for their big day! Photos of their custom thermography/kraft invitation suite coming soon.

The First 30 Days

2010-01-20T20:55:00.013-05:00

It's been thirty days (well, tomorrow... I got antsy and decided to post one day early) since I started making some big steps and gutsy decisions with Emily Ley Paper. It's been thirty days since my MTH experience in Watercolor. I had a great conversation with Gina Zeidler last night about MTH as a lifestyle and how the past 30 days has shaped my day to day. Lara & Jeff's MTH tour has BLOWN up and been the talk-of-the-town. But its not just a trend, MTH has really shifted so many people. And its more than just the event itself... making things happen is what you do after the event. It's really about forging ahead and being fearless and passionate and encouraging and stronger and bigger than you thought possible before.

Here is my 30 day recap. Briggs and Harley have become the "Where's Waldo" of my video blogs. See if you can find them. :)

One day I'm going to figure out how to get YouTube to let ME choose the thumbnail it starts with so Im not making my mid-sentence-goofy-face. I should make a collage of these shots...

Harnessing Passion and Creating a Business

2010-01-18T08:02:00.010-05:00

Lately, I have been so blessed to have been on the receiving end of a couple of emails from other passionate professionals looking to follow their big dreams and make them happen. They speak of the same things I experience day to day - an unparalleled desire to harness and focus their creativity, a heart and soul that wants so badly to break free from "what's accepted" and "what's normal," and a sincere helpless feeling when it comes to the business end of a creative business.

So I've created a brief how-to for anyone standing at the edge of the cliff, with a ton of passion, just waiting to put it all to work. But this isnt just a list of what to do :: I hope you read this and think... this is DO-ABLE. I have nothing to lose. I have no good excuses. I have EVERYTHING to gain and I can make this happen.

For about $225 (or more if you see fit), you can set your dream into motion, legally, legitimately and wholeheartedly.

Step 1 :: Lay it all out. ($0)
Grab a cup of coffee. Sit down. Alone. With a notepad and a pen. Write down your dreams. Write down ideas for naming your dream. Write down the ways you're going to monetize your dream. Are you going to create and sell a product? Sell your services? Write a blog? Brainstorm. Picture your brand as an extension of your personality. Is it edgy and bright? Classic and soft? Modern and simple? Consider your name as a brand. Settle on a name that fits you and your product.

Step 2 :: Stake your claim in Internet Land. ($10)
Once you've come up with a name for your company (and trust me, I know how hard this can be), visit GoDaddy.com to purchase your domain. You may want to buy the .com, .net, .info domains as well. (If you find your domain or a similar domain isnt avaialble, revisit the naming process). After making your purchase, set up your email address (IE: emily@emilyleypaper.com). Make sure you create a signature for all of your emails including your name, business name and contact information.

Step 3 :: Obtain a Business License. ($20)
Take your Driver's License and $20 cash to your local Tax Collectors office. Apply for (and receive the same day) a business license.

Step 4 :: If not using your own name, File your DBA. ($50)
If you're not using your own name, you need to file a DBA (Doing Business As) with your state. You'll be listed as "Joe Smith DBA Great Photography" with your state.

Step 5 :: Set up your Business Entity. ($0-$100)
This article is a fantastic resource for explaining the different business entities (Sole Proprietershi p, LLC and Corporation [Inc]). If you want your company to be a sole proprietorship, you can skip this step. An LLC and Corporation require additional paperwork. Visit your state's Division of Corporations website for more details on how to apply for both. If you're incorporating and wish to be an S-Corp (Emily Ley Paper is an S-Corp) you'll need to use this form to apply with the IRS once you've filed your Articles of Incorporation with your state.

Step 6 :: Apply for state Sales & Use Tax. ($0)
Visit your state's Department of Revenue website. There, you will find details on how to apply for a Sales & Use Tax certificate. This allows you to accept sales tax from your customers and pay it to the state monthly or quarterly.

Step 7 :: Buy Quickbooks accounting software. ($99 - $200)
From the very beginning, invest in top of the line accounting software. I recommend Quickbooks (any of their programs are fantastic). I use Quickbooks for Mac. Quickbooks was not easy for me to use (that doesnt mean it wont be easy for you, though. I'm "math-challenged"). I'd recommend their self paced learning CDs if you need extra help.

Step 8 :: Set up a filing system. ($0 - $10)
Buy a couple folders and set up a filing system for your new licenses, certificates and especially your receipts. Organize your receipts by month. I use an envelope for each month to hold receipts. Jeff Holt told me about a great scanning system called NeatReceipts. I may be looking into this soon. It scans your receipts into your computer and files them for you for easy access and retrieval.

Step 9 :: Build your visual brand. ($50+)
Spend a lot of time on this step. And if you can, invest in this step as well. Even in the very beginining when I only had $50 to work with, I purchased a BluDomain template to launch my very first website. They already had the layout and functionality, I just uploaded my copy and info and my photos. I had a friend help me design my first logo. Rainy Day Templates ($), BluDomain ($$), FloSites ($$$) and my own designers Hi Design ($$$) are all fantastic web/branding designers. But most importantly, your logo needs to be STRONG. Have your web designer design a logo for your name or if you feel so inclined (insert shameless self promotion voice here) contact me for details on my custom logo design services.

Step 10 :: Secure your social networking pages/names. ($0)
Set up a Facebook fan page (dont invite anyone to join just yet). Secure your Twitter name (begin to follow other people in your circle (or that you'd like in your circle). Set up a Skype account to connect with others via video chat. Be sure to add these pages to your email signature.

Step 11 :: Order business cards. ($25 - $250)
Contact your favorite business card designer (click that link, you'll laugh). Or visit your local Kinkos to have business cards printed. You'll need a few hundred to begin. Consider the printing technique most appropriate for your business (letterpress, engraving, thermography, flat).

Step 12 :: DIVE IN. ($0)
Dive head and heart-first into social media. Build strong relationships with others in the industry. Expand your experience and constantly educate yourself on your artform. Take classes. Shadow others. Fall. Let it hurt and LEARN. Read blogs of those you admire. Better yet, REACH OUT to those you admire. Commit yourself to the power of social media. Put customer service #1 on your list of priorities. Grow. Change. Find your voice. Pay it forward. Make things happen.

Step 12 never ends. Keep going with this passion and never let the fire burn out. When it does, unwind yourself and remember that one thing that's at the core of everything you do. It may not be wedding planning. It may not be paper. It may not be photography. It may be something much deeper. Go there and remember why your passion was born.

One of my favorite business blogs :: The Business of Being Creative by Sean Low. Read it.

The steps to surviving the business end of your passion are my own experiences. If you have anything you'd like to add or any changes you'd like to see, please let me know.

I LOVE :: Installment II

2010-01-17T22:10:00.010-05:00

I can't begin to tell you how my newfound dedication to my authentic self has changed me. Even today, my husband and I were going to Target and I said "I better change..." My sweet hub said "why, you wear those black tights all the time?" (I do love my black leggings). So, I kept them on and we went to Target. Its small decisions like that - that are so freeing from trying "to be..." or "to appear..." or "to become..." I just am... little ol' Southern, fireball, OCD, laughs-all-the-time, not too fancy me.

So in that same spirit, I've been thinking a lot about my last lifestyle post on things I love for 2010. It occurred to me, shortly after I posted them, that those things are things I treat myself with. Not the joys I surround myself with every day. So this is two-part. Today: Installment #2 of the things I can't live without. Then coming later this week, Installment #3 :: the "non-things" I cant live without (Clue :: one of them is 15lbs, black and white and has a tongue that hangs out 98% of the time bc it doesnt fit in his mouth).

Here are a few things I adore - and I am a firm beleiver in the mantra "you get what you pay for." So while these things are all less than $25 each, they're still top quality.

My entire home is FILLED (and by filled, I mean I get "the look" every time I bring another one home) with these brown wide-mat frames from Target. They're around $15-25 and add a touch of tradition to any photo. We have a couple collage walls in our house (wedding photos GALORE) made from these. Next is, quite possibly, my biggest weakness in life :: Wrights Gourmet House cupcakes. Oh. My. If you ever come to Tampa, you MUST visit this tiny little cafe near the South part of town. Their cakes weigh a TON (real sugar, real butter, whole milk, folks.) but their cupcakes are the perfect size. Peanut butter chocolate is where it's at. And then, my all time FAVE tee (next to the JCrew tee of course) are these Mossimo v-neck pocket tees from Target. Each is $6-8 (!) and I may or may not be wearing a bright pink one (with those black leggings) right now.

My husband just informed me this next group has two adult-beverages in it. Ha! Well, try them both - just not on the same day. Cupcake wine is our absolute favorite wine - especially their Cabernet. We buy a bottle of two every other weekend from a local wine shop. It's made in California and is $10! (Publix is carrying it now). It is so good, so smooth and so affordable. It's won multiple awards in its category at wine festivals around the world. Next is my ever-handy Crystal Light-Lightly Lemon. I have made a pact with myself to drink more water. This is how I do it. And last but not least in my adult-beverage duo is Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka. I just had to include this because of how truly Southern it is. Firefly + a little water + a giant lemon + a little ice = a great sweet tea cocktail.

I don't know about you guys, but South Florida has seen a crazy winter. I dont know what my poor lips would do without Burt's Bees. I have about 4 of these stuck in random purses and pockets (even in my car). It's minty and stays on a long time. Body & Soul magazine is my new favorite - and just so happens to be published by Martha Stewart. I've always been very interested in nutrition and the way our bodies react to foods, nutrients, etc. Body and Soul explores "clean living" (less environmental footprint, more organic eating, more mind/body/soul nourishment). And lastly, one of my must-haves. I buy a couple of these throughout the year. Growing up, my mom always had a Yankee Candle in our kitchen - honeydew melon. The smell takes me back home. My fragrance of choice for our home is vanilla lime. Its clean, fresh and a little sweet.

What are the things you love to have around you? Both things and "non-things"?

Finding My Voice

2010-01-12T12:20:00.009-05:00

I’m learning that my focus and my business is very two-fold :: as a designer and as a teacher/encourager. Growing in each of those areas requires me to define my brand by finding my voice (teacher/ encourager/ blogger) and refining my signature style (designer).

Both of these take a lot of time and a lot of practice, but eventually your voice emerges and begins to solidify. I spent the later part of 2008 and all of 2009 really defining my “style” as an artist. In the beginning, I created all types of invitations and stationery – from the very ornate to the bare minimal. Somewhere along the way (perhaps as I narrowed down the 49 suites I designed for my 16 suite collection) I discovered what I find to be most beautiful :: minimal, traditional, quality, fresh Southern style. My style will always shift, change and grow as a designer, but finding that “sweet spot” felt so good after sleepless nights and hours upon HOURS staring at Illustrator.

Now, I’m discovering my voice as a blogger. The more I stay true to my core (to what FIRES me up) the more comfortable I find myself producing/conceptualizing good content (and good designs, for that matter). I find that my network grows, comments on the blog increases and ELP gets more and more inquiries from brides and other wedding professionals looking to partner with a good designer or ask questions of someone else making this journey. All this to say that when I am faced with a decision (HUGE or teeny), I have made myself a promise to measure it against one thing :: does it serve my “mission” as "Emily Ley"? Sure, you typically hear “mission” associated with a business or a non-profit-organization, but as a professional, you should define your very own mission as well. My mission/goal/promise (whatever you’d like to call it) consists of a couple of things:

1. To be as real and authentic as possible, even when its uncomfortable.
2. To stay true to my Southern heritage as a designer :: less is more; “classy” never goes out of style.
3. To push myself constantly, always, forever. The. End.
4. To stay focused on what FIRES ME UP :: my love and PASSION to BUILD a family, a home, a business, a brand and MOST importantly – other people UP.

If I measure each opportunity, partnership, relationship, idea, design and post against those four things, I have a pretty good feeling it’ll keep me on my path towards my big dreams, help me stay sane (always a plus), and help fill my days with joy and adventure.

MTH2010 :: See you in Atlanta!

2010-01-11T22:49:00.008-05:00

I am so crazy excited, bursting at the seems, ridiculously honored to announce that I'll be a guest speaker at the Making Things Happen intensive in Atlanta on February 8! I got the call from Lara and literally squealed right in her ear when she asked if I'd join her. I'm so excited to continue this journey with MTH and meet so many of you that I've tweeted, emailed and chatted with over the past four weeks.

As you already know, MTH made a huge impact on me, my business and, to be very honest, my life in general. I can honestly say I approach every decision, every conversation and every situation a little differently since December 21. MTH was my chance to get real with myself, own each of my strengths and weaknesses and realize what was at the heart of my business - the desire to BUILD a family, a home, a business, a brand and most importantly - other people up. I'd announce this with a video blog if I had a lick of makeup on right now [transparent... but not that transparent ;) ] but I want you to know how excited I am to take this next BIG step and be there with the ATL MTH class as you take yours.

I just cannot sit still. MTH inspired our class to do so much. It not only moved me to take big steps with my business, but to let all of you in - in a very real and authentic way - while I travel this journey. I am so honored to be doing this. I cannot wait to meet all of you in Atlanta. I'd love to hear from some of you that'll be there. Email me here if you'd like to say hello. Trust me, allow MTH to change you and it will. I can't even imagine how my second MTH will move me. The journey continues . . .

Check out the new MTH website here!

Custom Designed Monograms

2010-01-11T21:09:00.005-05:00

Since I started Emily Ley Paper, I've fallen madly in love with the concept of using a monogram to "brand" and bring consistency to a wedding. The can adorn everything from Save the Dates to Invitations to thank you notes to cocktail napkins (and just about everything in between). The new website will feature a collection of wedding suites (invitations, response cards, save the dates, thank you notes, menus, programs, and monograms) designed around a "logo" or monogram for your each wedding. The monogram can be used on any DIY project you might be undertaking OR sent via email to a professional printer or vendor creating pieces for you.

Also, it will include information on my custom design services - including custom designed monograms (the designs above are part of the new collection and may be purchased and personalized with your details and color).

More details soon on how I personally used a monogram in my own wedding (including a peak at my very own big day thanks to two of my favorite people on earth : Meg & Charles from Meg Baisden Photography). In the meantime, if you're interested in custom design services, contact me here or for a custom designed monogram, purchase one here.

The Game Has Changed

2010-01-10T17:48:00.025-05:00

Over the past few weeks, I have had more humbling, "aha!" moments than I can even count. I've been working feverishly to conquer 2010 right out of the gate. The website and blog are full-steam-ahead and will be launched the first week in February (go here if you're interested in submitting). In this video blog, I tackle the concepts from Crush It - and how they (coupled with my experience at MTH2010) have changed the game for me - including one, incredibly surprising email.

It's coffee and blanket time. I apparently love to talk. Almost 10 minutes long.

Also check out this awesome video from Socialnomics. Really puts it all in perspective.

Be sure to check out Lara's blog tomorrow where she'll be announcing the MTH First Class Scholarship winner! Watch out to whoever-that-may-be :: your game is about to change too.

Go here to purchase the Crush It audiobook!

Paying It Forward

2010-01-08T11:15:00.004-05:00

I am a firm believer in the power of a thank you note. The tiniest things (like a sweet, simple handwritten thank you note) can make the biggest impact. The theory goes hand in hand with a lesson I’ve been learning the past few weeks. I remember being really young and my Mom teaching me about the “random acts of kindness”. Essentially, when someone else was least expecting it – and sometimes, for no good reason at all, you’d do something to bring value to that person, to encourage them or to lift them up – even if you weren’t sure they really needed it.

This is sometimes hard to do – especially when we get busy and bogged down in the details of our day-to-day. At MTH, Jeff Holt talked about the theory of bringing value to other people – even without expecting something in return. As a new business owner, I thought this idea was really interesting. It’s easy to ask for help from those around you as you are starting out – and thank them, sincerely, for their thoughtfulness. But what about the opposite?

What if, as a new business owner/entrepreneur/etc, you offer what you can bring to the table to someone else? This thought intrigued me a bit. I haven’t been in this industry for ten or even five years, but I do have a skill-set that is pretty strong. Who’s to say I can’t use that skill set to bring value to someone else rather than asking for the opposite? And without expecting anything in return? I’m a strong writer. I can talk the Trademark process up and DOWN. Even after one year, I KNOW what really really good custom service is. I know how to ensure that every bride feels and KNOWS that they are my TOP priority. And I am a good fundraiser. Yep, I have almost 6 years fundraising experience.

That’s where the MTH First Class Scholarship came into play. The brilliant Christopher Confero sent me a DM on Twitter about a tweet I’d just sent out. He wondered if that person needed help attending MTH, he wanted to help send them there. What an idea… I thought. So we talked about it for a bit. And rather than waiting or planning we got started. 48 hours, 17 donors and $710 later – The MTH First Class Scholarship was complete. And one pro’s life is about to be changed. As a scholarship recipient and a true, sincere, wholehearted believer in MTH and in Lara and Jeff – I knew I wanted to pay it forward. So by fusing my fundraising skills and Christopher’s obvious Southern charm and communication skills (not to mention an Army of Twitter friends) we made it happen.

Come full circle and there have been so many times in the past few weeks that I have been moved, encouraged and inspired to the point of disbelief. I’ve been reached out to, emailed and even had the most gorgeous bouquet of flowers show up at my door last night… from people who want to say “I believe in what you’re doing. Keep doing it.” I am so humbled by the kind words I’ve received from complete strangers, people I admire (and didnt even know they knew my name) and people who just felt the need to give a pat on the back.

So last night, I sat down at my computer and decided to do something that I hope will become a daily habit – reach out to a couple people who’ve been on my mind to let them know how much I believe in them. And not in a random “You can do it!” type of way – but in a sincere, heartfelt, “I know its not always easy but you will. Go. Far.” Type of way. The idea of paying it forward – coupled with a spirit of authenticity and genuine thanks is one I hope fills MY days and my works during 2010.

* The MTH First Class Scholarship application ends tonight at midnight! The winner will be announced by Lara on Monday.

Image from 100 Layer Cake

A Big Moment for Me

2010-01-06T09:52:00.008-05:00

Do you have any moments that stand out in your head? Not events or hours or conversations – but moments when something just CLICKS? I’ve had a couple of them in my life – one in particular on December 21 of last year. Wes Leytham was right there to catch it. It was the moment above. I laughed when I first saw this photo, because of the look on my face. I was thinking “I can’t believe I’m saying this out loud. I can’t believe I’m saying this out loud.” Part of what made MTH so changing for me was that Lara and Jeff really encouraged everyone to GET real and BE honest. Not on paper, not later after the event, but right there – right then – in front of everyone. Yes, there were tears – in fact, I think mine came seconds after this photo was taken. That kind of honesty is hard. But everyone in the room just let their guard down and let it all spill.

At this moment, I was saying “My biggest fear… is falling. Failure. I just don’t.” I meant it too. My entire life, I’ve worked my tail off to get what I want. And about 99% of the time, if I worked crazy hard and crazy long – I won. Now that I’m almost 27, I’m learning (in quite a few ways) that life just doesn’t always work that way. Truth be told, three days before MTH, I received a Cease and Desist letter from another company operating under the name Good Paper. My first instinct, when I received the letter, was to fight it as hard as I could (because that’s how you win, right?). I’d done everything right – filed two trademark applications (which had passed through all the necessary research and approval and were due to be REGISTERED just 24 hours later) and hired a trademark manager to manage the process. I knew in my heart that I had every right to that name – that I would win. So, I immediately hired an intellectual property attorney. He started doing the initial research. and told me that yes, I may win – but the battle could be a long and expensive one. Again, I was ready to fight. I had worked an entire YEAR – paying every penny I made through my business to an amazing web/branding designer who had built a website/blog around this name. It was (IS!) incredible. I wasn’t going to lose that. But more importantly, I’d promoted my name to my clients – to my friends – even built a reputation around it on Etsy.

I wasn’t going to fail. Because I DON’T fail.

During a break at MTH, I checked my email on my iPhone. An email came through from my Attorney – “Emily, we may lose this.” Again, he brought up a few points that made my registration look bleak. All of the energy and renewal I felt from the first part of MTH felt shaky. I suddenly felt embarrassed (besides, I’d even introduced myself to the MTH group and to Lara as ‘Emily Ley – owner/designer of Goodpaper’). How would I explain this? How would I tell all my friends and clients that I’d failed? Everything I’d worked for – for an entire year. I was embarrassed.

It was Jeff Holt and Kyle Barnes who initially said – over wine and sushi after MTH – while others were having their one-on-one time with Lara… “What is Goodpaper? Why aren’t you using your name?” (I laughed a little… they didn’t know the bad news that had just come my way – they also didn’t know that I originally started my company as Emily Ley Paper, but changed it to Goodpaper midyear). I couldn’t answer that question – other than the fact that I had this ridiculously strong brand that was going to be unveiled and it was GOODPAPER. Then, I had my time with Lara. She said the same thing. She encouraged me to take my name, my personality – to the next level. It was right then, that I realized, that my BRAND wasn’t strong because it was Goodpaper. It was strong because it was an sincere extension of myself. Simple. Classic. Fresh. And most importantly, very Southern.

It was like I finally took a breath in that moment and realized… it is OKAY to fail. I have failed at this Trademark – for many reasons. And everyone will ask what happened – and why didn’t it work out – and what was wrong with the Goodpaper name – and some people may even like that better. But that would be okay. Because by focusing on what FIRES me up – my love to BUILD (a home, a family, a business, a brand – and other people up) – would be my end-all-be-all focus. And nothing about my brand would change, other than my willingness to drop the weight of the name and OWN it as an extension of myself.

The very next day, I abandoned both trademark applications. I let my attorney know. I began the name change process. And I made the announcement to my friends and clients (subtly) that Emily Ley Paper was making a comeback. The way it was received assured me I was doing the right thing. And by being honest, I was sticking to my PROMISE to be authentic. And you know what… it felt good. It felt good, for the first time in my life, to fall. Because what was waiting for me when I hit the floor and felt the embarrassment and pain of losing so much money – was support for everything about my business that ISNT in my name – my dedication to my clients, the quality of the materials I use, my personality, and my strong belief in my design.

* Photos by Wes Leytham of Rae Leytham Photography.

Tweet, what?

2010-01-04T22:52:00.103-05:00

I plan to use this blog for storytelling - to tell the story of a Southern girl who's intent on doing-it-all-being-it-all. I'll be honest, sometimes juggling it all does me in. But the challenge is part of the fun. When I launch my new blog, I'll tell you all my entire story. But for now :: a couple of things that have really changed me and the way I operate

Last night, my sweet husband, Bryan, said to me "Babe, I love you . . . But will you please explain all of this tweet-tweet-post-tweet-re-tweet?" I have not laughed that hard in a long time.

Twitter is really foreign to people who dont use it. So, I walked him through my TweetDeck. He's been in sales for YEARS, so he had a hard time understanding why this is important to my business. It's all about CONNECTIONS I told him - about building relationships and keeping up with what's going on in the industry.

Granted, when I started using Twitter a few months ago, I had a hard time understanding exactly HOW to use it. I took the same approach as Bryan - how do I drive sales with this? I posted a couple of Etsy sales I was having or my occasional blog post. But it seemed very ONE way to me. I thought "How do I use this for my business?" It's important to know that Twitter (and alll social media, for that matter) is designed to CONNECT - connect people/people, people/information. The connections made (and relationships built) on Twitter will bring value to your business - as you bring value to others.

It wasn't until I started understanding Twitter's abbreviations/symbols (ie: RT, @) and hashtags (ie: #FF) that I really understood exactly HOW to interact with others. Twitter has a great FAQ page that explains following, mentioning, retweeting, hashtags, etc. But here are a few quick tips for the newbie trying to figure it out:

TWITTER LANGUAGE
RT :: Retweet or repost :: LOVE THIS! RT @Username Guess what! @EmilyLey is designing my invitations!
@ :: Precedes every person’s username :: @EmilyLey
# :: Hashtag – This precedes any topic you’d like to “tag” your tweet with. Hashtags categorize tweets so that they are searchable :: Guess what! @Emilyley is designing my wedding invitations! #weddings” – OR - Guess what! @Emilyley is designing my wedding invitations! #TheyreGoingToBeAwesome!
D :: Direct Message – Send someone a private message by typing a “D” before their name. It will go directly to them and wont be listed in your public timeline of tweets :: D @EmilyLey do you offer square, ivory letterpress invitations?
#FF :: Follow Friday – this is a common hashtag. #FF stands for Follow Friday. Post your favorite people to follow on Fridays :: FF @SkyDiver @LaraCase @Mashable

DON’T

Post “I’m so hungover” or “Oh no, I left my front door unlocked and we’re halfway to Canada!” – These are not smart or safe things to make public. Keep your reputation (and your valuables) in mind.
Tweet only to promote yourself. People will lose interest. Interact with others – be interested in what they’re doing, tweeting, etc. Twitter is about building relationships and sharing information.
Use those crazy “Get one THOUSAND followers now!” services. They require you to follow a ton of other people – and who wants 1,000 random followers who aren’t really CHOOSING to follow you anyways? Eek.

Thank people for retweeting your posts. Just like you’d thank someone for passing on your information in person. Retweeting is like referring others to you.
Use the Direct Message feature to have private conversations with friends. Not everything should be aired on Twitter.
Use free services like Tweetdeck and HootSuite to make Twitter more easy to understand. Honestly, I had no idea what I was doing until I started using Tweetdeck.
Use free services like TwitPic and TinyURL to shorten your URLs (remember, you only have 140 characters to use) and post links to your photos (note :: TweetDeck & HootSuite do this for you if you use their applications).
Post links to photos, good blog posts, articles, cool websites and your blog in your Tweets. People want to know more about you than just your 140 characters.
Promote (by "mentioning" their username) people you admire, who give good service and who promote you as well. Twitter is one of the greatest resources for referrals.

Like anything, getting involved is half the battle. Retweet what you think others would like to read. Reply to others posts. Don’t be shy. One of my favorite bloggers, Liene, of Think Splendid wrote a great post on Twitter for wedding pros. Twitter has (and I’m sure will continue to be) monumental for me. I’ve connected with people I’d otherwise never have the opportunity to “meet” or get to know. Use it right, consistently and with proper etiquette and you’ll find it to be a VERY VALUABLE tool for you and your business. And if you haven’t read it yet, pick up Gary Vaynerchuck’s CRUSH IT. It’s all about social media and how to use it to your advantage to seriously make things happen.

New Beginnings

2010-01-04T20:07:00.019-05:00

January is one of my favorite months of the year. There's so much enthusiasm, so much opportunity and all kinds of possibilities to come. My resolution this year is to make resolutions that I can actually stick to - things that are inherently important to me and achievable. More on goal planning to come. But another reason I love January is because it is an opportunity to START fresh. I really want my new (soon!) blog to be a reflection of me - not just Emily Ley Paper - but of a Southern girl living a Southern life trying to "doitallbeitall." So I thought I'd share a few of my FAVORITE things as we start a brand new year.

J.Crew is one of my most favorite places. Ever. A little 2010 goodness showed up in my mailbox today. At left are the new metallic leather Sperry Top-Siders. Sperry's are some of my favorite weekend shoes. They're cute, comfortable, casual and now (thanks to J.Crew) super chic. Even though it doesn't get blow 32 degrees in Tampa, every girl's got to have a cute coat - enter the Wool Harbor Peacoat. Just ask my mom, I bought a FAB coat from Ann Taylor LOFT when I was home for the holidays. Why? I needed it. Because one day. I might. Travel somewhere. Cold. Perhaps. Next - J.Crew perfect fit tees - I own 10. They're super comfy, not super tight, not super loose and fit just right (not to mention SUPER affordable and great quality).

For Christmas, my sweet aunt gave me this amazing Citron Hand Therapy from Crabtree & Evelyn. Its one of my new favorite products ever. It smells so fresh and makes your hands so soft (without the greasiness - not a fan of greasiness). Besides shoes, purses are a girl's (this girl's) best friend. I'm a huge Dooney & Burke fan. When B and I went to New York, we found the Dooney there and I went a little nuts. I only bought one purse but they were all on SALE!! They're so durable, very classic and come in fresh colors. These Tiffany Beaded Earrings are my go-tos almost every day. They're as classic as pearls and go with everything. I own three of these little beads. One for backup in case I lose one. But that's not on purpose :) I lost one one time and B saved the day my following birthday with a new pair.

I am in LOVE with Sharpie Pens. I carry these with me everywhere. They're perfect for writing on every type of paper and come in a great selection of colors. I prefer pens that are thin (small hands) so these are the way to go. Moleskin journals are a new obsession of mine. I have a love affair with kraft paper (as you'll see on the new website) so the kraft Moleskin journals are my fave. I keep one in my purse every day now. Stamped across the front are the words Making It Happen. Thanks, Lara :) And last but not least - the Live What You Love letterpress print from Hijirik on Etsy. Most of all, I love that phrase. But, I also love letterpress. A lot. (one day I will own one).

Living what I love is becoming a constant theme in my goals for 2010. Instead of resolutions, I've set goals for myself. Blogging consistently is one of them. I'll share them all with you down the road. Thanks again to all the supporters of the MTH First Class Scholarship. Twitter was all a flutter with MTH support over the past 48 hours. $710 later, something big is about to happen to a wedding pro. Get ready whoever-you-are, you're about to be changed.

A BIG THANK YOU

2010-01-04T16:58:00.001-05:00

A giant, sincere thank you to all 17 donors who made the MTH First Class Scholarship possible. And another giant, sincere thank you to all of our Twitter friends who helped spread the word. Proof that passionate people pulled together can do BIG things.

48 hours. 17 donors. $710. 1 life changed. MTH2010.

Visit Lara Casey's blog to see how to apply.

The MTH "First Class" Scholarship

2010-01-02T23:04:00.037-05:00

Christopher Confero and I were chatting via Twitter tonight and came up with a BIG idea :: to pull together as the charter class of Making Things Happen and send one person to another MTH2010 with a "MTH FIRST CLASS SCHOLARSHIP." So many of us (myself included) were so fortunate to be chosen as scholarship recipients. That meant the world to me. Perhaps we can make that difference for someone else.

So in the spirit of paying it forward, we'd like to ask each of you to contribute to the MTH First Class Scholarship fund using the "Donate" button below. Your contribution will go to a PayPal account and the lump sum will be sent to Lara Casey to award to the recipient of her choice. I'll keep updating the amount so that we all know how much has been raised to date. UPDATE: We've had many contributions from outside the first class of MTH - if you were not part of the first class, but would like to help us MAKE BIG THINGS HAPPEN for another pro, please feel free to make a contribution below!

If you have any questions - post them here. Let's MAKE THIS HAPPEN for another deserving pro! Thank you all for your support! UPDATE: Read Lara Casey's Making Things Happen Vol 2 post for more details on MTH2010 and the MTH First Class Scholarship selection process. Contribution opporutnity will close Thursday at midnight. Application process will close Friday at midnight. Lara will announce the winner on Monday, January 11!

GOAL :: $700
RAISED :: $710!

Thank you, sincerely - on behalf of the MTH2010 Watercolor Class - to all 17 donors who contributed to this scholarship! And thank you to all our Twitter friends who passed this around and helped MAKE THIS HAPPEN! So excited for the pro this will change.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2009-12-31T17:05:00.001-05:00

I'm a little overwhelmed as I realize that 2010 is a few short hours away. This time last year, I sat in a red office (yes, eww, it was red) surrounded by LSU paraphernalia, working on my husband's desktop PC, dreaming of owning my own business - a line of wedding invitations.

365 days later, I'm in my own little yellow studio, surrounded by my favorite paper-goodness, working on my 27 inch iMac :: insert angel's singing ::, looking forward to the launch of something I've put my heart, soul and spirit into for the past year. I have grown in many ways during 2009 - but 2010 brings a whole new adventure for me.

My toast to all of you for 2010 ::

May you live with a spirit of authenticity.
Be true to your style, your art - whatever it is that you're good at. Own whatever it is that you are not. Your "crumbs" as Bryan and I call them. Own them.

May you live with a spirit of adventure
Life. Is. So. Short. Take it. Own it. Crush it. So often we worry about what we have to do when (as Nike put it best) we could just DO it.

May you always act from a place of love.
Remember where you have been and where you are going - always act from a place of love. And remember, being the bigger person is NEVER never, never the wrong idea. Act from a place of love and surround yourself with people who fill that part of you.

May you truly live within your arch of creativity.
Surround yourself with that which inspires you. Let it inspire you. Be open to change and becoming your authentic self.

And last, (and this is certainly a wish for myself) -
May you always remember to roll with it.
Roll with the ups, the downs, the wins and the losses. When life hurts, let it hurt and fuel yourself with the emotions that come from it. When times are up and you are on top of the world - cherish those moments and let them fuel your spirit. Build, within yourself, a strength from each of these.

Happy New Year, everyone! Make 2010 count!

Cheers,
Emily

2009 in Review

2009-12-28T20:59:00.002-05:00

I've been doing a lot of thinking about 2009 (and 2010 for that matter). What a YEAR it has been. Both personally and professionally it has been a year of so much growth for me. My husband and I celebrated our one-year wedding anniversary - our first full year of marriage. I celebrated my first full year in Tampa. And I completed my first full year as a business owner.

Has any of that been easy? No. Has all of that been amazingly rewarding? Absolutely. First and foremost, my husband. He is seriously amazing. No really. He has helped me fold 300 stardream wedding programs during a Bears/Packers game. That - alone - makes him pretty amazing. But he also makes me coffee JUST about every night as I sat perched in front of my iMac working on this business. Supported/brainstormed/jumpedupanddown/thrownthings with me. Who could ask for more.

Lets take an honest look at 2009 ::

Bryan and I visited NYC for the first time ever. I was enthralled. In love. Sold.
January 1, 2009 - I hit the ground running with ELP. I had no idea what I was getting myself into.
Then accounting, trademark law, html, paper weight, licensing . . . what?
iMac. I'm officially an apple snob. And I loving it... so what does an apple snob do? Macbook Air. iPhone. Love love love.
Tampa starts to become more and more of a home. And I learn just how much I love and miss my little hometown of Pensacola, Florida.
I have learned that the relationships you build are so much more important and valuable than the sales you make.
I discovered Twitter. Well, this is still a new discovery for me. If you don't use Tweetdeck - try it. It made all the difference in the world for me.
Making Things Happen 2010 - truly an incredible experience for me. Learned that "getting real" with yourself and facing your challenges head on is actually a huge time saver - as well as a way to find and become your authentic self.

And at the end of 2009, I think the best lesson I've learned all year is one of authenticity. 2009 was a year of discovery - 2010 will be a year of fun (and a commitment to making time for that), of learning and of commitment to pure authenticity. Above is my ELP inspiration board for 2010.

Here's a little online cheers from my family to yours for a 2010 full of joy, adventure and happiness!

Images above from Meg Baisden Photography, Southern Weddings Magazine, Paloma's Nest, Clare Owen & Emily Ley Paper: Etsy

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T10:01:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas everyone! I came home to Pensacola with every intention of relaxing, unplugging, removing myself from my work. But after MTH2010 I am so fired up. All I want to do is keep moving forward! Granted, I've done much of this work in my PJs, next to the Christmas tree, on my laptop, surrounded by friends and family. This Christmas, I am so thankful, so humbled and so excited about what the coming year will bring. The response to the video blog on MTH2010 was absolutely fantastic. I'll be doing more video blogs periodically - I love to write, but its very natural for me to talk (in the same way I'd talk to a friend) and tell a story on camera.

So cheers to downtime, to celebrating the year's ups and downs, to planning for the coming year and for spending time with those people who refill your spirit. See you all in 2010!

Making Things Happen 2010

2009-12-23T13:33:00.003-05:00

Making Things Happen 2010 was an incredibly awesome experience. Grab a cup of coffee and a blanket - this is 9 minutes long. I had lots to say and share thanks to Lara Casey, Jeff Holt and Kyle Barnes. The main lesson: think hard, be introspective, feel the FEAR and DO IT anyway. Now off to tackle this beast of a change I'm making to my business. Stay tuned! So. Fired. Up.

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-07T16:09:00.003-05:00

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

Operation :: CLEAN OUT THE GOODPAPER STUDIO

2009-12-05T14:52:00.007-05:00

(CLICK IMAGE ABOVE TO ENLARGE)

Whew! I've been meaning to do this for a while but it's FINALLY TIME! If you are a stationery designer or just an all-around-crafty-person, Goodpaper wants you to know about our Envelope Sale! Sets available (including quantities) are listed above. Please email emily@ilovegoodpaper.com for pricing. Help us clean out our studio and prepare for new Goodpaper inventory!

Our Personal Christmas Cards

2009-12-05T13:49:00.006-05:00

Just finished up our personal Christmas Cards. As a stationery designer, I have a reputation to uphold :) But I LOVE this year's cards! I used pocket folders this year so that the pocket could hold our annual letter and our photo could be mounted to the other side. Happy holidays!

HOLIDAY SALE GOODNESS!

2009-12-04T22:38:00.003-05:00

HOLIDAY SALE! The Cyber Monday Holiday Sale went over so well, I've extended it until December 10.

100 sets of personalized stationery, including an assortment of these envelopes are now just $50 with FREE SHIPPING! Hurry, stock is limited! Choose from any design in the Etsy Shop. Make your purchase here and include the design you'd like in the "Comments to Sellers" section.

Cheers,

Emily

Today

2009-12-02T19:02:00.002-05:00

Today I am frustrated and a bit grumpy. I am not a good product photographer. But I am learning. And Im going to fake it. That or I'm going to find someone who is and pay them lots of money. Sigh. My GPS... no, my TREASURED GPS... was stolen from my car. In my nice neighborhood. I want it back. A friend did things to make me sad. And I am up to my ears.

The silver lining. I am up to my EARS. Seriously. I am so thankful to have such a wonderful customer base. I cannot wait until January. Today... I am thankful.

HOLIDAY SALE EXTENDED!

2009-11-29T22:26:00.001-05:00

These have been really popular the past few days - so happy holidays!

Set of 100 Personalized Stationery Sets = $50 with free shipping. Envelope color choices are limited.

One more day only! Stop by my Etsy Shop to make your purchase OR email me.

Cheers!

Emily

GOOD IDEA :: Giant Stationery Sets - 100 in each!

2009-11-17T20:27:00.010-05:00

Introducing a new holiday gift idea! From now until December 19, I'll be selling these stationery sets in my Etsy shop as holiday gifts! Each set comes with 100 (!) sets of personalized flat notecards - printed on double thick 110 lb white OR ivory stock - and coordinating envelopes (in any of the colors shown or in an assortment of each).

Each set is $50 with free shipping until December 19!

Purchase in my shop or email me to get started :: emily@ilovegoodpaper.com

Happy holidays!

OH MY GOODNESS

2009-11-13T09:32:00.005-05:00

I think a great addition to this little blog will be a new feature I’ll do on the occasional Friday – “Oh my Goodness” featuring all the little things that make life so good, even unexpectedly.

Starbucks red cups – These, by far, top my list of signs Fall is in the air and the Holidays are around the corner
Blind letterpress – I’m recently in love with this form of printing. I love the simplicity.
My sweet husband making me laugh – if you haven’t met Bryan… he is one of the funniest people I’ve ever known. He has an uncanny, unmatched ability to make me laugh even when I am having the worst of days. One of the top 3 reasons I love him to pieces.
Traditions – Fall is the season of traditions for my family. A boisterous Christmas White elephant party. A Christmas morning scavenger hunt (for my husband, myself, my brother and my brother’s girlfriend – all of whom are between the ages of 22 and 30). A silly ornament exchange with my husband – we are developing quite the eclectic collection.
My mom’s sweet Southern hospitality – my Mom is the best at this. When Bryan and I go home for Christmas, my mom always has our favorite foods baked and waiting (chocolate chip cookies – my weakness in life). She plans our favorite dinners. My dad makes coffee in the evening for everyone while we sit around and chat. Home is so comforting.

Looking forward to spending a week at home this Holiday season. But in the meantime, keep those personal stationery and Holiday photo card orders coming!

* PS: Changes are a'coming for Goodpaper! Slowly but surely. Check out www.ilovegoodpaper.com for the new splash page. A bit of Goodpaper style to tide you over until January 8 and the big reveal!

Personalized Stationery on sale now!

2009-11-12T08:53:00.004-05:00

If I do say so myself, personalized stationery makes a great Christmas gift! I've just listed 18 new personalized stationery designs in my Etsy Shop. Prices start at $18 for 16 sets of flat note cards (printed on double thick 110lb cover) paired with coordinating envelopes (colored or kraft). Each set comes packaged in a clear cello sleeve adorned with a ribbon and Goodpaper kraft label. If you're interested in ordering a different quantity, please email me at hello@ilovegoodpaper.com.

Holiday photo cards are in full swing! These are also available in my Etsy Shop. Or, if you'd like a custom design - email me. Happy Holidays!

The Countdown Begins...

2009-11-09T11:36:00.009-05:00

Today I read a blog post by Lara Casey, someone whom I’ve never had the joy of meeting but constantly admire, that was just beautiful. I can’t even sum it up for you in my little blog, but I hope you’ll go to hers and visit it. Especially if you’re a Southern Weddings magazine fan… especially if you own your own business… especially if you are working one job to pay the bills and another to complete your heart’s work… especially if you’re young and ambitious and have an idea you can’t wait to run with.

As 2009 begins to draw to a close, I honestly can say I have no idea where it went. Somehow, in twelve short, short months I’ve started a business, changed its name, learned more than I ever thought I would need to know about business, balance and all things paper, celebrated my one-year wedding anniversary with my best friend, adapted to a new home while deeply missing my old one and somehow survived. I can only think that 2010 will bring even more change and excitement for me. Emily Ley Paper started as a small idea… maybe an Etsy shop… maybe a few weddings for friends… and somehow grew into this crazy business called Goodpaper that has brought me so much joy. It’s almost like my child… it’s changed countless times, grown into its own and continues to morph into something bigger than I ever dreamed. I. Cannot. Wait. To. Share. It. With. All. Of. You.

But at times, I find that it sincerely takes over me. I work, for those of you who don’t know this, at the University of South Florida Foundation – handling all development and fundraising as the Assitant Director of Development for the Women in Leadership & Philanthropy program from 8-5. From about 5-midnight/1am, I run Goodpaper… and at least 1/2 of my weekend hours are spent doing the exact same thing. When I wake up in the morning, I go for quick 30 minute run (this is a new habit), then get ready for the day – while reading through emails I missed during the last 5-6 hours. I inhale a kasha granola bar, fill up my coffee cup and head out the door to beat traffic. One thing I can say is that while I am at USF, I devote my time and attention to my program. But instead of lunch dates, I’m typically at FedEx shipping wedding orders or at Staples picking up office supplies. Many days, instead of lunch, I shut my office door and reply to emails and write blog posts. On my way home everyday, I have a phone date with my Mom as I fight the Tampa traffic. When I get home at night, I make dinner 2 or 3 times a week or we eat cheerios or PBJs (we laugh bc we love that we do this… even though the Martha Stewart in me tells me its awful), then by about 6:30 I’m back in my home-studio, filling orders and working on the website. Bryan and I make sure we have a date night at least once a week – he is my sanity.

Without Bryan, I'm not sure I would have ever started this venture. He is so supportive and such an encouragement to me. It was his entrepreneurial spirit that led me to make the leap. He gets so excited over the smallest accomplishments, much like I do. And this project has become one that we share... even when it takes over our living room with photography equipment and he has to help me fold programs during the LSU football game :) I'm a lucky woman.

I am so apprehensive, excited, semi-terrified, nervous and over-the-moon about launching Goodpaper in January. The site is absolutely incredible. And my web designer, Kendra has rolled with each change and shift as Goodpaper becomes a strong brand. The last screenshots I saw took my breath away. It’s Southern. Classic. Simple. And Friendly. My photographers and favorite people on earth, Meg & Charles Baisden did artistic product shots for me as well as headshots that are… perfect and make it all seem so real. I’ll be taking a little over two weeks off in December to enjoy the holidays and wrap up last minute website edits.

I need to learn to unplug myself. But I absolutely cant wait to see what 2010 has in store for Goodpaper. Thanks for your support and for reading this really wordy post. It’s a bit of a ramble, but feels good to share a bit of “me” here.

Cheers,
Emily

GOOD NEWS :: New Stationery in Etsy Shop!

2009-11-07T13:43:00.005-05:00

The new Goodpaper Stationery is now available in the Etsy Shop! Everyone loves something with their name on it - so start your holiday shopping early! Sets of 12 are $18.

Each set is printed on double thick 110lb cover (white or ivory) and is paired with coordinating envelopes (your choice or color or assortment). Sets arrive to you packaged in a clear, cello sleeve.

If you're interested in a larger or smaller quantity, shoot me an email and I'll set up a custom listing for you :: hello@ilovegoodpaper.com

GOOD ADVICE :: Never wear pearls before 5pm?

2009-11-02T13:24:00.011-05:00

At the heart of Southern style is Southern etiquette. Sometimes it seems like the rules are forever changing. The other day, a dear friend of mine, told me she heard It’s improper to wear pearls before 5pm. I had to laugh! Absurd! But, as it turns out, that is in fact an old Southern tradition. Few woman adhere to the rule (yours truly included) nowadays. I came across this great article from Real Simple today and just had to pass it on. Good advice. (“Good Advice” is also the name of the etiquette section of the new Goodpaper website!) What are your Southern etiquette rules?

Social Deadlines… by Real Simple

Introducing Yourself to a New Colleague
Aim to: Welcome the new person as soon as you hear she has arrived. Don't wait until you've been in a meeting together or exchanged e-mails, says Jill Bremer, an executive image coach in Oak Park, Illinois.

If you are late: Apologize for being inconsiderate and then show interest in her background, ask how she likes the new job, or invite her to lunch.

Tip: As a company veteran, you'll have an easier time making the first move because the newcomer is probably overwhelmed and can't remember whom she has met.

Welcoming New Neighbors
Aim to: Stop by within a few weeks of their arrival, says Millie Downing, author of the Miss Conduct column in the Boston Globe Magazine. If they're busy unpacking, just say hello and visit later.

If you are late: It's never too late, but if the "new" neighbors have been around long enough to be heading up the block association and you still haven't met, you might ask a mutual friend to make the introductions.

Tip: Prepare a file of useful local information to bring over. Downing suggests delivery menus, area maps, event calendars, and the names and numbers of the best dry cleaner and plumber.

Sending a Get-Well Card or Flowers
Aim to: Send it as soon as you hear that the person is not well. If she is having surgery or some other short-term treatment, send your card after the procedure.

If you are late: Mail a card that says you've been thinking about the person, and apologize for not contacting her during the illness.

Tip: If you don't know what the person's condition is, try to contact friends or family before sending anything. If the person's health is deteriorating quickly, a get-well card might not be appropriate.

Sending a Condolence Note
Aim to: Get it there within a few days of the funeral. "You don't want to drag it out for the family," says Crane's Stationery spokesman Peter Hopkins. "People need to start recovering."

If you are late: If you're late writing the note, explain that you've had difficulty expressing your feelings on paper.

Tip: Flowers are not always welcome. The family might prefer a donation to a charity in the deceased's name. (Check with the funeral home.) If donations are requested, make one within two months.

Hosting a Bridal Shower
Aim to: Throw the shower about two months before the wedding, says Los Angeles wedding planner Mindy Weiss. This allows the bride to send thank-yous before the final wave of wedding preparations.

If you are late: Don't be. If you're not up to the responsibility of planning the shower, pass it off to someone who is.

Tip: Without burdening her with details, ask the bride-to-be about her expectations concerning gifts, games, food and drink, and whether men should be included.

Sending a Wedding Gift
Aim to: Send a gift to the bride's home before the wedding. "You do not have a year to send a wedding gift," says Peggy Post, author of Emily Post's Etiquette 17th Edition ($26.50, amazon.com). "That is a myth."

If you are late: Etiquette rules are rules. But, honestly, newlyweds (and even two-year-weds) are always pleasantly surprised by a thoughtful, albeit late, gift. And the bride has probably heard the one-year "rule," too.

Tip: If you send the wedding gift too early, it may be mistaken for an engagement or shower gift. Wait until you receive the wedding invitation.

Hosting a Baby Shower
Aim to: Host the shower four to six weeks before the due date. Consult with the mother-to-be about timing: Some women, due to health complications or religious custom, prefer to wait until after the child is born.

If you are late: If a shower is delayed so long that the baby is already teething, consider offering to help out with an open house for the newly enlarged family, or to host a first-birthday party.

Tip: In the past, baby showers were held for first babies only. Today showers for second- and third-borns are more common, with gifts often focusing more on the mother than on the practical needs of a newborn.

Sending a Gift for a New Baby
Aim to: Get a gift to the house within three weeks of the birth, or bring it over the first time you see the baby. If you already gave a baby-shower gift, you don't have to send a second present.

If you are late: "Select something that can be used by the growing child," says Downing. Or give a gift card that lets the parents choose exactly what they need and spares them the hassle of store returns.

Tip: Check in with the new parents around the five-week point. By this time, the phone calls have died down and reality (and shell-shocked exhaustion) is setting in. Talking to an adult may be a treat.

Sending a Birthday Card or Gift
Aim to: Get it there a few days before or after the birthday. Try to be timely with gifts for kids, who may be less understanding than adults about late gifts.

If you are late: Send the gift anyway. In your card, write something like "It took a lot longer than I thought to find the perfect present," suggests Hopkins.

Tip: When you jot down a birthday on your calendar, make a note to send the card or gift five days before, or set the alarm on your PDA.

Giving a Housewarming Gift
Aim to: Bring a gift the first time you're invited over, or send one when you receive the change-of-address mailing. If you know there will be a housewarming, you can wait to deliver your gift then.

If you are late: Don't worry about it. "Housewarming gifts are not obligatory," Post says.

Tip: "Don't give someone a gift before she moves," Post says. "That's one more thing she'll have to pack."

Returning a Phone Call
Aim to: Return a business call the same day. "Anything past 24 hours is too late for most people in business," Bremer says. Downing recommends that you return personal calls within two days.

If you are late: Apologize with a simple "I'm sorry." Avoid explanations unless you have a very good excuse.

Tip: If you don't have time for a long conversation with a friend who has left a message, send an e-mail saying when you will call back.

Returning an E-mail
Aim to: Respond to business e-mails within 48 hours. (Any later than that is bad for your image at work.) Try to show friends the same courtesy. Make sure to use the automatic out-of-office reply when you're away.

If you are late: "If you know you can't respond in a timely fashion, at least send an e-mail to say you're in a time crunch and will get back to the person as soon as you can," Bremer suggests.

Tip: Complex instructions―or anything that might trigger a lot of back-and-forth messages―may be better dealt with over the phone.

Staying at a Friend’s Home
Aim to: The "fish and guests stink after three days" rule is useful, but close friends may want you for a longer time. Stick to the original dates, even if they insist you stay longer, says Downing.

If you are late: If unavoidable events prevent your leaving on time, offer to take your hosts to dinner so you can relieve them of cooking duties.

Tip: Don't show up with unexpected guests. If you're not sure who's invited, ask politely.

Sending a Thank-You Note
Aim to: Mail it within two days of receiving a gift, being a guest at someone's home, or enjoying any other act of kindness. Notes for holiday and wedding gifts can wait until the frenzy of the event ends.

If you are late: "Write a thinking-of-you note instead," says Hopkins. Mention that you still recall the wonderful dinner or that you've been enjoying their gift.

Tip: A job-interview thank-you note should be mailed the same day, Bremer says.

photo above by Joe Scafuro

FREE STATIONERY! Calling all brides!

2009-10-26T13:44:00.008-04:00

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If you are a bride I have worked with... through Emily Ley Paper or Goodpaper (for monograms, invitations OR any other piece for your wedding) ... I would be so delighted if you would give me a review on Project Wedding and/or Wedding Wire. All brides who complete these for me by this Friday and email me to let me know (info@ilovegoodpaper.com) will receive a set of personalized stationery FREE! 8 cards and envelopes with your name. Be sure to include your address in your email! :)

My plan is to have these pages up and running when the site launches in January. A Wedding Wire link will be posted next week! MANY many thanks!

Just click HERE to be taken to the correct page to write a review.

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Goodpaper Holiday Photo Cards

2009-10-23T10:03:00.004-04:00

The Goodpaper Holiday Photo Cards are up in the Etsy shop! I've been beyond productive the past few days - spending 4 days in Goodpaper Bootcamp (as I've thoughtfully named it) to make things HAPPEN! Happy Friday!

Words to Live By

2009-10-20T14:21:00.002-04:00

Over the past few months, my thoughts on business, work-life balance and ambition have been changing. Thanks to bloggers like these and the book “The Four Hour Work Week,” I’ve found that my attention is turning to “making things happen” and “being good at what I know.” Sometimes, it’s so easy to get lost in the details that we miss the big picture day-to-day.

For instance, I am relentlessly trying to figure out QuickBooks. Connecting PayPal to QuickBooks has proved to be one-hellufa-nightmare. (PS: this is a call for advice, would love to know if you’ve made this work). I spend so much time sorting through transactions and matching them to my chart of accounts that I am pulling valuable time away from what I need to be working on… putting finishing touches on the Goodpaper Wedding Collection for the new website. So finally, I decided to stick to what I “know” and am “good at” and hired an accountant to work with me. We’ll meet for our first time on Friday and continue to meet quarterly to make sure I have my act together.

As a small business, it’s costly to “outsource,” but I’ve found that you have to decide how much you value your time. For me, I value it more than teaching myself QuickBooks :)

Above and beyond the idea of outsourcing what you’re “not good at” is the simple thought (thanks, Dad, for this great quote) we “work to live and don’t live to work.” Remember that your work should be your passion, but shouldn’t drive your life. The Four Hour Work Week suggests that we should remove ourselves from the parts of our business that we aren’t absolutely needed in – and focus on that which drives success and thus drives our own happiness. I, all too often, find myself living to wake up at 6am… and work til midnight. For me, it’s a means to an end – when Goodpaper will be successful enough to support itself. But I also remind myself that besides a business owner and designer, I’m a wife, a friend, a daughter, a sister… and those roles are even more important. As strange as it may sound, those first two exist to support the later.

All in all, remember to spend your days “making things happen” and “being good at what [you] know.” Your passion should drive your happiness without ruling your life. "Balance" is never truly found... it's a constant shifting of commitments from side to side as priorities change all in an effort to remain upright :)

Etsy Tips

2009-10-19T15:25:00.003-04:00

Much to my amazement, one of my Goodpaper monograms was featured on the front page of Etsy AGAIN today! This makes twice this month! I chaulked the first feature up to “luck” and kept going about updating Etsy as usual, but after this feature – decided I’d give it some more thought. A few Etsy friends have asked me what I’ve been doing differently? Well.. a few things are key (or so I’m believing at this point)…

RULE #1 :: Make sure your shop reflects your brand and is clean, clear and concise. The Goodpaper brand is very simple and I’ve tried to make my shop reflect that sense of “white space” and minimalism. The introduction contains only what needs to be there – most importantly, links to my website, blog and email address (these get used frequently by visitors).

RULE #2 :: Take REALLY good photos. Invest in a good camera.
I changed all my photos out just before the first front page feature. I think this helped a lot. Clear photos (where the whites look white, not gray… I've found lightboxes dont help this... only natural, direct sunlight) are so important. Here's a good tutorial. Again, I’ve tried to make these as clean as possible. A few months ago, I bit the bullet and invested in a real Rockstar camera – my Canon Rebel XSi with a Macro lens (this is perfect for photographing text and small details). I love this camera and have found shooting in natural sunlight is key.

RULE #3 :: Update and renew items regularly.
I try and add to my shop pretty regularly, but it doesn’t always happen. Most importantly, I try and renew at least 3 items (including one best-seller) every morning. This keeps my items showing up on the “newly listed” feed (also on front page) and shows them early in searches.

RULE #4 :: Be kind and courteous even with outlandish requests. I’ve gotten a few crazy convo’s on Etsy the past few months… buyers asking for me to design logos for free, asking me to copy other designer’s monograms, asking for 3 for the price of one. Even though I can’t help these buyers, I make sure to point them in the right direction and thank them for coming my way J

Best of luck to all you Etsy’ers! New Etsy items to come in the next few months including wedding pieces, Christmas photocards, new monograms and LOTS of personalized stationery!

Font Love

2009-10-18T18:16:00.011-04:00

As you may already know... I have a small... well, large... obsession with fonts. I just can't help myself sometimes. It's sort of out-of-control. My Fonts is perhaps, my favorite Font site - but there are quite a few other sites that offer free fonts. Some of them are really great and offer some pretty great fonts. Here are a few of my favorite font sites as well as a few really pretty FREE fonts for your DIY projects!

FONTS FOR SALE :: My Fonts

FONTS FOR SALE :: Sudtipos

FREE FONT :: Carpenter Script, Courtesy of Fonts101

FREE FONT :: Pointedly Mad, Courtesy of GetFreeFonts

FREE FONT :: Riesling, Courtesy of DaFont

Our Anniversary Weekend

2009-10-18T16:02:00.004-04:00

We're back! Indian Rocks was a great trip. Thanks to our friends Jeff & Lisa for letting us stay in their beautiful condo for the weekend! It was so nice just to get away and talk about the past year. It's been such an adventure and so much fun. I must say... I'm the luckiest girl in the world to be married to my best friend.

Bryan, who isn't one for big surprises, pulled out all the stops this weekend. When we arrived at the condo, we changed and went to dinner at Conch Republic. It was really good... then afterwards, we grabbed a bottle of wine and headed back to the condo. When we walked in, Bryan led me to the kitchen and started talking about how bad our cake topper tasted (attention brides :: it's gross). We had attempted to taste it the day before and gave up when we decided it tasted like licking the inside of an ice maker. Bryan opened the condo fridge door and surprised me with my ABSOLUTE favorite... peanut butter chocolate Wright's cake. I promise we did NOT eat as much as it looks like... the poor cake slid off it's board inside the box and squished part of it... :( If you're anywhere in South Florida... you have to come to Tampa and visit Wright's Deli. Their cakes weigh about 20lbs (and probably put that much on your hips) and are the best around.

After I got over my giddiness over his surprise, he pulled out a little box and gave me a beautiful diamond ring that matches my wedding band. Now I have one on each side of my engagement ring.... one from our wedding day and one from our 1 year anniversary. I teared up big time. Photos to come! :)

One Year Anniversary

2009-10-16T16:47:00.002-04:00

.Bryan and I are off to Indian Rocks Beach to get away for our one-year anniversary on Sunday. The best year of my life... with my best friend. Have a great weekend everyone!

Good Blogs

2009-10-15T13:47:00.014-04:00

I've been blogging for years now... but my blogging started as personal and lengthy and has, with the "birth" of my business, morphed into something more succinct and "hot topic" -ish. My undergraduate degree is in English Writing (Masters is in Public Administration, randomiknow) so I've always had a passion for literature, reading, writing and sharing my thoughts - as random as they seem to be sometimes.

Lately, I've been drawn to blogs about business, social-networking, new-media and fashion. I love story-telling blogs also. And most of all, I love blogs that update frequently and have really great photos. Two keys to succesful blogs, if you ask me. I wanted to share with you a few of my most favorite blogs... the ones I check throughout the day - even when I should be more focused on other things. Cant wait for the unveiling of the "goodpaper" blog in January... mmmm goodness!

Lara Casey - All Business
A Rockstar in her field, social-media expert and overall joyful person - and from my hometown of Pensacola.

Style Me Pretty - Backstage
We all know and love SMP, but check out Abby's newest Blog - "Backstage" where she tells the stories behind her business, her day-to-day life and even her history as an invitation designer. Love it.

Meg Baisden Photography
Not only super good friends of mine, but real innovators in the world of photography. Check out Fusion Media also. If you're getting married, call them. All the cool kids do ;)

Sarah + Abraham
A very sweet small business owner whose had great success. Her blog offers great advice and frequent updates on her company.

DesignSponge - Biz Ladies
Super resource for women business owners - not to mention trend-watching.

Jack & Izzy

Another super sweet designer. Her blog tells a great story of a new business growing...

Sarah Jane Studios

One of the most inspiring stories of a small business owner taking over the world with her lovely artwork. my future child [one day... hold your horses]'s nursery will be decked out in Sarah Jane goodness

The Business of Being Creative

For the business side of us creative types - Sean Low is the brainchild behind the success of Preston Bailey. Read him. Follow him.

Zen Habits - Simple Productivity

Love this. Sanity = simplicity for me.

ETSY Storque - Quit Your Day Job

One of my newest favorites. Follow Etsy'ers as they tell their stories of turning their hobbies and dreams into full time jobs. One can dream...

GOOD DEAL :: 125 INVITES FOR $200

2009-10-13T20:08:00.005-04:00

In honor of the Fall weather that's coming (and bringing so many beautiful Fall weddings!) I'm offering one set of 125 ivory, square invitation sets for $200. This includes the following:

Ivory square envelopes with return address printed on back flap
Ivory square invitations
Ivory response cards with return address printed on front
Ivory response cards
Printed on extremely heavy, soft textured paper with textured, matching envelopes

To purchase: email Emily at emily@ilovegoodpaper.com ASAP! First come first serve!

Gorgeous Letterpress Invitations

2009-10-13T17:34:00.004-04:00

So excited to share my latest letterpress invitation suites. I just finished these beautiful invitations for a big Southern wedding in Mississippi. These are definitely in my top 5 favorites!

The paper behind the invitations will be used for envelope liners. The stock is Arturo - see the deckled edges? Gorgeous.

Etsy Tuesdays

2009-10-13T13:03:00.004-04:00

I've just realized that my biggest days for sales on Etsy are Tuesdays. How interesting! According to my Google Analytics, a good 60% of my correspondence and sales from my shop all take place on the most random day of the week. I'm not really sure why this is - perhaps brides are likely to be bored at work and surfing Etsy by almost mid-week? :)