Just completed a new graphic for my stationery. I love how simple and modern it turned out! What do you think?

Mother’s Day will be here before you know it. More designs to come…

What is a treasury?
A treasury on Etsy is something sellers vie for. It’s a way for both buyers and sellers to showcase 12 of their favorite items currently available amongst the many Etsy artisians. It is considered a huge honor to have someone not only have the patience to snag a spot to create a treasury (they are in very high demand) but to include one of your artworks in their showcase from over the thousands of other choices they have. Sometimes the Big Brother of Etsy also referred to as the Admin, may find a treasury worthy of the front page. This ultimately brings a lot of views and potential sales to those featured. One day I’ll have to wait and create a treasury because there are so many great handmade items out there, however they might end up in my home before making it to a treasury.

Recently I was included in a beautiful treasury entitled: If it’s paper, it’s in here. Stationery is a huge market on Etsy and can be overwhelming at times. So thank you Ella Scott Jewels for featuring little ol’ me!

On Tuesday I had the pleasure of going to New York for business. Let me start by saying the anxiety was building on a daily basis. Not many people know that I have a fear of taxi cabs. Yes I said it, those yellow-orange vehicles whipping around corners completely oblivious to rules of the road. Where did this stem from you might ask? 2 words: Bone Collector. The late 90′s drama starring Denzel Washington trying to find a serial murder who’s MO was kidnapping his prey posing as a taxi cab driver. Luckily both of my taxi cab drivers either couldn’t care what I was doing or listened to soothing religious discourse.

But I digress, the main purpose of our mission was to visit with our New York offices in addition to shadowing an advertising agency: Wieden + Kennedy. Let me tell you my jaw completely dropped to the floor when I walked into W+K. Immediately you are immersed in the latest trends of graphic design, fashion, sports, everything I dreamed of. The creativity seemingly jumped from one person to another, the camaraderie and teamwork came so naturally you really thought it was one big happy family. Everyone I met was unique: from your typical type “A” personality to the ever free-spirited ingenious individual. And they had a job that encouraged that personality. Truly a benchmark worth living up to.

But before my day began at the brisk 8:30am, I forged my way through busy streets of Wall Street professionals and free-lance creative individuals. I then started to really witness how unique New Yorkers are. As I sat in Starbucks rather early in the morning (7:30am to be exact) I people-watched, experiencing how New Yorkers have a mutual respect for one another. Yes, they are completely focused and determined to get to their destination as quickly as possible, yet they will take the time to open a door for another patron or help a visually-impaired man find his walk man that had dropped to the floor. I have new-found respect for those that conquer the streets and subways of the Big Apple on a daily basis.

Until next time…

Photo credits:
taxi cab
W+K
subway

Suanne from Paper Affection. Please check your email for instructions on receiving your prize.

Thank you all for entering the giveaway. The number of participants were outstanding! I hope to see you all back often. Look for the next post when I unveil the new weekly addition to the blog: Mod Mondays. Mod Mondays will feature artists who design simple modern products. If there are Mod designers you know or if you are one of them and would like to be featured, please leave a comment or send me an email {info at perideaudesigns.com}.

Thank you again and have a great week!

Prize :: $50 gift certificate to use in my shop.

Here are some samples to choose from:

Adult Stationery :: Great gifts for friends, co-workers, or for yourself!

Children’s Stationery :: Perfect for mom’s-to-be and new moms.

Favor Tags :: Icing to any party.

Sets :: A great way to coordinate a party!

Rules :: Take a look at the products offered in my shop and leave a comment on this post indicating which is your favorite and why. Please remember to leave contact information. You do not need to have a blog to enter, just a valid email address.

Please only one (1) entry per person.

Details :: The contest ends Tuesday, February 24th at 12am EST. I will randomly draw a name and announce the winner on my blog on Wednesday.

Thank you and good luck to all!

Take time and enjoy life.

Read this post by Holly Becker, writer for decor8 and other well known blogs and magazines. This most recent post made me sit back and ponder how I prioritize my business, family, and life.

And I will be receiving one in a few weeks. Moop creates handmade bags for all ages and I just fell in love when I found her Etsy shop. You should also check out her website and blog.

I finally perfected designing and assembling note pads. They would be a 5″x7″ 40 sheet note pad with the option of personalization. Some pictures are below. What do you think, good idea? What would you change and/or add?

Red Amy Bowl :: Silvia Dotto

Heart Balloon :: little brown pen

Keep Calm Carry On :: Blu Lima

Rose and Pepper Thumbprints :: Whimsy and Spice