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By shayna, August 26, 2010

coptic stich binding

So, I’m sharing a booth at renegade craft faire with Cheesecake Handmade Beauty.  I didn’t officially apply this year (I didn’t want to take on more than I can handle what with the wedding and all)  so I’m going under the radar.  Initially Claire had only wanted me to help run the booth and sell her wares on Sunday morning while she’s running the half marathon. In exchange offered me half her booth for free as compensation.  As the fair is approaching, has offered me space in her booth on both Saturday and Sunday.  This is exciting! But stressful as I have lots to do to get ready for the day. I’ve been working on better packaging and getting my whole display set up together.  That’s been the easy part.

The studios where I print are closed until September, so in the mean time I’ve been working on producing hand bound journals (finally!) which seems like its taking fooooorever.  I have at least 10 started, which I think will probably be my limit for what I can do in the time I have while also needing to work on tying up countless other odds and ends.

So, I’ve bound journals before, and I’ve helped edition artists books, but I’ve never ‘mass’ produced journals.  The first thing I’ve learned from this experience is next time only  make ONE size journal!  (or two for variety)   Seriously I have 10 journals that are all different sizes.  I thought they would look more interesting that way, but it’s taking my probably twice the amount of time just to cut the paper down to size, and my head is swimming with numbers and calculations and ways to produce the least amount of scraps.

I am also thinking I’ll do a few little, super simple single signature pocket notebooks to sell for $2 or so.  Those will be much easier to make and satisfying to see finished as I crawl my way through the larger jornals.

ALSO — my kutrimmer has been my savior!  I don’t think I’ve loved (or used) a new tool more than this.  I am in love with that thing.  Once I get more done on my journals I’ll take some pix and post em.

Thanks for listening!

~ shayna

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By shayna, August 21, 2010

I actually took all these photos and posted them on my flickr site before the wedding madness kicked in, I just never had a chance to post them up here on the blog.

There are shots of my most recent custom project.  I created an 8×10″ two color print of the hands ceremony for a couple to give as a wedding gift to their friends.

I was really happy about the final outcome.  And I got an email back from the customer who loved them as well.  It’s so nice to hear.  I have a few more custom jobs coming up over the next few weeks, as well trying to acclimate back into ‘real life’ after all the wedding hoopla.   I’ll also be stocking up on inventory as I’ll be sharing a booth at the Renegade Craft Fair on Sunday, Sept 12th with Cheesecake handmade beauty.  (very exciting, but so much work to do in the next month.)

I’ll also be working binding a new stock of journals that will hopefully be up on Etsy and in stores soon!  I’ll keep you posted.

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By shayna, August 14, 2010

I have been accepted as a vendor at Indie Wed next January 2011.  It will be a showcase of wedding wares and services for brides looking for less traditional weddings! Woohoo.

I’ll keep you posted as I learn more.  There is more info on the website: http://www.indiewed.com/home-ch.html

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By shayna, May 30, 2010

There are so many exciting projects I’m working on right now.

The first being some fun custom jobs I’ve been working on.
1) fAdam and Stephanie’s Invitations and Reply cards and Thank You cards. They’ve had lots of wonderful ideas which have taken me out of my comfort zone and have been a pleasure to work with
2) I designed cards for Cara announcing her elopement in Texas.  Cara had purchased a card from me about a year ago (2009) through my etsy shop when it had just, just just opened. A year later she contacted me about designing this custom card for her.  She really appreciates and understand my aesthetic and has been amazing to work with.  It’s both flattering and reasuring.  I feel like I must be doing something right
3) My own wedding invitations for my 2nd, more casual wedding in California.

All very exciting!

Next, I will plan on applying to be a vendor at IndieWed next January 2011 in Chicago (straight from the website):
“Indie Wed caters to not only unconventional couples who are taking a more modern, edgy, or eco-friendly approach to their special day but also the more conservative couples who simply want to add some special touches. The event highlights the work of independent designers specializing in various wedding related fields including stationery, cakes & pastries, fashion, catering, floral design, photography and more.”

The applications opened today and close July 30th, 2010. I plan on spending the next 2 months printing and prepping to get my portfolio for the application.

THIRD:  I’m still coordinating with the ladies at WolfBait, but I’ll probably be hosting a book binding workshop in their shop sometime this summer or early Fall.  I’ll keep you all posted on that.

For now, yay!  for working on what I love!

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By shayna, February 1, 2010

Handmade Market, Chicago

Steel Petal Press will be selling cards at the HandMade Market, Chicago on February 13th, 2010 from 12p – 4p at the Empty Bottle in Chicago, IL.

1035 N. Western Ave.
Chicago, Illinois 60622

Handmade Market is a unique event to connect the makers of beautiful things to people who appreciate the unique and handmade.

The Empty Bottle starts serving at noon, so feel free to shop with mimosas in hand. (We do encourage relaxed shopping.) You can also grab brunch at the tasty Bite Café next door.

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By shayna, November 30, 2009

Steel Petal Press will be selling cards on SATURDAY Dec 5th, 11a – 5p at the Holiday Artist Market in Athens, Ga.

stop by 283 Broad Street!