tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56269262388566143402024-03-13T19:15:25.182-07:00Letter ParadePaper Goods and Favors Company | Los Angeles, California
www.letterparade.com
@letterparadeLetter Paradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07117700279576115636noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626926238856614340.post-89064151091979367702018-04-11T16:01:00.000-07:002018-04-11T16:01:34.463-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nviC-VPDiHY/Ws6JIUggg1I/AAAAAAAABAQ/qPdtqsB2YiE2OdbZpyD5e6S3x7B2nwQpACLcBGAs/s1600/THTPB-finding-hope-in-failure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="814" data-original-width="938" height="553" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nviC-VPDiHY/Ws6JIUggg1I/AAAAAAAABAQ/qPdtqsB2YiE2OdbZpyD5e6S3x7B2nwQpACLcBGAs/s640/THTPB-finding-hope-in-failure.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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April 11, 2018</div>
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Dear friends,<br />
<br />
This is a hard one to write because vulnerability wasn't something I occasionally take around the block for a casual walk. I've thought about returning to where I last closed the curtain, peel it back and act as if nothing happened. But there's been far too much time in between, and I needed to be honest with myself, first and foremost.<br />
<br />
Failure is the F word that now appears more taboo than the other F word. I set out to follow a path that made me feel alive - I felt good every step of the way. I met kindred spirits that made the journey oh, so heart-warming and I've made some good strides. I have started Letter Parade with little expectations of where it was going to take me. It wasn't clear where I should've stirred the wheel but the one thing I made sure was that I put out the very best of what I've got to give. That every product I churned out was a big resounding "yes!" and I stashed away the ones with even the slightest "meh." I think where I lost my footing was thinking I had enough credibility to go for gold and not realizing that before I get to that pedestal, I needed to be at the level of bronze then silver. I was naive to think that I was exceptional enough to have a shortcut. I let the <a href="http://www.letterparade.com/p-r-e-s-s/" target="_blank">magazine features</a> go to my head. <br />
<br />
No matter how much pep talk I gave myself that I welcomed failure because they made me more sure of the next steps I had to take and that I needed to make all the wrong moves because I anticipated these were my best teachers - nothing could've prepared me for the version of myself that I met when my first <a href="http://wwd.com/business-news/markets/las-vegas-trade-show-calendar-10959625/" target="_blank">wholesale trade show</a> wrapped up. I felt defeated and my arm only had enough strength to wave the white flag. I could see myself in the eyes of my dearest friend, Lisa Sarmento of <a href="https://tiramisupaperie.com/" target="_blank">Tiramisu Paperie</a> and I didn't like how I've let myself succumbed to failure made only worse by how I wholly embraced it. And God only knows what I'd done if Lisa wasn't there with me every step of the way. I simply cannot thank her enough for keeping me standing and to finish with grace. Her resilience, humor and impeccably good heart saved me many times over. <i>Thanks, Lisa! I love you to the moon and back!</i><br />
<br />
It has been eight months since that curtain call. While I've kept my days busy with my day job, at night I was inconsolable as my husband would tell you. I hadn't designed any more products, I hadn't posted anything on social media on behalf of Letter Parade. One could say I've simply left the playing field but I sure wasn't at peace. Failure was a stranger I didn't know how to entertain and whose acquaintance I should've made the most of. But no, instead I was nurturing towards it and it brought me the self-doubt I thought I'd fought hard to eradicate. I let failure convince me all the things that I now found easiest to agree to - <i>yes, I'm not good enough; yes, I don't have what it takes; yes, I am better off doing the barest minimum with the littlest of risks</i>... the all too familiar voice. I've let it drag me on for this long before I realized that there is no fault in getting back up, moving on and admitting to the world that I let failure get the best of me. I've also learned that the very definition of resilience is becoming unstoppable to what it is that you truly love to do and that to me is clear - designing. <br />
<br />
So yes, I'm going to give this my second, third, fourth, fifth and all the infinite shots I could for as long as I can see ideas in my head that I need to put on paper. Yes, I will now focus all my energy to turning failure into the teacher that I expected it to be. And yes, Letter Parade is back and oh, my I've missed it so.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading.<br />
<br />
Love & Letters,<br />
<br />
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<br />Letter Paradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07117700279576115636noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626926238856614340.post-69055229167719597062017-05-02T13:01:00.002-07:002017-05-02T14:39:42.774-07:00My Favorite Things: Round-up for Dapper Dads<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bwPyG-Xet8Y/WQjaMq3WCBI/AAAAAAAAAUI/GuOOrEgaQ4YiaaRMF-Do0P3wr3SspQ5YACLcB/s1600/fathers%2Bround%2Bup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bwPyG-Xet8Y/WQjaMq3WCBI/AAAAAAAAAUI/GuOOrEgaQ4YiaaRMF-Do0P3wr3SspQ5YACLcB/s640/fathers%2Bround%2Bup.jpg" width="537" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://dapper-as-fck.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Middle image<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span></a> | </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />Clockwise from top: </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446613611&site_refer=CSE_GGLPRADS001&gclid=CjwKEAjw3KDIBRCz0KvZlJ7k4TgSJABDqOK7wun58mMwl8gMliHSxwwf24vWXZL3PwhpmGUZ_Nl6pBoC30Pw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">100% Wool Hat by Mr. Kim</a> | <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/528467091/dapper-dad-fathers-day-daddy-mustache" target="_blank">Mustache Dad card by Letter Parade</a> | <a href="ttp://cooldartboards.com/sport-team-color-dart-boards-decor.html" target="_blank">Grey and Blue Dart Board</a> | <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/483758306/multi-language-fathers-day-father-dad" target="_blank">Multi-language Dad Card by Letter Parade</a> | <a href="http://www.cufflinks.com/best-intentions-5-oz-flask.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&utm_campaign=&utm_adgroup=&gclid=CjwKEAjw3KDIBRCz0KvZlJ7k4TgSJABDqOK7XfUSfoHCRWYXdM0DaPbnRW7TzzNRm8n04HugZVFG2BoCqhnw_wcB" target="_blank">Best Intentions Flask </a>| <a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/house-and-home/gifts/homemade-gin-kit/040232116544-item.html" target="_blank">Homemade Gin Kit </a>| <a href="https://www.harrys.com/products/the-winston-set?utm_source=GoogleDisplayNetwork&utm_medium=display_ad&utm_content=Winston-Set&utm_campaign=PLA" target="_blank">Deluxe Shaving Kit</a> | <a href="http://www.mysteryranch.com/3-day-assault-pack?quantity=1&itemcolor=1" target="_blank">Backpack</a> | <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/514660862/awesome-dad-fathers-day-daddy-amazing" target="_blank">Awesome Dad Card by Letter Parade</a> | <a href="https://www.engraversworld.com/jacob-jones-shoe-shine-kit-73498-tan-and-brown-check-personalised?gclid=Cj0KEQjwhN-6BRCJsePgxru9iIwBEiQAI8rq8wULLaGMXsHHUUIR-uTIm65-wZvEYuzPohAqkcomLKQaAuEr8P8HAQ" target="_blank">Shoe Shine Kit </a></span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Dear friends,</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black;">This one's for dad. </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black;">Although my father passed away three years ago, he left with me a wealth of fond memories to remember him by. He was the true artist. He had impeccable taste in almost everything, most especially when it comes to music. As a daddy's girl, I definitely take from him. </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black;">No, he wasn't a dapper dad. I think being a father in Asia in the late 70's and early 80's kids would be anything but dapper. So the items included in this mood board for gift ideas is a good assortment for different types of dads. One who's adventurous and into traveling and backpacking, another who's a drink connoisseur, one who is practical and invests in high quality essentials that lasts a lifetime, and another who likes to kick back with a game of darts. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><br /></span>
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<span style="color: black;"><i>Multi-language Dad Note Card</i>, $5.00 Click <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/483758306/multi-language-fathers-day-father-dad" target="_blank">here</a> to shop</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BRvYCecK0L4/WQjghh7sb_I/AAAAAAAAAUs/7yUlJhPIq9sztTMTHbOwh-XiVGDWwqjzgCEw/s1600/NC6762-MustacheDad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BRvYCecK0L4/WQjghh7sb_I/AAAAAAAAAUs/7yUlJhPIq9sztTMTHbOwh-XiVGDWwqjzgCEw/s320/NC6762-MustacheDad.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>NEW</b></span><i><span style="color: black;"></span></i></span>! </span><span style="color: black;"><i>Mustache Dad Note Card</i>, $5.00 Click <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/528467091/dapper-dad-fathers-day-daddy-mustache" target="_blank">here</a> to shop</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-01M4x2iggeA/WQjgcNiKVeI/AAAAAAAAAUs/xRrOzvBXoKg1zHJLVOrAAee9StqB55evgCEw/s1600/NC6765-AwesomeDad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-01M4x2iggeA/WQjgcNiKVeI/AAAAAAAAAUs/xRrOzvBXoKg1zHJLVOrAAee9StqB55evgCEw/s320/NC6765-AwesomeDad.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>NEW</b></span><i><span style="color: black;">! </span>Awesome</i></span><span style="color: black;"><i> Dad Note Card</i>, $5.00 Click <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/514660862/awesome-dad-fathers-day-daddy-amazing" target="_blank">here</a> to shop</span></div>
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What other gift ideas for dad do you recommend? </div>
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Love & Letters,</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G15Cz62_s70/WGMdfJJDbQI/AAAAAAAAAGw/s8RJrrKfTvQlVBhgdBGd3Q83fTFmxm-nACPcB/s1600/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="93" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G15Cz62_s70/WGMdfJJDbQI/AAAAAAAAAGw/s8RJrrKfTvQlVBhgdBGd3Q83fTFmxm-nACPcB/s400/signature.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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P.S. Father's day is June 18th! FYI!</div>
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Letter Paradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14937279356299918116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626926238856614340.post-56068991667184863002017-04-10T15:57:00.001-07:002017-04-10T15:57:37.675-07:00Exciting News! Artisanal LA Collaboration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MxihNvvLOVo/WOwMjfh0ELI/AAAAAAAAATc/nLoEXNwjA2I_Rd28FmBwmD2TalmyV3UhQCLcB/s1600/artisanal-LA-LOGO.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MxihNvvLOVo/WOwMjfh0ELI/AAAAAAAAATc/nLoEXNwjA2I_Rd28FmBwmD2TalmyV3UhQCLcB/s320/artisanal-LA-LOGO.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
Dear Friends,<br />
<br />
I am so thrilled to announce that my application to show with <a href="http://artisanalla.com/" target="_blank">Artisanal LA</a> at the <a href="http://www.lasvegasmarket.com/market-dates/" target="_blank">Las Vegas Market</a> come Summer has been approved!<br />
<br />
This will be my first ever wholesale trade show so I'm a ball of emotions at the moment. But I will be joining fellow stationer pals and vets in the industry so I rest easy I will not be completely alone in this exciting adventure!<br />
<br />
Save the dates on July 30th thru August 2nd! More details soon to follow!<br />
<br />
Love & Letters,<br />
<br />
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<br />Letter Paradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14937279356299918116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626926238856614340.post-43081127585191166472017-03-23T12:54:00.000-07:002017-03-23T12:54:07.974-07:00My Favorite Things: Round-up for Mom<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pl8ZTnaiWF0/WNQYcKpQy8I/AAAAAAAAARo/zQxECl87FYUuWEdtja3XDhMYWKLZuCfaACLcB/s1600/mothers%2Bround%2Bup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pl8ZTnaiWF0/WNQYcKpQy8I/AAAAAAAAARo/zQxECl87FYUuWEdtja3XDhMYWKLZuCfaACLcB/s640/mothers%2Bround%2Bup.jpg" width="537" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.taaora.fr/blog/post/idee-de-tenue-avec-pantalon-chino-kaki-et-blouse-rose-clair" target="_blank">Middle image</a><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span> | </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />Clockwise from top: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/483757720/multi-language-mothers-day-mom-mama?ref=related-1" target="_blank">Multi-language Mother's Day Note Card</a> | <a href="https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/grey-bee-watch?category=jewelry&color=004" target="_blank">Anthropologie Bee Watch</a> | <a href="https://www.adairs.com.au/homewares/pots-plants/" target="_blank">Cactus Concrete Planter and Plant Combo</a> | <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/487661682/stay-majestic-11x14-minimalist-pink?ref=shop_home_active_21" target="_blank">Stay Majestic Art Print </a>| <a href="https://www.toryburch.com/viv-flat/11148339.html" target="_blank">Tory Burch Flats</a> | <a href="http://www.garnethill.com/adelina-italian-cross-body-tote/446370?listIndex=1&cm_mmc=Paid%20Search-_-Google%20PLA-_-Clothing%3EWOMENS%3EACCESSORIES%3EBAGS-_-42289&SourceCode=K7W42B1&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=GooglePLA&utm_medium=cpc&intlShippingCtx=US%7CUSD&locale=en-US&zmam=53113079&zmas=1&zmac=1&zmap=42289-GSNKOS&cm_mmc=google-_-GH+All+Products+PLA-_-GH+All+Products+PLA-_-&SourceCode=K7W42B1&gclid=CjwKEAjwwcjGBRDj-P7TwcinyBkSJADymblTJ-BKVgfwbauOoGooyK6mq8cQVapHst-vidHCbOtzLBoCkwzw_wcB" target="_blank">Italian Soft Leather Crossbody Tote</a> | <a href="http://www.blackbeardscrafts.com/" target="_blank">Plamplune Grapefruit and Peach Wine</a> | <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/nars-lipstick/2893763" target="_blank">Nars 'Cruising' Lipstick</a> | <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/483760986/mothers-day-monogram-cameo-silhouette?ref=hp_rv" target="_blank">Mother's Day Monogram Note Card</a> | <a href="https://www.choies.com/cardigans-c-321" target="_blank">Deep Green Cardigan</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"></span><br />
<br />
Dear friends,<br />
<br />
I've put together this mood board with mothers in mind, filling it with carefully selected pieces of gifts that I'd love to gift my mother. Works for mother's day (that's fast approaching), holidays, her birthday or just to simply say '<i>I love you'.</i><br />
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Each item will give you an idea of how my mother is: lowbrow yet tasteful and ever so practical. My Mah turns casual into trendy but always goes for the comfortable as well as timeless. So if splurging a little means you'll get your money's worth in the end, well then, it's a no-brainer.<br />
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We don't come from money. We're middle class as middle class go. My Mah taught me expensive brands don't mean anything if you don't know how to wear it in a way that flatters you. So we find the good with the cheap, and trust me, we always do! The one best lesson when shopping that she imparted to me that is somewhat of a double-edged sword is: <i>"Buy it now or spend time thinking about it later only to find it's already gone when you go back for it. Anyway, you can always return it if you change your mind. This way, there are less regrets in life." </i><br />
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Then off we go to the clearance section.<br />
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Now, I feel like I really have to explain the addition of the cactus planter on here, well, maybe most moms prefer a bouquet of flowers. Feel free to switch it up. I just know that my Mah, being the green thumb that she is - prefers to have something that lasts longer with as little fuss as possible. So there you have it.<br />
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The Letter Parade products featured above are:<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zQQCGDoMDSo/WNQf43KvjlI/AAAAAAAAASA/KG8w0QMO4Ikkv2CzS3Kg9fN1XnGPtghogCLcB/s1600/IMG_5297-2-edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zQQCGDoMDSo/WNQf43KvjlI/AAAAAAAAASA/KG8w0QMO4Ikkv2CzS3Kg9fN1XnGPtghogCLcB/s320/IMG_5297-2-edited.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
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<i>Mother's Day Monogram Note Card</i>, $5.00 Click <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/483760986/mothers-day-monogram-cameo-silhouette?ref=hp_rv" target="_blank">here</a> to shop.</div>
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<i>Multi-Language Mom Note Card</i>, $4.50 Click <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/483757720/multi-language-mothers-day-mom-mama?ref=related-1" target="_blank">here</a> to shop.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gGUKcFtmkTk/WNQgR6mb67I/AAAAAAAAASM/aW5hrziVc1oi5XN7OqyQ1ak9iL4Fj728QCLcB/s1600/AP2214-8x10-Stay-Majestic-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gGUKcFtmkTk/WNQgR6mb67I/AAAAAAAAASM/aW5hrziVc1oi5XN7OqyQ1ak9iL4Fj728QCLcB/s640/AP2214-8x10-Stay-Majestic-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Stay Majestic 11" x 14" Art Print</i>, $34.00 <br />Click <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/487661682/stay-majestic-11x14-minimalist-pink?ref=shop_home_active_21" target="_blank">here</a> to shop. Also available in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/487096644/stay-majestic-8x10-minimalist-pink?ref=related-2" target="_blank">8"x10" size art print</a> as well as <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/483669562/stay-majestic-inspirational-quote-queen?ref=listing-shop-header-3" target="_blank">single</a> and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/500634079/stay-majestic-cameo-queen-crown?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank">boxed</a> set of 8 note cards.</div>
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What other gift ideas for mom do you recommend? </div>
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Love & Letters,</div>
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Letter Paradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14937279356299918116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626926238856614340.post-4731373394404304132017-02-28T10:54:00.000-08:002017-02-28T10:54:10.551-08:00My Favorite Things Round-up: SPRING EDITION<br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Middle image: <span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Late Afternoon <a href="http://www.lateafternoonblog.com/" target="_blank">blog</a></span></span> | </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Clockwise from top: </span><br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/515192443/pre-order-ships-in-mid-april-when-life" target="_blank"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">When Life Throws You Lemons 8x10 Art Print </span></a><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/sweet_tart_lemon_candles/collection?.embedder=17820081&.src=share_app&.svc=pinterest&id=5243279&utm_campaign=default" target="_blank">Lemon Basil Soy Candle</a></span><a href="http://www.printmag.com/color/yellow-book-covers/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald</span></a><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/515190013/pre-order-ships-by-mid-april-lemons" target="_blank">L<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">emons <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Letter Set</span></span></a> </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://le3no.com/products/womens-open-front-long-sleeve-tuxedo-blazer-jacket-wjc1616?pp=1" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dress Jacket by Le3No</span></a></span><br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/496180426/when-life-throws-you-lemons-yellow?ref=listing-shop-header-2" target="_blank"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When Life Throws You L<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">emons <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">N</span>ote <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">C</span>ard</span></span></span></span></a><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.onekingslane.com/p/1840877-antoinne-tufted-armrhair-gray-linen" target="_blank"><br />Tufted Armchair by One Kings Lane </a><br /><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/496526956/lemon-drops-single-note-greeting-card?ref=listing-shop-header-1" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lemon Drops Note Card</span></a></span></span></span> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.lulus.com/products/specs-mix-sunglasses/81518" target="_blank">Gold accented Round Sunglasses </a></span><br />
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Who doesn't love yellow? If there could be a more endearing shade in the color palette it's only another version of yellow. The happy color; the sight of yellow generally invokes pleasant feelings. <br />
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My idea of spring is yellow with gray - just a subtle touch of elegance like this outfit by <a href="http://www.lateafternoonblog.com/" target="_blank">Late Afternoon blog</a>. A simple casual yellow shirt dressed up by metallic tones ready for warmer nights out.<br />
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If it isn't obvious until now, I'm crazy about the color gray. It's such a beautiful neutral shade that goes with just about every color of the rainbow. So when I designed a more Spring-inspired line, adding yellow to the mix was a natural choice.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qzvIc867P7s/WK9Jw52_qDI/AAAAAAAAAOo/sb1TDgQ062cmp0J2tozwhH3W083znKSqgCLcB/s1600/AP2455-8x10-Life-Lemons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qzvIc867P7s/WK9Jw52_qDI/AAAAAAAAAOo/sb1TDgQ062cmp0J2tozwhH3W083znKSqgCLcB/s400/AP2455-8x10-Life-Lemons.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When Life Throws You Lemons 8x10 Art Print (frame not included); <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pre-order</span> here.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J59wdykC-UQ/WK9KEk-06DI/AAAAAAAAAOs/YRXVJMQNjlA9RHc1BiHFU6YdnVVrudZogCLcB/s1600/LS2455-Lemons-1-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J59wdykC-UQ/WK9KEk-06DI/AAAAAAAAAOs/YRXVJMQNjlA9RHc1BiHFU6YdnVVrudZogCLcB/s320/LS2455-Lemons-1-01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lemons Letter Set<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> comes with 8 8.5"x5.5" writing sheets, 4 lined envelopes and 4 envelope sealers. <br /><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pre-<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">order</span></span> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/515190013/pre-order-ships-by-mid-april-lemons" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a1pD2-hE1ig/WK9KYwrVk9I/AAAAAAAAAOw/hKamU0eE2isTOLie9sv23NjNEL9g93P7QCLcB/s1600/Letter-Parade-NC2455-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a1pD2-hE1ig/WK9KYwrVk9I/AAAAAAAAAOw/hKamU0eE2isTOLie9sv23NjNEL9g93P7QCLcB/s320/Letter-Parade-NC2455-01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When Life Throws You Lemons <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Note Card.</span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">G</span>et this <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/496180426/when-life-throws-you-lemons-yellow" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qT70wxqFQx8/WK9Kpz78KYI/AAAAAAAAAO4/2eocucFvx9QbpxiGNKS_5yXlOP0tnsC3ACLcB/s1600/Letter-Parade-NC5436-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qT70wxqFQx8/WK9Kpz78KYI/AAAAAAAAAO4/2eocucFvx9QbpxiGNKS_5yXlOP0tnsC3ACLcB/s320/Letter-Parade-NC5436-01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lemon Drops Note Card available single or boxed set of 8.</span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">G</span>et this <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/496526956/lemon-drops-single-note-greeting-card" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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The Lemon Drops design also inspired the March desktop printable calendar and printable stationery (below) that I share exclusively to newsletter subscribers. <a href="http://www.letterparade.com/sign-up/" target="_blank">Sign-up now</a> to get new designs every month delivered straight to your inbox!<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p-jAsA_Gwms/WK9K1DFAYEI/AAAAAAAAAO8/E2Z0Zk4LrGU9NzDgP1NmL7roZmwgYrBgACLcB/s1600/newsletter-freestationery%2Band%2Bcalendar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p-jAsA_Gwms/WK9K1DFAYEI/AAAAAAAAAO8/E2Z0Zk4LrGU9NzDgP1NmL7roZmwgYrBgACLcB/s640/newsletter-freestationery%2Band%2Bcalendar.jpg" width="555" /></a></div>
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After putting together this mood board, a story has revealed itself to me: a woman getting ready to go out for cocktails and dinner decided to kick off her strappy shoes, picks up The Great Gatsby, lights up the candle and proceeds to get comfortable in the light gray tufted chair to read all night long. Yes, I believe those are my kind of nights these days but with a more casual attire, like say, sweatpants and t-shirt. Ha! <br />
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What's your color story?<br />
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Love & Letters,<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kWgh8SASUEM/WH8MZwr8TpI/AAAAAAAAA6M/HpvRufDLly4TueX4Rl4T4VXE-2t0JvXbQCLcB/s1600/signature.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="93" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kWgh8SASUEM/WH8MZwr8TpI/AAAAAAAAA6M/HpvRufDLly4TueX4Rl4T4VXE-2t0JvXbQCLcB/s400/signature.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Letter Paradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14937279356299918116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626926238856614340.post-87406302881601113672017-02-26T15:19:00.000-08:002017-02-27T00:01:04.660-08:00Minimalist Chic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tAJ_PsmGScg/WLNhFcaYHuI/AAAAAAAAAPc/qdo6uONkfU8QeoMUE8Z1M2NWeVe_93wGwCLcB/s1600/minimalist%2Bchic-final-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tAJ_PsmGScg/WLNhFcaYHuI/AAAAAAAAAPc/qdo6uONkfU8QeoMUE8Z1M2NWeVe_93wGwCLcB/s640/minimalist%2Bchic-final-01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">I call my line's aesthetic, 'Minimalist Chic.' </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">You can expect to find plenty of wide open spaces surrounding my designs. I go very minimal with color and my palette typically revolves around pink, grey, black, blue and red with the occasional burst of yellow. <br /><br />I'm not very good with snark so you won't find that here. Nor am I good with calligraphy, so my font is limited to that of a typewriter style to give my products that classic feel with a modern touch. My goal is to produce very clean and timeless products and I sure hope these are what you're looking for!</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LetterParade" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LetterParade" border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QA_6e2a9MJY/WLNhzdLnG8I/AAAAAAAAAPg/MX6NfUBwp_kjP3jDCmPNoKLo2EE5kyolwCLcB/s640/etsy-shop-screen-shot.jpg" width="619" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">View my Etsy shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LetterParade" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></span><br />
Letter Paradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14937279356299918116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626926238856614340.post-85990635347804755002017-02-21T13:05:00.000-08:002017-02-21T13:05:22.455-08:00Spring Shoppe Now Open<insert banner="" ig="" shoppe="" spring=""></insert><br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LetterParade?ref=search_shop_redirect&section_id=7630067" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SXFU5CS1zkM/WKyqK6fA39I/AAAAAAAAANc/1BGgDfeU_yYicHZAN07bKZI-SACVrHzNgCLcB/s640/springshoppe2017-01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LetterParade?ref=search_shop_redirect&section_id=7630067" target="_blank"><br /></a>
Dear friends,<br />
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After a much needed time with my family back in Chicago, I am back with my sleeves rolled up and ready for business with the opening of my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LetterParade?ref=search_shop_redirect&section_id=7630067" target="_blank">Spring Shoppe</a>.<br />
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I've transitioned the colors from pink and grays to yellow and grays - gotta have my grays!<br />
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In the next few weeks, I'll be crunching time and money to get my first wholesale catalog wrapped up and out into the world by mid April! I'm excited, nervous and kinda worried since competition is tough out there. I hope you stay with me on this upward journey!<br />
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Love & Letters,<br />
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<br />Letter Paradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07117700279576115636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626926238856614340.post-81252023063613478112017-02-01T17:10:00.000-08:002017-02-01T17:10:15.352-08:00GIVEAWAY: Love is Here 8x10 Art Print<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/501146567/love-is-here-8x10-minimalist-pink?ref=shop_home_active_5" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/501146567/love-is-here-8x10-minimalist-pink?ref=shop_home_active_5" border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T8EUxF4xjNU/WJKA3P3XVdI/AAAAAAAAA7A/WFbpqbZ5PZINKup7yCPT9uICd9DhI5ALwCLcB/s640/AP8461-8x10-Love-is-here.jpg" width="636" /></a></div>
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Dear friends,<br />
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The world can use as much love as possible. Now more than ever! So, recently, in my small way as a stationer I'm finding means to reach people beyond my circle by donating to a special cause led by <a href="http://www.designsponge.com/" target="_blank">Designe Sponge</a>'s Grace Bonney.<br />
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She called out on instagram recently for stationers to donate writing supplies to meet-ups across the US of caring people who come together and fight a good fight by writing to our government officials. This is another way our voices can be heard! Let's flood their mail boxes! <br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4l2newoUyo8/WJKC6yjoUMI/AAAAAAAAA7M/UJfEMZrZjhshWV9JG5MqhOaH13xk1cZ6gCLcB/s1600/Design-sponge-stationery-donation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4l2newoUyo8/WJKC6yjoUMI/AAAAAAAAA7M/UJfEMZrZjhshWV9JG5MqhOaH13xk1cZ6gCLcB/s400/Design-sponge-stationery-donation.jpg" width="341" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #999999;">Image courtesy of <a href="http://yesma.am/" target="_blank">Yes, Ma'am Paper Goods</a></span></span></span></div>
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I've also partnered with <a href="https://sashahuff.com/" target="_blank">Sasha Huff</a>, a film producer, writer, director and content manager I met via Instagram to host a giveaway of my Love is Here 8"x10" art print. The contest opens tomorrow and ends on February 7th. See details <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sashahuff/" target="_blank">here</a> to join!<br />
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You can buy this art print, if you'd rather <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/501146567/love-is-here-8x10-minimalist-pink?ref=shop_home_active_5" target="_blank">here</a>. This also comes in size <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/501147999/love-is-here-11x14-minimalist-pink?ref=related-2" target="_blank">11"x14"</a>. If you ask me, this makes a perfect gift to give someone who could use some love in these turbulent times.<br />
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Love & Letters,<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qqS-sfNaFJ8/WJKGlVcEhwI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/10711mz66okaMkuITuOF49nSV2kuojYnACLcB/s1600/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="93" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qqS-sfNaFJ8/WJKGlVcEhwI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/10711mz66okaMkuITuOF49nSV2kuojYnACLcB/s400/signature.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />Letter Paradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07117700279576115636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626926238856614340.post-77243083397969933452017-01-31T15:42:00.001-08:002017-02-23T11:17:44.148-08:00My Favorite Things Round-up: VALENTINE'S EDITION<br />
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<b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "baskerville" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 20px;">***The Pink <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "baskerville" , "georgia" , serif;">and</span> Grey Love Story***</span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "baskerville" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 20px;"><br /></span></span></i></b></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z8lFqwI4S8I/WH8GIPf4CoI/AAAAAAAAA5s/s66grCn3n8AUqM6Kp1UZiQH4bN1KV-3zACLcB/s1600/vday%2Bround%2Bup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z8lFqwI4S8I/WH8GIPf4CoI/AAAAAAAAA5s/s66grCn3n8AUqM6Kp1UZiQH4bN1KV-3zACLcB/s640/vday%2Bround%2Bup.jpg" width="537" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Middle image: <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/source/wendyslookbook.com" target="_blank">Wendy's Look Book</a> | </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Clockwise from top: </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.herbivorebotanicals.com/collections/f-a-c-e/products/pink-clay-exfoliating-mask" target="_blank">Herbivore Botanical Pink Clay Mask; </a></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.shopspring.com/products/53107062?gclid=CjwKEAiAtefDBRDTnbDnvM735xISJABlvGOv7zFNLethq5pTzr7oimDwN-mlmmAXoyZlL8pcLjXPqRoCdL_w_wcB" target="_blank">Shop Spring Vintage Rose Candle;</a> </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/484035514/simple-heart-letter-set?ref=shop_home_feat_2" target="_blank">Letter Parade Simple Heart Letter Set; </a></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/161327953/blanket-scarf-plaid-blanket-scarf-scarf?ref=listing-shop-header-3" target="_blank">Plaid Blanket Scarf by Easy Seller Dailyaccessoriez;</a> </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/483949892/love-is-here-postcard-set-of-10-pink?ref=shop_home_feat_1" target="_blank">Letter Parade Simple Heart Postcards Set of 10</a>; </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.sephora.com/agave-lip-mask-P384629?skuId=1619576&publisher_id=255779&sub_publisher=s&is_mobile=&sub1=&sub_keyword=&sub_campaign=192095439&sub_placement=&gdevice=c&gclid=CjwKEAiAtefDBRDTnbDnvM735xISJABlvGOv6OSTanZRahBPbygWA31xZ-AoZnBxdtZZp7_1xCHKexoCNFXw_wcB&site=_search&om_mmc=ppc-GG_192095439_15347185719_pla-81656118519_1619576_49113170319_9030951_c&gmodel=&country_switch=&lang=en&sub_ad=49113170319" target="_blank">BITE Beauty Agave Lip Mask in Champagne; </a></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/266749935/geometric-throw-pillow-cover-pastel-pink?utm_source=Pinterest&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_campaign=Share" target="_blank">Geometric Pillow by easy seller VanillaGreyShop;</a> </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/501146567/love-is-here-8x10-art-print?ref=shop_home_active_5" target="_blank">Letter Parade 'Love is Here' 8"x10" art Print; </a></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.herbivorebotanicals.com/products/rose-hibiscus-hydrating-face-mist" target="_blank">Herbivore Botanical Rose Hibiscus Hydrating Facial Mist; </a></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/497158569/simple-heart-valentines-day-note-card?ref=shop_home_feat_3" target="_blank">Letter Parade Simple Heart Note Card</a></span><br />
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A confession: I wasn't into pink until about less than a year ago when I found a grey scarf with pink skulls printed on it. It was on sale for $5 and it had to be mine. Since then, I've slowly integrated pink into my life.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WBBN9hNh8E0/WH8H_bUiocI/AAAAAAAAA54/UxIW0z5iCN4h6tEu3xAFiYs4WiGO248jACLcB/s1600/NC8459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WBBN9hNh8E0/WH8H_bUiocI/AAAAAAAAA54/UxIW0z5iCN4h6tEu3xAFiYs4WiGO248jACLcB/s400/NC8459.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This heart design I call "simple heart" etched into my head as clear as the blue skies. Even before I sketched it and digitized it, I knew it would be all black against a light pink background. This was the first out of my Pink Pop collection:<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TQS-uTdXNlM/WH8IoZ3MtII/AAAAAAAAA58/K9a-chqHNgM5ffjwGt3LHSaf0ahSLAi0wCLcB/s1600/PINKPOP-A2%2BCards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TQS-uTdXNlM/WH8IoZ3MtII/AAAAAAAAA58/K9a-chqHNgM5ffjwGt3LHSaf0ahSLAi0wCLcB/s640/PINKPOP-A2%2BCards.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now, I'm not entirely sure if this is a phase. But for now, I'm quite happy with this love affair with pink under the condition that it goes with grey and black, thank you very much.<br />
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What's your color story?<br />
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Love & Letters,<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kWgh8SASUEM/WH8MZwr8TpI/AAAAAAAAA6M/HpvRufDLly4TueX4Rl4T4VXE-2t0JvXbQCLcB/s1600/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="93" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kWgh8SASUEM/WH8MZwr8TpI/AAAAAAAAA6M/HpvRufDLly4TueX4Rl4T4VXE-2t0JvXbQCLcB/s400/signature.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Letter Paradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07117700279576115636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626926238856614340.post-16599291415346490722017-01-17T22:40:00.000-08:002017-01-17T22:40:09.757-08:00STATIONERY BIZ: Sending Samples to Dream Retailers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tmThz-xi4aY/WHPsNzGKjWI/AAAAAAAAAKg/xicQu1g8HfUGz46Mavjt-Zbte0qriYpsQCLcB/s1600/15941135_10154325390903576_4202817128960863290_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tmThz-xi4aY/WHPsNzGKjWI/AAAAAAAAAKg/xicQu1g8HfUGz46Mavjt-Zbte0qriYpsQCLcB/s640/15941135_10154325390903576_4202817128960863290_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">JANUARY 7, 2017 | Los Angeles, CA</span><br />
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Today I'm going to blog about line sheets and sending samples to retailers as a wholesale company.<br />
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Back in May 2014, I created my idea of what line sheet was based on what I was able to reference to online. I made sure I had all the standard elements down, at least from what I can deduce on all the line sheet examples I could find. I mailed out about 5 of these and never heard back. I ended up picking up the line sheet and samples from the retailers I left them with to the sound of crickets except for one. I wish I can say that turned into a sale but no. I will not mention which store but, at that time, my heart had sank so low but I pulled the last courage of asking the owner why he didn't think my cards made the cut. He was nice enough to spare his time. He ended up pointing to his shelves of cards on why he thought mine was obviously not up to par. He was by no means condescending. I was just hurt to know that I wasn't there yet.<br />
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Towards the end of last year, I finally sat down and created a new line sheet. With a little more knowledge - thanks to my <a href="http://tradeshowcamp.com/" target="_blank">TSBC</a> family, I also have a bit more confidence about my business approach overall in comparison to my younger self.<br />
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Here's a page from my line sheet back in 2014:<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VVJ_HDbaZzY/WHbpneAvJpI/AAAAAAAAAK8/rvo0-U5qJqARrTUs9Tjm-tmOdH_OnIhNQCLcB/s1600/old-linesheet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VVJ_HDbaZzY/WHbpneAvJpI/AAAAAAAAAK8/rvo0-U5qJqARrTUs9Tjm-tmOdH_OnIhNQCLcB/s400/old-linesheet.jpg" width="306" /></a></div>
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Looking back at it, I now realize my pricing are way off, my wholesale terms not industry standard... the whole thing just screams 'amateur' to me. That and my product line is terribly not cohesive. </div>
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Here's a page from my new line sheet:</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QWw8Xtkp2n0/WHbrfgcq1WI/AAAAAAAAALE/FiyZ2hL63XIYMRNTvvjSPPWgvmncHaoxACLcB/s1600/new-linesheet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QWw8Xtkp2n0/WHbrfgcq1WI/AAAAAAAAALE/FiyZ2hL63XIYMRNTvvjSPPWgvmncHaoxACLcB/s400/new-linesheet.jpg" width="277" /></a></div>
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The details: </div>
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12 pages long | Printed back to back | 6 sheets per line sheet | Size: 7" x 10"* | First page is cover/introductory letter | Back cover is the order form </div>
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*I settled on the 7"x10" size because with a fold in the middle, I can easily tuck the line sheet inside an A7 envelope to reduce the cost of postage. Very important to consider since I planned to mail around 70 of these! </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6I57q0uGLg/WHbuEwQXH0I/AAAAAAAAALQ/YzobtVb_XcY0_OrEkvPJzRncpAxCNeNdQCLcB/s1600/IMG_4524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6I57q0uGLg/WHbuEwQXH0I/AAAAAAAAALQ/YzobtVb_XcY0_OrEkvPJzRncpAxCNeNdQCLcB/s320/IMG_4524.JPG" width="256" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_XvIYARkhlk/WHbuETZmbKI/AAAAAAAAALM/iFDpxPN0fdgNOwoV7WY0SJL7vLIcKyz3gCLcB/s1600/IMG_4520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_XvIYARkhlk/WHbuETZmbKI/AAAAAAAAALM/iFDpxPN0fdgNOwoV7WY0SJL7vLIcKyz3gCLcB/s320/IMG_4520.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The most common questions about line sheet are:</div>
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Q: Is it the same as a catalog?</div>
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A: No. A catalog is different by design and may not include details that are pertinent in a line sheet i.e., you can omit information such as pricing on the catalog subsequently, a line sheet may not contain any styled images but just that of the products.</div>
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Q: Do I really need a line sheet?</div>
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A: While it is not a deal breaker if you don't, and I myself have initially not planned on having one, there are buyers who prefer line sheet over a catalog so it might be best to have one handy. A positive thing to consider about having a line sheet: it is easier to edit and make changes vs. a printed catalog and much cheaper to produce. </div>
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Q: What is the standard format?</div>
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A: As long as all the elements can be clearly found, there are no strict guidelines to follow. Some use a simple Excel spread sheet, some using InDesign or Numbers, you can even use Microsoft Word. Good thing to note about the size, it might be ideal to create one that prints well on a 8.5"x11" letter paper especially if you want this to be as flexible for mailing or email use.</div>
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As far as samples go, 1-2 pieces are acceptable. Back in 2014, I packed 6-7 greeting cards and thought it wasn't enough to represent my line. What I later learned from industry veterans is that buyers don't really want to get bombarded with samples. They field plenty of those already! If they want to see more beyond what you sent, they'll reach out and ask anyway.<br />
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Lastly, it really is important to research and narrow down your list of retailers to ask. Before, I wouldn't think of doing so because stationery shops are already far and few in between! But, that's just proven a waste of time and money pitching the right products to the wrong store. Make sure it's a good match. I always look at the retailer's shop interior by going through their instagram, Yelp, FaceBook and website gallery photos to give me an idea if my products go with the store.<br />
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The line sheet, samples and pitching to retailers are just a few sprinkles of knowledge from the vast lessons you can learn like I did from <a href="http://tradeshowcamp.com/" target="_blank">Trade Show Bootcamp / Paper Camp</a>. If you have a calling to be a stationer or wedding invitation designer, definitely check them out.<br />
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Love & Letters,<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G15Cz62_s70/WGMdfJJDbQI/AAAAAAAAAGw/s8RJrrKfTvQlVBhgdBGd3Q83fTFmxm-nACPcB/s1600/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="75" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G15Cz62_s70/WGMdfJJDbQI/AAAAAAAAAGw/s8RJrrKfTvQlVBhgdBGd3Q83fTFmxm-nACPcB/s320/signature.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Letter Paradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14937279356299918116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626926238856614340.post-26944188283327567362017-01-02T00:19:00.000-08:002017-01-03T11:29:50.074-08:00Big Things for the New Year <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dFFHJ70l_6U/WGoCLkVJEmI/AAAAAAAAAIE/QnMML7GCUGUK9BL61-_pNQWrECgFA4KqgCLcB/s1600/Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dFFHJ70l_6U/WGoCLkVJEmI/AAAAAAAAAIE/QnMML7GCUGUK9BL61-_pNQWrECgFA4KqgCLcB/s320/Cover.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>We're on the cover of Stationery Trends' Winter 2017 Issue! Yay! </i></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">f that's not an awesome way to start a new year, then I don't know what is! Pop! Fizz! Clink!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A little bit about <a href="http://stationerytrends.com/" target="_blank">Stationery Trends</a>...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is a very prestigious trade magazine. Everyone in the industry knows it and probably subscribes to it, too. What separates Stationery Trends' from other trade magazine is the look. Typically, trade magazines are the last thing you would want to spend time with, they might as well be manuals! Just drab from cover to cover. But not Stationery Trends, at the reins of Sarah Schwartz, it looks and almost reads like Living magazine by Martha Stewart. It excites you when you see it in the mailbox. This is what other outdated trade magazines should aspire to. I, myself am a subscriber and having a serious stationer envy at all the awesome products featured on there. Never thought I would one day see one of my products featured let alone the cover! I am beyond proud!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A little bit about the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/483669562/stay-majestic-note-card" target="_blank">product</a> on the cover...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Believe it or not, the inspiration for this design is Game of Thrones. I'm such a nerd! Last summer, husband and I have decided to jump onto the bandwagon and see what the craze is all about. I cannot tell you how many weekends and week nights were spent watching episodes to episodes, season to season. We're hooked! And also devastated when we caught up and now have to wait like everyone else. But it stayed with me. The kingdoms, the kings, queens... and so this card was born. This design however, took a different symbol after the elections. Now, I won't dwell on politics so much but for many women, more than ever, we were feeling through the dark for every bit of light we could possibly find. Which is why I believe this design is relevant for the times. Won't you agree? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This note card marks my first submission for publication and I couldn't be more lucky to be picked among the hundreds of submissions. I can't help but feel hopeful for the months to come.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This design is available as <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/483945248/stay-majestic-postcards-set-of-10" target="_blank">postcard</a>, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/483669562/stay-majestic-note-card" target="_blank">single note card</a> (shown above), <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/500634079/stay-majestic-note-cards-boxed-set-of-8" target="_blank">boxed set</a> of note cards and art prints in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/487096644/simply-majestic-8x10-art-print" target="_blank">8"x10"</a> and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/487661682/stay-majestic-11x14-art-print" target="_blank">11"x14</a>" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/487096644/simply-majestic-8x10-art-print" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7OEJADkbB10/WGoKJXVJLhI/AAAAAAAAAIg/vc7KcYDoxd0QP_K77Pk_5AsFxKarbT-RACLcB/s200/AP2214-8x10-Stay-Majestic.jpg" width="198" /></a> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/487661682/stay-majestic-11x14-art-print" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RALX58RSPYs/WGoKJIkbVNI/AAAAAAAAAIc/qjt4pHtRKnUZ6L9oUw-eoBQBEiwj6byRQCLcB/s200/AP2213-11x14-Stay-Majestic.jpg" width="198" /></a><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/483945248/stay-majestic-postcards-set-of-10" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SvkTPZ_j9h0/WGoKUFSjoLI/AAAAAAAAAIk/rWW4WOM-zegoUp0hfCW86jz9boeKGiS6QCLcB/s320/PC5600-stay-majestic%2BpostcardEDITED.jpg" width="318" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cheers to this New Year, Love & Letters,</span></div>
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<br />Letter Paradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14937279356299918116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626926238856614340.post-29843343344594018952017-01-01T13:48:00.000-08:002017-01-01T13:48:16.326-08:002016 Best-of Playlist <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LS9qg3Dez7w/WGhKNd0oVGI/AAAAAAAAAH0/YN5VyYF_BKYdmSTRriu-4py2U2jaHP9AQCLcB/s1600/13116008_1024145591001451_6980601090323621741_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LS9qg3Dez7w/WGhKNd0oVGI/AAAAAAAAAH0/YN5VyYF_BKYdmSTRriu-4py2U2jaHP9AQCLcB/s640/13116008_1024145591001451_6980601090323621741_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #666666;">Coachella 2016 with the crew, Weekend 2 | April 26, 2016</span></td></tr>
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Dan and I are big on Coachella. Last April was our our 8th consecutive attendance. We have been going since 2009 and that year, we spent our honeymoon at our first Coachella. We have so many amazing memories!<br />
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Music is such a big part of my life and I once wanted to pursue becoming a professional musician. All my life I'm surrounded by it and late into high school and all throughout college I fronted and wrote for bands. Good times.<br />
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I've decided to put together my best-of playlist this year. Please note there is a good variety of genres. I try to have an "open ear" when it comes to music but I'm still not quite as open as my husband. He listens to all sorts of music. I typically rotate between reggae, indie rock, rock pop and alternative music to some contemporary fusion ones even a few eclectic sounds. Maybe you'll find something you like! I'm the worst at naming genres and it doesn't help that there are quite a bit of genre-bending tracks so forgive me if I miss-labeled.<br />
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<b>Reggae:</b><br />
#1 The Skints "Where Did You Go?"<br />
#2 Richie Gold "Youths Dem Cold"<br />
#3 Tarrus Riley "Human Nature"<br />
#4 Taggy Matcher & Birdy Nixon "Tighten Up"<br />
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<b>Eclectic:</b><br />
#1 Hotel Eden "Nimble Girl"<br />
#2 Liv "Wings of Love"<br />
#3 Unknown Mortal Orchestra "So Good at Being in Trouble"*<br />
#4 Ibeyi "River"*<br />
#5 Rhye "One Of Those Summer Days"*<br />
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<b>Indie/Pop:</b><br />
#1 Gemma Hayes "Palomino"<br />
#2 Snow Patrol "The Lightning Strike"<br />
#3 Joseph "White Flag"<br />
#4 BØRNS "American Money"*<br />
#5 Meg Myers "Motel"*<br />
#6 Tei Shi "Bassically"*<br />
#7 Lianne La Havas "Au Cinéma"<br />
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<b>Dance:</b><br />
#1 Kimbra "Sweet Relief"<br />
#2 Gabriel Garzon-Montano "Keep On Running"<br />
#3 Bosley "Just Like You"<br />
#4 Elliott Moss "Best Light"<br />
#5 Bob Moses "Too Much Is Never Enough"*<br />
#6 LCD Soundsystem "I Can Change"*<br />
#7 Parov Stelar "Catgroove"*<br />
#8 SG Lewis, JP Cooper "Shivers"*<br />
#9 Disclosure (feat. Lorde) "Magnets"*<br />
#10 Flume (feat. Andrew Wyatt) "Some Minds"*<br />
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<b>Rock/Blues/Country:</b><br />
#1 Royce Wood Junior "Honeydripper"<br />
#2 Joywave "Somebody New"*<br />
#3 The Kills "Future Starts Slow"*<br />
#4 The Last Shadow Puppets "My Mistakes Were Made For You"*<br />
#5 The Arcs "Nature's Child"*<br />
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<b>Covers:</b><br />
#1 Freedom Fry "1979" (Smashing Pumpkins)<br />
#2 Walk Off the Earth "Polly" (Nirvana)<br />
#3 Lykke Li "Hold On, We're Going Home" (Drake)*<br />
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*bands/artists we've seen live.<br />
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Listen to this playlist on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/121407870/playlist/0OZcQlhlIbBYgK6tF3DxCL" target="_blank">Shopify</a>.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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Love & Letters,<br />
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<br />Letter Paradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14937279356299918116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626926238856614340.post-43678957228020496052016-12-31T16:06:00.000-08:002016-12-31T16:06:48.833-08:00January 2017 FREE Printable Stationery & Desktop CalendarHappy New Year, dear friends!<br />
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I've started my stationery <a href="http://etsy.me/2hHOyqr" target="_blank">company</a> out of my love for letter writing, design and paper and more than ever, this still rings very true. I love every part of snail mail and know that those of you who followed this blog and liked my <a href="http://bit.ly/2i4tsWp" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> do, too.<br />
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In looking back, some of my very popular and most requested posts are about printable stationery shared free to download. Well, I have great news: I'm bringing it back! I'll be sharing one design each month and also include downloadable desktop calendar to jazz up your screen time.<br />
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To recap, here are all the free printable stationery I've shared in the past:<br />
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1. <a href="https://letterparade.blogspot.com/2011/07/free-stuff-monday.html" target="_blank">Peacocks and Pink Roses</a>, July 4, 2011<br />
2. <a href="https://letterparade.blogspot.com/2011/08/framed-lovely.html" target="_blank">Framed and Lovely</a>, August 23, 2011<br />
3. <a href="https://letterparade.blogspot.com/2012/06/june-butterflies.html" target="_blank">June Butterflies</a>, June 4, 2012<br />
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Here's this month's free stationery download. Get the high resolution <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/vzdxk8yqumwgeyf/JAN2017-Free-Printable-Stationery.jpg?dl=0" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yDVE9tbIWbQ/WGeNqx61p6I/AAAAAAAAAHM/Bx9dD4_0NaIDHNnWqDw6EF--ZdeE-eHhgCLcB/s1600/Stripe-Heart-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yDVE9tbIWbQ/WGeNqx61p6I/AAAAAAAAAHM/Bx9dD4_0NaIDHNnWqDw6EF--ZdeE-eHhgCLcB/s400/Stripe-Heart-01.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
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Here's the first ever printable calendar I'm sharing with you! Decided to go with air mail colors to get us writing more letters. Get the high resolution <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/r01b22zeixj7lg8/JAN2017-Free-Printable-Calender.jpg?dl=0" target="_blank">here</a>. You can print this or use as screen saver! </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QOTdqFcH7WE/WGgWy2_paNI/AAAAAAAAAHc/Sy562cJJLZE6UaIjp6OckqqwPdDcdqGNwCLcB/s1600/JAN2017-01-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="492" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QOTdqFcH7WE/WGgWy2_paNI/AAAAAAAAAHc/Sy562cJJLZE6UaIjp6OckqqwPdDcdqGNwCLcB/s640/JAN2017-01-01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">The links expire in 30 days. </span><a href="http://bit.ly/2i8kXaD" style="text-align: start;" target="_blank">Sign-up to the newsletter</a><span style="text-align: start;"> to never miss it and always have it in your inbox!</span></div>
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How do you like the new designs? These are such a different approach in comparison to the older ones but this is what I love about sharing these designs as I get to experiment. A perfect design exercise! I do hope you like it. Feel free to leave comments below.</div>
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And hang on tight because I've got a lot in store for 2017!<br />
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Love & Letters,<br />
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<br />Letter Paradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14937279356299918116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626926238856614340.post-83840592095655348672016-12-28T23:41:00.000-08:002016-12-28T23:41:39.989-08:00Valentine's Shop Now Open<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Fb9mgUfUkk/WGDSxh_8ADI/AAAAAAAAAFg/nHRl5iMMUzwsRz4uFGyWQecBSdfclRerACLcB/s1600/vday-banner-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Fb9mgUfUkk/WGDSxh_8ADI/AAAAAAAAAFg/nHRl5iMMUzwsRz4uFGyWQecBSdfclRerACLcB/s640/vday-banner-01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So excited to finally reveal what I've been working so hard for the past months! You can now check out <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LetterParade">45 of my new products on Etsy</a>. I'll be adding more in the coming weeks. <br />
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Here's a sampling, I call this design Simple Heart from the Pink Pop collection:<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9mo4X5Bieg8/WGDVA1iefCI/AAAAAAAAAF0/LfgS_NjsV-4DTL6urfI0CZU-isolQRZyQCLcB/s1600/LS7640-Simple-Heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9mo4X5Bieg8/WGDVA1iefCI/AAAAAAAAAF0/LfgS_NjsV-4DTL6urfI0CZU-isolQRZyQCLcB/s200/LS7640-Simple-Heart.jpg" width="199" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2cX-0sb1N44/WGDUXjgVOKI/AAAAAAAAAFs/7ge7WfMxwWMB_jfTGqjuJSQWn334T7-wgCLcB/s1600/Letter-Parade-GW8459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AlgdVrZI8tE/WGDUxhqj_3I/AAAAAAAAAFw/W7CbK4kp_0M5Xnosn-zCzZqJfnNvw4KMgCLcB/s1600/Letter-Parade-NC8459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AlgdVrZI8tE/WGDUxhqj_3I/AAAAAAAAAFw/W7CbK4kp_0M5Xnosn-zCzZqJfnNvw4KMgCLcB/s200/Letter-Parade-NC8459.jpg" width="200" /></a><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2cX-0sb1N44/WGDUXjgVOKI/AAAAAAAAAFs/7ge7WfMxwWMB_jfTGqjuJSQWn334T7-wgCLcB/s200/Letter-Parade-GW8459.jpg" width="200" /></div>
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After a long hiatus, I've finally decided to fully invest in my business. If you've seen my previous post about <a href="https://letterparade.blogspot.com/2016/12/gift-to-self-aka-creative-entrepreneur.html">Paper Camp / Tradeshow Bootcamp</a>, the launch of my Valentine's shop is the motion that was set after my attendance of the workshop. I wish I had known about it sooner! I had been dabbling with stationery design since 2009, but prior to Paper Camp, this was all just a hobby. <br />
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My style from then has changed so much and I'm still constantly finding ways to improve and translate my ideas to products. I wanted to adapt a more modern look while also being visually minimal. This journey took awhile. The trend for sometime now in stationery reflects a lot of watercolor (see <a href="https://issuu.com/worthwhilepaper/docs/wholesale_catalog_01" target="_blank">Rifle Paper Co.</a> and <a href="https://ourheiday.com/" target="_blank">Our Heiday</a>) and typography or calligraphy (see <a href="http://www.shopantiquaria.com/" target="_blank">Antiquaria</a> and <a href="http://emilymcdowell.com/" target="_blank">Emily McDowell</a>). While I do adore watercolor as a medium I'm just not good at it nor is my heart in it. And who could resist the beauty and quick sophistication calligraphy brings? I just simply could not adopt these styles. I did try, but it didn't feel me. Here are my dabble in watercolor:<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0ptL_EBAPGs/WGMaEXuaB7I/AAAAAAAAAGg/YJCdLLes3pk0h1xNup0kiViXmuxwiLvWQCLcB/s1600/watercolor-experiment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0ptL_EBAPGs/WGMaEXuaB7I/AAAAAAAAAGg/YJCdLLes3pk0h1xNup0kiViXmuxwiLvWQCLcB/s640/watercolor-experiment.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'd like to say I've gone back to basics. Resorting to the medium that I knew best while still making use of my graphic design skills and oh my, it feels as natural as breathing!<br />
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What are your thoughts about the brand's new look and direction? What would you like to see more of? I welcome all feedback and thank you in advance.<br />
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Love & Letters,<br />
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<br />Letter Paradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14937279356299918116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626926238856614340.post-73444593146631298182016-12-20T12:31:00.000-08:002016-12-20T12:31:16.783-08:00Gift to Self aka Creative Entrepreneur<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FbQmhGqxMYI/WFmTaTWnS5I/AAAAAAAAA30/Nazh6wilORInJDDaEgHIqlgiqY3o5ZyAgCLcB/s1600/papercamp-TSBCpostDEC202016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FbQmhGqxMYI/WFmTaTWnS5I/AAAAAAAAA30/Nazh6wilORInJDDaEgHIqlgiqY3o5ZyAgCLcB/s640/papercamp-TSBCpostDEC202016.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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A year ago I bought myself a Christmas present- a seat to a 2-day
seminar called Paper Camp. Little did I know that that was to be the
greatest present I could give myself to date. <br /><br />Attending it has paved a clear path for me as a creative entrepreneur giving me more confidence with each stride as I made the leap from a hobbyist to a professional. After the seminar, I left feeling a mix of emotions at first. I was overwhelmed by the amount of work it would take me and the many mistakes I have been unknowingly making! I was forced to lay all my cards on the table and decide if I was in it for the long haul or not. I spent a good amount of time soul-searching and asking myself if this was where my heart lies and if it was then I needed to give it all I've got. <br /><br />Fast forward, I am a few months shy to releasing my first wholesale catalog (Spring 2017!) and part of a community of amazing creative entrepreneurs ready to give each other a hand. I am grateful for every one of them and most especially to Katie Lawler Hunt for founding this wonderful paper-loving bunch. <br /><br />If you're in the business of Stationery, wedding invites or want to sell your illustrations in a wholesale setting consider attending the next <a href="http://tradeshowcamp.com/papercamp/" target="_blank">Paper Camp (February 2017)</a>. I promise you it's the best investment for you and your craft!<br />
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Pictured above is photo posted by Tradeshow Bootcamp today on their Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tradeshowcamp/?fref=ts" target="_blank">page</a> featuring, yours truly with fellow paper camper and stationer, Gina Singh of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Ginametrical" target="_blank">Ginametrical</a> whom I walked the National Stationery Show with back in May. <br />
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Letter Paradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07117700279576115636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626926238856614340.post-42784629785645809522016-08-29T20:20:00.000-07:002016-08-30T00:11:09.406-07:00California Love: Summer 2016 in LAIt breaks my heart to think about the impending end of summer. I'm not ready to give up long hours of daylight yet... er, ever! The island girl in me prepares to grieve.<br />
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Still, there's plenty of summer-<i>ey</i> things to go gaga over. Here's a list of what makes my summer of 2016 so far:<br />
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#1. Art Prints by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/WilderCalifornia" target="_blank">Wilder California</a> from www.urbanoutfitters.com they're all so so Cali-inspired! <br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h9MIOhTjxL4/V8TrrBqVSRI/AAAAAAAAA08/RsXOsrCTQYsQr1atQWvfmh79GeimdTThgCLcB/s1600/urbanoutfitters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h9MIOhTjxL4/V8TrrBqVSRI/AAAAAAAAA08/RsXOsrCTQYsQr1atQWvfmh79GeimdTThgCLcB/s640/urbanoutfitters.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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#2. Reggae version <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKXs7RLesjs" target="_blank">cover</a> of The Black Keys' "Tighten Up" by Taggy Matcher & Birdy Nixon.<br />
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#3. <a href="http://la.smorgasburg.com/" target="_blank">Smorgasburg LA</a> has got the foodie in us (my husband and I) oh so satisfied. It's like a food festival but every Sunday. Thanks to the people behind this for bringing it all the way from Brooklyn.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g-SuuMAE2wQ/V8Ttje10w_I/AAAAAAAAA1M/BW67qPAmcqEBDWxzLxrnO2NV5c91L0sLQCLcB/s1600/smorgasburg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g-SuuMAE2wQ/V8Ttje10w_I/AAAAAAAAA1M/BW67qPAmcqEBDWxzLxrnO2NV5c91L0sLQCLcB/s640/smorgasburg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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#4. <a href="http://santamonicapier.org/twilightconcerts/" target="_blank">Santa Monica Pier Twilight Concert Series</a> make us fall in love with the West side just a little bit more each year. This time around they've really up their game on the line-up, the poster and venue design plus other fun stuff at the venue such as free candy and fresh flower bars, like whoa! <br />
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#5.<a href="http://lafoodfest.com/" target="_blank"> LA Food Fest 2016</a> warmed our souls to the max. This marks our second food fest and most definitely not our last. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nsz9XYdJP7g/V8TwagYmKpI/AAAAAAAAA1c/XkoaEZjSW0sgLEns4fLbDX9XiXOCqrnpACLcB/s1600/lafoodfest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nsz9XYdJP7g/V8TwagYmKpI/AAAAAAAAA1c/XkoaEZjSW0sgLEns4fLbDX9XiXOCqrnpACLcB/s400/lafoodfest.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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#6. Oh Happy Day's instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ohhappyday/" target="_blank">feed</a>. All those colors I can just soak up into!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4-8oBjJvPMI/V8T0T1iBRXI/AAAAAAAAA1k/AsEv-gpVGPkbOwEn-OHzm59RA67SHTiKgCLcB/s1600/ohhappydayIG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4-8oBjJvPMI/V8T0T1iBRXI/AAAAAAAAA1k/AsEv-gpVGPkbOwEn-OHzm59RA67SHTiKgCLcB/s640/ohhappydayIG.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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#7. Melbourne artist <a href="http://caseyfreeman.com.au/" target="_blank">Casey Freeman</a>'s beautiful works with ink.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2K_2wNOO4GI/V8T5MOS5qGI/AAAAAAAAA10/K_jHSjUUP3gsEJ8r-SmYIWbH5O2hIoH0wCLcB/s1600/caseyfreeman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2K_2wNOO4GI/V8T5MOS5qGI/AAAAAAAAA10/K_jHSjUUP3gsEJ8r-SmYIWbH5O2hIoH0wCLcB/s640/caseyfreeman.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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#8. <a href="http://www.cafe-86.com/" target="_blank">Cafe 86</a>'s Ube Latte. Ube is a tasty purple root vegetable that commonly grows in the Philippines so having anything Ube brings me back home. Though "latte" is very foreign back in the tropics, it's so darn inventive of the people behind Cafe 86 to come up with such a thing as Ube Latte. It's sooo good though! You're going to want one every day even when it's long past summer.<br />
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What made your summer?<br />
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Love & Letters,<br />
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<br />Letter Paradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07117700279576115636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626926238856614340.post-37888992447842331132016-08-21T18:29:00.000-07:002016-08-23T22:47:47.434-07:00LETTER PARADE: Blog OverhaulBlogs are here to stay and are like multivitamins to any brand in this day and age. And if it can't be done consistently, why even bother? And if the content is next to garbage, I say stick to the diary. So here's me resurrecting my blog feeling like it's New Year's day and so full of resolutions.<br />
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Introducing,<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rDutaTPsYXA/V7pFuD0uCbI/AAAAAAAAAzI/kWIg9aV-tvMaW_vVq8XuiYm4EP8lzkz7gCLcB/s1600/THTPB-banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rDutaTPsYXA/V7pFuD0uCbI/AAAAAAAAAzI/kWIg9aV-tvMaW_vVq8XuiYm4EP8lzkz7gCLcB/s640/THTPB-banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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I will be posting my blogs under five categories broken up into...<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">California Love | Paper Crush | Behind the Brand | Letter Parade | Art & Music</span></h4>
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...because the above are what matters to me and will serve as a manual so I won't be writing about science in the near future unless it directly relates to paper or Letter Parade for that matter.<br />
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These are the blogs that have served and continue to be strong sources of inspiration for me. The ladies behind these blogs are tour de force and epitomize the true meaning of Girl Boss. I look up to each and every one of them and follow in their foot steps. They are doing what they love, make money doing so and live very fulfilling lives. What won't I find inspiring in that?<br />
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No. 1<br />
<a href="http://ohsobeautifulpaper.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://ohsobeautifulpaper.com/" border="0" height="35" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XYOq1k7ijp8/V7pICZI-BGI/AAAAAAAAAzc/Y-gi2jdbYlAhmVfZHg-NDEW19k9BF5XLgCLcB/s320/ohsobeautifulpaper.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://ohsobeautifulpaper.com/" target="_blank">OSBP</a> is a household name in the stationery industry. The blog that a hopeful stationer like myself can only dream of being featured. This is run by Nole Garey and she hosts <a href="http://ohsobeautifulpaper.com/2016-paper-party/" target="_blank">Paper Parties</a> in New York in conjunction to the yearly <a href="http://www.nationalstationeryshow.com/" target="_blank">National Stationery Show</a>. This party is the real deal and prestigious AF and it's by invitation only exclusive to big names in the industry. A girl can dream, right?<br />
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No. 2<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thepaperchronicles.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="76" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sczLQ0BTJI0/V7pLVEuUyyI/AAAAAAAAAzo/aF9lZzK_Oh4G_HHqSlVlsmLz9uGTe0YNQCLcB/s400/PaperChronicles-logo2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://thepaperchronicles.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://thepaperchronicles.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://thepaperchronicles.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thepaperchronicles.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thepaperchronicles.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thepaperchronicles.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://thepaperchronicles.com/" target="_blank">The Paper Chronicles</a> penned by Sarah Schwartz who is only the editor-in-chief of the highly regarded and well-designed trade magazine <a href="http://stationerytrends.com/" target="_blank">Stationery Trends</a>. Her love for stationery and her achievements play a big role in the continued success stationers like myself enjoy in this crazy whirlwind consumer-driven world.</div>
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No. 3</div>
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<a href="http://sycamorestreetpress.com/blog/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="57" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZaQNowvZNJ8/V7pOBAdKi-I/AAAAAAAAAz0/Z2LV7Qv_gY8CLnMGNfn0RNzx28xjLFX0ACLcB/s400/SSPlogo.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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In every industry you'll be lucky to come across gems like Eva <span class="st">Jorgensen who, not only make it their mission to give back to the community but aid the ones following along their footsteps like myself. Surely they didn't need to do that but they did anyway and thank goodness for their genuine kindness because I've learned so much taking her webinars <a href="http://atly.com/products/stationery-biz-100-start-strong" target="_blank">Stationery Biz 100: Start Strong</a> and <a href="http://atly.com/products/stationery-biz-200-wholesale" target="_blank">Stationery Biz 200: Wholesale. </a>Her blog reflects the authenticity of her brand which is unmistakably her and it flows so well to her other social media platforms. <a href="https://www.sycamorestreetpress.com/" target="_blank">Sycamore Street Press</a> is a perfect example of a successful brand.</span><br />
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<span class="st">There's more to add but I'll save those for another post. In the mean time, follow me on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/letterparade/" target="_blank">@letterparade </a></span><br />
<span class="st">Here are some of my recent posts:</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/letterparade/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.instagram.com/letterparade/" border="0" height="416" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5rBf1YdRRes/V7pTzjWXKAI/AAAAAAAAA0E/UihECxCmaNcX66UbGzXt5BdzPmcOOL0rgCLcB/s640/instagram.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="st">Love and Letters,</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jrNoMz9KNok/V7pUIlp_QGI/AAAAAAAAA0I/Yu_KpRxZd0I4NgxFWv7OlmEMmFZn5fiHgCLcB/s1600/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="93" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jrNoMz9KNok/V7pUIlp_QGI/AAAAAAAAA0I/Yu_KpRxZd0I4NgxFWv7OlmEMmFZn5fiHgCLcB/s400/signature.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="st"><br /></span>Letter Paradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07117700279576115636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626926238856614340.post-35202250117724706532014-07-01T19:05:00.001-07:002014-07-01T19:07:35.001-07:00Moving ForwardTwo years. It's been too long since my last update to this blog.<br />
There's a lot of soul searching. Of finding out that a dream can have many facets to it and depending on where you look, your glimpse could be just a tad bit magical at the slight turn of one's hand.<br />
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Still, despite all that, I still return to Letter Parade. So, here I am.<br />
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The website is well underway and it's eCommerce capable. I've left Etsy for all its indie glamor in hopes to build an empire. The new focus now still involves stationery, but thrown in the mix are invitations, favors, and decors. Gotta love paper.<br />
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Along with the renewed vigor comes a new logo. Finally, one that I can live with for a long time.<br />
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<a href="http://i930.photobucket.com/albums/ad144/CindyGK/LOGO-may2014B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i930.photobucket.com/albums/ad144/CindyGK/LOGO-may2014B.jpg" height="297" width="320" /></a></div>
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Wedding invitations suite.<br />
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<a href="http://i930.photobucket.com/albums/ad144/CindyGK/wedding-invites-preview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i930.photobucket.com/albums/ad144/CindyGK/wedding-invites-preview.jpg" height="340" width="400" /></a></div>
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Favors. </div>
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<a href="http://i930.photobucket.com/albums/ad144/CindyGK/favors-preview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i930.photobucket.com/albums/ad144/CindyGK/favors-preview.jpg" height="340" width="400" /></a> </div>
Connect with me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Letter-Parade/287918133575" target="_blank">Facebook</a>. I can also be found and hired for design services via <a href="http://www.thumbtack.com/profile/services/PG7uPWQ15VHR3w/" target="_blank">Thumbtack.com </a><br />
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Watch the slideshow of the invitations and favors below featured on Thumbtack.com<br />
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Until next time!<br />
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Love and Letters,<br />
Cindy K. <br />
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<script src="http://www.thumbtack.com/ajax/widget_gallery?s=1138772&autoscroll=1" type="text/javascript"></script>Letter Paradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07117700279576115636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626926238856614340.post-60928552833992771552012-06-04T22:43:00.001-07:002012-06-04T22:43:38.586-07:00June ButterfliesLast January 10, 2012, my husband and I came face to face with death and luckily, we managed to get away with just a few minor bruises... or so I thought. The accident ended up costing us medical bills, calls to the insurance company, trips to the orthopedic surgeon and anxiety brought on by a fractured middle metacarpal on my right hand. <br />
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<a href="http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/wesawthem/Philippines%20January%202012/Mebeforezurgery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/wesawthem/Philippines%20January%202012/Mebeforezurgery.jpg" width="240" /> </a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Me before the surgery on February 17, 2012 </span></div>
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<a href="http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/wesawthem/Philippines%20January%202012/xrayaftersurgerywithpin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/wesawthem/Philippines%20January%202012/xrayaftersurgerywithpin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">First x-ray a week after the surgery</span>. </div>
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I learned that having a broken limb can only get a lot worst if no one is there
to help you as you try and get better day by day. Simple things became impossible to do. So I'm grateful for the many months my husband patiently
cared for me.<br />
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With my hand in a concrete-solid cast, I mentally listed the things I would do as soon as I get my hand back! Learn to play the guitar, bake a storm, ride my bike more often... but the one thing that I kept going back to was designing. Yes. Designing. Back to creating stationery. My mind just simply clogged up with ideas unable to be turned into paper goods.<br />
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So now that I got my hand back - oh, what a relief! I am happy to be back doing one of the things I love best to do and being able to share them, too!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n8GLyd-BE_o/T82YjKw-IOI/AAAAAAAAAmM/robNTna48gc/s1600/06-04-2012+June+Butterflies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n8GLyd-BE_o/T82YjKw-IOI/AAAAAAAAAmM/robNTna48gc/s640/06-04-2012+June+Butterflies.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">"June Butterflies" free print-at-home stationery.</span></div>
Happy June everyone!<br />
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Love,<br />
<br />
CindyLetter Paradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07117700279576115636noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626926238856614340.post-19036563515962363932012-06-03T11:56:00.000-07:002012-06-03T11:56:56.660-07:00100% RecycledIf you've never ran a small-scale paper goods online shop, God bless your soul! It can be such a pain! It's one of those cases when a designer tries to be a business force and finding out that doing so eats up all the time to still be creative. Maybe I haven't found my balance yet. But all throughout these years I know that finding the right printer to work with and dealing with them is much harder than filing your taxes. Seriously!<br />
<br />
I have gone to countless of online printing companies, all the FedEx Kinkos in the area, as well as all the Sir Speedy in my surrounding zip codes. If they're not expensive, the quality is terrible! Or worse, the paper they use is the same as with every other product they produce. Something you would not want for your wedding invitations!<br />
<br />
Don't even get me started with post-consumer eco-friendly recycled paper, the printing guy will look at you like you probably had bean sprouts for breakfast.<br />
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The really big stationery companies like <a href="http://punchstudio.com/" target="_blank">Punch Studio</a> outsource all the production to China but I'm light years away from becoming that gigantic of a company, or have the likelihood to be.<br />
<br />
So, I was left with the option of printing at home. After days and days of research for the right inexpensive and somewhat professional printer, <a href="http://www.staples.com/Epson-WorkForce-Pro-WP-4530-All-in-One-Printer/product_344778?catalogId=10051&fromUrl=home&cmSearchKeyword=epson+wp-4530&cmArea=SEARCH&langId=-1&storeId=10001&ddkey=http:StaplesSearch" target="_blank">Epson Workforce Pro WP-4530</a> All-in-one promised to deliver, alas, setting it up and making all its features work is another hurdle in itself.<br />
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But I'm determined to make it work. 100% recycled paper for my letter sets and envelopes? Check.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BSI19krkOb8/T8uy86J-UYI/AAAAAAAAAl0/nqcN-_Vos_M/s1600/100percentrecycled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BSI19krkOb8/T8uy86J-UYI/AAAAAAAAAl0/nqcN-_Vos_M/s640/100percentrecycled.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Letter Paradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07117700279576115636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626926238856614340.post-23106602504221314442012-04-20T11:37:00.000-07:002012-04-20T11:37:06.761-07:00Patchwork Festival 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JWb9Knvoy7c/T5GsgsHJreI/AAAAAAAAAls/4z7vm8o3IqI/s1600/6a00d834f5ab0b53ef016762a1d001970b-320wi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JWb9Knvoy7c/T5GsgsHJreI/AAAAAAAAAls/4z7vm8o3IqI/s320/6a00d834f5ab0b53ef016762a1d001970b-320wi.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Who's having her first art and craft festival booth? Me!!! I'm super
excited and nervous! Just wanted to clue you all in on what I've got on
my plate. I will only be doing the one closest home on June 10th at the
Helms Bakery in Culver City setting up booth next to my wonderful
friends, Greg and Eeling Marin who are behind REMade in LA who did last
year's, too! If you have read my <a data-mce-href="http://1525sawtelleblvd.wordpress.com/2011/11/02/halloween-2011/" href="http://1525sawtelleblvd.wordpress.com/2011/11/02/halloween-2011/" target="_blank">posting</a> around Halloween, Dan and I helped out Eeling prepare her products.<br />
<br />
It's
a nice change from just being merely a crafts fair attendee to vending!
But we'll see how crazy this will get. I will be selling under my shop
name <a data-mce-href="I will be selling under my shop name Letter Parade" href="http://1525sawtelleblvd.wordpress.com/wp-admin/I%20will%20be%20selling%20under%20my%20shop%20name%20Letter%20Parade" target="_blank">Letter Parade</a> and I've only very few items on my shop so I'm scrambling to add more to my collection!<br />
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You can read some more of my crafts fair attendance here at the <a data-mce-href="http://www.renegadecraft.com/" href="http://www.renegadecraft.com/" target="_blank">Renegade Crafts Fair</a> in <a data-mce-href="http://letterparade.blogspot.com/2010/08/renegade-crafts-los-angeles-2010.html" href="http://letterparade.blogspot.com/2010/08/renegade-crafts-los-angeles-2010.html" target="_blank">2010</a> and <a data-mce-href="http://letterparade.blogspot.com/2011/07/renegade-craft-fair-2011.html" href="http://letterparade.blogspot.com/2011/07/renegade-craft-fair-2011.html" target="_blank">2011</a>
which is a massive organization with major events in six major cities
including London! Eeling and I have our eyes on perhaps joining the one
here in Los Angeles. But first, we're focusing our creative chakra
towards <a data-mce-href="http://patchworkshow.com/" href="http://patchworkshow.com/" target="_blank">Patchwork Festival</a> at the moment!<br />
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If you can make it, we'd love to see you there! There will be:<br />
<br />
<strong>"Over
100 local independent artists, crafters and designers in an outdoor
setting. come down and eat & drink from local cafe & restaurant
booths and food trucks as you listen to tunes and peruse goods from the
best southern california creators. look & shop... clothing for men,
women & kids, handbags, accessories, art, ceramics, home goods,
garden finds, plushies, jewelry, paper goods, edible treats, pet gear,
crochet & knit goods, kits & patterns, bath & body goodies
& more. check out our bike valet, photo booths, on-site
screenprinting & diy crafting tables for adults & kids."</strong><br />
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See <a data-mce-href="https://www.facebook.com/events/237006989723493/" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/237006989723493/" target="_blank">here</a> for more event details. If not, the least you could do are: LIKE my Facebook <a data-mce-href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Letter-Parade/287918133575" href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Letter-Parade/287918133575" target="_blank">page</a> and Patchwork's <a data-mce-href="https://www.facebook.com/patchworkshow" href="https://www.facebook.com/patchworkshow" target="_blank">page</a>. Thanks and I'll keep you posted!Letter Paradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07117700279576115636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626926238856614340.post-47970876236488860512011-10-16T23:58:00.000-07:002011-10-16T23:59:08.250-07:00300 Facebook Likes Giveaway Winners<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YGFtGHniRkA/TpvQTAMtzhI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/p2n0hkkZBG8/s1600/WINNERset1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YGFtGHniRkA/TpvQTAMtzhI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/p2n0hkkZBG8/s400/WINNERset1.jpg" width="350" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WISUgPFofpw/TpvQY7w_O7I/AAAAAAAAAjY/oPD5AaXQZXk/s1600/WINNERset2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WISUgPFofpw/TpvQY7w_O7I/AAAAAAAAAjY/oPD5AaXQZXk/s400/WINNERset2.jpg" width="332" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3exWb2ymSZw/TpvQiIxgdlI/AAAAAAAAAjg/2IidLwbKKXI/s1600/WINNERset3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3exWb2ymSZw/TpvQiIxgdlI/AAAAAAAAAjg/2IidLwbKKXI/s400/WINNERset3.jpg" width="290" /></a> </div><br />
Earlier today at 12 noon, I drew the winners for the 300 Facebook Likes Giveaway from the names of all those who participated through facebook and here on my blog.<br />
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CONGRATULATIONS to:<br />
Lisa from Bath, England for winning Set #1; <br />
Wendy from Zuidbroek, Netherlands for winning Set #2; and<br />
Kristin from Rosedale, West Virginia for winning Set #3.<br />
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Lisa and Wendy, if you're reading this, please email me your address at letterparade@gmail.com so I can put your prizes in the mail tomorrow.<br />
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Thanks for joining the contest! Until next time... say, 400?Letter Paradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07117700279576115636noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626926238856614340.post-54943347850247744342011-10-09T17:44:00.000-07:002011-10-09T17:44:00.992-07:00300 Facebook Likes Giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jTeSfyyIk5M/TpI-8B6nBuI/AAAAAAAAAi0/5_UhzrzAi7o/s1600/300LIKESgiveaway+HORIZONTAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jTeSfyyIk5M/TpI-8B6nBuI/AAAAAAAAAi0/5_UhzrzAi7o/s1600/300LIKESgiveaway+HORIZONTAL.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
To celebrate reaching 300 likes/fans of Letter Parade page on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Letter-Parade/287918133575">facebook</a> (and yes, that's a big deal for me!) I am giving away three sets of writing stuff to three Letter Parade followers! If you're not on facebook, but are subscribed to this blog, no problem! You can join, too. You can get up to three chances of winning if you follow all four of these steps:<br />
<br />
STEP 1) Subscribe to this blog.<br />
STEP 2) Write on the comments bar below your:<br />
FIRST NAME, AGE, CITY/COUNTRY,<br />
PREFERRED GIVEAWAY SET (example: Set #1)<br />
COMMENTS/SUGGESTIONS FOR LETTER PARADE - 1 point<br />
STEP 3) Like Letter Parade on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Letter-Parade/287918133575">facebook</a> and type in above info on comments bar when you see this giveaway posting - 2 points<br />
STEP 4) Go to my Etsy <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LetterParade?ref=si_shop">page</a> and hit the icon LIKE - 3 points<br />
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I'll be drawing three winners next Sunday, October 16, 2011 12:00 noon PST<br />
This contest is open worldwide! Shipping is on me! Allow 7 days to two weeks for delivery from announcement of winners.<br />
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Remember, you don't have to do all FOUR steps, but if you can, great! <br />
<br />
Good luck!Letter Paradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07117700279576115636noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626926238856614340.post-82671262357160312062011-09-10T20:49:00.000-07:002011-09-10T22:02:15.185-07:00Personalized Note CardsHello friends!<br />
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All over Los Angeles, the wind and sun are not showing any signs of slowing down in lieu of fall. "What fall?" asks the locals. And here I thought I bought my bike way too late for summer, but nope! Having all this heat deceives me into thinking we're still in June but my massive wall calendar tells me otherwise. SEPTEMBER! Time to think about presents, cookies, Christmas trees, and personalized note cards! I always enjoy designing our own note cards (you can view our 2009 and 2010 cards <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/81529609/custom-personalized-note-cards">here</a>) and this time around, I am opening up my doors and graphic designing skills to anyone who wants their own special note cards, too!<br />
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A couple of months after New Year 2011, good friend, Lynn Kwan approached me for a surprise she wanted to give to her Beatles fanatic boyfriend, Chad Porter for V-day. She let me have the creative freedom which for me is the only way an artist should be able to work (ideally)! I ran the whole nine yards hyper ecstatic and it was incredibly rewarding to have very satisfied customers at the end of the line.<br />
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Meet Lynn Kwan and Chad Porter.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n2i-mYWWJuU/TmwHo6zN5UI/AAAAAAAAAik/IelN4ElHxwk/s1600/LynnandChad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n2i-mYWWJuU/TmwHo6zN5UI/AAAAAAAAAik/IelN4ElHxwk/s320/LynnandChad.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
I'm a major Beatles fan myself (and saw my favorite Beatle, Paul McCartney at Coachella '09!) so it was a bit challenging where or how to start; which song to pick, which album, which image, etc. Finally, Lynn suggested I use the 'All You Need Is Love' song which is appropriate for Valentine's.<br />
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The animated version of the fab four from the famous "Yellow Submarine" film was too irresistible for me not to use, and how fun would it be to make Lynn and Chad like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heinz_Edelmann">Heinz Edelmann'</a>s characters? <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E6iX18qsEk0/TmwIkTye9JI/AAAAAAAAAio/etqfkBno3pY/s1600/forETSY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E6iX18qsEk0/TmwIkTye9JI/AAAAAAAAAio/etqfkBno3pY/s640/forETSY.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />
Lynn's Valentine's card for Chad has definitely up my inclination in designing personalized note cards especially after she posted this testimonial on my Etsy <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LetterParade?ref=si_shop">shop</a>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lufnwnG1Rwo/TmwKxojDOWI/AAAAAAAAAis/iGWZnQ42ZVQ/s1600/etsyfeedback.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="104" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lufnwnG1Rwo/TmwKxojDOWI/AAAAAAAAAis/iGWZnQ42ZVQ/s640/etsyfeedback.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I am now excitedly working on wedding invitations for a wonderful pen pal in France! Stay tuned for that! And if you want your very own personalized note cards, email me at letterparade@gmail.com and quit sending massed produced cards that are no more special than the paper and envelope they come with!<br />
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Happy writing!<br />
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Cindy Gonzales-Kujat</span></i></b></span>Letter Paradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07117700279576115636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626926238856614340.post-33380781633999380922011-08-23T23:58:00.000-07:002011-08-24T08:35:03.299-07:00Framed & LovelyHello friends! <br />
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My blog entry <i><a href="http://letterparade.blogspot.com/2011/07/free-stuff-monday.html">"Free Stuff Monday"</a></i> last month had subscriber Marinette suggesting that I should post the free stuff here instead of posting on my face book <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Letter-Parade/287918133575?closeTheater=1#%21/pages/Letter-Parade/287918133575">page</a> where I've shared ten stationery designs that are free to be downloaded and printed for personal correspondence. Though I only have 32 followers here and 272 (and counting!) on face book, I know it's wrong and unfair to neglect sharing with my faithful subscribers here. So, to Marinette and you my faithful reader, I am making up for it starting with these three new stationery designs I call 'Framed & Lovely.' <br />
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<u>Design No.1 - "<b><i>Black Flowers</i></b>"</u><br />
I was looking into my old designs and dug up one of the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/64582465/bonjour-french-note-card">Paris-inspired</a> note cards I did way back at the urging of my mother-in-law, Donna. The pink frame accent struck a creative chord that lead to the creation of all three in this series. I may want to create more in the same style, or create a completely different design. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lHvR71EcrxM/TlSaVcwzziI/AAAAAAAAAiE/BaDdqlkrGUE/s1600/black+flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lHvR71EcrxM/TlSaVcwzziI/AAAAAAAAAiE/BaDdqlkrGUE/s400/black+flowers.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KkYWf5RW3FI/TlSavS2CoRI/AAAAAAAAAiI/PXB4hILsDmM/s1600/08-16-2011+black+flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KkYWf5RW3FI/TlSavS2CoRI/AAAAAAAAAiI/PXB4hILsDmM/s400/08-16-2011+black+flowers.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><br />
<u>Design No. 2 - "<b><i>Sea Creatures</i></b>"</u><br />
So far, all the ten stationery designs I've shared through my face book <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Letter-Parade/287918133575">page</a> had nothing on summer, and it's terrible because it's my favorite season! So, here's to summer and the countless fun memories I've had at the beach growing up as an island girl.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-add1elxILcE/TlSda6m8bLI/AAAAAAAAAiM/NKi_eoWA08s/s1600/seacreatures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-add1elxILcE/TlSda6m8bLI/AAAAAAAAAiM/NKi_eoWA08s/s400/seacreatures.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EBNB00nzzU4/TlSdhZnIvsI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/R-0r4eNmlOw/s1600/08-20-2011+Sea+Creatures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EBNB00nzzU4/TlSdhZnIvsI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/R-0r4eNmlOw/s400/08-20-2011+Sea+Creatures.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><br />
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<u>Design No. 3 - "<b><i>Tribal</i></b>" </u><br />
This one uses elements that I've previously <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150259883263576&set=a.308898053575.150115.287918133575&type=1&theater">used</a> on an earlier stationery design. I love these characters so you'll definitely be seeing more of them here!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--tD2XL5F4ww/TlSfzjwoJ0I/AAAAAAAAAiU/0TXhVyyb_DA/s1600/tribal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--tD2XL5F4ww/TlSfzjwoJ0I/AAAAAAAAAiU/0TXhVyyb_DA/s400/tribal.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0O3esh6AU2k/TlSf5Jfi2jI/AAAAAAAAAiY/JhXMHzqAlv8/s1600/08-22-2011+TRIBAL+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0O3esh6AU2k/TlSf5Jfi2jI/AAAAAAAAAiY/JhXMHzqAlv8/s400/08-22-2011+TRIBAL+.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><br />
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I am seriously considering getting these printed and sell as notepads on my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LetterParade?ref=si_shop">shop</a> only if they're worth putting on the shelf. What do you think?<br />
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Letter Paradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07117700279576115636noreply@blogger.com1