I haven't talked much about the shop lately, so I thought it might be time to give you an update on how things have been in the office over the last year or so.
In a word- fantastic. I love it. I love the designs, I love the clients, I love creating new pretty things. I'm the luckiest girl ever. I spend my days doing what I love in my slippers with my puppy sleeping in my lap. I try not to talk about it, honestly, because I don't want to rub it in. It has exceeded every expectation I ever had about running my own business.
Not that there aren't trying things about it. My designs get ripped off. My text gets ripped off. Sometimes that weighs on me, probably more than it should. The principle of the issue is what really gets me. I understand that there are going to be common threads, because wedding trends are what drive my designs as well as the designs of my competitors. What I don't understand is a fellow designer thinking that it would ever be ok to exactly replicate something of my creation to the best of their ability, and then sell it. We all got into the business of creating things so that we could create things, didn't we?
In order to combat my frustration with that, I have taken to creating one new item every time I start feeling blue about the fact other creative people think that its ok for me to do the legwork for them. This might seem counter-intuitive... but I like to remind myself that I have yet to plumb the depths of my creativity. Its a good challenge for me, and it helps me understand the market trends better for the upcoming year.
Here are a couple of fun things that have hit the shop over the last year (there are at least 10-15 more here if you are feeling particularly peckish)
Showing posts with label weddings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label weddings. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Monday, July 7, 2014
Amazing Bride Alert!
One of my brides was featured on the Wedding Chicks blog today you guys- and her day was absolutely FULL of adorable ideas and handmade touches. Also, you might see a familiar program in the mix, designed by yours truly! Check it out here (photo by Caroline Rentzel Photography):
http://www.weddingchicks.com/2014/07/07/wedding-sign-palooza/
http://www.weddingchicks.com/2014/07/07/wedding-sign-palooza/
Monday, March 17, 2014
1,000
Today is sort of a big deal. Today, the shop made its 1,000th sale. Today, I am sort of choked up thinking about the amazing clients that let me live my dream every day.
Today is a VERY good day.
Thank you for today. You are the absolute best clients, friends, family and strangers that a gal could ever have.
Ps. I am blogging again tomorrow. About a secret trip. To a patriotic place. There are ridiculous photos. Join me, won't you?
Today is a VERY good day.
Thank you for today. You are the absolute best clients, friends, family and strangers that a gal could ever have.
Ps. I am blogging again tomorrow. About a secret trip. To a patriotic place. There are ridiculous photos. Join me, won't you?
Thursday, February 20, 2014
New in the Shop: "Best Day Ever" Programs
(to be read in the voice of the Direct TV commercials)
Its windy. When its windy, I don't walk the dog. When I don't walk the dog, I have more time for things like laundry, vacuuming the carpet, and doing my job. When I have more time for doing my job, I get to make pretty new things for pretty new brides. Mr. Wind… stay as long as you like.
Check it out here!
Its windy. When its windy, I don't walk the dog. When I don't walk the dog, I have more time for things like laundry, vacuuming the carpet, and doing my job. When I have more time for doing my job, I get to make pretty new things for pretty new brides. Mr. Wind… stay as long as you like.
Check it out here!
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Menu Matching
Today, between bathing the dog and warming blankets in the dryer, I have been making some menus to match some of my favorite programs in the shop! I have a couple of completely new ideas that I am mulling over- but in the meantime...
Infographic Wedding Menu
Poster Style Wedding Menu
Infographic Wedding Menu
Poster Style Wedding Menu
Monday, February 3, 2014
Super Hero Monday
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
New in the Shop: Illustrated Beach Invitation Suite
As I sit here and debate whether or not walking the puppy is worth getting out in the snow, I am dreaming of beach weddings. Fortunately for me- so are some of my darling January clients! I've got this little slice of sandy goodness in the shop today!
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
New in the Shop: Mountain Goats
Every now and then, I get really excited about a design. Like really excited. Like "sorry smartest you are on your own for dinner, I must continue to play at my computer" excited. That's pretty much how I feel about this new invitation I just put in the shop (see it here):
I've decided to expand some of my existing illustrated invitations to include a few more pieces, and I am having the BEST time adding the new illustrations. I've got a beach version in the works that is also keeping me very entertained... stay tuned for that magic!
I've decided to expand some of my existing illustrated invitations to include a few more pieces, and I am having the BEST time adding the new illustrations. I've got a beach version in the works that is also keeping me very entertained... stay tuned for that magic!
Friday, December 20, 2013
New in the Shop: Mushrooms and the Eiffel Tower
Psssst. I've been making stuff again. I know, I know. You thought this day would never come. Ever. These bad boys are officially listed in the shop and ready for purchase!
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
To the Indecisive Bride
My dearest indecisive bride,
I don't mind.
I don't mind that we have gone from bold to italic and back to bold again. I don't mind that it took us 19 tries to get the right shade of coral. I don't mind that you are being simultaneously picky and ambiguous, and have filled my inbox with changes and questions, some of which were sent at 2:00 AM in a haze of slurred words.
I don't mind.
I know that you are currently in an all consuming battle with stress, exhaustion and excitement, being fueled by a cocktail of coffee, Air Borne and pure determination. I know that you have dreamt about this experience since you were young, and I know that in some ways the difficult moments have taken you inexplicably by surprise.
I don't mind.
I know that if you hear one more well-wishing advice-giving do-gooder explain to you that the details ultimately don't matter, that you think your head may explode. I know that the last thing you need from me is to be rushed as you try desperately to keep up with a to-do list that is growing faster than your guest list.
I don't mind.
My dearest and very particular bride, I will likely not be attending your wedding, or even sending you a gift. I probably won't ever know you after you say your vows. I really don't know much about you at all, other than that your first dance will make your daddy cry and that your groom will forget to breathe when you walk down the aisle. But these are the most important things I could possibly know. These are the things that allow me to say, without a doubt, that even in the face of rewrites, color changes and printing questions...
I don't mind.
I don't mind.
I don't mind that we have gone from bold to italic and back to bold again. I don't mind that it took us 19 tries to get the right shade of coral. I don't mind that you are being simultaneously picky and ambiguous, and have filled my inbox with changes and questions, some of which were sent at 2:00 AM in a haze of slurred words.
I don't mind.
I know that you are currently in an all consuming battle with stress, exhaustion and excitement, being fueled by a cocktail of coffee, Air Borne and pure determination. I know that you have dreamt about this experience since you were young, and I know that in some ways the difficult moments have taken you inexplicably by surprise.
I don't mind.
I know that if you hear one more well-wishing advice-giving do-gooder explain to you that the details ultimately don't matter, that you think your head may explode. I know that the last thing you need from me is to be rushed as you try desperately to keep up with a to-do list that is growing faster than your guest list.
I don't mind.
My dearest and very particular bride, I will likely not be attending your wedding, or even sending you a gift. I probably won't ever know you after you say your vows. I really don't know much about you at all, other than that your first dance will make your daddy cry and that your groom will forget to breathe when you walk down the aisle. But these are the most important things I could possibly know. These are the things that allow me to say, without a doubt, that even in the face of rewrites, color changes and printing questions...
I don't mind.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Variations of "Bach"
That's right- I'm feeling a little punny today as I start my Wednesday with a cupboard full of coffee.
One of my favorite things about my job is how different each bride is. I love getting to infuse the different personalities into invitations and programs and see where the designs end up. Here are 3 examples of the same invitation package that have been customized for 3 different amazing brides.
One of my favorite things about my job is how different each bride is. I love getting to infuse the different personalities into invitations and programs and see where the designs end up. Here are 3 examples of the same invitation package that have been customized for 3 different amazing brides.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Printable Table Numbers
Whilst I was traipsing around the coast- a design project that I did for Intimate Weddings.com went live. We did a series of floral printable table numbers, which was SUPER fun. They printed an example and snapped some photos- and the numbers look absolutely gorgeous! Check it out here.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
500 Sales!
Today is a very auspicious day in B is for Brown history! Today I hit the mark of 500 sales in the shop. I am shocked, excited, and incredibly blessed to have wonderful clients that have helped me reach this big ol' goal! You guys are the BEST clients a gal could have, and I appreciate you so much!
Since setting up shop in October 2011, here are a couple of the items that have sold like hot cakes (or like hot cakes would, if I could ever successfully make them. Which I can't. Its a problem with the flipping part, usually).
Le Vows
Le Illustrated Programs
Le Crossword Puzzles
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Listing Fever
Every so often, I stop being a lackadaisical designer, and actually do shop maintenance. Today, I am spending time leafing through my archives and actually putting some of my recent design work in the shop, so, you know, I can make the money and therefore feed the husband. And the puppy. And myself.
Specially for you wonderful people- here are a couple previews of things in the shop today (a few of you may recognize these as designs I have worked on for you- thank you for being my inspiration!)
Specially for you wonderful people- here are a couple previews of things in the shop today (a few of you may recognize these as designs I have worked on for you- thank you for being my inspiration!)
Friday, May 10, 2013
A Little Disney Magic
Working on an invitation featuring the happiest place on earth. I know, you're completely jealous too, right? I LOVE me some Disney. Here are a couple of the pieces I have so far. I love my job.
Friday, April 26, 2013
New Blogging Gig: Intimate Weddings
Hey guys! Did I tell you that I'm doing a touch of blogging for the very talented Intimate Weddings website? I have a couple posts up at the moment, if you're morning my lack of posting this week (because, you know, your world definitely revolves around my writing) drop by the get your fix!
10 Ways to Make your Wedding Fun
$2,500 at Home Wedding
10 Ways to Make your Wedding Fun
$2,500 at Home Wedding
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Bridesmaid Array
As I was weeding through some of last summer's illustrated programs, on the hunt for my calla lily bouquet (yes, I know, if I organized myself, I wouldn't HAVE to weed through my old work. I am a terrible labeler. It took me like 45 minutes the other day to find the raccoon illustration I was looking for). Anyway. It occurred to me that it might be fun to look over some of the variations in bridesmaids there have been in the last year or so. It's remarkable how many varieties there can be in designing a wedding. And how sometimes visions can cross state lines and be identical in more than one place. Check out some of the amazing and creative brides I've been blessed to work with lately:
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
New in the Shop: Mad Libs
With wedding season poking its lovely head slowly around the corner, I have been trying to decide what new bits and pieces to add to the shop that brides will fall in love with. Last year, these little bad boys were pretty popular:
And I loved them. I keep trying to find a way to work them into my everyday life, but accosting your grocer as he checks you out with "produce mad libs" isn't really socially appropriate. Oh well.
Anyway- based on the fact that brides loved the mad libs last year (and that they are 100% affordable), I thought it might be fun to do a couple variations on the libs, so that brides have more choices. These little lovelies joined the shop yesterday:
Monday, March 18, 2013
Weekend Wedding!
Someone special got married this weekend. Do you guys want to guess who?
Middle K got hitched in a gorgeous evening ceremony on Saturday- and we couldn't be happier! Her fella is a perfect fit for her (and we are pretty darn fond of him too). Yay!

Middle K got hitched in a gorgeous evening ceremony on Saturday- and we couldn't be happier! Her fella is a perfect fit for her (and we are pretty darn fond of him too). Yay!
Monday, February 18, 2013
New In Shop: Brides, Grooms and Sunsets
I mentioned last week that I have been working on my illustrating skills. I LOVE the idea of being able to draw better than I do currently (which, believe me, would not be a herculian task given my current level of skills). I have been doing some groundwork for what I am hoping is a huge trend in the wedding-world this year: illustrated wedding invitations.
I gave you a little preview of some of my wintery wonderlands last week, but today I am feeling a little more springy, so I thought I would share some warm-weaether themes instead:
I gave you a little preview of some of my wintery wonderlands last week, but today I am feeling a little more springy, so I thought I would share some warm-weaether themes instead:
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