The last number of weeks have been an incredible whirlwind. Just as I finally opted back into the daily grind of a nine to five job (okay, more like eight to four-thirty), my Etsy shop exploded with interested couples (okay, more like brides). Not only that, but the newly reopened community centre down the street from me was on the hunt for a Zumba instructor and suddenly, I was staring three jobs in the face again. The last time I had three jobs was five years. Luckily, my stamina, although not quite the same, is still there. Also, my efficiency is that much better seeing that I’ve had all of this time to learn how and when to do things for maximum results.
Sorta.
Kinda.
I still go mental every now and again because I forget to do something or my because my task lists feel like they’re a mile long.
Regardless of all that, I’m pretty much working from the moment I wake up to the moment I go to bed. That’s also a lie. I definitely take a break to eat an awesome supper while watching an awesome show with awesome husband. D’awww.
I’m gross. So what?
Since it’s Etsy Tuesday for just two more hours, I thought I’d take a stroll down 2012′s very short memory lane and showcase some of the invitations I’ve been working on. The mustache and lip invitations have proven to be an incredible seller, as have the concert ticket styled invites. To my surprise and pleasure, the silhouette save the date cards were finally picked up by a cute couple in the UK and I can’t wait to get to work on their invitations.
See? Adorable. I really wish more people would hop on this bandwagon. I love the style of the silhouettes on a simple, almost 1950s background.
While working on Kevin and Nicole’s invitation, I had moments of hesitation and frustration. I wasn’t happy with it and no matter what I did, I couldn’t seem to force happiness upon myself.
Then, the printed piece came in and as I held it, I thought to myself, “Nope, I’m still not a fan. What was I thinking when I created this invitation?”
Now that I’m four variations in with this style, Kevin and Nicole’s may be my favourite. The blue tones with a hint of yellow turned out to be one of my favourite colour combinations. Now, the yellow was supposed to be gold, but Nicole opted to forgo the extra fee for a metallic ink. I don’t think going yellow has tarnished the feel at all. Heck, gold may have even been too much, in the end.
Marci is a sweetheart. I have been helping her with everything from save the date announcements to table number cards to place cards and favour stickers. She’s quick to respond and an absolute doll to brainstorm with. I’ve spent so much time bouncing ideas off of her and showing her samples, and I don’t even care. She’s one of those customers you want to help as much as you can.
Soon, we’ll embark on the invitation adventure, and I can’t wait to see the results. Her colour scheme on the mustache and lip invitation has been my absolute favourite so far.
Steph and Geoff were my first couple to request something other than my standard silk stock. For them, I ventured into linen territory and ultimately, I was rather pleased. In fact, I’m beginning to think that I may to start offering linen as an available option in my listings. The texture adds a neat element to the feel (Hah! Feel!) of the invitations, making them a little more traditional rather than something that’s a little bit more in the ways of an artistic print.
I guess?
Gary and Victoria were my first couple European couple to place a very large order. My heart broke when tracked shipping came up at just over $80. I understand that I’m paying for someone to take my package and fly it overseas for me, but wow, $80. I knew international shipping was expensive, and I suppose I should have known to expect something like this, but I still managed to hold out hope that Canada Post would surprise me in some wonderful fashion.
No such luck.
No such luck at all.
On the bright side, she was lovely about it and LOVED them when they arrived:
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! I absolutely love my invitations!!!! They are exactly what I was expecting. I can’t wait to send them out!!! You have been wonderful !!!!
I have been so lucky with my Etsy brides. They have been so lovely and sweet. There have been the rare instances of bridezillas, but they tend to be so zilla that they opt to work with someone more traditional. My gals have been nothing short of the best. At the end of the day when I’m exhausted after a day of work, followed by a night of work, their excitement and appreciation makes this all totally worth it.
/end sappy moment
