Someone asked me the other day why I decided to start a stationery line since the main focus of my shop has always been fabric accessories. At first, I was slightly stunned by the question. Not because I thought it was silly, but because I was surprised that she didn't know. Then it dawned on me,

I never have shared the story of why I started this new line of mine.

So here we go….how elliven stationery came to be.

My husbands grandmother who lives in Ottawa doesn't own a computer, so she never receives the email updates we send so often about our little family. She's so sweet, and is always sending cards/letters to update us how things are going with her and to let us know what she has been up to. I love her to bits! I then reply with an update on how we are doing here in Winnipeg. I truly enjoy this little game of tag we have, sending cards back and forth, updating one another the old fashion way, by sitting down, grabbing a pen and paper and writing.

One day, I wanted to write to say hello, and the only card I had was a "thank you" card for a baby shower! Hmmm, well, that wouldn't do would it? I brainstormed a bit, dug through a few of our desk drawers looking for something to write on, but came up empty handed. I always love to write my letters to her on pretty stationery……then it dawned on me, why not design my own stationery set? Something unique, something that would put a smile on her face when she opened the envelope, something unexpected…..ah-a, fabric! I went to the studio, tried a few different designs out, one of them being a fabric ruffle….I loved it!

The feedback was fabulous! I had no intentions on making it a line in my shop, I simply wanted something for my own, personal use. I continued to receive comments on the cards and that's when I thought that perhaps they would be fun to add to the shop. I decided to make a few envelopes to match, and proceeded to mail them to myself to see how they would hold up…..I literally gasped when I opened the mailbox and saw the pretty envelope sitting there. That truly gave me the extra push I needed to move things along.

I wanted to make others smile, to take their breathe away,

to make them feel the same way I felt when I first saw the ruffled envelope sitting in the mailbox

I wanted to encourage people to start mailing notes and cards out to friends and family again, to take the time to connect other than through an email (I admit, email is convenient and I use it more than a lot, however, I do believe that there truly is nothing like receiving a piece of mail addressed to you…..such a sweet and simple way to make someone smile…..it really and truly is).

And that my fellow friends, is how the elliven stationery line came to be, in a nutshell of course! I can't even begin to tell you just how much joy I get from making the stationery line. I have many more ideas that I have yet to try out, I can't wait to explore this avenue a little more.

Cheers,

all sets pictured are currently available in the shop

Pine Cone Love

hello!

Since I've already begun speaking of fall, cooler temps and the upcoming holidays, I figure I might as well keep on going!

Every year I always get excited when the stores stock scented pine cones on their shelves. I can't wait to get my hands on them and to place them neatly in a lovely bowl near our front door. Their scent just screams holiday, festivities, joy and happiness (yes, all of that from a bowl of scented pine cones).

I am thinking that this year, the kiddos and I should make our own. The boys absolutely LOVE picking up pine cones when we are out on walks as a gift for mum. At first, I couldn't figure out why they chose pine cones as my gift, but then I realized that if you look around our house, there are bowls of pine cones in a few of the rooms. Even though the smell doesn't last all year round, I still love the look of them stacked in a tall glass vase, or placing them in a silver coin bowl on a side table.

I've been looking around online, scouring recipes, and as I thought, many of them simply say to use cinnamon. While looking for these recipes, I discovered some other brilliant ways to display these lovely smelling holiday decorations and I wanted to share them with you!

• this tutorial is simply fabulous....a lovely pinecone garland to hang in a special place in your home
• what a great way to use your old, broken crayons! eco-friendly holiday style!
• attach the pine cones to your favourite wreath for a special welcome to guests when they arrive at your door
• add some pieces from your christmas tree to a bunch of pinecones and display in a glass bowl
• a little dried orange peel can add colour and a lovely, fresh scent

I'll be sure to post some pictures of our project once complete!

do you have a love for scented pine cones like me? (please say yes!)

Cheers,

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all photos were taken by myself

Simple Yet Fun - A Tutorial

I absolutely love tutorials! I can't get over how talented people are and how many fabulous ideas there are out there! Being that I'm a lover of tutorials, I thought I should perhaps start sharing some of my techniques/ideas for making items.

So we'll start with a short, simple tutorial. One for decorating packages, be it for shipping items from your Etsy shop or to use when wrapping a gift for that special someone.

I think it's fair to say that there is nothing like receiving a beautifully wrapped gift. I love, love, love taking the time to decorate orders from my shop. I always include a special note to the client and then wrapping each and everyone one, one at a time. I just truly appreciate people taking the time to peruse my shop and ordering items from me.

Okay, on with the tutorial....

decorative tissue band - a tutorial

What you'll need:

• tissue paper
• cutting tool
• ruler
• edge punch (I am using the Martha Stewart doily/lace edge punch....the double edge would be great here too, or even decorative scissors would work)

keep your tissue paper folded up (or fold it a few times if it isn't folded when you purchase it...it's just easier....but do make sure it's not too thick, you'll see why in a bit)

measure the width you'd like your strip to be and cut a straight line (I've chosen 1.5")

this is what you'll end up with:

next you'll need your decorative edge punch

I just love this little tool! I use it to edge the personal cards I write to clients. I think mine needs to be sharpened, I've read to punch foil wrap and that will sharpen the edges for you, I have yet to try it though. This is what the bottom looks like

next, you want to feed your strip of tissue paper through the edge punch....this is where you'll need perhaps a lot a little patience....the tissue paper can get stuck in the teeth of the edge punch...have no fear, simply pry it out gently (this only started to happen to me recently, which is why I think the teeth are getting a little dull). Just make sure that the tissue paper stays lined up nicely so that the holes aren't all uneven.

here is the strip after you've finished with the edge punch....

open it up to reveal your single strips

now, what to do with it? good question!

I personally like to wrap it around the bags I use to package my items after wrapping them in tissue paper, like this (I use double sided tape to stick it on)

or this (in this pic I have cut a 2" strip with blue tissue paper for more of a contrast on the white)

then you can add some fun and lovely washi tape (loooove washi tape) on the back of the bag to seal it shut perhaps? (a white strip of 1" tissue is used in this pic), add your stamp to the front for extra detail, or even stick a paper doily under the strip of tissue to add a little something

cut loads of different widths and colours for a fun and decorative way to package your items

Use some of these to wrap around boxes that have been wrapped up in kraft paper maybe? Oh several different colours/sizes all wrapped around in a row? You can really let your imagination run wild! I've used a simple display on how to use these strips (I do add a little more to the package if I find that the decorative tissue strip isn't enough)....really, they are loads of fun (especially when you have to clean up the small dots of tissue paper that the edge punch leaves behind!), and quick and easy to make.

I hope this has give you some inspiration/ideas! If you use this, please take pics and leave a link here for me to see! Feel free to share this tutorial with friends and family! Oooooh, Christmas presents all wrapped up with holiday coloured tissue!!! Love it!

Cheers,

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We're Getting There

The past few weeks have been full of working towards revamping, renewing and re-opening my shop. I'm happy with the progress so far, but my gosh, is there ever a lot of work to still do!

I am happy with the new items I've listed (stationery) and I'm thrilled with how the Receipt/Coupon Holders and Mini Wallets I'm working on are coming along.

(all items pictured available in the shop)

I'm also beginning to look into how to market my items. What steps to take next and how to be professional about. I'm reading, researching, and jotting down notes. There sure is a lot to know. I'm pretty embarrassed about how I used to approach bloggers about purchasing an ad space from them, and wish I could retract the emails and send them out again.

This is kind of a steep learning curve and I'm finally figuring that out....kind of wish I had figured this out sooner rather than later though.

Thinking of the future of my shop no longer scares me, it excites me. I have absolutely no idea where it's all going to lead, but I know where I'd like it to go, and by gosh, I'll do what I can, when I can to make that happen.

I hope to be found in a few local shops sometime in the near future and to have an increase in merchandise in my shop on a consistent basis.

here's to reaching for the stars!

And I ask you....do you have any must reads you can share with me for inspiration, guidance, etc? I've found Craft Inc to be such a valuable asset, I've learned so much!

Cheers,

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A Little Bit

Things are getting a little "girlie" here in the elliven studio!

You know, it's funny that I should have three boys, since pink is by far my favourite colour! Oh pink, how I adore you. Not only do I love pink, but I also have a love for tulle. I had extra tulle added beneath my wedding gown to give it more volume and I just love the custom tutus that you can buy for dress up,

it's just so fun

Well, I've had this idea for quite some time, and was finally able to test it out today.

So far, I'm thrilled with the results! There is still a little tweaking that needs to be done, but all in all, I'm a happy camper! I will also have to figure out how to photograph them, the tulle doesn't show up if there is too much light. Hmmmm

I think they would be great cards to give after a baby shower, wedding shower or to that special girlfriend!

This look will also be used on my receipt/coupon holders as well as other accessories. I'll let you know when they are available (a good reason to follow me here on the blog and on twitter...). Speaking of my fabric accessories, please know that I have a whole slew of them in the works. I'm working on them every night and hope to have some new ones listed by the end of the upcoming weekend.

Cheers,

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Listed....

I truly enjoy making the ruffle stationery sets. They are fun to make and each one is so very unique.

Here are some of the latest.....

Stationery Set Variety Pack (narrow ruffle) - Set of Four

Stationery Set Variety Pack - Set of Four

Ruffle Stationery Set of Four

Hopefully there will be more by the end of the week!

Cheers,

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Ready, Set, Go!

Ever since I found out that I was able to get a table at a local craft show, it's been work, work, work....which I'm very happy about (I find it so tough to figure out just how much to make for shows, do you feel that way too?).

The feeling that sewing and creating brings to me is priceless.

it's something I need and love to do

I cut out several receipt/coupon holders, mini wallets and notepad holders.

I've grouped them by colour (to limit the amount of times I have to change the thread colour) and started sewing them a few nights ago. Last night I pressed them and they are now ready for the final touches!

Here are a few from the first bunch:

I'm unsure of how many of these will make it to the shop, since I am working on stocking both it and the craft show. Right now I'm all sold out of mini wallets, so I'll be sure to add a few of those before anything else (last one sold last night! thank you!).

I'm impatiently waiting for my husband to return home (he was supposed to be home on Wednesday), so that I can get to the fabric store. It's just so much easier to go on my own, rather than bringing all three kids. I like being able to take my time and really look around. There are a few materials I need to purchase to finish the receipt/coupon holders....hopefully he'll be home today, hopefully.....

Cheers,

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Finishing It...

So there's this project I pushed aside forgot about for oh, about a year (if not longer). Today I decided I'm going to finish it. It's a little quilt for baby J, my very first quilt ever.

I've noticed that he just loves to cuddle with blankets when he's in is crib. I'd love to see him cuddling something that I've made just for him. All that's left is to add the binding, I'm almost there! I started cutting today. I'm not sure that I have enough fabric to finish it all right now, but at least I'm getting started. There's nothing like cuddling with a warm, cozy, handmade quilt.

Did you notice anything new about the blog? Look to the right.....see it? Yes, that's right, the shop is now open again for business! (insert happy dance here). Yay! I won't be shipping any orders out until Sept 1st, but you can now buy items, which is so very exciting. A few of the holiday gift tags have been listed. I have yet to get to listing the holiday stationery sets. Are you following me on twitter? I will be updating new listings on there frequently!

These are exciting times for elliven! I have to get to the fabric store before I can start producing new designs, but am hoping to have them listed within the next week or so.

I hope you are all enjoying a lovely weekend!

Cheers,

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Bringing Ideas To Life

I have a sketch book and an idea book. I'm opening them, and bringing some of the ideas to life. It can be tough to choose which ones to go with first.....

I'm excited about the ones I've selected

I'm hoping to get a chance to go shopping this weekend without the kiddos (much easier) so that I can pick up some new materials. Some materials I have had in the shop for months now, I just never got around to using them.

If all goes according to plan (fingers crossed) I will have these items available shortly after the shop re-opening, which by the way is August 31st!

We are going for a hike with a great friend and her handsome little kiddo today. Should be loads of fun! Great weather, great chats, kids will get to run free.....doesn't get much better than that.

Enjoy your Friday!

Cheers,

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Baby Steps...

Our little J is trying to figure out the art of walking.....he's taking baby steps, which you could say are an essential part of life. Not only do they get us up and moving, they can also help you obtain your goals. All in all, very important .

I've made a decision, I'm jumping in head first and giving this shop of mine a real chance. I am going to give all that I can when I can because it's what I really want. Just go for it!

I am getting organized, and it's helping so much. I can think clearly about what's next, I can see what's next. I've made some purchases that will help brand my shop and bring me to the next level and I'm so happy that I realized this.

sometimes all it takes are a few baby steps

Right now I'm taking baby steps....I don't have to move mountains, baby steps will do, they will get me where I want to be.

Even though I only plan to take baby steps for the first little bit, I have no doubt that I'll have the same end result as little J.....

Pure and utter joy! Way to go little guy! Before you know it, you'll be chasing down those older brothers of yours! and way to set a fabulous example for your mum!

Cheers,

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Shipping From Home

I received a lovely comment the other day from a fellow Etsian and she mentioned how she ships her items from home and how much easier it is than going to the post office. I am now contemplating shipping my items from home too. That was a big stress for me, wanting to get my items out ASAP and trying to coordinate a time of day to go to the post office that would work with our schedule, a problem I'm sure many of you have.

So my question to you is....do you ship from home? How do you find that process? Anyone in Canada shipping from home? Do you use stamps or the labels from Canada Post/Paypal/USPS? Have you had any problems?

I'd love some feedback. I'm heading out to buy a scale today (because it's 60% off), just incase I decide to start doing my shipping this way.

And speaking of this little ol shop of mine, I'm at a crossroad of some sort. I'm trying to figure out just what it is I want from this shop and where I want to go to. Well, I know where I want it to go, but I just don't know what steps to take next or how much I can handle right now. I have dreams, I have visions, I aspire to be. I'm scared, it's true, I have to admit it. I'm scared that I'll get in over my head or that I will look silly because I don't know "it all" right now, I'm still a rookie. I have a lot of research to do, a lot of resourcing and reading. I think I'm ready.....I think I am.

UPDATE: Just found out that I was able to get a table at a local craft show! Yay! Look for the link on the right hand side of my blog under "Find Me" if you're interesting in checking it out!

I've also figured out a solution to my shipping situation. I've gone ahead and purchased a lettermail template from Canada Post as well the scale I mentioned above. Now I can make sure that my packages aren't too thick and aren't over the weight limit all from my studio. This now means that I can then put them in a mailbox on my own with the appropriate postage rather than having to trek over to the PO. Yay!!

Cheers!

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A little bit of holiday spirit!

I'm working on getting items ready for the shop re-opening. I'm pretty excited, because things are looking good, the shop should open at the beginning of September, as planned! Yay!

Right now, it's tough not to throw on some holiday tunes while in my studio. There's loads of green, red and white fabrics all around!

I gave you a preview of the holiday stationery sets (there are also a few more of those that are now finished). Here is what I'm currently working on (please excuse the terrible photo):

holiday gift tags

I'm almost finished 60 holiday gift tags (will be sold in groups of 10). Just need to cut the threads, add some bakers twine and round some of the corners.

Next up is completing 6 unfinished accessories (mini wallet, receipt/coupon holder and notepad holder) then I'll be working on two new items! Can't wait to show them to you! Hopefully the shop will be fully stocked in no time.

Hope you all enjoyed a lovely weekend!

Cheers,

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Do What You Can When You Can

I have to admit something.....I used to believe that you could only work on holiday items at a certain time of the year, like there was a written rule somewhere out there. For example, working on your Easter line in November, not allowed.

At my first craft show, I asked a veteran crafter when she started to work on the items she sold for shows (she only participated in Christmas shows) and I have to admit that I was a little shocked when she replied "all year round". I truly believed that you were only "allowed" to work on Christmas items in the winter time. All I could think of was how genius that was.....or perhaps I should have just considered it to be common sense (not that she isn't a genius).

I realized then that I needed to begin planning ahead a little more, well, A LOT more. This is the first time since I opened my shop that I am working ahead for an upcoming holiday (sad, but true).

I've started with items for my stationery line.....

fabric ruffle card - set of six

I've also cut out and sorted all of the materials for some holiday gift tags. They are patiently waiting to be put together (hopefully this weekend).

soon to be gift tags (kraft and white cardstock)

It's such a great feeling to have started these items, I should definitely do this more often (don't worry, I will be doing this from now on).

These items will be ready for when the shop re-opens at the beginning of Sept, plenty of time for the upcoming holiday season.

Hmmm, another lesson learned I believe. I now do what I can (in regards to the shop and in everyday life), when I can and no longer wait. Those so called "rules" of only being able to work on certain items at a certain time of year have been pushed aside. This way, I'll be able to keep up and not get left behind. So if I don't have time when the time comes, I won't have to worry.

Cheers,

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Lions and Tigers and Bears....OH MY!

We are going to the zoo today.

Hopefully today will be filled with laughter, exploring and adventure.

Afterwards we are going to give in to our sweet tooth by eating delicious ice cream from a local sundae shop. Heavenly!

How are you spending your Thursday?

Cheers,

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So Very Exciting!

I can't tell you how exciting it is to see a fellow Etsian make a mark!

Please pop on over to Allisa's lovely blog to help celebrate her magazine debut!

Congrats Allisa! So thrilled for you!

Cheers,

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Where To Begin

Okay, a little more time on my hands to catch up. So really, how have you all been? How has your summer been so far? I'm finding it hard to believe that it's almost over. I know, cup half full, not half empty, but I still can't help thinking about all of this summer fun coming to and end.

We have enjoyed a fabulous summer over here. I met my husband in Hawaii mid July for a week. It was simply amazing! I enjoyed every minute of it. Walking along the main strip, going to the beach, touring the island in a rental car and sitting by the pool doing absolutely nothing. He had to work almost the entire time I was there, but that didn't bother me. The solitude was fabulous. I missed the kids, but I enjoyed the time alone with my husband, it's been a long time since we last had time alone together.

Four days after I returned from Hawaii, we packed up the car and drove out to Ottawa (a 28 hour trek). My mum was kind enough to fly from Ottawa to Winnipeg to help with the kids since my husband was in Hawaii until the end of the month. I was simply amazed by how well the drive went. The kids were angels, the dog also handled it well. We made it there in two days, fabulous! My husband met us there and finally, after three long weeks were together again as a family! Yay!

It was something else getting to see all of our high school friends again. Time passes quickly.

We are now back home and we are enjoying another week of having my husband here with us before he goes back to work.

I am simply amazed by how much I learned about myself during this trip. I've learned to appreciate, I've learned to slow down and I've learned to take the time to take a step back and re-evalute. I've learned that I'm very happy with the life I live and that I need to show that a little more. It's a good thing to take a step back every once and a while to reflect....and to get away, I'm honestly amazed at the new perspective I have and that the only thing that has changed is me. Everything else is still the same, I've just been given a new perspective and for that, I am thankful and grateful.

As for the shop, I started to sew again last night. Gosh, it feels good to sew! I'm heading to the fabric store today to stock up. I hope to get the shop up and running by the beginning of Sept. I have new items to share with you and a feature that I'm so honoured and thrilled about, in the works (thank you to the featurer for being so very patient with me, you're such a gem!).

It's been a good summer, a great summer, a priceless summer over here and for that, I'm forever thankful!

Cheers,

A Lovely View - Waikiki

This beautiful view greeted me every morning when I woke up......doesn't get much better than that! Simply gorgeous, refreshing and unbelievably relaxing.

I promise, I will be posting about our summer vacation. Things are still a little hectic around here, but I will tell you all about it!

Cheers!

No Longer M.I.A.

Why hello! How are you doing?

We are back from our summer vacation. Time to get back into the swing of things.

I've missed this blog, I've missed my shop, I've missed sewing.

Will be back soon with updates!

How has your summer been so far?

Cheers,

Summa Summa Summatime!

Oh me, oh my! It's been a long time, hasn't it? I do apologize. Summer is in full swing here at our house. Our summer plans have started and there's not stopping us now! My husband left for Hawaii this past Thursday, my mother in law arrives on Tuesday and I head for the island this coming Thursday. We have been so busy preparing for this, as there won't be much turn around time from when I return to when we hit the road to drive to Ottawa (23 hrs) at the end of the month. The kids are full of energy and loaded with excitement (which is really fun, they are so cute!). I'm trying to stay organized and finding it tough to plan for all that is to come. I think it will all be fine, well, I know it will, there just a lot to do. Especially since my husband is meeting us in Ottawa (he is working until the end of the month and therefore unable to drive out there with us). That means I have to do everything on my own, packing that is. Oy! I'm up for it though, it will ALL be worth it once we get there.

My poor little shop....it hasn't received much attention from me the past little while. Once we return from Ottawa I will be dedicating a lot of time to it. I hope to get back into creating and designing as much as I can. I used to sew after the kids went to bed and so hopefully I can get back into that routine in no time. I'm also planning to enter a few craft shows, I really enjoy them, LOVE meeting other crafters. It's a bundle of fun!

I hope you are all enjoying a lovely summer. There's nothing like summer is there?

Cheers!