Time goes on...

Yes, it has been exactly 5 months since my last post. I'm still here. I'm still available for custom design work....birth announcements, mommy playdate cards, business cards, invitations, holiday cards, etc. You name it. I'm actually doing a little photography on the side (which side?) as well. Posted above is the birth announcement I created for the little guy that has added such joy to our family. (press printed front and back 5x7)

Latest projects

As indicated in my previous post, I've been doing lots of "Mommy Playdate Cards" lately. They are fun to work on and people love them when they receive the final product. Here are a few from my recent customers. Also included is a business card from my friend Elle, who has her own handmade design business. Elle is super talented and has created several items for myself and our little #4 coming soon. You can check out her work here:
http://www.babycakedesigns.blogspot.com/

and here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5783394

Still creating...

...still here and still creating. Enjoyed the holidays and am gearing up for baby #4. If you have any projects you'd like me to work on, let me know. Those mommy playdate cards are catching on! Haven't added any new samples to the site lately, but as I will be working on my own baby's birth announcements, I think I'll have some samples to share.
Just a note, I will be taking a break in March.

Mommy cards (without photos)

Here are a few samples of Mommy Playdate cards without a photo. Several clients have asked for this option as they are giving the cards as new baby or shower gifts, and a photo was not available. These are two sided cards....other information can be included on the back side as well.

FAQ's

I've had some questions asked recently so I thought I'd do a "Frequently Asked Questions" post...here goes..

1. Can you use any picture that I give you in your designs?
Yes and No. You can use any picture as long as you email me the original file size and when I open it the quality is good. If the picture is just so-so, I can attempt some Photoshop editing on it. In some cases, photo quality cannot be adjusted and you may need to choose another photo.

2. When is the latest I can place my holiday card order?
Once the final product has been approved by you and ordered, it will take 2-3 days for me to receive it from the lab. If you are local, we can work something out so you have your product as soon as I receive it. If additional shipping is required, more time is needed. Orders can be drop-shipped directly to you, but I like to see them myself first to make sure they are "just right". With that in mind, December 1st seems like an appropriate date to have all necessary information received on my end (your design choice, wording, photo file). December 5th is the last date I will place orders, unless other arrangements with me are made.

3. Is volume pricing available on Mommy Playdate Cards and Gift Tags?
Mommy Playdate Cards pricing is as follows:
50 cards= $20
100 cards= $35
150 cards= $45

custom design: add $5.00

Gift tag pricing is as follows:
Set of 50= $20
Set of 100= $40
Set of 150= $60
(Sorry, the lab doesn't give volume discounts on these!)

Please note that these prices are my holiday "sale" prices. Regular prices will go into effect January 1st.

4. Do you have to use a photo on the Mommy Playdate cards?
No! I am in the process of creating some designs without photos. Expect these in the next couple of days.

5. Where are your baby announcement prices?
The pricing for announcements can be found under the "Pricing" post dated October 15th...or click on the link "Pricing" under the Labels heading on the right hand side of the blog. Prices are listed for 5x5 and 5x7 prints, lustre/glossy finish or metallic finish. If you need pricing for another size, please leave a comment or email me.

In setting up my business plan, I acknowledge that there are many, many options for holiday cards and birth announcements out there. I feel my prices are competitive with many online photo sites, and you have the added bonus of a design created just for you.

6. Do you offer photography services?
I was going to wait a little bit longer to add this service, but I have had some interest so I am open to inquiries. I am currently working on building my portfolio. Email me for a price list and more details.

Any more questions? Let me know!

Mama Playdate cards revisited

I know my focus should be on holiday items right now, but I opened our Sunday newspaper today and on the front page of the Living section was this HUGE article about Mommy Cards. I read through it, and it was all about how "mommy cards or 'family cards' are marketed as a classy alternative to writing contact information on any old scrap of paper you dig out of a purse or diaper bag....." The author profiled a woman from Chicago who started a business selling these cards. She mentioned how the woman had not sold to many customers in Ohio or Michigan. Well, my friends, let's look out for the local small businesses...ME! Lol! I too offer these Mommy Cards. Mine have photos of either your family or children, just to put a name with a face...but I could also design something for you without a photo. These cards really are a great way to keep track of all of the women and families you meet. They also can serve another purpose as well, as is indicated in this article. "...many parents list a child's health alerts on the back of the card- a peanut allergy or asthma, for example-that are helpful for baby sitters and teachers to know."

Here are a few of the Mommy cards I have designed. The possibilities are endless with these...from simple to fancy, photo or no photo. Let me know what you need!

And yes, I will be contacting Ann Weber, the Toledo Blade staff writer to let her know there is a local woman who provides this service! Me!

Mommy cards are offered in packs of 50 for $20.00.

Colors

just wanted to make you aware of how colors can affect a creation. Obviously in each set there are the same design, with different colors used. if you like a design you see, but don't like the color scheme, let me know. these things can be modified! need inspiration? check out www.kuler.adobe.com This is a great site that allows you to search for different color combinations. Be creative!
Note: The samples above were just created...more procrastination by me equals more samples for you!